Hunter education class is expected to fill fast

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Mass Wildlife will sponsor a free hunter education class in April. The state-certified class provides an opportunity for Vineyard residents to meet the Massachusetts requirements for gun ownership or a hunting license.

However, class demand is already high. Instructor Jeff Day said people are able to sign up online at Mass Wildlife and the class is half full. He recommended that people act quickly.

Mr. Day is a Chilmark police officer and certified hunter safety instructor, who volunteers his time along with other volunteer instructors.

The class is scheduled for 6 pm to 9 pm on Tuesday April 26, and 8 am to 4 pm Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1 at the Martha’s Vineyard Rod and Gun Club off Third Street in Edgartown. Students must attend all three sessions.

The state-certified hunter safety course is offered once a year on the Vineyard. It is regularly over-subscribed. The Vineyard demand is mirrored across Massachusetts and the rest of the northeast, according to state officials.

Completion of a firearms safety course is required to qualify for any class of firearms license. Successful completion of the free hunter safety course meets state firearms licensing application requirements, as well as in- and out-of-state hunting license requirements.

For more information on state hunter education programs go to mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/ or call 978-772-0693.