How to Get Your 2025 Hunter Education Course MA in 3 Easy Steps
All first-time hunters in Massachusetts must pass a basic hunter education course before getting a hunting license or heading into the field to hunt.
Hunters have the critical responsibility of practicing good hunter safety! This includes wearing blaze orange for visibility, knowing essential firearm and bow safety techniques, and more. Taking a hunter education course is the best way to prioritize this responsibility.
So, if you're planning a hunt in 2025 (and looking ahead to 2026), keep reading to learn how to take the hunter education course MA requires and get your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Certification in Massachusetts?
All first-time Massachusetts hunters 18 years old or older must take a basic hunter safety course. Seasoned hunters may already meet the hunter education requirement.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife (MDFW) offers two options to meet this requirement.
1. In-Person Course (Traditional)
Selecting the traditional course option gives you a hands-on, classroom learning environment. When selecting this option, you must attend both sessions to meet the requirements. Most of the traditional class options take place over two days from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days.
To enroll in a course, call (508) 389-7830, M-F, between 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Allow plenty of time to enroll in a class and complete it before hunting season.
2. Blended Format (Online Study Guide and In-Person Field Day)
New hunters in MA can get certified through a blended option to learn the course material by completing an online study guide, then attending an in-person Field Day.
The approved study guide is offered only through our partners at HUNTERcourse. The study guide is free and helps you learn the regulations, rules, and safety practices required to hunt in Massachusetts.
After completing the study guide online (including the quizzes), you'll save the "Congratulations" page. This is proof that you completed the study guide. You'll need it to register for an in-person Field Day using the online form.
Be sure to plan ahead for the Field Day so you can schedule it before hunting season begins! If classes fill up, you'll be added to a waiting list.
After participating in the Field Day, you'll take the final exam. Once you pass that exam, you'll be safety certified and can buy your hunting license.
To help you learn the required material, use the Hunter-Ed study guide, too!
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2025 MA Hunting License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your MA hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Again, if you are a first-time Massachusetts hunter and at least 18 years old, you must complete a Massachusetts-approved hunter safety course before purchasing your license.
Note that hunters ages 12-17 do not need to complete the hunter safety course, but they must follow a specific set of regulations. No one under the age of 12 can legally hunt in MA. - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license and permits or stamps you need for hunting. Massachusetts offers licenses for residents, nonresidents, minors, hunters ages 65-69, sporting (hunting and fishing), and other options. Then, purchase your license online via the MassFishHunt website, an approved vendor, or a MassWildlife office. - Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting
Always carry your license when hunting, although the MDFW allows hunters to display licenses and permits digitally on a cellphone. If you also need tags or stamps, make sure you have those, too.
Let's look at these steps in more detail.
Step 1: How to Take the MA Hunter Safety Course
For the blended option, complete the study guide from HUNTERcourse, which is approved by the state and a Hunter-Ed partner. Then, complete your Field Day, pass the final exam, and you'll earn your certification.
You can also find a 2-day in-person course to complete your certification if you prefer.
Step 2: Take a Field Day Session and Get Your Hunter Education Certification Card
In addition to the online course, hunters must complete the in-person Field Day to meet the MA hunter safety requirements. After completing the online study guide, save your "Congratulations" page as a PDF proof. Use this PDF to enroll in the Field Day and complete your training.
Once you've completed the study guide and Field Day, and passed the final exam, you'll receive your certification.
Your Card is Your Proof of Certification
Remember: Your Massachusetts hunter education certification is proof that you completed the course and exam and understand how to hunt safely. Keep it safe like you do with other important documents.
Then, always carry your hunter education card when you hunt as proof that you completed the MA hunter education course. You can also reference it digitally on your phone. When you're in the field, wildlife officials can ask to see your hunting license and safety certification, and you must have them readily available.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Massachusetts Hunting License in 2025
Your MA hunter education course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember that you'll need a new hunting license every year. Last year's MA hunting license isn't valid this year.
As you plan what you want to hunt this year, make sure you research carefully and purchase the correct license to hunt legally this season.
Buy Online
The easiest way to get your license is to purchase it online through the MassFishHunt website. This option can be especially convenient if you don't live close to a retailer or you plan to hunt in Massachusetts as a non-resident.
Buy from an Approved Vendor
If you prefer to get your license in person, use the Mass.gov website to search for approved license agents near you.
MA has many authorized agents throughout the state, including many Wal-Mart stores, supply stores, town hall locations, and more.
Buy from a MassWildLife Office
Hunters can also buy a hunting license from MassWildlife offices. Note that these offices only accept cash or checks.
Why is Hunter Education Important?
Hunter education saves lives!
Whether you're a new hunter or a seasoned hunter, you must be a student of the sport and committed to safety.
Hunter education supports the following:
- Safe and Responsible Hunting: Most states (including Massachusetts) require hunters to complete a certified hunter education course before obtaining a license. This training ensures hunters understand state laws, regulations, and essential safety practices in the field.
- Reduced Accidents and Injuries: By teaching responsible behavior, proper firearm handling, and core safety principles, hunter education programs help prevent accidents and create a safer experience for everyone.
- More Skilled and Informed Hunters: These courses offer key instruction in firearm safety, first aid, navigation, tree stand safety, and basic survival skills. They also emphasize respect for other hunters, private property, and the natural environment.
- Ethical and Sustainable Hunting Practices: Hunter education fosters responsibility and integrity, encouraging ethical behavior, respect for wildlife, and adherence to conservation laws that protect game populations for the future.
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
When states accept hunter education certifications from other states, it's known as "reciprocity."
However, taking a course designed for a different state than the one you plan to hunt could leave you without critical information about hunting in that specific state.
In other words, a course specific to another state (like Texas) may not adequately prepare you for hunting in MA. So, before assuming that "one course fits all states," make sure you choose a Massachusetts-specific course approved by the state!
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Massachusetts
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the hunter education course MA requires. You won't be able to hunt without it!
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to your questions about taking the hunter safety course for Massachusetts!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Massachusetts?
Yes! If you are a first-time hunter in Massachusetts and at least 18 years old, you must complete the MA Hunter Education course to hunt legally in the state.
Q: Can you take the MA Hunter Safety course online?
To meet the state's hunter education requirement, you can complete the approved online study guide through HUNTERcourse. Then, to complete the hunter education requirement, you'll need to participate in an in-person Field Day.
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
We highly recommend signing up and completing your course a few weeks before the season begins. Make sure you account for the time you'll need to complete the online study guide and the Field Day to complete the state's requirements.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No! Your hunter education course MA completion is the only certification you'll need to hunt in Massachusetts. Your certification is good for life!
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the state's required hunter education certification can result in fines. Your hunting license may also be invalid until you complete the course.
Hunting in another state? Take the Hunter-Ed course for that state.
