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 |
Dates and Times |
Status |
|
Woburn Sportsmen's Association |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with |
COURSE STARTED |
|
US Fish and Wildlife Service HQ |
2-day course (Thu & Sat) with |
COURSE STARTED |
|
Sippican Rod and Gun Club |
6-day course
|
COURSE STARTED |
|
Royalston Fish and Game Club |
2-day course (Thu & Sat) with |
COURSE STARTED Enrollment is closed |
|
Bass Pro Shop |
2-day course (Tu & Su) with |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
|
Assabet River NWR Visitor Center |
2-day course (Thu & Sat) with |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
| MDFW Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Mon & Wed) with |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
| MDFW Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Mon & Fri) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
New England Base Camp |
2-day course (Thu & Sun) with |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
| MDFW Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Mon & Sat) with |
To be added |
|
Hanson Rod and Gun Club |
6-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Fin Fur and Feather Club |
2-day course (Tue & Wed) 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 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.