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Hunter safety certificate

Hunter safety certificate

young hunter with deer

To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, an individual born on or after January 1, 1960, is required to successfully complete an approved hunter education course. 

There are three options for completing hunter education in Michigan:

  • A traditional classroom-based course + in-person field day (typically included as part of the classroom course)
  • An online course + in-person field day
  • A take home study course + in-person field day

Non-residents can purchase a Michigan hunting license with a valid hunter education safety certificate from another state. 

 

Traditional in-person course (field day included)

Michigan's traditional hunter education course is taught by a dedicated core of certified volunteer instructors and Michigan conservation officers.

About the class:

  • In person, traditional classroom setting including hands on training.
  • Minimum of 10 hours over a minimum of two days.
  • Written test (80% or better to pass) and practice assessment (pass/fail).
  • Maximum $10 fee.
  • Students under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other adult approved by parent or legal guardian.
Register for a traditional hunter education course
Hands typing on keyboard

Online or take-home study course with a field day

This option provides the same information you would learn in the traditional hunter education course; however, the classroom portion is completed via an online course or a take-home study course.

Online + field day:

Take-home study + field day:

  • Register for a field day.
  • Make arrangements with the instructor to pick up the student manual, a minimum of one week prior to the field day.
  • Complete the chapter review questions and present them at the start of the field day.

About the field day:

  • 4 hours minimum
  • Written test (80% or better to pass) and practice assessment (pass/fail)
  • Maximum $10 fee
  • Students under age 10 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other adult approved by parent or legal guardian.

Additional hunting education classes

Boy bow hunting in woods

Bowhunter education certificate

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

Bowhunter education certificate
Hunting trap by water

Trapper education certificate

Trapper education is not required in Michigan; however, new trappers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the educational opportunities of the trapper education courses.

Trapper education certificate