By state law, all first-time hunters (18 years of age or older) must successfully complete a Basic Hunter Education course before they may purchase a Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. Government issued “certificates of completion” from any jurisdiction are accepted.
Minors, 12 to 17 years of age, have separate rules to follow (learn more). While minors are not mandated to complete Basic Hunter Education to hunt, it is one option for minors (15-17 years of age) to purchase hunting license and it is a prerequisite for all minors (12-17 years of age) to participate in some youth programs such as the youth turkey hunt program and the young adult pheasant hunt program.
All courses are FREE of charge and open to the public.
Basic Hunter Education Course Listing
To enroll in a course below call (508) 389-7830
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.
|
Facility & Address |
Format & Required Dates |
Status |
|---|---|---|
| MDFW Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course with Independent Study- Both dates are required. Mon, Aug 12: 6pm–9:30pm Thu, Aug 22: 8am–2pm |
COURSE STARTED |
| Auburn Sportsman's Club 50 Elm Street AUBURN Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course with Independent Study- Both dates are required. Tue, Aug 13: 6pm–9:30pm Sat, Aug 24: 8am–3pm |
COURSE STARTED |
|
Leominster Sportsman's Assoc. |
4-day course Mon, Aug 19: 6:00pm–8:45pm Wed, Aug 21: 6:00pm–8:45pm Sat, Aug 24: 8:00am–4:00pm Mon, Aug 26: 6:00pm–8:45pm |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
New England Base Camp |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Tue, Aug 20: 6pm–9:30pm Thu, Aug 29: 8am–2pm |
To be added to the Waitlist call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Cape Gun Works |
6-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Danvers Fish and Game Club |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Wed, Aug 28: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Sept 7: 8am–2pm |
COURSE IS FULL |
| Billerica Rod and Gun Club 216 Pond Street BILLERICA Click here for directions |
4-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Rod & Gun Club of New Bedford |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Thu, Sept 5: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Sept 14: 8am–2pm |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
| Carver Sportsmen's Club 127 Main Street (Route 58) CARVER Click here for directions |
4-day course |
To be added to the Waitlist call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Southborough Rod and Gun Club |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Tue, Sept 10: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Sept 21: 8am–3pm |
To be added |
|
Pittsfield High School |
6-day course |
CANCELLED |
|
Bass River Rod and Gun Club |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Tues, Sept 10: 5:30pm–9:30pm Sun, Sept 29: 8:30am–5:30pm |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Lawrence Rod and Gun Club |
6-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Harvard Sportsmen's Club |
2-day course with Independent Study Both dates are required. Wed, Sept 11: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Sept 21: 8am–5pm |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Fin Fur and Feather Club |
2-day course (Thu & Sat) with Independent Study Both dates are required. Thu, Sept 12: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Sept 21: 8:00am–2:00pm |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Falmouth Rod and Gun Club |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with Independent Study Both dates are required. Tues, Sept 17: 5:00pm–9:00pm Sat, October 5: 8:00am–4:30pm |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| MDFW Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Tue & Fri) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Shirley Rod and Gun Club |
3-day course (Tue – Thu –Sat) |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| Franklin County Sportsmen's Club 721 River Road DEERFIELD Click here for directions |
4-day course (Tue-Tue-Sat-Tue) |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Woburn Sportsmen's Association |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
Tips for finding a course
MassWildlife Hunter Education courses are offered year round but peak in the spring and fall.
- Sign up to be notified. Provide your contact information and we will notify you when courses are available in your general area.
- Periodically check this listing. This list is routinely updated as courses are scheduled and opened for enrollment across the state.
- Consider a course in a different state. Government issued certificates from any jurisdiction are accepted as proof of successfully completing the course in order to to be notified by email when new courses are available in your general area.
- Another option is to take the course in a different state. The Basic Hunter Education course is standardized across North America and government issued certificates from any jurisdiction are accepted as proof of successfully completing the course in order to purchase your first-ever hunting license.
- Important: This option is only recommended if you already have a MA firearms license or do not wish to obtain a MA firearms license. An out-of-state Basic Hunter Education certificate will not be accepted by your local police department to apply for a firearms license.
Note: Individuals who only wish to apply for a firearms license should take a firearms safety course. Certified firearms safety courses are the ideal course for non-hunters and individuals who want only to obtain a MA firearms license (Firearms Identification Card or License to Carry). Contact your local police department to learn what conditions must be met before a firearms license is issued.