New York Hunter Education Practice Test 2026
Practise for the New York Hunter Education Course final exam, which has 50 questions. You must pass the course to buy a hunting license. Practice test 1 covers New York's course rules and ages, and the other sets cover the safety, ethics, wildlife and survival topics taught across the US.
Quick answer
The NYSDEC Hunter Education Course final exam has 50 questions. It is run by New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Minimum age: 11 to take the course; 12 to hunt. Practise here for free with 132 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 12
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Answer: B. The NY Hunter Education Course
The Hunter Education Course (hunter safety course) is required to buy a hunting license in New York.
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Question 2 of 12
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Answer: C. 11
Students must be 11 or older for these courses.
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Question 3 of 12
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Answer: B. 12
DEC notes that the minimum hunting age in NYS is 12.
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Question 4 of 12
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Answer: C. A signed parent or guardian permission slip
Students under 16 need a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian.
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Question 5 of 12
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Answer: D. 7 hours
The in-person Hunter Education Course is at least 7 hours.
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Question 6 of 12
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Answer: C. 50
The Hunter Education Course ends with a 50-question final exam.
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Question 7 of 12
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Answer: B. Anyone hunting deer or bear with a bow or crossbow
Bowhunter Education is required to hunt deer or bear with a bow or crossbow. It is encouraged, but not required, for small game and turkey.
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Question 8 of 12
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Answer: C. 40
The Bowhunter Education Course is at least 6 hours and ends with a 40-question final exam.
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Question 9 of 12
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Answer: C. An access permit to some refuges and state lands open to waterfowl hunting
It is not needed for waterfowl hunting in general, only for access permits to select areas. It is a 3-hour, in-person course with a 25-question exam.
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Question 10 of 12
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Answer: A. Eligibility for a trapping license
Trapper Education is required for a trapping license. The in-person course is at least 8 hours.
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Question 11 of 12
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Answer: A. Do the homework, attend all sessions, and show a safe attitude
Students must bring completed homework, attend every session, show proper attitude and safety, and pass the exam.
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Question 12 of 12
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Answer: D. A Bowhunter Education certificate, plus a hunting license or hunter education certificate
A first-time bowhunting privilege needs a Bowhunter Education certificate in addition to a hunting license or hunter education certificate.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
What to know before the test
- The Hunter Education Course is required to buy a hunting license in New York.
- Students must be 11 or older. The minimum age to hunt in New York State is 12.
- The in-person course is at least 7 hours and ends with a 50-question final exam.
- Bowhunter Education (at least 6 hours, 40-question exam) is required to hunt deer or bear with a bow or crossbow.
- Students under 16 need a signed parent or guardian permission slip to handle and shoot a firearm.
- New York residents 11 and older can take the Hunter Education Course online.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the New York hunter education exam?
The Hunter Education Course final exam has 50 questions. The Bowhunter Education exam has 40.
How old do you have to be?
At least 11 to take the course. The minimum age to hunt in New York is 12.
Can I take New York hunter education online?
Yes, New York residents 11 and older can take an approved online course.
Do I need bowhunter education?
Yes, to hunt deer or bear with a bow or crossbow. It is not required for small game or turkey, but DEC encourages it.