NRA, Iowa DNR Partner to Offer NRA Online Hunter Education Course

NRA collaborates with Iowa DNR to make the NRA’s Online Hunter Education course a state-sanctioned option for hunters in the Hawkeye State.

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posted on February 14, 2026
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Iowa will soon offer the NRA’s comprehensive Online Hunter Education course, the most extensive program of its kind in the United States. NRA Executive Director of General Operations Josh Savani said in part, “By working hand-in-hand with state agencies like the Iowa DNR, we ensure that future generations of hunters have modern, effective tools to learn hunter safety while preserving state authority over certification and requirements.”

The National Rifle Association of America recently announced that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (Iowa DNR) is working to implement the NRA Online Hunter Education course as one of the state’s approved online options.

Following the announcement, Josh Savani, executive director of NRA General Operations, released the following statement:

“We are thrilled to partner with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in making the NRA Online Hunter Education course available as an approved option for Iowans. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible hunter education that upholds the highest standards of safety, ethics and responsibility. By working hand-in-hand with state agencies like the Iowa DNR, we ensure that future generations of hunters have modern, effective tools to learn hunter safety while preserving state authority over certification and requirements. The NRA remains dedicated to these vital partnerships nationwide to support safe hunting traditions for years to come.”

NRA works directly with International Hunter Education – USA and the states on an individual basis throughout the hunter education approval process. Each state serves as the jurisdictional authority responsible for establishing hunter education requirements and issuing official certification to students.

Organizations and vendors such as the National Rifle Association of America function as delivery partners, providing approved educational content and services that meet international and state standards and oversight. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive reciprocal, high-quality and accessible hunter education while maintaining state authority and accountability.

Hunter education is—and will remain—the responsibility of the states. Partnerships with trusted organizations like NRA help ensure educational content is effectively delivered into the hands of students, supporting state agencies in their mission to promote safe, ethical and responsible hunting practices.

NRA values its partnership with the Iowa DNR and remains committed to working alongside state wildlife agencies nationwide to expand and modernize hunter education opportunities for current and future generations of hunters.

More About NRA Online Hunter Education

No organization does more to support America’s hunters than the National Rifle Association of America. NRA’s free Online Hunter Education course is designed to help new hunters of all ages become safe and responsible members of the hunting community.

The NRA introduced the first-ever hunter education program in 1949. Today, its 15-chapter online course is the most comprehensive online hunter education program in the United States, featuring engaging videos, interactive modules and in-depth instruction.

Each year, the NRA certifies approximately 17% of American hunters. More than 250,000 students have completed the free online course, representing an estimated $11 million in cost savings for participants and generating approximately $31 million in matching funds for state wildlife agencies.

Iowa will join 16 states that offer the NRA Online Hunter Education course: Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia.

Learn more about NRA’s Online Hunter Education course at nra.yourlearningportal.com.

Join or renew your NRA membership: membership.nra.org.

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