Can I take the Alaska Hunter Safety Course Online?

Completing hunter education is an important rite of passage for new hunters. The Alaska Fish & Game offers several certification pathways, from traditional instructor-led classroom courses to online hybrid formats. In this article, we’ll walk you through the available options so you can choose the approach that best fits your needs.

Does Alaska Allow Online Hunter Safety Courses?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) does approve online hunter safety courses as part of their hunter education program. This approval means that prospective hunters can complete the theoretical portion of their hunter safety training through an online platform, which offers flexibility and convenience, especially for those living in remote areas or with limited access to in-person classes.

Alaska’s policy also requires that students who complete the online course participate in a field day or in-person practical session. This hybrid approach ensures that hunters not only understand the safety principles but also demonstrate practical skills such as firearm handling and safe hunting practices under supervision. The field day is essential to meet state certification standards and is typically scheduled through local ADF&G offices or authorized instructors.

Officially, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game states that while the online course covers the classroom portion, the field day is mandatory to receive full hunter education certification. This policy balances the convenience of online learning with the necessity of hands-on experience in safe hunting techniques.

Field Day Requirements

The field day usually involves live demonstrations, safety drills, and a practical test. It is designed to reinforce the knowledge gained online and ensure that all hunters are competent in handling firearms safely. Students must register for the field day separately after completing the online portion, and successful completion is required before the state issues a hunter education certificate.

Online Hunter Safety Course Options in Alaska

A list of courses, which meet the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s standards and provide comprehensive hunter education training, can be found on the ADF&G website. 

All approved online courses adhere to state standards and provide the necessary content to prepare students for the mandatory field day and hunting season.

Who Needs to Take Hunter Education in Alaska?

Hunter education is required only in certain places: to hunt in Units 7, 13, 14, 15, and 20, anyone born after Jan 1, 1986 must have completed a certified hunter education course (if 18+). Hunters under 18 must either (a) complete hunter education or (b) hunt under the direct, immediate supervision of a licensed hunter 18+ who has completed hunter education or who was born on or before Jan 1, 1986. ADF&G also lists specific management areas (e.g., Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, parts of 14C, Palmer/Wasilla, Eklutna Lake, Mendenhall Wetlands) that require hunter education.

ADF&G does not set a hard minimum age to take hunter education; the curriculum is designed for ages 10+ (younger students may struggle, and ADF&G encourages a parent to accompany students 12 and under during the field day).

For more detailed information on hunter education requirements in Alaska, prospective hunters can visit this resource, which provides up-to-date guidance and answers to common questions.

How to Register for an Online Hunter Safety Course in Alaska

Registering for an online hunter safety course in Alaska is straightforward. First, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s official website to find the list of approved online hunter education providers. This ensures that the course you select meets state requirements.

Next, choose your preferred provider and follow their registration process. Typically, this involves creating an account, paying any applicable fees, and starting the course immediately or at your convenience. It is important to note that while the field day is free of charge, the online course has a separate fee.

After completing the online portion, you will receive a certificate of completion, which you must present when registering for the mandatory field day. The ADF&G website also provides information on scheduling field days and locating authorized instructors.

Step-by-Step Registration

1. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game hunter education page.

2. Review the list of approved courses.

3. Select an approved provider.

4. Create an account and pay the course fee.

5. Complete the online course modules at your own pace.

6. Print or save your certificate of completion.

7. Register for and attend the required field day to complete certification.

Is the Online Course Enough to Get Certified in Alaska?

Completing the online hunter safety course alone is not sufficient to receive full hunter education certification in Alaska. The state mandates that all students who finish the online portion must also attend a field day or in-person practical session.

This field day is critical because it provides hands-on experience with firearms and hunting safety under the supervision of certified instructors. Only after successfully completing both the online course and the field day will the Alaska Department of Fish and Game issue an official hunter education certificate.

Once you have completed both components, you may be required to submit your certificate of completion or other documentation to the state agency. Some providers allow you to print your certificate immediately after the online course, which you then bring to the field day. After passing the field day, the state issues your permanent hunter education card, which you must carry while hunting.

How Long Does the Online Hunter Safety Course Take in Alaska?

The time required to complete the online hunter safety course in Alaska varies depending on the provider and the student’s pace. On average, the online portion of an approved course takes between 4 to 6 hours to complete, and the field day portion is typically 4 to 5 hours long.

Students can typically pause and resume the course as needed, making it convenient for those balancing other commitments. The flexibility of online learning allows hunters to absorb the material at a comfortable speed without the pressure of a fixed classroom schedule.

For a detailed breakdown of course length and what to expect, visit this guide.

Get Started with Your Online Hunter Safety Course in Alaska

If you’re ready to begin your hunter education journey in Alaska, starting with an approved online course is a smart choice. Online courses offer flexibility, comprehensive content, and the convenience of learning from home or anywhere with internet access.

Keep in mind that there are separate mandatory certification courses for bowhunters, muzzleloaders, and shotgun hunters in certain restricted areas or hunts, and these do not substitute for the general hunter education certificate.

To explore your options and register, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website to review all approved providers and find additional resources. Taking the hunter safety course online is the first step toward responsible, safe hunting in Alaska’s vast wilderness.

Does Alaska accept hunter education certificates from other states?

Yes, but always double-check! Alaska recognizes hunter education certificates issued by other state or provincial wildlife agencies when the course meets IHEA-USA standards. In most cases, your card is reciprocal and valid for life, regardless of where you earned it. Be sure your course was completed through an approved provider (e.g., Recademics or another state/IHEA-approved program), and match the discipline required (firearm vs. bow). If you’re traveling to hunt, always check a state’s official regulations for any state-specific add-ons or exceptions (e.g., apprentice permits or youth supervision rules).