Iowa Hunter Course Information
This article provides course information for Iowa 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 if you were born after January 1, 1972, and will buy a hunting license in Iowa.
Bowhunter and trapper education are available in Iowa, but they are not mandatory.
Available courses
Iowa hunter education courses are available through the following options:
- Hunter-Ed
- Ilearntohunt
Course information
| Course Information | Hunter-Ed | Ilearntohunt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $39.95 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English; Spanish | English |
| Chapters/Units | 11 Units + Practice Exam | 9 Units + Practice Exam |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 3-hour minimum | Online, no time limit |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Renew | Yes | Yes |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 5-15 questions, 80% to pass or redo unit. Final exam: 50 questions, 75% to pass, unlimited attempts. | Quizzes: 5-15 questions, 80% to pass or redo activity. Final exam: 50 questions, 75% to pass, unlimited attempts. |
| Age Restrictions | Minimum age 11. Students under 18 take the youth course. | Minimum age 11. Students under 18 take the youth course. |
| Residency Requirement | No | No |
| Registration Requirement(s) | DNR Number | DNR Number |
| Field Day | Yes, for students under 18 years old | Yes, for students under 18 years old |
| Post Course | Students under 18 receive a voucher. Students 18 or older can log in and print their permanent certificate or order a card through ilostmycard.com. | Students under 18 receive a voucher. Students 18 or older can log in and print their permanent certificate or order a card through ilostmycard.com. |
| Replacement Card | Log in and reprint, order through ilostmycard.com, or contact the state | Log in and reprint, order through ilostmycard.com, or contact the state |
| Exemptions/Benefits | See below | See below |
Youth course information
Iowa has separate youth course options for students under 18 years old.
| Youth Course Information | Hunter-Ed Youth | Ilearntohunt Youth |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $28.95 | $49.95 |
| Chapters/Units | 9 Units + Practice Exam | 9 Units + Practice Exam |
| Exam | Field Day required | Field Day required |
Registration requirements
Iowa requires a DNR Number.
The Iowa DNR number should be 9 digits long.
For questions about the DNR number, students can contact Iowa DNR customer support at 833-759-9797.
Course expiration and extensions
Iowa hunter education courses expire after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course options:
- Hunter-Ed
- Ilearntohunt
Quizzes and final exam
Exam requirements may vary by course option.
Hunter-Ed: Quizzes include 5-15 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the unit. The final exam includes 50 questions, and students must score 75% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
Ilearntohunt: Quizzes include 5-15 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass or they must redo the activity. The final exam includes 50 questions, and students must score 75% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited attempts.
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 find Field Days here:
https://license.gooutdoorsiowa.com/Event/Events.aspx
After completing the course
Students who are 18 years old or older will receive a Hunter Education Certificate after completing the course. This certificate is proof that they have completed Iowa hunter education requirements and can legally purchase a hunting license in Iowa.
Students who are under 18 years old will receive a voucher and must attend the Field Day to complete certification.
After successful completion of the Field Day, students under 18 will receive their Hunter Education Certificate from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Bowhunter and trapper education
Bowhunter and trapper education are available in Iowa, but they are not mandatory.
Military exemptions and benefits
Active-duty military members stationed in Iowa may purchase a resident hunting license.
Active-duty military members who are Iowa residents but stationed elsewhere are not required to have a hunting license while on leave.
Resident veterans with a service-connected disability may be eligible to purchase the Veteran Lifetime Hunting and Fishing License. Resident veterans who were prisoners of war during their military service may also be eligible for this license.
Replacement cards
Students can replace a lost, destroyed, or damaged Hunter Education Certificate by logging in and reprinting their certificate or ordering through ilostmycard.com.
Replacement card website:
Students who completed a youth course or completed a course with a different provider may need to contact the state for replacement certificate assistance.