Illinois Hunter Course Information
This article provides course information for Illinois hunters, including who needs to take the course, course cost, registration requirements, expiration, field day requirements, and what happens after completion.
Who needs to take this course?
You need hunter education certification to purchase a valid hunting license in Illinois if you were born on or after January 1, 1980.
Illinois does not require bowhunter education. Students may still take a bowhunter education course if they plan on bowhunting in states that require certification.
Available courses
Illinois hunter education courses are available through the following options:
- HunterCourse
- Hunter-Ed
- Ilearntohunt
Course information
| Course Information | HunterCourse | Hunter-Ed | Ilearntohunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $29.00 | $34.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 16 Chapters, including 12 chapters and 4 virtual field days | 9 Units | 9 Units |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum, 6-8 hour average | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum, 4-6 hour average | Online or App, 3 hours |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 5 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 25 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course. | Quizzes: 5 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 25 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course. | Quizzes: 5 questions, 80% to pass or redo chapter. Final exam: 25 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course. |
| Age Restrictions | No | No | No |
| Residency Requirement | No | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | No | No | No |
| Field Day | Youth only, voucher valid for 365 days | Youth only, voucher valid for 365 days | Youth only, voucher valid for 365 days |
| Post Course | Print temporary certificate. Permanent card is mailed in 3-5 weeks. Youth students must sign up for Field Day. | Print permanent certificate or order a card through ilostmycard.com. Youth students must sign up for Field Day. | Print permanent certificate or order a card through ilostmycard.com. Youth students must sign up for Field Day. |
| Replacement Card | Log in and print certificate or order through ilostmycard.com | Log in and print certificate or order through ilostmycard.com | Log in and print certificate or order through ilostmycard.com |
| Exemptions/Benefits | License and fees only | License and fees only | License and fees only |
Youth course information
Illinois has separate youth and adult course options.
Youth students may need to complete a Field Day depending on their age when they register.
Registration requirements
There are no additional registration requirements listed for Illinois hunter education courses.
Course expiration and extensions
Illinois hunter education courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Hunter-Ed
- Ilearntohunt
HunterCourse does not offer extensions.
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
HunterCourse: Quizzes include 5 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 25 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course.
Hunter-Ed: Quizzes include 5 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 25 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course.
Ilearntohunt: Quizzes include 5 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the chapter. The final exam includes 25 questions, and students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must repeat the course.
Field day requirements
Students who are under 18 years old when they register for the course must pass the online course and attend the Field Day to complete hunter safety certification.
The Field Day voucher is valid for 365 days.
Students can book a Field Day here:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/safetyedclassbycounty.html
After completing the course
After completing the Illinois course, students can print their permanent certificate or Field Day voucher.
Customers only receive a physical card if they purchase one with their course or order one through ilostmycard.com.
Bowhunter education
Illinois does not require bowhunter education.
Students may still take the Illinois bowhunter education course if they plan on bowhunting in states that require certification:
https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/illinois/
Military exemptions and benefits
Military exemptions and benefits may apply to licenses and fees only.
Students can review the state’s military fee exemption information here:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/lpr/militaryfeeexemptions.html
Replacement cards
Students can log in and print their certificate or order a card through ilostmycard.com.
Students who completed an in-person course can also look up their safety certification through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources website:
https://dnr.illinois.gov/safety/look-up-your-safety-certification.html