Hunter Safety in Massachusetts

Be safe when hunting.

Hunting is an American tradition and has been a part of Massachusetts' culture for hundreds of years. Every fall, hunters take to the woods to catch deer and numerous other animals. While some people hunt with a bow and arrow, many modern hunters use a rifle. When used properly, a rifle is a good way to hunt deer. However, if the hunter is inexperienced, accidents can happen where someone is seriously injured.

Identification

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offer hunter education programs that teach hunters how to safely enjoy a day in the woods. This is a public education program that is funded by revenue generated from hunting licenses and tax on firearms and bow and arrows. The programs are taught by volunteer instructors, who train you not only in safe firearm use, but safe practices when out in the woods.

Function

According to The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, all new hunters must provide a certificate Basic Hunter Education Certificate before they can buy a license. This is true not only for Massachusetts, but every state in the country has the same requirement, as does Canada and Mexico. If you pass a hunter safety course in Massachusetts, that certificate is transferable when buying a license in another state or in Canada and Mexico.

History

According to The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, its hunter education program began in 1954 and has since trained over 160,000 hunters. There is no age or physical capability requirement to join a class. Accommodations are people with handicaps or those who do not speak English with prior notification. Massachusetts' hunter safety courses have always been free of charge and they continue to be gratis.

Significance

The Basic Hunter Education Course usually lasts 15 or 16 hours and is scheduled over five or six evenings during the week. However, there are also weekend courses available to accommodate all schedules. Beyond gun safety, you will also learn about first aid, basic survival skills, hunting laws, ethics and wildlife identification and management. It is important to note that you should not bring your firearm to class with you. You will be provided with a firearm during the appropriate section of the class.

Types

If you are interested in taking advanced hunter safety and education classes, The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife offers specific courses for hunters using black powder weapons and bow and arrow. There is also an advanced course available about map, compass and survival. This training will allow to safely navigate your way out of a situation if you find yourself lost in the woods.

References

• MassWildlife: Hunter Education Program