Additional hunter education courses

Designed for both experienced and novice hunters who want to improve or add to their skills.

We recommend students be 12 years of age or older to participate in the following courses. 

These optional opportunities to learn are offered through MassWildlife's Hunter Education Program.

All courses are FREE of charge and open to the public. 

Table of Contents

Map, Compass, and Survival

This type of course is offered once a month, from April to September, in the town of Westminster, MA (north central Massachusetts). 

Location Date & Time Status
Westminster Senior Center
69 W Main Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Saturday
April 20
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
COURSE IS FULL
Enrollment is closed
Westminster Public Safety Building
7 South Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Memorial Day weekend
Sunday
May 26
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 
508-389-7830
Westminster Public Safety Building
7 South Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Saturday
June 15
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 
508-389-7830
Westminster Public Safety Building
7 South Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Saturday
July 13
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 
508-389-7830
Westminster Public Safety Building
7 South Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Saturday
August 17
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 
508-389-7830
Westminster Public Safety Building
7 South Street
Westminster
Driving directions
Saturday
September 14
8 a.m.–6 p.m.
WAITLIST
Call 
508-389-7830

This 10-hour course includes instruction on the use of a compass and topographical map for land navigation, as well as a short segment on wilderness survival. Students will spend several hours outside in the woods practicing map and compass skills.

We recommend wearing comfortable footwear (i.e., hiking or running shoes), long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and bright outer clothing. Students should also bring insect repellent, sunscreen, lunch, snacks, and water.

Classes are held rain or shine.

Additional opportunities -

Black Powder (Muzzleloader) Education

There are no Black Powder (Muzzleloader) Education courses currently available. This type of course is only offered when resources allow (once or twice each year).

Students will receive information on muzzleloading equipment, the safe handling of muzzleloaders and ammunition, and muzzleloader hunting laws.

Completion of Black Powder (Muzzleloader) Education does NOT qualify a first-time hunter for a hunting or sporting license.

 

Waterfowl Identification and Hunting

There are no Waterfowl ID & Hunting courses currently available. This type of course is offered when resources allow (once or twice each year).

Waterfowl ID and Hunting teaches the identification of waterfowl with an emphasis on ducks in flight. It includes fall and winter plumage and the size, shape, and flight characteristics of birds, as well as hunting laws and safety. 

Resources - 

Contact   for Additional hunter education courses

Address

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581

Special accommodations

If you have a disability or a medical condition and you would like to request special accommodations, or if you speak a language other than English and you would like to request an interpreter, please email Hunter.Education@mass.gov or call the Hunter Education Program at (508) 389-7820 and press zero to speak with an attendant.

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