California Hunter Ed Class vs. Out of State Hunter Ed Class

March 5, 2009

Question: I took a hunter education class in Missouri and have a hunter’s safety card issued from there but recently moved to California and would like to hunt here. Do I have to complete another hunter ed course in California or can I just purchase a license using my old card? Thanks. (Steve H.)
Answer: No, you do not have to take another hunter education course as long as you can show your certificate proving that you have taken an approved course in the past. In California, we accept hunter education certificates from the other states. However, Lt. James Kasper from DFG’s Hunter Education program recommends that everyone should periodically update their knowledge with a refresher course and the 10 commandments of handling a firearm. Our hunter education program is always improving and most people do benefit from a refresher.