Hunter Education Requirements to Purchase a Hunting License

Lifetime Licenses

Hunter education certification is not required to purchase a lifetime hunting or sportsman license. However, to hunt with a lifetime license the holder must comply with at least one of these requirements:

1. Complete an approved hunter education course and hold certification card.
2. Be accompanied by properly licensed adult who is within sight and hearing distance*.

Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permits

• Anyone 16 and older may hunt without hunter education certification when in possession of a Hunting Heritage Apprentice Permit, proper hunting license and any other required permits, so long as accompanied by a licensed adult within sight and hearing distance.

Younger Than 16

• Needs neither a hunting license nor hunter education certification, if accompanied by a properly licensed adult*.
• May hunt without an accompanying adult or hunting license, with completion of hunter education course (certification card must be carried while hunting).

Prior License Holders

• Anyone who has held a North Carolina hunting license issued prior to July 1, 2013 is exempt from hunter education certification.

Hunter Education From Other State, Territories and Online

• Certification from any course, including online instruction, which is accredited by the International Hunter Education Association, is acceptable for obtaining a North Carolina license.

*Adult is classified here as anyone 18 and older.

*Sight and hearing distance may not be enhanced by electronic devices.

*It is an individual  hunter’s responsibility to observe all regulations and local restrictions, as stated in the current Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.