Where Can You Take the Maryland Hunter Safety Course? 

The Maryland hunter safety course is available online at ilearntohunt, approved by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR). You can complete the online portion on any device, at your own pace, and there's no residency restriction to register.

Finishing the online course only gets you halfway there, though: Maryland requires a Field Day Workshop for almost everyone before you're certified. A few exemptions exist for active or retired law enforcement and certain military members.

Here's what you need to know about where to find each part of the Maryland hunter safety course, from the online modules to your nearest Field Day Workshop.

Where Can You Find the Maryland Hunter Safety Course?

Maryland offers two ways to complete your hunter education requirement, and where you go depends on your age.

• If you're 13 or older, you can take the online course at ilearntohunt, then finish with a required Field Day Workshop.
• If you're under 13, Maryland requires the multi-day in-person Classroom Course instead; the online path isn't an option yet.

Note: Passing the online course doesn't guarantee you a spot at the Field Day Workshop, so register for one as soon as you have your voucher.

Use the table below as a quick reference for where to register for each option.

Most states, including Maryland, now let new hunters take the course online for at least part of their certification. If you'd rather learn more about the time commitment first, see how long an online hunter safety course takes before you register anywhere.

Who Needs to Take the Maryland Hunter Safety Course?

Maryland requires hunter education for first-time hunters, unless you can show proof you held a Maryland hunting license before July 1, 1977. This applies to residents and nonresidents alike.

The minimum age for the online course is 13. Hunters under 13 must use the Classroom Course.

Active or retired Maryland law enforcement officers and certain active-duty or honorably discharged military members may qualify for an exemption from the Field Day Workshop specifically, though not from the online course itself. First-time hunters who'd rather skip hunter education entirely can also look into Maryland's Apprentice Hunting License, which lets new hunters go afield under a licensed mentor after a short online safety course.

Once you're certified, review the MD DNR hunting seasons calendar before you head out.

How to Take Your Maryland Hunter Safety Course

Getting certified in Maryland means completing two separate steps in the right order, and knowing where to go for each one matters.

1. Visit the ilearntohunt Maryland course page to start the self-paced online modules if you're 13 or older. Most students finish in under 3 hours.
2. Pass the final exam (80% required, unlimited attempts), then print your Field Day Qualifier Voucher. It's valid for 365 days.
3. Register for and attend a required Field Day Workshop, where you'll take a second written test and complete a pass/fail Trail Walk.

Bring your voucher to the Field Day Workshop, since you won't be admitted without it. Start your certification well ahead of the fall hunting season (or the season you plan to hunt), since Field Day Workshop spots can fill up fast as hunting season approaches.

Is Anyone Exempt from the Field Day Workshop?

Yes, but only in specific cases. Active-duty or honorably discharged military members stationed in or permanently residing in Maryland, and current or retired Maryland law enforcement officers, may qualify.

Everyone else who completes the online course still needs to attend a Field Day Workshop to receive their Hunter Education Certificate.

What's Included in a Maryland Field Day Workshop?

The 4-6 hour Workshop session includes a classroom review with an emphasis on tree stand safety, a second 50-question written test requiring an 80% score, and a pass/fail "Trail Walk" where instructors observe your firearm handling and decision-making in simulated scenarios.

Remember: Bring your Field Day Qualifier Voucher, a government-issued photo ID, and proof of age. Instructors won't admit students without them.

How Much Does the Maryland Hunter Safety Course Cost?

Costs stay simple no matter which path you choose, since only the online course charges a fee.

The online course fee covers your Field Day Qualifier Voucher. Maryland's Field Day Workshops and Classroom Courses are run by certified volunteer instructors at no cost to students.

Start Your Maryland Hunter Safety Course Online Today

Getting certified in Maryland means visiting two places: ilearntohunt for your online coursework and a certified instructor for your Field Day Workshop.

Get started with the Maryland hunter safety course, then register for your nearest Field Day Workshop to finish your certification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I take the Maryland hunter safety course online?

A: Yes, if you're 13 or older. The online portion is available 24/7 at ilearntohunt, but it doesn't earn you a Hunter Education Certificate on its own. You must also complete a Field Day Workshop.

Q: Do I need to attend an in-person class for the Maryland hunter safety course?

A: Yes. Nearly everyone who completes the online course must also attend a Field Day Workshop, with limited exemptions for certain military members and Maryland law enforcement officers. Hunters under 13 must use the in-person Classroom Course instead.

Q: Do I need to be a Maryland resident to take the hunter safety course online?

A: No. Maryland doesn't restrict the online course to state residents, so out-of-state hunters can register the same way Maryland residents do.

Q: Does Maryland accept hunter education certificates from other states?

A: Yes. Maryland accepts hunter education certifications issued by other states, provinces, or countries that meet IHEA-USA standards, so you likely won't need to retake the course if you're already certified elsewhere.

Q: Is anyone exempt from Maryland's Field Day Workshop?

A: Yes, but only in limited cases. Active-duty or honorably discharged military members stationed in or residing in Maryland, and current or retired Maryland law enforcement officers, may qualify for an exemption from the Field Day Workshop only, not the online course.

Q: What is the Apprentice Hunting License, and can it help me hunt before I'm certified?

A: Maryland's Apprentice Hunting License lets first-time hunters go afield under a licensed adult mentor after completing a short online safety course, without full hunter education certification. It's a one-time option and doesn't replace certification if you plan to hunt long-term.