Become a Hunting Instructor

Since the inception, the Hunter Education Program has been primarily taught by volunteer instructors. Its purpose is to provide a quality program of instruction and training in hunter safety education for the young hunter in Iowa. 

Program Objectives

Some of the program’s objectives are:

• To teach the safe handling of firearms and archery hunting equipment.
• To develop respect for the rights of landowners.
• To provide basic instruction in conservation and wildlife management.
• To teach game identification.
• To develop respect for all state and federal hunting and fishing laws.
• To teach the hunter how to develop a better attitude towards hunting.

Individuals who successfully complete this course are not expected to be expert hunters or marksmen. They are expected to have a better understanding of the responsibilities that go with the use of firearms. Certified instructors are expected to teach one student class and attend a continuing ed instructor workshop every two years.

Other instructor and mentorship opportunities exist on a limited basis in bowhunter education and furharvester education. For more information on these opportunities, reach out to the Outdoor Skills Specialist in your region.

Minimum Requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Submit an application provided by the Hunter Education Program.
• Submit to and pass a background and fish and wildlife violation check.
• Be a graduate of the Iowa Hunter Education Course
• Create and maintain an Iowa DNR Customer Account at gooutdoorsiowa.com

Certification Process & Requirements

• Complete an apprenticeship consisting of either teaching a simulated class section or assisting a certified instructor to prepare and present a hunter education course to students.
• Complete the New Instructor Workshop which reviews the policies and procedures of the program, educational materials, teaching techniques and student assessment. These 6 workshops are held regionally throughout the year.

Contact your local Outdoor Skills Specialist for more information or to begin the application process!

Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor Resources

• Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 12 - Division II & III
• Gooutdoorsiowa.com - To be used to view and register for upcoming classes, instructor workshops, and advanced training opportunities such as Learn to Hunt Workshops and Range Safety Officer Training.
• Policies and Procedures Manual