MassWildlife's Learn to Hunt Programs

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

Hunters with little or no experience can learn skills and techniques used to hunt different game animals. Courses are geared toward recent Basic Hunter Education graduates and include classroom learning and outdoor skills exercises. Taught by volunteers, the courses utilize the experience and knowledge of seasoned sportsmen and -women. Courses range from one-day condensed classes to three-day, in-depth courses. If you have questions, contact Astrid Huseby at astrid.huseby@state.ma.us or 508-389-6305.

2016 Program Offerings 

There are still spaces available to participate in the following programs:

The Learn to Hunt Deer Program is a free program providing three full days of training for new adult hunters (ages 18 and up) with little or no hunting experience. This course will cover several shotgun deer hunting skills including scouting for a hunting area, mapping out possible hunting locations, selecting the right equipment, shotgun shooting practice, the proper and safe use of a treestand, and field dressing techniques.
Participants selected to attend must commit to all three days of the program. The dates and locations for the 3-day program are:
Saturday, September 10^th: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough, MA
Saturday, October 1^st: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough, MA
Sunday, October 30^th: Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Field Headquarters, Westborough, MA
The Learn to Hunt Deer Clinic is a free, one-day workshop for those who would prefer a condensed version of the Learn to Hunt Deer Program. The clinics are designed for novice hunters to learn and practice three specific deer hunting skills: how to sight in your gun or bow, how to scout for a hunting area, and the proper and safe use of a tree stand.  Two 1-day clinics will be offered in the state. This same clinic will be held in two different locations; if selected, you will only attend one of the clinics. Dates and locations for the 1-day clinics are:
Saturday, September 24^th: Auburn Sportsman's Club, Auburn, MA
Sunday, September 25^th: Marlborough Fish and Game Club, Marlborough, MA
Space is limited. To be considered for either of these programs, please complete this online form by Sunday, August 21^st. It will take you no more than 5-10 minutes to complete. Please answer questions as honestly as possible to assist us in our selection process. You will be contacted by e-mail no later than Tuesday, August 23^rd regarding whether or not you were selected for a program.