A Certificate of Completion from the Basic Hunter Education course is a pre-requisite for all students under 18 years of age. Students learn the proper use of traps and how to set them, the identification of fur bearing animals and their habitat, trapping laws and ethics, and landowner relations. Its objective is to teach the identification of migratory waterfowl, but also covers the shooting characteristics of steel shot, hunting safely from boats, and the proper use of waders. Registration for the Basic Hunter Education Course is typically the first night of the class. Unless otherwised noted on the course schedule, participants need only appear at the course location on the first class date.
Advanced courses require pre-registration.
Course announcements are sent to local papers, police departments, town halls, schools and sporting goods shops. Do NOT bring any firearms or ammunition to classes. Only Program firearms and equipment may be used. If you attend a Bowhunter Education course, you may bring your equipment. In order to purchase a hunting or sporting license in other states, Canada and Mexico, all first time hunters must have a government issued Hunter Education Certificate such as is earned by the successful completion of a Massachusetts Basic Hunter Education Course .