Basic Hunter Education courses

Basic Hunter Education is mandatory for all first-time adult hunters.

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. 

Table of Contents

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 registerprovide 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.

Contact for Basic Hunter Education courses

Address

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

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 (CTNHRINYME, 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 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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