Hunter Safety Certification
Michigan Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Michigan. Michigan requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. Online + field day is available. Michigan is well-known for excellent deer, turkey, and waterfowl hunting.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
8
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Michigan Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Michigan hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
- Official Site
Required
Required - for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$19.95 via Hunter-Ed.com
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 - hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
8 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Michigan Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Michigan accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Michigan hunting license.
Michigan accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Michigan hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Michigan Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Michigan Bowhunter Education
Michigan offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Michigan hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Wildlife ID
Michigan regulations
Ethics
Conservation
First aid
Treestand safety
Important Notes
Michigan-Specific Requirements
Michigan Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth to hunt under a licensed adult mentor. Michigan also has a "Base License with Apprentice" designation that allows one season of mentored hunting.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (www.michigan.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.