Basic Hunter Education courses

Attention: You may already qualify to hunt in Massachusetts. Learn more.

Youth hunters (12 to 17 years of age) follow regulations specific to their age. Learn more.

MassWildlife offers Basic Hunter Education in two formats. Each format covers the same material and students take the same final exam. Choose the one that is right for you:

• Blended: Students complete the online MA hunter study guide before attending one in-person Field Day.
• In-person (traditional): Students attend an entirely in-person, instructor led course that is offered over multiple days.

Upon successful completion, graduates are mailed a certificate of completion recognized in all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. 

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

Blended Format

If you select the blended format, you must:

1. Complete the online Massachusetts Hunter Safety Study Guide at huntercourse.com.
2. Use this online form to register, provide proof of completing the study guide, and select a field day (dates listed below).
3. Attend the field day to finish the course and take the final exam.

Learn more about the Blended Format.

Field Day Location	Date and Time	Status
Falmouth Rod and Gun Club 203 Carriage Shop Rd EAST FALMOUTH Driving directions	Saturday October 21 8 a.m.–3 p.m.	COURSE IS FULL Call 508-389-7830 if you have questions.
Whitinsville Fish and Game Club 80 White Ct DOUGLAS Driving directions	Sunday October 22 8 a.m.–3 p.m.	COURSE IS FULL Call 508-389-7830 if you have questions.
Wrentham Sportsmen's Club 7 Madison St PLAINVILLE Driving directions	Sunday October 29 8 a.m.–3 p.m.	OPEN Register here (must complete online study guide before registering)
Minute Man Sportsman's Club 56R Francis Wyman Rd BURLINGTON Driving directions	Friday November 3 8 a.m.–3 p.m.	OPEN Register here (must complete online study guide before registering)

Additional November & the December course opportunities will be posted above when enrollment opens.

Sign up for notifications and check back soon!

In-Person (Traditional) Format

If you select the in-person (traditional) format, you must attend all classroom sessions as scheduled. This course is entirely in-person and is led by a certified teaching team.

These are traditional face-to-face classes that are interactive and practical with minimal homework requirements.

Location

No courses in the traditional format are currently available.

Tips for finding a course

1. Bookmark this page and check back on a regular basis. This list is routinely updated as courses open for enrollment across the state.
2. Sign up to be notified when courses are available in your area.
3. Consider taking Basic Hunter Education through another state's hunter education program. The Basic Hunter Education course is standardized across North America and a government-issued hunter education certificate from any jurisdiction (CT, NH, RI, NY, ME, etc.) qualifies an adult to purchase their first-ever Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. Should you decide to complete hunter education through another state, read all of the requirements carefully before registering.
   • Important: An out-of-state Basic Hunter Education certificate will not be accepted to apply for a firearms license. Contact your local police department for more information about firearms licensing. Learn more.

About Basic Hunter Education

Basic Hunter Education was developed by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA) and includes the safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, care and handling of game, and wildlife conservation. Learn more.

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 [e-mail] or call the Hunter Education Program at [phone] and press zero to speak with an attendant.