Maryland DNR & Hunter Safety

The state of Maryland requires hunter safety courses.

The state of Maryland requires hunters to meet educational requirements to improve the safety of hunting within the state. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources hosts hunter safety classes in late summer and early fall to certify hunters for permits. Maryland also offer courses in muzzleloading, bow hunting and trapping safety for individuals seeking additional safety courses.

Hunter Education Requirements

Maryland requires all first-time hunters to complete a course in hunting education. All persons applying for a hunter's license must show their Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety to get a license. An individual who can prove he had a hunter's license prior to July 1, 1977, do not need the certificate. Those who hunted on private property before July 1, 1977, and were exempt from hunting license requirements can also purchase a license without a certificate. Individuals purchasing nonresident hunting licenses are limited to hunting waterfowl. An individual under the age of 18 hunting on family property is exempt from hunting license requirements, but he must possess a Certificate of Competency in Firearms and Hunter Safety.

Hunter Education Course

Maryland's hunter education courses make up, at a minimum, a 10-hour course and usually run between 12 and 14 hours of instruction time. Minors under 14 are required to have an adult participate with them. The course covers safe handling of firearms, marksmanship and shooting, tree stand safety, bow and muzzleloader safety and first aid. Students must take a 50-question multiple choice test and pass with at least 80 percent correct. They must pass a live firing exam. The instructor must recommend the student for advancement to complete certification.

Independent Study Option

Maryland offers independent study options as an alternative to taking classroom instruction. The options include workbook and Internet courses. Participants must be at least 16 years of age and budget between 8 and 24 hours of time to read and complete the coursework. They must complete all work before attending a workshop field day. The workshop field day includes a lecture on hunter safety, firearms handling and tree stand safety. Participants must then take the Maryland education test for hunters and must score 80 percent. They must also pass a firearms safety exercise before being certified.

Bow Hunting Training

Bowhunting certification provides training in archery technique.

Maryland offers voluntary advanced bowhunter safety training. The course is a minimum of eight hours and can fulfill certification requirements by other states. Participants learn about shooting techniques, distance judging, tree stand safety and blood trailing. Students must pass a 50-question multiple choice test and a skills exercise.

Muzzleloading Training

Maryland offers muzzleloading firearms safety courses. The course is clinical only and does not offer a certificate. Participants lean how to safely load and handle black powder firearms. It is recommended for anyone taking up muzzleloader hunting.

Trapper Education

As of August 1, 2007, the state of Maryland requires individuals who seek to obtain a Furbearer Permit to have a Certificate of Trapper Education unless they had a Furbearer Permit during the 2006-2007 season. Students must download or request a copy of the Maryland Trapper Education Student Manual and Maryland Trapper Education Workbook and complete the coursework. Applicants who feel they know enough may opt out of classroom training and take the test. A score of 70 percent is required on the test and practical exercises. Otherwise they can attend a course before taking the test.

References

• Maryland Department of Natural Resources: Hunter Safety