Why Volunteers are VITAL

1. Why does the Department of Natural Resources need volunteer hunter education instructors?
   • Because there are not enough Conservation Officers to conduct training in every community in the state. Although Conservation officers are active in the hunter education program, they generally do not have enough time to conduct entire training classes along with their many other duties.
   • Volunteers provide skills or expertise otherwise not available within the agency. Examples of such skills include professional teaching experience, safety specialty training and specialty training in outdoor recreation.
   • Volunteers are often well established local citizens who can help create community interest in the course. They usually have extensive local contacts, are aware of community needs and can facilitate the setting up of local classes.
2. What does the program offer the volunteer instructor?
   • It provides the instructor with the means of helping make a safe sport even safer.
   • It provides the instructor with an avenue of input into the statewide hunter education program.
   • It offers the volunteer an opportunity to help others and be of service to the community.
   • It provides the instructor with the means to help insure the future of hunting in Michigan.
   • It provides the instructor an income tax deduction which may be claimed, provided proper records are maintained.
3. What value does the hunter education program provide to the public?
   • The program develops hunters who act safely and responsibly.
   • The program helps to reduce both hunting and non hunting related accidents and wildlife violations.
   • The program improves the image of the hunter and trains hunters to be responsible and improves hunter/landowner relations.
   • The program encourages recognition of hunting and shooting sports as viable recreational activities.
   • The program provides an understanding of the importance of wildlife, wildlife management and habitat protection.

Instructor Certification Qualifications

An individual desiring certification as an adult instructor with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Hunter Education Program shall meet the following requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
• Be a high school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma (GED).
• Have no felony convictions.
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three (3) years.
• Have no Natural Resource Law convictions that result in the revocation of hunting or trapping license privileges within the last five (5) years. (Other convictions of Natural Resource Law violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of any application.)
• Maintain a high moral and ethical character to pass the required background investigations.
• Be a graduate of a basic hunter education course or if born before January 1, 1960, be a graduate of a basic hunter education course or have prior hunting experience.

How do I apply to become an Instructor

1. Instructor applicants obtain an application packet from Marketing Education and Technology, Recruitment and Retention Section, at 517-335-3418.
2. Applicants will be provided a Policy and Procedure Manual, a Hunter Education student manual, an application form and a take home test covering these materials. This test must be completed within 45 days and returned to the Division office for scoring. A minimum score of 85% is required to pass the test. Re-testing is allowed at the option of the Department.
3. Assist with the instruction of a basic hunter education course. Each new instructor is required to student teach a minimum of one class with a currently certified instructor who will sign the instructor's application form as the mentor. It is the responsibility of the county coordinator/conservation officer to make certain that the instructor trainee understands how to set up a class, complete the required forms and order student materials.
4. Complete and submit application and test as required.