(Provided by Michigan DNR)

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions about hunter education classes, certificates and licenses that you might find handy.

I need to take a hunter education class. How do I find one in my area?

You must take a hunter education class if you were born after Jan. 1, 1960. A hunter safety certificate or previous hunting license is required to purchase any Michigan hunting license. Hunter education classes are listed on the on the DNR website and are searchable by county. If you have NOT had hunter education but would like to hunt, you may purchase an apprentice hunting license, which allows you to hunt with someone 21 or older who possesses a regular current-year hunting license for the same game as the apprentice. Learn more about the apprentice hunting license www.michigan.gov/dnr.

I lost my hunter education certificate, what do I do?

If you can’t find your hunter education certificate, you can order a replacement certificate www.secure1.state.mi.us/dupcertrequest on the DNR website. Our staff handles a high volume of requests in the fall so the earlier you submit your request, the better! There is no charge for this service.

What forms of ID do I need to buy a hunting or fur harvester license?

You’ll need one of the following:

• Valid Michigan driver’s license
• State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State)
• DNR Sportcard (issued through license agents or at www.mdnr-elicense.com. If the information on your DNR Sportcard from a previous year is still accurate, you should continue to use it.

If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate, previous hunting license or sign your license in the presence of the license agent. Your signature certifies that you meet the residency and hunter safety requirements to purchase the license. This also applies to hunters who intend to hunt furbearers under a fur harvester license. All licenses must be signed to be valid.

I am a Michigan resident and want to make sure I qualify for the resident rate when I buy my license; how do I prove I’m a resident?

To qualify for any adult resident hunting or fur harvester license, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license.
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university.
• Serve full time in the U.S. military and be officially stationed in Michigan.
• Serve full time in the U.S. military and maintain residency in Michigan.

Do I need to have my hunting license with me every time I go hunting?

Yes. When hunting or trapping, you must carry your license and the identification used to purchase that license. It is illegal to use another person’s hunting license. A junior fur harvester-trap only license is available for youngsters who do not satisfy the firearm training requirements for purchasing a hunting license.

What do I do if I lose my hunting or fur harvester license?

• You may purchase a replacement at any license agent. You must provide the ID number used to purchase the original license. The full price will be charged to replace any license with a kill tag. All other licenses cost $3 to be replaced.
• If you lose a private-land antlerless deer license, contact a DNR Operations Service Center www.michigan.gov.

I’m not sure what all the rules and regulations are. How do I find out?

Printed hunting and trapping digests are available wherever licenses are sold, and on the Hunting Digests and Fishing Guide page www.michigan.gov/dnr. on the DNR website.