Hunter Safety Certification
Maine Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Maine. Maine requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. Online + field day is available. Maine is famous for moose and deer hunting.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
10
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Maine Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Maine hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW)
— Official Site
Required
Required — for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 — hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
10 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Maine Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Maine accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Maine hunting license.
Maine accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Maine hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Maine Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Maine Bowhunter Education
Maine offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Maine hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Maine regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Wilderness survival
Important Notes
Maine-Specific Requirements
Maine offers a mentored hunting program allowing uncertified hunters to participate under licensed adult supervision for one season before completing full certification.
Source: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) (www.maine.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.