DNR In-Person Safety Education and Certification Classes Will Resume

Safety Protocols Must Be Followed for Boating, Hunting, and Trapping Courses

Boating safety test being taken in 2019. Photo by Stephen Badger.

Beginning in August and September, the Maryland Natural Resources Police will resume in-person safety education and certification classes. For all classes, face coverings and social distancing will be required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and assure the safety of students and instructors. Online hunting and boating classes will remain a regular option.

Effective Aug. 1, traditional classroom instruction for Maryland’s basic boating safety courses will resume being scheduled. Class listings can be found on the department website. Online classes will remain an option

Also on Aug. 1, trapper education test-out sessions will resume. Anyone who previously completed the trapper education self-study manual and workbook and still require a test-out course should contact the Safety Education and Outreach Unit office at 410-643-8502 to schedule an appointment. 

Effective Aug. 15, field day workshops for hunter education students who previously completed Maryland’s approved internet-based course will resume. Class listings can be found on the department’s website. Face coverings will be required and social distancing requirements will be in effect, even outdoors. Anyone who previously signed up for a Field Day Workshop will need to register for a new class.

Effective Sept. 1, traditional classroom instruction for hunter education students will resume. Class listings can be found online. Anyone who previously signed up for a traditional class, will need to register for a new class.

Students will be required to provide their own face coverings and bring them to class. Also, any student displaying signs or symptoms of COVID-19 should refrain from attending any of the above classes. Each student will need to complete a COVID-19 screening questionnaire before entering. Anyone who fails to follow these guidelines or who appears to be ill  will be denied access to the teaching facility. 

Students should be aware that due to social distancing requirements, there will be limits on the number of students allowed in a facility and class times may be extended. 

Online hunting and boating classes will remain a regular option.