Hunter education is undeniably important. In fact, over the past 40 years, hunting-related accidents and fatalities in Oklahoma have dropped by more than 70 percent because of hunter education. But what happens if you’re eager to hunt and simply can’t fit a hunter education class into your schedule right away? 

That’s where the apprentice designation on your hunting license comes in. Think of it like a learner’s permit. You can purchase your license and head into the field, just as long as you follow the apprentice requirements. It’s a great way to gain hands-on experience with a qualified mentor by your side until you’re able to complete a hunter education course. 

Apprentice Designated License

Anyone buying a hunting or season-specific license who has not received Hunter Education Certification, unless exempt, will have an apprentice designation on that particular license instead of a Hunter Education Certification Number. An individual who has an “apprentice-designated” license must abide by accompanying hunter requirements.

For those requirements as well as apprentice-designated qualifications, see below:

• Hunters 30 years of age and younger: Anyone who is not Hunter Education certified (unless exempt) must buy a hunting license that is apprentice-designated. Such hunters must abide by the accompanying hunter requirements.
• Hunters 9 years of age and younger: Not eligible for Hunter Education Certification. They must hunt as an apprentice and abide by the accompanying hunter requirements.
• Accompanying hunter requirements: A person 18 or older who is licensed (unless exempt) and Hunter Education-certified (unless exempt). For big game hunting, an accompanying hunter must be within arm’s length of the apprentice hunter or close enough to take immediate control of the firearm or bow of the apprentice. For small-game hunting, the accompanying hunter must be within sight of and able to communicate with the apprentice in a normal voice without aid.
• Exempt from Hunter Education
  • Anyone 31 years of age or older
  • Honorably discharged from, or currently on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces
  • A member of the National Guard

How Do I Get an Apprentice Designated License? 

1. Log in to your Go Outdoors Oklahoma account, or create one if you’re new.
2. Add the hunting license you want to your cart.
3. When prompted for a Hunter Education number, simply select the option to use the apprentice designation instead.
4. Complete your checkout and payment.

That’s it! Once your license is issued, you’re ready to start hunting with a qualified mentor by your side.

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Oklahoma Hunter Education 

Hunter education covers a variety of topics, including firearms safety, wildlife identification, wildlife conservation and management, survival, archery, muzzleloading, and hunter responsibility. It is available online and in an six (6) hour traditional course. Find out more by clicking the button below.