Hunters can obtain certification online

Missouri residents ages 16 and older have the option to complete their hunter-education certification at their convenience through MDC's all-online format. Find more information at hunter-ed.com/missouri.
Missouri residents ages 16 and older have the option to complete their hunter-education certification at their convenience through MDC's all-online format. Find more information at hunter-ed.com/missouri.

Missourians ages 16 and older may obtain their hunter-education certification through an all-online format, according to a Missouri Department of Conservation news release.

The online option, available at hunter-ed.com/missouri, allows residents to complete their certification at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, in-person hunter-education skills sessions are limited in quantity and capacity. Skill sessions are necessary for anyone ages 11-15 to complete their hunter-education certification.

The cost of the online certification is $19.95, which is paid to the online provider, not MDC. The all-online option requires the passing of a final exam but has no skills portion.

Unless selected for a managed hunt, youth younger than 16 are not required to have hunter education certification to hunt with a firearm as long as they hunt in the immediate presence of an adult age 18 or older who is hunter education-certified or age-exempt (during youth season) and properly licensed (during regular seasons), according to MDC.

Find more information about hunter education and certification requirements at short.mdc.mo.gov/Z45.

Anyone age 16 or older who does not have their hunter education certification can purchase, along with their permit, the Apprentice Hunter Authorization, which allows them to hunt with a firearm in the immediate presence of an adult age 18 or older who is hunter education-certified or age-exempt and properly licensed. The Apprentice Authorization is good for one permit year, and hunters may purchase them twice (two permit years). The cost of the Apprentice Authorization is $10. Find more information at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZiX.

The 2020-21 dates for fall deer and turkey hunting in Missouri are as follows:

2020-21 archery deer and turkey hunting: Sept. 15 through Nov. 13 and Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, 2021.

2020-21 firearms deer hunting dates:

Firearms deer early youth portion: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.

Firearms deer November portion: Nov. 14-24.

Firearms deer late youth portion: Nov. 27-29.

Firearms deer antlerless portion: Dec. 4-6.

Firearms deer alternative methods portion: Dec. 26 through Jan. 5, 2021.

Fall firearms turkey season: Oct. 1-31.

Learn more about MDC hunter education and certification requirements online at mdc.mo.gov/huntereducation.