Eligible hunter education students will be allowed to purchase a Michigan hunting license through June 1, 2021 – prior to completing the required field day. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division administers the state’s hunter education program and is providing a temporary solution due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Field days – in which students must successfully demonstrate hunter safety skills to a certified instructor – are the required final step in earning a DNR hunter education safety certificate for online and take-home study students. A safety certificate is required to purchase a Michigan hunting license.
“The department recognizes that COVID-19 is preventing some students from attending the required field day,” said Chief Gary Hagler, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “We hope this extension will allow new hunters the time they need to attend a field day while still being able to safely enjoy the upcoming seasons.”
To be eligible for a temporary hunter education safety certificate, online students must meet one of the following criteria:
Started the program on or after Sept. 10, 2019 and complete it by June 1, 2021.
Already completed the online program but have yet to complete a field day.
Eligible students will be able to print their temporary certificates from their online Kalkomey student portal. Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC is the DNR’s online recreation education provider.
Students need to present their temporary certificates when purchasing licenses.
Anyone who receives a temporary hunter education safety certificate will be required to complete a field day by June 1, 2021, or within 12 months of completing the course – whichever date comes later – to receive their permanent hunter education safety certificate.
The in-person classes were postponed in March due to COVID-19 public health and safety concerns. In May, the DNR announced temporary hunter education safety certificates
