Hunter Safety

AAF&G Hunter Safety classes are open to the public. We schedule two Fall classes every year, as well as other periodic events. Registration opens 30 days prior to each class and must be done in person at Anglers Sport Center, 1456 Whitehall Rd., Annapolis MD (410-757-3442). The course fee is $5, to be paid at registration.

Traditional Hunter Safety

The full, traditional Hunter Safety course lasts approximately 14 hours and is usually given over two weeknights plus a Saturday. There is no minimum age requirement, but students under 13 years of age must be accompanied by an adult (over 21 years of age). Parents are advised that students under 10 years of age may have difficulty understanding the ethical, legal, and safety concepts presented in the class. That difficulty, along with the length of the evening sessions, has historically resulted in a low passing rate for those under 10 and a very low passing rate for those under 8. Attendance at all sessions is one of the requirements for passing the class.

Hunter Education Field Day Workshops

For those 13 years and older who choose to take advantage of the DNR Internet-based Hunter Safety Education, AAF&G offers Field Day Workshops, as well.

AAF&G classes are registered with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Students who successfully complete the course receive a hunter education & firearms safety card that is recognized in all 50 states and in Canada.

Classroom Topics Include:

  • Safe Firearms Handling
  • Marksmanship
  • Hunter Ethics
  • Shot Placement
  • Tracking and Trailing
  • Handgun Hunting
  • Muzzleloading
  • Archery
  • Basic Survival
  • Wildlife Management

Saturday Field Exercises Include:

  • Live Fire on the Small Bore Rifle Range
  • Live Fire on the Trap/Skeet Range
  • Tree Stand Safety
  • Hunting out of Blinds
  • Hunting out of Boats
  • Crossing Obstacles
  • Hunting over Dogs
  • Shoot/No Shoot Scenarios
  • Zones of Fire

For further information on the Maryland Hunter Safety Program, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Outdoor Education Office at 410-643-8502 or visit their Hunter Education web site for a list of all hunter safety classes in the state.