Safety/Education Courses
List of safety/education courses in your area
Inland Fisheries and Wildlife does NOT recognize any stand alone on line program for validation for Hunter Safety. We have been made aware of sportspersons using an online course certificate to show proof of hunter safety.
On line courses do not qualify.
Applicants for an adult hunting license must show proof of having previously held an adult license to hunt with firearms in any year beginning with 1976 or successful completion of an
approved hunter safety course.
States such as New Hampshire do allow online study but students must then attend & complete a one day training program to complete.
Can't find a course for your area? Contact the
Regional Safety Coordinator for your area, or the Recreational Safety Division Office at (207) 287-5220.
Do you need to take an outdoor safety course to obtain your license for firearms, archery, crossbow, or trapping?
Maine law requires completion to obtain your adult license unless you have previously done so or have held an adult license.
Hunters and trappers in Maine must attend training courses specific to the license type they wish to purchase. By state law, anyone planning to buy a basic hunting license, archery license, crossbow license, or trapping license, must complete the respective hunter, archery, crossbow, or trapper education course. Individuals may purchase each of these licenses by showing a certificate of completion from the appropriate course, or a previously issued license of the same type.
If you would like to refresh your knowledge of safe and responsible hunting, then taking a hunter education course is a great idea.
Each year, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife provides more than 350 courses on hunting with firearms, bow and arrow, and trapping. These are attended by roughly 7,500 students and taught by over 800 volunteer instructors trained by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.
Would you like to learn how to safely operate a snowmobile, ATV or boat?
In order to operate an ATV under 16 years of age, you must complete an approved ATV Safety Course.
The Recreational Safety Division provides approximately 200 courses to about 2,500 students per year for people who want to learn about the safe operation of snowmobiles, boats, or ATV's. Boating safety courses are also provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries and by U.S. Power Squadrons around the state.
Become a Volunteer Instructor
To become a certified volunteer instructor, you must:
- Successfully complete the basic course as a student and complete the appropriate application and written examination.
- Be at least 18 years old with a record free of convictions.
- Complete an instructor training course.
- Join an existing team of instructors or organize a new team.
- Agree to attend training updates/workshops.
For more information, please contact the Safety Division by phone at (207) 287-5220 or email
brenda.chaplin@maine.gov. In order to start the certification process, you must contact the Regional Coordinator for your area.
Registering For a Course
Don't wait until hunting or trapping season to take a course; it'll be too late! Most courses are offered in the late summer and early fall prior to the start of hunting seasons. Courses are also offered in the spring. Completion of a spring course gives you time to become familiar with equipment, terrain, and hunting techniques. There are no costs for materials or instruction. Some courses may charge a nominal fee to cover the use of facilities and minor instructional expenses. All students will have to provide a survival kit, with most of the contents available from the home. Pre-registration is required. To enroll in the course, please call the listed instructor at the number given on the course listing.
Courses will include 6 to 12 hours of instruction depending on the subject. Sponsors include school districts, sports clubs, civic groups and others. Courses listed as 'Home Study', require attendance at scheduled sessions as well as study at home.
Volunteer instructors schedule each course. Some are completed in a weekend, while others may run multiple evenings, plus a Saturday or Sunday.
Minimum Age
Students must be at least 10 years of age to attend a class for firearms, archery, or trapping. Students under 10 may attend a recreational vehicle course. A person under 16 years of age must attend the ATV training course with that person's parent or guardian.
Duplicate Certificates/Cards
The Department keeps records of graduates from its safety courses. If you have lost your certificate, you may obtain a duplicate from the Safety Division at no cost.
In person - 8 Federal Street, Augusta, Maine
By mail - Safety Division, 284 State Street, Augusta, ME 04333
Fax (207) 287-9037
E-mail:
brenda.chaplin@maine.gov
Please include the following information with your request:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Telephone number
- Current mailing address
- Address where you lived when you took the course
- Year you took the course (include month if possible).
- Location where you took the course (including Instructor's name if possible).
