News  Program Spotlight: Hunter Education

Safety starts with education

As the fall hunting seasons begin, MassWildlife is highlighting the importance of hunter safety. Through the Massachusetts Hunter Education Program, thousands of new hunters each year build the knowledge and skills needed to be safe, legal, and ethical hunters.

Basic Hunter Education is required for all first-time adult hunters before they can purchase a hunting license. In Massachusetts, these courses are at least 12 hours long and offered for free throughout the state. The curriculum covers a variety of topics, including the safe handling and storage of hunting arms and ammunition, hunting laws and ethics, care and handling of game, and wildlife conservation. Students also learn practical skills, like identifying firearm action designs, safely loading and unloading, carrying a firearm in the field, crossing obstacles, and understanding safe zones of fire when hunting with others.

For anyone new to hunting, Basic Hunter Education is the place to start. Upcoming course dates and registration information are available here.

For many hunters, completing the required course is just the beginning. MassWildlife’s Learn to Hunt classes offer new hunters hands-on instruction and a chance to hone their skills and build community.  This fall’s offerings include deer scouting, waterfowl hunting, squirrel hunting, and deer field dressing and processing. Register for a free Learn to Hunt class today.

A deeper look at hunting safety

Want to learn more about what goes into keeping hunting safe in Massachusetts? The latest issue of Massachusetts Wildlife magazine features “Lessons in Safety,” an article by Nicole McSweeney, MassWildlife Assistant Director of Outreach and Education. The article takes a closer look at hunting safety and the important role education plays in helping hunters develop the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe in the field. Preview the article here.

Massachusetts Wildlife is MassWildlife’s quarterly magazine that features stories and photography about conservation, wildlife, fishing, hunting, natural history, and the outdoors in Massachusetts. Subscriptions are $6 for one year or $10 for two years; learn how to subscribe.

Meet MassWildlife’s new Hunter Education Program Leader

A strong hunter education program depends on dedicated leadership and a committed network of instructors. MassWildlife is pleased to announce that Astrid Huseby has been named the new Hunter Education Program Leader, succeeding Susan Langlois, who retired last year after many years of service to the agency and Massachusetts hunters.

Huseby brings more than a decade of experience with MassWildlife to the role. Since 2012, she has served as the agency’s R3 Coordinator, leading efforts focused on the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters. She has coordinated and advanced programs including Learn to Hunt, Becoming an Outdoors-Woman, Youth Hunts, and National Archery in the Schools. She has also led implementation of the Massachusetts R3 Plan, working with state, regional, and national partners to advance hunting and shooting sports education and participation.

In her new position, Huseby will lead MassWildlife’s Hunter Education Program and its network of volunteer instructors, continuing the program’s work to prepare the next generation of hunters to take the field safely and ethically.

Make a difference as a volunteer instructor

Hunter education starts with committed instructors who share their knowledge and experience with new hunters. MassWildlife relies on a dedicated team of over 250 volunteer instructors to teach hunter education courses across the Commonwealth. These courses would not be possible without their support. If you're passionate about the outdoors and want to help pass on the hunting tradition, please consider becoming a hunter education instructor. To learn more, contact us at (508) 389-7820 or hunter.education@mass.gov.