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Hunter education and firearm safety (HEFAS)
In Minnesota, anyone born after December 31, 1979 and is over 12 years old, must complete a hunter education and firearm safety course or similar course offered in another state, in order to purchase a firearms hunting license.
HEFAS hybrid class
There are three parts to the Hybrid Class. First, students age 11 and older will complete a MN DNR approved on-line HEFAS course. Then, attend an in-person firearm safety hybrid class. This includes a classroom review and firearms fundamentals session. Students then complete the field day as part of the hybrid class.
The certification is valid at age 12.
Step 1: Complete the online safety course Step 2: Find a hybrid class
HEFAS classroom class
Students ages 11 and older can attend a classroom-based HEFAS class. The Classroom class consists of a minimum 12 hours over a minimum of 4 separate class sessions. Students will learn safe handling of firearms, hunter responsibility and wildlife conservation. Students then complete the included field day.
The field day is the same for both Classroom and Hybrid students. It consists of seven required scenario-based training opportunities. These scenarios allow students to learn and demonstrate commonly accepted principles of safety in hunting and the handling of firearms.
The certification is valid at age 12.
HEFAS for 16 years of age and older
Students 16 years of age and older can complete HEFAS by either of the following methods:
Option 1: Complete the MN DNR approved online course, which includes a virtual field day
- Optional: attend a hybrid class for additional experience (not required)
Step 1: Complete the online safety course Step 2: Find a hybrid class
Option 2: Attend a classroom class
Advanced hunter education (AHE)
Bow hunting course
Successful completion of the course fulfills the requirements of other states and special hunts which require certification in bow hunter education.
Turkey and bear clinics
Turkey and bear clinics are held for an opportunity to learn about the biology and behavior of certain species. The Bear Clinic is also available on CD for independent study and covers much of the same information given at the three-hour clinic. To obtain a CD call 1-800-366-8917.
Obtaining duplicate saftey certificates
- Purchase a duplicate firearms safety certficate online or wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.
- For more information or assistance with purchasing a duplicate safet certificate:
- To have your firearms safety certication added to your Minnsota Driver's License, bring your firearms certifcate to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you renew your driver's license and request them to check the box to add it as an endorsement.