Hunting in Nebraska: Are Safety Courses Required to Hunt in Nebraska? How Do I Pass Classes?

Hunting is an enjoyable pastime for millions of people, but there is also underlying danger involved with the sport. To help make the sport as safe as possible, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has educational requirements for all hunters. Safety courses are required to hunt in Nebraska, and hunters must carry proof with them while hunting.

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According to the NGPC, hunters ages 12 through 29 must complete a firearm hunter education course if hunting with firearms or airguns, and those who are ages 12 through 29 who want to hunt with bowhunting equipment must pass a separate course.

Youngsters aged 11 through 15 have some extra conditions. They must pass courses but also must take part in an in-person Hunt Safe Session, the NGPC said. The sessions go over tree-stand safety, equipment safety, and shoot/don’t shoot scenarios, according to the Nebraska Hunter’s Ed Course website. Proof of passing the online course is required before taking the Hunt Safe Sessions.

Some people aren’t sure if they would enjoy hunting and may not want to make a large financial commitment. The course website said an Apprentice Hunter Education Exemption Certificate is an option for those individuals. They cost $5 and have a few conditions attached to them. For example, a hunter may only purchase one during their lifetime; they expire on Dec. 31 and can only be renewed once; and those with the certificate must be accompanied by a licensed and experienced hunter. But it offers a way to try hunting without taking the safety classes.

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Those who want to take the safety course can do so online and can study for free. Once hunters have passed the course on the site, the fee is $24.50. The site estimates it takes from four to six hours to go over the material, excluding quizzes and tests.

Others may want to learn in a classroom environment, and the NGPC offers course gatherings throughout the state. Volunteers instruct the classes, and a minimum of 10 hours of class time is required, which means potential licensees will need to go to two different sessions.

Whether online or in a classroom setting, the course teaches the safe use of equipment, hunting fundamentals, shooting and hunting techniques, game identification, conservation management, and hunter ethics, among other topics.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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