Step Into the Field Prepared and Permitted

The course is available to Platinum and Elite Cabela's Shield Members. If you hold one of these membership tiers, you have access to the course as part of your membership benefits — at no additional cost.

Age requirements vary by state. Most states require hunters to be a minimum age to hunt independently, and some states impose age floors or ceilings on who may complete hunter education online rather than in-person. Always check your state's official wildlife agency website to confirm the age requirements before enrolling.

No prior experience is required. The course is designed for all skill levels — from first-time hunters to experienced outdoorsmen who need to meet a formal education requirement. The curriculum builds foundational knowledge progressively, so you'll be prepared regardless of where you're starting from.

Yes — for non-residents. This course is IHEA-USA accredited, which means it is accepted toward hunter education requirements for non-resident permitting and licensing in all states. If you're hunting in a state where you don't reside, this course satisfies the education requirement nationwide.

For residents: acceptance for resident permitting and licensing depends on each individual state. Some states accept this online course for resident hunters; others require an in-person or field day component. Always verify with your state's official hunting and wildlife agency before enrolling.

State acceptance is determined by each state's governing wildlife agency and can change over time. The Cabela’s Shield Government Affairs and Advocacy team is actively working to gain acceptance in all 50 states. We recommend:

1. Checking back on this page regularly for updated state acceptance information. 
2. Contacting your state's official hunting and wildlife agency directly to confirm current requirements before enrolling.

No. Completing this course fulfills a hunter education requirement — it is not the equivalent of a hunting permit or license. You will still need to obtain the appropriate state permit or license separately through your state's official wildlife agency. Additional requirements for permitting may also apply.

The curriculum covers the essential knowledge every safe and responsible hunter needs, including: Safe Firearm Handling, Important Field Safety, Wildlife Identification Accuracy, Local Hunting Regulations, and Conservation Principles. The course also covers basic wildlife ecology, ethical shot selection, and responsible behavior in the field. By the end, you'll understand how to hunt safely, legally, and ethically while protecting wildlife, land, and fellow outdoor users.

Completion time varies by individual. The course is self-paced, so you can work through the material on your own schedule. Some states may require a minimum number of hours to be spent in the course — check your state's requirements before beginning. Detailed timing information will be available upon enrollment.

The course is designed to be completed entirely online. However, certain states require an in-person field day component for resident hunter education credit. If your state has this requirement, you would need to complete the field day separately through your state wildlife agency. For non-resident purposes, the online course alone satisfies the requirement in all states.

The course is designed to be accessible across devices, including smartphones and tablets. As the platform launches in 2026, full device compatibility details will be confirmed. We recommend a stable internet connection and a device with an up-to-date browser for the best experience.

Access to the Online Hunter's Safety Course is included for Platinum and Elite Cabela's Shield Members. If you are on a different membership tier and wish to access this course, consider upgrading your membership.

Cabela's Shield Membership is available across the United States, with the following exceptions: Cabela's Shield Membership is not available to residents of New Jersey, New York, or Washington State. If you reside in one of these states, please contact our team to discuss your options.

Upon successful completion, you will receive a hunter education certificate that can be presented when applying for a hunting license or permit. Because this course is IHEA-USA accredited, the certificate is recognized for non-resident licensing in all 50 states and for resident licensing in states that have accepted the course. Certification details will be fully outlined on the state page (link).

Hunter education certifications are generally valid for life and do not expire — however, individual state requirements can vary. Some states may require proof of completion each season or have specific documentation requirements. We recommend confirming with your state's wildlife agency what documentation you'll need to present when applying for your license.

Most IHEA-USA accredited online hunter education courses include a final assessment to verify understanding of the material before a certificate is issued. This may also vary state by state depending on each state’s individual requirements.