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Archery Hunter Safety 
Taking a safety course is the first step to joining a wonderful community of conservationists! Hunters have a longstanding role as conservationists, helping keep wildlife populations at healthy levels and giving biologists valuable harvest data. Hunters also provide funding for wildlife management through the purchase of their license and a manufacturer-paid tax on archery equipment. Without hunters, it would not be possible for the department to closely monitor and protect game and non-game species in our state.
Hunting is an important way to engage with our state's natural resources, bond with friends and family, and bring home excellent table fare. Maine offers some of the best hunting opportunities in the country. With over 17 million acres of extraordinary land and waterways, there's so many options to explore. Here is what you need to know to get started by completing your archery hunter education course.
Maine offers courses in three different formats: online, traditional in-person, and the new addendum course for anyone that has previously completed basic hunter education (firearms).
Choose the right course for you:
Have you already completed hunter safety in Maine, or any other state? If so, you can simply take Maine's new Archery Hunting Education Addendum Course! If you are new to hunting, or simply want the convenience of an online experience, you can choose Maine's Online Archery Hunter Education Course. Looking for a full course in person? Maine offers several Traditional full in-person courses each year. All options meet National Bowhunter Education Foundations and the International Hunters Education Association standards.
Archery Hunter Education Addendum Course
This course builds on the standards that you have already met with hunter education, and focuses on bow and crossbow use specifically. The Addendum course is convenient and a great way to become certified in archery hunting with a 4 ½- 5 hour class. There's no homework, and the class can be completed in a morning or afternoon session. You will then be eligible to purchase your archery hunting license and hunt with a bow or crossbow in Maine. Available to anyone 10 and over that has a valid hunter education certificate. Courses are typically free or up to a $10 fee per venue. See details during registration.
Online Full Course
Students 16 and older can complete the archery hunter safety course online. Upon successful completion of the online course, students can download their completion certificate (bowhunter education card) which allows them to purchase a Maine archery hunting license online or from a licensing agent (such as a town office or sporting goods store). Students are still welcome to attend an in-person class if desired after completing the online course to obtain further skills and information. Cost of the online course: $29.95.
Traditional Full Course
Traditional in-person courses are available to all students 10 and up, and are taught by trained, certified volunteer instructors who meet state and international standards. Volunteer instructors provide valuable information to new hunters including insight into the sport of hunting, resources, and support. In-person courses provide students the opportunity to ask questions of instructors and gain further guidance. There is typically no fee to complete a traditional in-person course, although some course hosts require a nominal fee to help cover facility rental or cleaning costs. Traditional Full Courses require students to attend a 10-hour session typically broken up over a weekday evening and weekend day. There is no pre-homework required. Courses are typically free or up to a $10 fee per venue. See details during registration.
Junior Archery Hunters: While youth can hunt up until their 16th birthday without hunter education, the Department encourages all junior hunters ages 10-15 to complete a safety course to further their knowledge of safe hunting, proper archery equipment handling and tree stand use, outdoor survival, and more. Students must be at least ten years old to attend the course, students under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Learn more about junior hunter license requirements.
Take the next step!
Completing a hunter safety course is just the first step toward a lifelong journey of learning and being a safe and successful hunter. Enhance your skills and boost your confidence with one of our many next step opportunities. Whether you want to learn more about hunting a certain species, need more practice with your method of harvest, or just want an opportunity to ask questions and connect with other hunters, our next step workshops are the perfect place to start.