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Recreational safety and hunter education

An instructor shows a youth how to shoot

Recreational safety and hunter education

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license information

Hunter safety certificate (hunter education)

All first-time hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, are required to take and pass a hunter safety course. You will not be able to purchase a base license (other than an apprentice license) unless you can prove successful completion of a hunter safety course.

Boating safety certificate

Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate).

ORV safety certificate

Operators under age 16 riding on public or private land in Michigan must take an approved ORV education course, carry an ORV safety certificate and have direct visual supervision of an adult.

Snowmobile safety certificate

A snowmobile safety certificate is recommended for all operators and required for some youth under 16 years old.

Trapper education certificate

Trapper education is not required in Michigan, but new trappers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the learning opportunities the trapper education courses offer.

Bowhunter education certificate

While bowhunting education is not required in Michigan, it is required to purchase archery permits in many other states.