Maine hunter safety conservation program

Our partnership with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife brings this exciting approach to hunter safety in a specially-designed summer camp setting! What better way to learn about survival, first aid, map and compass, and archery or firearms safety, than at camp?

Our hands-on instruction by knowledgeable and friendly staff offers a unique approach to these safety programs. 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. In-person courses require students to attend a 3-hour session of classroom instruction, then complete a workbook at home and then attend a skills and exam session. Find a Skills and Exam Session. Junior Hunters: The Department encourages all junior hunters ages to complete a hunter safety course to further their knowledge of safe hunting, proper firearm handling, outdoor survival, and more.

Hunter safety is not required for hunters ages and hunters ages may hunt with a junior hunting license. Once the hunter turns 16, they may hunt under the junior hunting license without taking hunter safety, OR can complete hunter safety and hunt under the adult license. Hunters under the age of 10 do not need to take hunter safety and do not need a hunting license. Learn more about junior hunters. 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. The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. When a connection can be made between a donor, processor, and pantry, hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food.

Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat Processors that are interested in participating should call The program has been successful annually by supplying lean, high protein meats to food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters throughout Maine.