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Basic Hunter Education courses

Basic Hunter Education is mandatory for all first-time adult hunters.

Attention: You may already qualify to hunt in Massachusetts. Learn more.

Youth hunters (12-17 years of age) follow regulations specific to their age. Learn more.

MassWildlife offers Basic Hunter Education in two formats. Each format covers the same material and students take the same final exam. Choose the one that is right for you:

  • In-person (traditional): Students attend an entirely in-person, instructor led course that is offered over multiple days.
  • Blended: Students complete the online MA hunter study guide before attending one in-person Field Day.

Upon successful completion, graduates are mailed a certificate of completion recognized in all U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico. 

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

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In-Person (Traditional) Format

If you select the in-person (traditional) format, you must attend all classroom sessions as scheduled. This course is entirely in-person and is led by a certified teaching team.

These are traditional face-to-face classes that are interactive and practical with minimal homework requirements.

To enroll in a course listed below, call 508-389-7830
M-F, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Location Dates and Times Status
Worthington Rod & Gun Club
458 Dingle Rd
WORTHINGTON
Driving directions		 4 sessions required
Mon., April 15: 5:30pm–9pm 
Tue., April 16: 5:30pm–9pm 
Thu., April 18: 5:30pm–9pm 
Fri., April 19: 5:30pm–9pm 		 COURSE STARTED
Enrollment is closed

Martha's Vineyard Rod & Gun Club
265 The Boulevard
EDGARTOWN
Driving directions
Accessible building

 3 sessions required
Mon., April 22: 5pm–8pm
Sat., April 27: 8am–4pm
Sun., April 28: 8am–4pm		 OPEN
To enroll, call
508-389-7830
NORCO Sportsman's Club
91 Houghton Road
PRINCETON
Driving directions		 4 sessions required
Mon., June 3: 6pm–9pm
Wed., June 5: 6pm–9pm
Sat., June 8: 8am–3pm
Mon., June 10: 6pm–9pm		 OPEN
To enroll, call
508-389-7830

Continue scrolling for Basic Hunter Education courses in the Blended Format.

Blended Format

If you select the blended format, you must:

  1. Complete the online Massachusetts Hunter Safety Study Guide at huntercourse.com. You must complete all 16 chapters and all 16 quizzes prior to registration.
  2. Submit this online form to register, provide proof of completing the study guide, and select a field day (dates listed below).
  3. Attend the field day to finish the course and take the final exam.

Learn more about the Blended Format.

Field Day Location Dates and Times Status

Hamilton Rod & Gun Club
24 Hamilton Rd
STURBRIDGE
Driving directions

 Saturday
April 20
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)

Harvard Sportsmen's Club
250 Littleton County Road
HARVARD
Driving directions

 Sunday
April 21
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)

Andover Sportsman's Club
655 Middleton Road
NORTH ANDOVER
Driving directions

 Sunday
April 27
9 a.m.–5 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)

MassWildlife Field Headquarters
1 Rabbit Hill Road
WESTBOROUGH
Driving directions
Accessible building

 Friday
May 10
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)

Fin Fur and Feather Club
101 Larch Road
MILLIS
Driving directions

 Sunday
May 19
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)
Marshfield Rod and Gun Club
300 School Street
MARSHFIELD
Driving directions
Accessible building		 Saturday
June 1
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)
Maynard Rod and Gun Club
45 Old Mill Road
MAYNARD
Driving directions		 Sunday
June 2
8 a.m.–4 p.m.		 OPEN
Register here
(must complete the online study guide before registering)

Contact   for Basic Hunter Education courses

Online

Email Email MassWildlife Hunter Education Program at hunter.education@mass.gov
Website MassWildlife Hunter Education Homepage  

Phone

Program Office Call MassWildlife Hunter Education Program, Program Office at (508) 389–7820

Open M-F from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Enrollment Line Call MassWildlife Hunter Education Program, Enrollment Line at (508) 389–7830

Open M-F from 8 a.m.– 4 p.m.

Address

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

Tips for finding a course

  1. Bookmark this page and check back on a regular basis. This list is routinely updated as courses open for enrollment across the state.
  2. Sign up to be notified when courses are available in your area.
  3. The Basic Hunter Education course is standardized across North America and a government-issued hunter education certificate from any jurisdiction (any state) qualifies an adult to purchase their first-ever Massachusetts hunting or sporting license. Should you decide to complete hunter education through another state, read all of the requirements carefully before registering.
    • Important: An out-of-state Basic Hunter Education certificate will not be accepted to apply for a firearms license. Contact your local police department for more information about firearms licensing.

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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