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Hunter Education Program
It is the mission of the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program to protect
the lives and safety of the public, promote the wise management and
ethical use of our wildlife resource, and encourage a greater appreciation
of the environment through education.
The Hunter Education Program is a public education effort providing instruction in the safe handling of firearms and other outdoor activities related to hunting and firearm use. Funding is derived from the sale of hunting and sporting licenses, and from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment. Massachusetts offered its first hunter safety course in 1954, and to date has graduated more than 160,000 students. The program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and courses are taught by certified volunteer instructors. Any person regardless of race, gender, citizenship or handicap may participate. Persons under 18 years of age must obtain written permission of parent or guardian in order to attend. With advance notification, the program will attempt to provide language translators or assistance for those with handicaps. Successful completion of a written or verbal exam is required in all Hunter Education Program courses.
In order to purchase a hunting or sporting license in any state, Canada and Mexico, all first time hunters must have a government-issued Basic Hunter Education Certificate. Such a certificate is earned by the successful completion of a Massachusetts Basic Hunter Education Course and is accepted in any state, Canada and Mexico. Some jurisdictions also require archery hunters, blackpowder hunters or trappers to successfully complete a government sponsored courses as well. These courses are offered by the MA Hunter Education Program.
All courses are conducted free of charge.