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 |
| Bass River Rod and Gun Club 620 Massachusetts Route 6A YARMOUTH PORT Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with |
COURSE STARTED Enrollment is closed |
|
****LOCATION CHANGE**** |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with |
COURSE STARTED Enrollment is closed |
|
Danvers Fish and Game Club |
2-day course (Wed & Sat) with Independent Study Both dates are required. Wed, Jan 29: 6:00pm–9:30pm Sat, Feb 8: 8am–2pm |
COURSE IS FULL Enrollment is closed |
| MassWildlife Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Thu & Mon) with |
COURSE IS FULL |
|
Upland Sportsman’s Club |
4-day course | |
COURSE IS FULL |
|
Woburn Sportsmen's Association |
6-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| Monument Beach Sportsman's Club 199 MacArthur Boulevard BOURNE Click here for directions |
4-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Charles C. Kennedy Post 275 |
2-day course (Two Saturdays) |
COURSE IS FULL |
| MassWildlife Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Tue & Fri) with |
To be added |
|
Cheshire Rod and Gun Club |
6-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| MassWildlife 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 |
|
Wankinquoah Rod and Gun |
4-day course |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Southborough Rod and Gun Club |
2-day course (Tue & Sat) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
Whitinsville Fish and Game Club |
2-day course (Wed & Sat) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| MassWildlife Headquarters 1 Rabbit Hill Road WESTBOROUGH Handicapped accessible Click here for directions |
2-day course (Thu & Wed) with |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
|
American Legion Post 338 |
2-day course (One full Weekend) |
OPEN To enroll call (508) 389-7830 |
| Nimrod League of Holden 168 Coal Kiln Road PRINCETON Click here for directions |
4-day course (Mon, Wed, Sat, Mon) |
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.