Maryland Hunter Safety Education

March 25, 2023 - Internet Field Day Workshop (Course 194177) - Registration will open on DNR website 30 days prior to the workshop.

April 22, 2023 - Internet Field Day Workshop (Course 194178) - Registration will open on DNR website 30 days prior to the workshop.

May 20, 2023 - Internet Field Day Workshop (Course 194179) - Registration will open on DNR website 30 days prior to the workshop.

September 23, 2023 - Internet Field Day Workshop (Course 194180) - Registration will open on DNR website 30 days prior to the workshop.

October 14, 2023 - Internet Field Day Workshop (Course 194181) - Registration will open on DNR website 30 days prior to the workshop.

Registration for the Hunter Education Internet Field Day Workshops is accomplished by using the link provided in the Field Day Qualification Voucher e-mail you receive from the MD DNR Police, AFTER you complete and pass the online class. Students must be 13 years of age or older to complete the online course.

Hunter Safety Resource Links:

MD DNR Online Hunter Safety Course

MD DNR Hunter Safety Education - General Information

MD DNR Hunter Education Internet Field Day Workshops

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Course Outline 
Attend all training sessions.
Obtain a minimum score of 80% on the 50-question, Maryland DNR Hunter Education written exam.
Participate in the live fire and field walk exercises.
Receive the approval and recommendation of the Hunter Education Instructor(s).
Students must be 13 years of age or older.
Students must complete the Maryland Hunter Ed online course at http://www.hunter-ed.com/Maryland/ and obtain a minimum score of 80% on the 75-question, online Field Day Qualifier exam. (Note: A fee of $15 is charged by the online vendor.)
Students must print the Field Day Qualifier (course completion) voucher and provide it to BRGC when registering for the field day workshop, and again at the field day workshop.
Register for the Hunter Education Internet Field Day Workshops using the link provided in the Field Day Qualification Voucher e-mail you receive from the MD DNR Police. Available Internet Field Day Workshop classes are posted online at http://www.register-ed.com/programs/maryland/89-maryland-hunter-education-internet-field-day-workshop,
When registering for a BRGC Internet Field Day Workshop, also send the following information to HunterSafety@Berwyn.org:
* Full Legal Name – As it appears on your government-issued identification
* Contact Information – Home address, e-mail address, telephone numbers                                                                                            * Class date.
* A Copy of your MD DNR Police Field Day Qualifier Voucher
Attend the entire BRGC Hunter Education Field Day Workshop.
Present Field Day Qualification Voucher and government issued photo ID showing proof of age.
Obtain a minimum score of 80% on the 50-question, Maryland DNR Hunter Education written exam.
Participate in the live fire and field walk exercises.
Receive the approval and recommendation of the Hunter Education Instructor(s).
Class space is limited.
Class is filled on a first-to-register basis.
Class may be cancelled if less than 5 students register.
Registration is not complete until you e-mail the items noted in number 5. above to HunterSafety@Berwyn.org.
Students must present Field Day Qualification Voucher, government issued photo ID, and proof of age at the field day event. (Drivers license, Passport, government issued identification card with birth date, or birth certificate are acceptable proofs of age.)
Registration for the Internet Field Day Workshops is ONLY accepted via online registration. 

Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police

Online Resources

Hunter Safety Education

Hunter Education Class Information

Trapper Education Program

Treestand Safety Courses (Online)

Apprentice Hunting License

Upcoming Events

Hunter Education - Classroom Courses

Hunter Education - Field Day Workshops

Hunter Education - Specialty Courses (Bow Hunting, Muzzleloading, Trapping)

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The Internet Field Day Workshops are limited to students 13 years of age and older who successfully complete the Maryland Hunter Safety Online Course (https://www.hunter-ed.com/maryland/) and receive a qualification voucher issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police. Workshops are held on Saturdays and include safety briefings, course review, demonstrations, written exam, live fire, and field exercises. Distribution of materials begins at 8:45 am and the course review and written examination is conducted from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM at the Berwyn Rod & Gun Club, located at 8311 Laurel-Bowie Road (Rt. 197), Bowie, MD 20715. (Just south of the intersection with Race Track Road, behind the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hall.) Following a short lunch break the workshop continues from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

The Traditional Classroom Courses are available to students of all ages. Classes are held Monday, Thursday, and Friday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hall located at 8205 Laurel-Bowie Road (Rt. 197) Bowie, MD 20715. (Just south of the intersection with Race Track Road, next to the Berwyn Rod & Gun Club.) The Saturday demonstrations, exam, live fire, and field exercises are conducted from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Berwyn Rod & Gun Club, located at 8311 Laurel-Bowie Road, Bowie, MD 20715.

Students will receive an e-mail confirming their class registration a few days before the start of class. Classes are held rain or shine. Dress appropriately for the weather.

 

 

TEACHING SAFETY, RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY

 

Since 1977, when all first-time hunters in Maryland were required to complete a hunter education course, the number of hunting accidents has declined dramatically. The Hunter Education Program is designed to reduce hunting accidents, teach hunter ethics and responsibility, firearms safety, and promote wildlife conservation.

 

Over 200 Hunter Education Classes are held in Maryland each year. Berwyn Rod & Gun Club (BRGC) conducts both traditional, classroom-style courses and Field Day Workshops in conjunction with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Internet-based, independent study program. Hunter Education Classes help instill the values of responsible, ethical, and safe hunting. The courses are taught by teams of trained instructors who volunteer their time to ensure first-time hunters are provided with the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to become a safe and successful hunter.

 

COURSE CONTENT

 

The Maryland Hunter Education Classroom-Style Course requires a minimum of 10 hours instruction, but most classes are 12-14 hours. The following topics are taught in the class:

In order to satisfactorily complete the Hunter Education Classroom Course, each student must:

1.      Attend a minimum of 10 hours of classroom instruction.

2.      Pass a 50 question written test with a score of at least 80%.

3.      Complete practical exercises, which demonstrate to instructors the student's ability to safely handle a firearm.

4.      Participate in supervised live firing on a range.

5.      Receive the approval and recommendation of the Hunter Education Instructors.

 

No hunter education certificate will be issued if the student fails the written exam, or if the instructors believe the student is not ready to be a safe, ethical, and responsible hunter.

 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

 

There is no minimum age to obtain a hunting license in Maryland and there is no minimum age to take the Hunter Education Classroom Course. Maryland Hunter Education Certificates are recognized by all 50 states and the Canadian provinces. Students are required to read a 100 page student training guide, written at the 6th grade level. They will receive this guide on the first day of class. it may be difficult for some young children to grasp the presented material. Youngsters may also lack the upper body strength and coordination to safely handle a firearm and control the muzzle during practical exercises.

 

Children age 12 and under are required to attend with a participating adult. Children age 13-16 may only attend without an adult present, if they receive the instructor’s prior permission. BRGC instructors rarely allow children below the age of 16 to attend without a responsible adult. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to take the course with their children. Parents who attend the classroom sessions are better able to reinforce the training materials with their children. Registered adults who complete the course with a child and pass the written and practical exams are eligible to receive their own hunter education certificate.

 

To pass the course, students must:

 

REGISTRATION   

 

To register for the traditional, classroom-style courses, register online at http://www.register-ed.com/programs/maryland/88-maryland-hunter-education-classroom-course

Class space is limited and filled on a first-to-register basis.

If student is under 16 years old, also send the following information to: HunterSafety@Berwyn.org

·       Student's Full Legal Name – As it appears on government-issued identification.

·        Student's Date of Birth

·        Contact Information – Home address, e-mail address, telephone numbers.

·        The name of the parent, guardian, or responsible adult who will accompany the student at the course.

 

 (See additional instructions below to register for the Internet Field Day Qualification Workshop.)

 

DO NOT CALL BRGC TO REGISTER FOR THE CLASSROOM COURSE

ALL REGISTRATION IS DONE ONLINE THROUGH THE MD DNR POLICE WEBSITE

Classroom Courses:  http://www.register-ed.com/programs/maryland/88-maryland-hunter-education-classroom-course

 

FEES

 

There is no charge for the classroom-style Hunter Safety course or for the Field Day Workshop.

 

 

INTERNET FIELD DAY WORKSHOPS

 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) offers students age 13 and older the option of taking either a home workbook or Internet-based, independent study course, both of which include a mandatory field day workshop and exams.

 

BRGC offers students who successfully complete the Internet course the option to register to attend a field day workshop. (BRGC does not currently participate in the home workbook program.) Once the student has completed the Internet course, attained at least an 80% score on the online exam, and received a MD DNR Police Field Day Qualifier (course completion) voucher, the student may register to attend a BRGC Hunter Education Field Day Workshop. The workshop includes lectures, firearms handling and hunter safety skills demonstrations, live firing, practical exercises, and a written final exam.

 

Internet Field Day Workshop Requirements: 

Important Notes Regarding Internet Field Day Workshop Registration:    

DO NOT CALL BRGC TO REGISTER FOR THE INTERNET FIELD DAY WORKSHOP

ALL REGISTRATION IS DONE ONLINE FROM THE MD DNR POLICE WEBSITE

 

Field Day Workshops: http://www.register-ed.com/programs/maryland/89-maryland-hunter-education-internet-field-day-workshop

General information regarding the Maryland, Department of Natural Resources, Hunter Education program is available online at  http://dnr2.maryland.gov/nrp/Pages/hunter_education.aspx

 

 

INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION

 

The heart of Maryland's Hunter Education Program is the corps of trained volunteer instructors who provide the training. Approximately 600 adults are certified as Hunter Education Instructors. Basic qualifications require an instructor be at least 21 years of age, experienced and knowledgeable in hunting, sporting arms, and wildlife, as well as being skilled in the organization and education of youth and adults. Instructor applicants must undergo background checks and receive extensive training prior to being certified as instructors.

 

Please contact the BRGC hunter education team at HunterSafety@Berwyn.org if you are interested in becoming a Hunter Education Instructor.