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New Mexico Department of Game and Fish

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HUNTER EDUCATION PROGRAM  

Last Updated: 5/15/12

 

New Mexico Hunter Education Requirements

Hunter Education student logo

 

No one under 18 years of age may hunt with a firearm without first possessing a certificate proving that he/she has passed this, or another state’s hunter education course. Uncertified juveniles may shoot (not hunt with) firearms if under adult supervision or in a supervised program. It is also illegal for anyone under 18 to apply for, or buy, any type of firearms hunting license before passing a hunter education course. Young hunters must have their card in their possession while hunting. Bowhunter education is not mandatory for archery hunts, but is highly recommended.

 

Hunter Education Cards

To print a copy of your hunter education card log into your New Mexico Online License System account and print your Customer Id Number card.

Your hunter Education number will appear under your Customer Id Number.

Please contact the Hunter Education Program Office via e-mail or call (505) 222-4731 if you have trouble printing your card or accessing your account.

 

About Our Courses **ALL COURSE REGISTRATION IS ONLINE**

Courses are available year-round throughout New Mexico. It is recommended to enroll as early as possible. Courses before the draw deadlines and hunting seasons fill quickly. To view a current class listing please scroll down below, call the Program office (contact numbers are located at the bottom of this page) or any of the Department's satellite offices.

 

STEPS TO REGISTER FOR A COURSE:

  1. First, create a Customer Identification Number (CIN) through the Department's Online License System for each student you wish to register. If the student already has a CIN, simply log in. Click Here to create a CIN and/or to log in to register.
  2. Once logged in, click the Education button, then click on Hunter Education.
  3. Next, click the Register for Classes button at the top of the page and follow the additional prompts.

Additional courses in your area may be scheduled throughout the year so be sure to check this site frequently for updates. A Bowhunter Student Course will not certify a student to hunt with a firearm.

 

Hunter Education courses are eight to sixteen hours in length. Students have the option of completing the required course homework either through a free hardcopy student manual OR completing their homework online (see options below). Hardcopy manuals can be picked up from specified locations once a student has registered for a course. Students must bring their completed student manual or New Mexico Online Manual Completion Certificate to the class to gain admittance.

 

There is no minimum age to to register for a standard student course. However, students 10 years of age and younger are required to attend with an adult. During class students must pass a written exam and are tested on their ability to handle firearms safely. Some courses may also offer a live fire component.

 

Classes will often spend two hours or more outdoors, please dress accordingly.

 

Home Study student courses are an accelerated eight hour Hunter Education course option for students 11 years of age or older. Students also must bring their completed student manual or New Mexico Online Manual Completion Certificate to the class to gain admittance.

 

Inst. Patch

Interested In Becoming Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor?

Interested in passing on your knowledge of hunting and firearms safety in YOUR community? Click here.

 

Hunter Education Instructors

Click on the Volunteer Instructor logo to access the Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor page. Here you will find scheduled workshops, the quarterly newsletter Instructor Insights, pertinent information about the Program and updates that may effect you and your teaching team.

 

 

 

 

 

Online Hunter Education Manuals

Students have two online manual choices in lieu of completing the homework through the hardcopy student manual. HUNTERcourse.com is free to the user. Hunter-Ed.com is user pay. Both online manual options will meet the homework requirement portion of a Hunter Education course.  After completing the online manual students print a completion certificate. Students must bring the Online Course Completion Confirmation to class to gain admittance. The Online Course Completion Confirmation does not shorten the students class time. Students MUST still attend all hours of the class they have signed up for.

 

The Online Hunter Education Manual meets the required course homework for both the standard and home study hunter education courses.

 

It is necessary to have access to a computer, printer (for completion certificate) and adequate internet access to complete the online manual option. Students also have the option of picking up a free hardcopy manual once they have registered for a hunter education course.

 

HUNTERcourse logo

Online Hunter Education Manual

  • Hunter Education Student Manual that is fully narrated
  • Interactive animations
  • FREE for the user
  • Counts as homework requirement

huntered.com logo

Online Hunter Education Manual

  • Hunter Education Student Manual that is professionally narrated
  • Interactive animations and live-action videos
  • Pay only when you pass and wish to print your completion certificate ($24.50 per student)
  • Counts as homework requirement

 

Bowhunter Education

This course teaches the fundamentals of safe and responsible archery hunting. Bowhunter Education certification is not required to hunt during archery seasons in New Mexico; however it is required in several surrounding states. Information on states with mandatory bowhunter education requirements can be found at the IHEA’s Bowhunter Education Standards webpage. The New Mexico Bowhunter Education Certification is accepted in all states and Canadian Provinces. This course is hands-on and students are not required to have their own equipment.

 

First Step - Students MUST complete the homework portion of the course prior to attending a Field Day. Students have the option of completing their homework online or by obtaining a hard copy of the Bowhunter Student Manual. Instructions on how to obtain a hard copy manual is available in the Course Description area when a student is registering for a bowhunter field day through their New Mexico Online License System account.

 

Bowhunter Education Field Days are the second step a student will need to complete prior to obtaining their Bowhunter Education number. This instructor-led portion incorporates classroom lecture and emphasizes hands-on learning. Students are evaluated through a written exam and a field test. Field Days are approximately 8 -12 hours. An adult is required to attend the course with students 10 years of age and younger. Bowhunter Education Field Days are listed in the course list below.

 

Click the following link if you wish to start the homework online: Online Bowhunter Education Manual. It is necessary to have access to a computer, printer (for completion certificate) and adequate internet access to complete the online bowhunter manual option.

 

To view course specifics you MUST be logged into your New Mexico Online License System account. Click Here

If there are any cancellations in the course marked CLOSED, slots will reopen on the online registration system and you may attempt to register for those openings.

 

Still Have Questions?   Please contact a member of  the Hunter Education Program Staff.

 

Kari Boynton, Program Manager                     Vacant, Assistant Coordinator                  Jennifer Morgan, Coordinator
(505) 222-4731                                                                                                       
   (505) 222-4722

E-mail the Hunter Education Programmail box


For specific class times, locations and registration information you MUST be logged into your

New Mexico Online License System account.

2012 Statewide Hunter and Bowhunter Education Courses

Courses are posted as they are scheduled by Program Instructors.

 Click Here for Hunter Education Courses in other states  

BERNALILLO COUNTY

Albuquerque

CLOSED

May

5 & 6

Hunter Education

Albuquerque

July

14

Home Study

(Students MUST be 11yrs or older)

Albuquerque

August

4

Bowhunter Education

Albuquerque

August

11 & 12

Hunter Education

Albuquerque

August

25 & 26

Hunter Education

Albuquerque

December

1

Bowhunter Education

CATRON COUNTY- NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

CHAVES COUNTY

Roswell

CLOSED

May

18 - 20

Hunter Education

Roswell

September

21 - 23

Hunter Education

CIBOLA COUNTY

Laguna

CLOSED

May

19 & 20

Hunter Education

COLFAX COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

CURRY COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

DE BACA COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

DONA ANA COUNTY

Las Cruces

August

3 - 5

Hunter Education/Live Fire

EDDY COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

GRANT COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

GUADALUPE COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

HARDING COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

HIDALGO COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

LEA COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

LINCOLN COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

LOS ALAMOS COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

LUNA COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

MCKINLEY COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

MORA COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

OTERO COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

QUAY COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

RIO ARRIBA COUNTY

Dulce

May

30 & 31

Hunter Education

ROOSEVELT COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

SAN JUAN COUNTY

Bloomfield

June

7, 9 & 10

Hunter Education

Bloomfield

July

13 - 15

Hunter Education

SAN MIGUEL COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

SANDOVAL COUNTY

Rio Rancho

June

23 & 24

Home Study/Live Fire

(Students MUST be 11yrs or older)

Rio Rancho

September

15 & 16

Home Study/Live Fire

(Students MUST be 11yrs or older)

SANTA FE COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

SIERRA COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

SOCORRO COUNTY

NEW Lemitar

June

9 & 10

Hunter Education

TAOS COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

TORRANCE COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

UNION COUNTY - NO CLASSES AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

VALENCIA COUNTY

Belen

June

23 & 24

Hunter Education/Live Fire

Belen

October

20

Home Study/Live Fire

(Students MUST be 11yrs or older)

 

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