Additional hunter education courses

Designed for both experienced and novice hunters who want to improve or add to their skills.

We recommend students be 12 years of age or older to participate in the following courses. 

These optional opportunities to learn are offered through MassWildlife's Hunter Education Program.

All courses are FREE of charge and open to the public. 

Table of Contents

Map, Compass, and Survival

This type of course is typically offered once a month, April-September, in the town of Westminster, MA.

We recommend students be 12 years of age or older. Students under the age of 18 will need written parent/guardian permission to attend.

LocationDates & TimesStatus
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions
Saturday
April 26
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions
Saturday
May 17
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions
Saturday
June 14
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions

***New Date***
Saturday
July 12 - new date
8 a.m.–6 p.m.

This course was originally scheduled for July 19.

Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions
Saturday
August 9
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).
VFW Post 7389
3 Eaton St
WESTMINSTER
Driving directions
Saturday
September 13
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Click here to enroll
(Only one submission per student will be accepted).

This one-day, 10-hour class includes both indoor and outside instruction on the use of a compass and topographical map for land navigation. Students will spend several hours in the woods practicing map and compass skills. We recommend wearing comfortable footwear (i.e., hiking or running shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and bright outer clothing. Students should also bring insect repellent, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water. 

Classes are held rain or shine.

Additional opportunities -

Black Powder (Muzzleloader) Education

LocationDates and TimesStatus
Monument Beach Sportsman's Club
199 MacArthur Blvd
BOURNE, MA 02532
Driving directions
Friday
April 4, 2025
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 508-389-7830

The Black Powder (Muzzleloader) Education course is a one-day, 9-hour class that includes both indoor and outside instruction. Students learn about muzzleloading equipment, the safe handling of muzzleloaders and ammunition, and muzzleloader hunting laws. This class is for experienced and novice hunters and is offered when resources allow.

Waterfowl Identification and Hunting

There are no Waterfowl ID & Hunting courses currently available. This type of course is offered when resources allow. Please sign up for course notifications.

Waterfowl ID and Hunting teaches the identification of waterfowl with an emphasis on ducks in flight. It includes fall and winter plumage and the size, shape, and flight characteristics of birds, as well as hunting laws and safety. 

Resources - 

Contact

Address

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Special accommodations

If you have a disability or a medical condition and you would like to request special accommodations, or if you speak a language other than English and you would like to request an interpreter, please email Hunter.Education@mass.gov or call the Hunter Education Program at (508) 389-7820 and press zero to speak with an attendant.

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