Attention: You may already qualify to hunt in Massachusetts. Find out more.
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
| Facility & Address | Dates & Times | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Norco Sportsman’s Club 91 Houghton Road PRINCETON Handicapped accessible Driving directions |
4-day traditional course In-person attendance at all dates required. |
COURSE STARTED Enrollment is closed |
| MassWildlife Field Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Driving directions |
2-day hybrid course Joining both dates and completion of online study guide required. |
COURSE STARTED Enrollment is closed |
| Worthington Rod & Gun Club 458 Dingle Road WORTHINGTON Driving directions |
4-day traditional course In-person attendance at all dates required. |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7820 Press zero to reach an attendant |
| Mahar Regional School 507 S Main Street ORANGE Handicapped accessible Driving directions |
2-day independent study course In-person attendance at both dates and completion of online study guide required |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7820 Press zero to reach an attendant |
In response to demand, MassWildlife will be adding more hunter education courses throughout the summer. If you don’t find a class that suites your needs, please check back soon as more classes and locations will be added over the next several weeks.
Tips for finding a course
- Bookmark this page and check back on a regular basis. This list is routinely updated as courses open for enrollment across the state.
- Sign up to be notified of Basic Hunter Education courses offered in your general area when they open for enrollment.
- 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.