Minnesota Hunter Course Information
This article provides course information for Minnesota 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 a hunter education firearms safety certificate to purchase a Minnesota firearms hunting license if you were born after December 31, 1979.
Minnesota 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
Minnesota hunter education courses are available through the following options:
- HunterCourse
- Ilearntohunt
Course information
| Course Information | HunterCourse | Ilearntohunt |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $29.00 | $49.95 |
| Language(s) | English | English |
| Chapters/Units | 15 Chapters + 4 Virtual Field Day Chapters | Interactive |
| Format/Time | Online & Timed, 15 hours | Interactive |
| Expiration | 90 days | 90 days |
| Extension(s) | Yes | N/A |
| Auto Renew | No | N/A |
| Quizzes/Final Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 50 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must restudy chapters. | N/A |
| Age Restrictions | 11-15 | 11 |
| Residency Requirement | Yes | None |
| Registration Requirement(s) | MN DNR number is optional | N/A |
| Field Day | Youth course requires Field Day. Adult course has Virtual Field Day built in. | N/A |
| Post Course | Self-certify with the state. | N/A |
| Replacement Card | Handled by the state | N/A |
| Exemptions/Benefits | Certification not required while on active duty. See below. | N/A |
Youth course information
Minnesota has a youth course option through HunterCourse.
| Youth Course Information | HunterCourse Youth |
|---|---|
| Cost | $29.00 |
| Chapters/Units | 15 Chapters + 4 Virtual Field Days |
| Exam | Quizzes: 10 questions, 80% to pass, unlimited attempts. Final exam: 50 questions, 80% to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must restudy chapters. |
Registration requirements
The MN DNR number is optional when registering for the course.
Students will need to follow the self-certification instructions provided at the end of the course to receive their permanent card.
Course expiration and extensions
The Minnesota HunterCourse expires after 90 days.
Extensions are available for the following course option:
- HunterCourse
Quizzes and final exam
HunterCourse: Quizzes include 10 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have unlimited quiz attempts.
The final exam includes 50 questions. Students must score 80% or higher to pass. Students have 2 attempts or must restudy chapters.
Field day requirements
The youth course requires a Field Day.
Students who take the youth course must attend a Field Day to complete certification. The Field Day voucher is valid for 365 days.
Field Day information can be found on the Minnesota DNR website:
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/firearms/index.html
The adult course has the Virtual Field Day built in.
After completing the course
Students must self-certify with the Minnesota DNR after completing the course.
Self-certification instructions are provided on the PDF at the end of the course. There may be a state fee of $7.50 to $15 to self-certify.
If a student says their ID number is not working, make sure they are using the number on the first page of the document and not the example numbers on the second page.
Bowhunter education
Minnesota does not require bowhunter education.
Students may still take a bowhunter education course if they plan on bowhunting in states that require certification:
https://www.huntercourse.com/usa/minnesota/bowhunter/
Military exemptions and benefits
Individuals who have completed basic training in the U.S. Armed Forces, reserves, or National Guard may obtain a hunting license or approval authorizing hunting even if they have not been issued a firearms safety certificate.
This exemption only applies while the individual is on active duty. Once discharged or no longer active duty, they must complete a firearms safety training course if they were born after December 31, 1979.
These individuals may also be exempt from the Field Day component by providing proof of basic training, such as discharge papers, DD214, or current military identification, to the course instructor.
Replacement cards
Replacement cards are handled by the state of Minnesota.
Students can request replacement cards through the Minnesota DNR online sales website: