Official Illinois Bowhunter Safety Course Online
Take this Illinois–approved course to complete your online bowhunter safety education. Bowhunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
pay only when you pass, unlimited exam attempts
Lifetime Card
Get bowhunter certified in 3 steps.
Study and pass the $30.00 online course.
Print your online course completion document.
Get ready to go bowhunting!
Do you need Illinois Bowhunter education?
Illinois does not require education. You can take this course if you plan on bowhunting in states that require certification.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Requirements
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
You must be a resident of Illinois to take the online course.
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
What to Expect From Bowhunter Ed
Live‐Action, High‐Definition Videos
Our course videos feature a combination of professional educators (who double as professional actors), entertaining storylines, and up‐to‐date scenarios that give you one of the most effective ways to learn safe bowhunting practices.
Watch this 67-second sample to see how we put you in the bowhunter’s camo.
Comprehensive Instruction in Illinois Bowhunter Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Bowhunter safety education established by Illinois. Bowhunter Ed is the only safety course provider that develops print materials on behalf of government agencies responsible for Bowhunter laws and regulations.
State-Approved Content
As a course provider approved by Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course covers everything you may need to know in order to be safe.
Sign Up For FreeLearn Your Way on Any Device
Bowhunter Ed offers online courses that are fully mobile-friendly from start to finish. This safety course is designed to work on your smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Saved Progress
You may complete the course at your own pace. The course can be completed in one sitting or a little at a time over several days. Log in and out at any time, and we'll keep track of your progress. Most students finish the course in a few hours.
Illinois Approved
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702-1271
Made in the U.S.A.
This safety course is proudly made to serve students, agencies, and organizations worldwide.
How Do I Get My State Bowhunter License?
Bowhunter education is currently required in many states. An approved Bowhunter safety course is required to comply with the laws and regulations in those jurisdictions. Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt. For more information, see the Illinois Bowhunter Laws and Regulations page.
Did you lose your certificate? Replace it here.
Sign Up For FreeIllinois Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course cost?
The Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course fee is $30.00.
Taking the Course
Do you need Illinois Bowhunter education?
Illinois does not require education. You can take this course if you plan on bowhunting in states that require certification.
How long will it take to complete the course?
Typically it takes about 3 hours to go through the online course, excluding any quizzes and/or exams and restudying that you may choose to do.
What is the minimum age to take this online course?
There is no minimum age requirement to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course?
You must be a resident of Illinois to take the online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course approved by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources?
The Illinois Bowhunter Ed Course is approved and accepted by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Is my Illinois Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Illinois Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Illinois will accept Bowhunter Education certifications that are issued by other jurisdictions that meet official IHEA-USA requirements. (This is known as “reciprocity.”)
Quizzes and/or Exams
I failed a unit quiz. Have I failed the course?
If you fail a unit quiz, you must restudy the unit and take the quiz again until you pass. You must score at least 80% on the unit quizzes to pass.
Do I have to take an online exam?
The Certification Exam is the exam you take at the end of the online course. You must score at least 80% on the exam to pass. You have unlimited attempts to pass the exam. If you don’t complete the exam in one session, don’t worry. When you log in later, you will be taken to the first unanswered question of the exam.
About Your Certification
What is the permanent Illinois Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate?
The Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. This certificate is your permanent certificate and allows you to legally purchase a bowhunting license or permit where required.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost or destroyed Illinois Bowhunter Education Certificate, log in to the course and print a new one.
We’re people, not robots.
Your Bowhunter Ed course comes with a dedicated customer service team made up of real people, not robots. We’re here to provide assistance to you through all channels—phone, email, and chat.
We’re available to help you:
Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm CST
Sat-Sun 8am to 5pm CST
1-800-830-2268 (toll free)
