Hunter Safety Certification

Maryland Hunter
Education 2026

Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Maryland. Maryland requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. Online + field day is available. Maryland has a rich waterfowl and deer hunting tradition.

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

hours minimum

Course Requirements

Maryland Hunter Education Course Details

Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Maryland hunter education certification process.

Issuing Agency

Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) — 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

8 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)

Reciprocity

Does Maryland Accept Out-of-State Certifications?

Reciprocity Accepted
Maryland 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 Maryland hunting license.

Apprentice Program

Maryland Apprentice Hunting License

Apprentice License Available

Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor

Age limit: 16

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

Maryland Bowhunter Education

Maryland offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →

Course Curriculum

What Topics Are Covered?

The Maryland hunter education course covers the following subjects:

Firearm safety Wildlife ID Maryland regulations Ethics Conservation First aid

Important Notes

Maryland-Specific Requirements

Maryland Youth Mentored Hunting Program available for youth under 17 to hunt under adult supervision before completing full certification.

Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (dnr.maryland.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.

Maryland

Hunter Education