Fall is on the way – that means bow, trapping and waterfowl seasons are quickly approaching. Don’t wait for opening day; register now for a hunter safety education course. These courses are available in either a traditional classroom setting or an online program. The online program is great for busy hunters who want to learn but need a flexible schedule to complete the course at their own pace, followed by a single-session field day.

“The online course, followed by the field day, is becoming the most popular method of hunter safety, as it allows the student to learn independently and then receive hands-on instruction,” said Lt. Tom Wanless, DNR conservation officer.

The online program requires participants to preregister for a field day, available year-round. Anyone looking for a head start on the hunting season is invited to check out the following field days, which will be instructed by DNR conservation officers:

• Aug. 4, Mio
  Huron National Forest Mio Ranger Station
  7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  Registration ends Friday, Aug. 2
  Questions? Contact Carrie DeVault, 989-275-5151
• Aug. 4, Bay City
  Saginaw Bay Visitor Center
  8 a.m. - noon
  Registration ends Friday, Aug. 2
  Questions? Contact Amber Frye, 989-684-9141
• Aug. 10, Brighton
  Livingston Conservation & Sports Association
  8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  Registration ends Friday, Aug. 9
  Questions? Contact George Shaw, 517-618-7698
• Aug. 17, Detroit
  DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
  9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
  Registration ends Friday, Aug. 16
  Questions? Contact Rick Phillips, 734-756-3589, ext. 1

Learn more about hunter safety education or search for classes by county by visiting Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.