Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Partners in Protecting and Preserving Michigan's Hunting Traditions

Welcome to the Michigan Hunter Education Program. Since 1947, more than one million Michigan hunters have successfully completed this course.

This course is made possible through a unique partnership between over 2,000 Michigan volunteer Hunter Education instructors and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division. These volunteers give freely of their time and talents to share their love for Michigan’s natural resources. Each year, more than 30,000 persons are taught basic hunting skills, safety techniques, responsible behavior, wildlife management and associated topics. They are directed and supported by Michigan Conservation Officers.

We hope this training will plant the seeds of sportsmanship which will grow within you. Not everyone who hunts or handles firearms or bows and arrows deserves to be called a sportsperson and the challenge of being a sportsperson is a lifelong quest. By accepting this challenge, you are helping to preserve the privilege of hunting for future generations.

You will be supported along the way by Michigan Conservation Officers. These men and women can be considered the referees in the sport of hunting. As sportsmen and sportswomen, you can assist these officers by always conducting yourself in a safe and responsible manner and by reporting those persons who abuse their hunting privileges.

Upon completion of this training, you should be confident that you can safely use firearms and bow and arrow in such a manner as to avoid injuring yourself or others, you will have a better understanding of wildlife management and you will be on your way to becoming a safe and responsible member of our hunting community.

Good luck and good hunting!

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Offices

Michigan Hunting Information

Nongame Endangered and Threatened Species

The Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund, established in 1983 by the state legislature, is the primary source of funding for the protection and management of endangered, threatened and nongame animals and plants, and their habitats in Michigan.

Since 1983, more than $10 million has been contributed to the fund by Michigan citizens on their state income tax form, through the purchase of the Michigan Wildlife Habitat license plate or through direct donations. All monies are used for vital projects that ensure bald eagles, bluebirds, peregrine falcons, frogs and toads, butterflies, lake sturgeon, and gray wolves remain a part of Michigan’s natural heritage.

Chronic Wasting Disease in Deer

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has not been found in Michigan. Michigan is taking several steps to prevent the occurrence of CWD in the state. See the annual Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide for more information.

Hunters importing a mule deer, white-tailed deer, or elk from Colorado, Illinois, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, or the province of Saskatchewan are restricted to bringing into Michigan only deboned meat, antlers, antlers attached to a skull cap cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue, hides cleaned of excess tissue or blood, upper canine teeth, or a finished taxidermist mount.

In addition, if you are notified by another state or province that a deer or elk you brought into Michigan tested positive for CWD, you must contact the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab within two business days (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 517-336-5030 and provide all information requested by the Lab.

Turn in Poachers The responsibility for the future of hunting begins with you. The ethical utilization and conservation of wildlife is critical to ensure the survival of Michigan’s resources for future generations. Poachers steal from all of us! Report all poaching. Toll free 1- 800-292-7800 TTY – Hearing Impaired 711 (Michigan Relay Center)

Education Works!

Hunter education courses are certainly making a difference. Since mandatory classes began, Michigan has seen a significant drop in hunting-related injuries and deaths.

Help keep Michigan outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen safe and smart. Stay up-to-date on important dates, regulations, contact information, application deadlines, and more of the information you need to know before hunting by visiting the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.

Discover the Outdoors

Michigan’s state parks and state forests are more than just campgrounds. These lands provide space and resources to enjoy a variet y of outdoor recreation . You can spend weeks, months, or a lifetime exploring the lakes and lands of Michigan and still find something new and exciting on each trip. To learn more, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. So get outdoors and enjoy Michigan as much as you can!