Official Virginia Bowhunter Safety Course Online
Take this Virginia–approved course to complete your online bowhunter safety education. Bowhunter-ed.com is a delegated provider for the Virginia Department of Wildlife 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 Virginia Bowhunter education?
You need bowhunter education in Virginia if you are hunting on a military base or if you are participating in a county and/or city hunting program that specifically states bowhunter education is required. Lastly, you need bowhunter education if you are hunting in another state that requires bowhunter education.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Requirements
You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.
You must be a resident of Virginia to take the online course.
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
7870 Villa Park Drive, PO Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228
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 Virginia Bowhunter Safety Education
This official training program is developed to meet the standards for Bowhunter safety education established by Virginia. 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 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Virginia Bowhunter 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.
Virginia Approved
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
7870 Villa Park Drive, PO Box 90778
Henrico, VA 23228
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 Bowhunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt. For more information, see the Virginia Bowhunter Laws and Regulations page.
Did you lose your certificate? Replace it here.
Sign Up For FreeVirginia Frequently Asked Questions
Price and Payment
How much does the Virginia Bowhunter cost?
The Virginia Bowhunter fee is $30.00.
Taking the Course
Do you need Virginia Bowhunter education?
You need bowhunter education in Virginia if you are hunting on a military base or if you are participating in a county and/or city hunting program that specifically states bowhunter education is required. Lastly, you need bowhunter education if you are hunting in another state that requires bowhunter education.
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?
You must be at least 12 years old to take this online course.
Do I have to be a resident to take the Virginia Bowhunter?
You must be a resident of Virginia to take the online course.
Course Approval and Acceptance
Is the Virginia Bowhunter approved by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources?
The Virginia Bowhunter is approved and accepted by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Is my Virginia Bowhunter Education Certificate accepted elsewhere?
All U.S. states, provinces, and other countries that have mandatory bowhunter education requirements will accept the Virginia Bowhunter Education Certificate. Likewise, Virginia 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 proof of online Virginia Bowhunter completion?
Once you pass and pay for the online course, you will be able to immediately print out the Bowhunter Education Certificate. This is your proof of online course completion, and it serves as your permanent certificate.
What is the permanent Virginia Bowhunter Education Certificate?
The Bowhunter Education Certificate is proof that you have successfully completed all the education requirements. You can print the Bowhunter Education Certificate right then, and/or request that a PDF be emailed to you.
Replacement of Lost or Damaged Documents
How do I replace my Bowhunter Education Certificate if I’ve lost it or it has been damaged?
To replace a lost or destroyed Bowhunter Education Certificate, go to https://ilostmycard.com to 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)
