Hunter Safety Classes

Anyone born after January 1, 1960 is required to complete a hunter safety class before purchasing a hunting license in Michigan. Also many other states and Canadian provinces require individuals REGARDLESS OF AGE to present a hunter safety certificate before purchasing a hunting license.

The Rockford Sportsmans Club offers three hunter safety classes each year, in April, July, and September. See below for the dates, cost and registration.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources also offers an on-line hunter safety class. After completing the on-line portion the student must contact a certified instructor for a Field Day to demonstrate their knowledge and obtain their certificate. The Saturday session of the Club’s courses serve as the Field Day for on-line students.

Michigan offers Apprentice and Mentor licenses that can be bought without taking the hunter safety course. With these licenses the beginner is obligated to hunt with an experienced adult hunter typically a parent, guardian or close relative. After two years the beginner will need to take a hunter safety class and then purchase regular licenses. These licenses allow young people and adults to easily try hunting. If they become hooked the hunter safety course becomes a pleasant experience and not an obligation.

2024 Class Schedule

Notice:  The dates and class description are based on the March 2021 DNR Covid rules.  Class may be changed to comply with updated Covid rules.

Our April, July and September classes will be regular 3 session on-site classes.  The Saturday session also acts as a Field Day for students who have completed the on-line hunter safety course.  Students who have not completed the on line course need to attend all 3 sessions.

Sign-ups for local hunter safety classes are done online. To sign up go to the Michigan DNR website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr and look for hunter safety classes.  Set up an account and sign up for a class. Be aware that the July and September classes and Field Days will not be listed on the DNR website until May 1.

Contact Bill Skallos at wskallos@yahoo.com if you have any questions.

April Class: Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th – 6:00pm to 8:30pm
  Saturday 27th from 9:00am to 5:30pm
   
July Class: Monday 22nd and Wednesday 24th – 6:00pm to 8:30pm
  Saturday 27th from 9:00am to 5:00pm
   
September Class: Monday 16th and Wednesday 18th – 6:00pm to 8:30pm
  Saturday 21st from 9:00am to 5:00pm

Students must attend all three class sessions to receive their certificate.

The cost for the class is $10.00. A donation of $5.00 maximum is also requested to help defray the cost of the hot dog and chips lunch served on Saturday.

The Saturday sessions also act as the Field Day for students who have completed the on-line portion of the On-line Hunter Safety course. Please go to the Michigan DNR website for details of this course. Cost of the Field Day is the same as the regular course.

Click here to find the scheduled Rockford Sportsman’s Club courses and press ‘View Upcoming Events’.

There is no minimum age requirement for taking the course. However, students 10 years old or younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Parents or relatives are invited to attend the class with their children. There is no additional charge for sitting in on the class.

The club is located at 11115 Northland Drive, north of Rockford on Northland Drive between 13 Mile Rd and M-57

The class can accommodate physically challenged people. We do ask for advance notice so that we can prepare or adjust the field sessions on Wednesday and Saturday. The Department of Natural Resources also gives us guidelines to accommodate dyslexic or ADHD students. If a potential student or parent has any questions contact Bill Skallos.