How to Get Your 2025 Maryland Hunter Education Course in 3 Easy Steps
Hunting in Maryland is a deeply rooted tradition that combines outdoor recreation, wildlife management, and community heritage. With its diverse landscapes—from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the marshes and tidal flats of the Eastern Shore—the Old Line State offers a wide variety of game, including white-tailed deer, waterfowl, wild turkey, and small game.
With the hunt comes the critical responsibility of practicing hunter safety, like proper firearm handling, understanding the state's hunting laws, wearing blaze orange for visibility, and more.
In Maryland, you need hunter safety education if you are a first-time hunter or if you do not have proof of holding a hunting license before July 1, 1977.
So, if you're planning a hunt in 2025 (and looking ahead to 2026), keep reading to learn how to take your Maryland hunter education course and get your hunting license.
How Do I Get My Hunter Education Card in Maryland?
Again, all first-time hunters must complete a hunter safety course to earn a hunter education card and hunt legally in Maryland.
Note: You must have this certification to purchase a hunting license. However, the state offers some exceptions to those hunting with an Apprentice Hunter License.
Maryland offers two options to get certified.
1. Take a Multi-Day In-Person Class
Hunters under the age of 13 must take the in-person course. However, any hunter may take this course.
You may see this course referred to as "traditional," "In-person," or the "Classroom Course." The state offers these courses at no cost, presented by state-certified instructors.
The course includes:
- Hunter education in a classroom setting
- A pass/fail Trail Walk
- A supervised range session
If you choose the in-person option, make sure you schedule and complete the course and exam ahead of the hunting season so you have time to get your hunting license and plan your hunt. Most classes are offered in the fall, so plan accordingly if you intend to hunt in the spring.
2. Choose a Hybrid Course (Online and In-Person Field Day)
This is the most convenient way to get your hunter education certification in Maryland! Start with the online course, then finish your certification with an in-person field day.
Hunters can complete the hunter education (i.e., the classroom) portion of the certification online through Hunter-Ed. Hunter-Ed is the only online hunter safety course provider approved by the state of Maryland.
Then, you'll take the exam and must pass with at least 80%. Once you've passed, you'll be able to immediately print out the Field Day Qualifier Voucher in your student dashboard. You can also request to receive a PDF of the voucher.
With your voucher, you'll schedule a day and time to complete your certification through one of the state's Field Day sessions. This session lasts about 4–6 hours and includes:
- A review of the course material you learned through the online course.
- A 50-question multiple-choice test. You must pass with an 80% score.
- A pass/fail Trail Walk.
- A supervised range session.
After completing both the online course and the Field Day, you'll receive your permanent hunter education certification in the mail.
3 Easy Steps to Get Your 2025 Maryland Hunt License
With your hunter certification, you're ready to get your license and hunt! Here are three easy steps to get your Maryland hunting license.
- Meet the Requirements (and Complete a Hunter Education Course)
Again, if you are a first-time hunter or have not held a Maryland hunting license before July 1, 1977, you must complete a Maryland-approved hunter education (safety) course before purchasing your license.
Hunter-Ed makes it easy to complete the online portion of the certification as the only course approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. - Choose the Right License Type and Purchase It
Determine which license you need. Maryland offers resident, nonresident, apprentice, junior, and senior lifetime licenses. Then, purchase your license online via the MD Outdoors website, by mail, or from a local license agent (e.g., sporting goods stores and other designated locations). - Carry Proof of Your License When Hunting
Always carry your license when hunting. If you also need tags (for deer, turkey, etc.), make sure to tag your harvest properly.
Let's look at these steps in more detail.
Take the Maryland Hunter Education Course Online!
Step 1: How to Take the Maryland Hunter Education Course
The easiest way to get your hunter safety certification is to choose the hybrid option, starting with the Hunter-Ed Online course!
Our course:
- Is the only online Maryland hunter safety course approved by the MDNR.
- Is also approved by the International Hunter Education Association (IHEA).
- Can be completed in about 3 hours.
- Saves your progress as you go! Start and stop as needed to work at your own page and fit your schedule.
- Includes videos, games, animations, illustrations, and quizzes to help you learn the required material.
- Allows unlimited attempts to pass the final exam. You'll need to score at least 80% on the exam to pass.
- Is offered in English or Spanish for most states (including Maryland).
- Can be taken from anywhere you can connect to the internet using a phone, tablet, or computer.
- Gives you free access to the course study guide to help you learn the material and pass the final exam.
- Offers access to Hunter Perks for free!
What kind of content is in the course? Check out one of the videos you'll see in the Hunter-Ed course and study guide!
Step 2: Take a Field Day Session and Get Your Hunter Education Certification Card
After completing the course and passing your final exam, you can print your Field Day Qualifier Voucher. Then, schedule a Field Day session on a date and time that's convenient to you.
Just make sure you complete it before hunting season begins!
After completing the Hunter-Ed online course and the state's required Field Day, you'll receive your permanent Maryland hunter safety card in the mail.
If you choose the Multi-Day Traditional (In-Person) option to get your safety certification, you'll do everything in person over multiple days. Once completed, you'll receive your certification.
Your Card is Your Proof of Certification
Remember: Your hunter education card is proof that you completed the course and exam and understand how to hunt safely in Maryland. Treat it like you do other important documents.
Always carry your hunter education card when you hunt as proof that you completed the Maryland hunter education course . When you're in the field, wildlife officials can ask to see your hunting license and safety certification. Have these documents handy.
If you lose your card, visit the MDNR website to request a replacement card.
Step 3: Where to Get Your Maryland Hunting License in 2025
Your Maryland hunter safety course is now behind you. You're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Remember that you'll need a new hunting license every year. Unless you have a senior lifetime consolidated license, last year's Maryland hunt license isn't valid this year. As you plan what you want to hunt this year, make sure you research carefully and purchase the correct license to hunt legally this season.
Buy Online
The easiest way to get your license is to buy it online. This can be particularly convenient if you don't live close to a retailer or you plan to hunt in Maryland as a non-resident.
Buy Through the Mail
Download and print the forms or applications needed to apply for a hunting license in Maryland. Then, mail the forms (with a check for the applicable fees) to a Maryland Department of Natural Resources Service Center in your area.
Buy from a DNR Regional Service Center (In-Person)
Hunters can also purchase hunting licenses from a DNR Regional Service Center. Find the location nearest you, then schedule an appointment.
Note that service centers are only open by appointment.
Buy from a Local License Agent
If you prefer to pick up a license in person but a regional service center appointment isn't convenient, the state of Maryland offers plenty of retail locations offering 2025 hunting licenses.
Find an agent on the MDNR website to find a location near you. In general, most Dicks Sporting Goods stores, Title & Tag Service locations, Wal-Mart stores, and other locations like tackle and gun shops offer hunting licenses in Maryland.
Why is Hunter Education Important?
Hunter education is a crucial part of responsible hunting, whether you're a new hunter or a seasoned hunter. No matter which weapon you prefer (bow or firearm) or how you hunt (from a tree or in a blind), hunter safety knowledge must be your foundation for every hunt experience.
Hunter education saves lives! It helps:
- Supports Legal and Safe Participation: In most states, including Maryland, hunters must complete an approved education course to get a hunting license. This helps ensure that hunters understand and follow all state rules and regulations.
Builds Skilled and Knowledgeable Hunters: Hunter safety courses provide essential training in navigation, first aid, tree stand safety, firearm safety, and survival skills. They also emphasize respect for fellow hunters, landowners, and the natural environment.
Reduces Accidents and Injuries: By teaching proper firearm handling, safe shooting techniques, and responsible hunting practices, these courses greatly decrease the likelihood of hunting-related accidents and injuries.
Encourages Ethical and Responsible Hunting: Hunter education promotes a strong sense of ethics. These courses emphasize respect for wildlife, compliance with hunting laws, and the importance of sustainable practices that preserve healthy game populations for future generations.
Hunter education teaches essential hunting skills, helps keep the sport safe, and helps maintain healthy animal populations.
Take the Maryland Hunter Education Course Online!
Why are a State-Specific Hunter Education Courses Important?
Some states accept hunter safety certifications from other states. It's known as "reciprocity."
However, if you haven't taken a course that's specific to the state you plan to hunt (for example, taking the Maryland hunter safety course for hunting in Maryland), you could miss critical information about hunting in that specific state.
State-specific information can include important rules and regulations that can be critical to hunting safely and legally in that state. A course specific to another state may not adequately prepare you for hunting in Maryland.
So, before you trust another course from another state or assume that "one course works in any state," sign up for the Maryland Hunter-Ed hunter education course, finish with the Field Day, and get certified!
Why Choose Hunter-Ed
When looking for a hunter safety course, there are various providers that offer hunter education. However, the only online course approved by the State of Maryland is Hunter-Ed.
Plus, when you choose Hunter-Ed, you get more than what other providers offer.
Not only do you get a learn-at-your-pace online course that covers everything you need to know before the Field Day, you get access to Hunter Perks — something no other hunter education provider offers!
Hunter Perks is an exclusive, free offering from the team at Hunter-Ed. As soon as you purchase your course, you will have full access to:
- Video and Article Content: Informational blogs and videos to help you keep learning about how to be a better hunter.
- Hunting Tools: Hunter-tested resources to help you hunt with confidence and success.
- Ongoing Education Opportunities: Additional, discounted course options to help you learn more skills, like archery and saddle hunting!
- Easy Access to Hunting Regulations: A few clicks is all it takes to learn about the hunting rules and regs for your state each year.
Plus, Hunter Perks include contests to win free stuff and gear discounts to save money while gathering what you need for great hunts.
But wait, there's more! These Perks never expire. You'll always have access to your Hunter-Ed dashboard and Hunter Perks to support you through your lifelong pursuit of hunting!
Get Hunter Safety Certified in Maryland with Hunter-Ed
Don't wait for the hunting season to get here before you take the Maryland hunter education course. You won't be able to hunt without it!
It's easy to sign up for the Maryland Hunter-Ed course.
Within a few hours, you'll be ready to take the state's required Field Day, then hunt safely and legally in Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to your questions about taking the Maryland hunter education course!
Q: Do I need a hunter education course to hunt in Maryland?
Yes, if you are a first-time hunter or do not have proof that you held a license before July 1, 1977, you must complete a Hunter Education course to hunt legally in Maryland.
Q: Can you take the Maryland Hunter Safety course online?
Yes, but it's only part of the state's hunter education requirement. As part of the hybrid option, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources has approved Hunter-Ed as the online-only course that you can complete before the required Field Day.
Q: How Soon Should I Sign Up for a Hunter Education Course?
We recommend signing up and completing your course a few weeks before the season begins. Make sure you account for the time you'll need to take the online part of the requirement, then schedule the Field Day to complete the state's requirements.
Q: Do I Need a Certification for Every Season?
No! Your Maryland hunter education course is the only certification you'll need to hunt in Maryland. Your certification is good for life!
Q: How Much Does it Cost to Get My Hunter Education Certification?
The online part of the course through Hunter-Ed is $29.95. This cost includes the course, study guide, unlimited tries to pass the final exam, your hunter education card, and Hunter Perks. The Field Day is typically offered by the state at no cost.
Q: What happens if you hunt without hunter ed?
Hunting without the required Hunter Education certification can result in fines, and your hunting license may be invalid until you complete the course.
