Event Details

Hunter Safety Field Day – Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center

To receive your Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate, all students must first complete either an approved online hunter education course or a home study course. Both options are available through the Michigan DNR website. Please be aware that online courses are hosted by third-party vendors, and any associated fees are set by those vendors, not by the Michigan DNR.

If you choose the home study option, you are required to pick up a student manual and complete all chapter reviews before attending the field day. These manuals are provided at no cost, but must be picked up at least seven (7) days prior to the field day class. You may pick up a manual at one of the following locations: You Must be registered for a class to pick up a book.

Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center, 6087 E M-115, Cadillac, MI 49601 – (231) 779-1321

Dunham’s Sports inside the Traverse City Mall, 3200 S Airport Rd W, Traverse City, MI 49684 – ask for Ed at the gun counter between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM

Perks of Frankfort, 429 Main St, Frankfort, MI 49635

All students must register online for the Field Day at least seven days in advance. Once registered, students should call the Carl T. Johnson Center at (231) 779-1321 or stop in to confirm their registration, complete the necessary paperwork, and pick up their manual if they are doing the home study option. Home study students must bring their completed chapter reviews to class. Those without completed reviews will not be admitted.

The Field Day will take place at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center. Doors will open at 7:45 AM and class will begin promptly at 8:00 AM for the Morning classes. The afternoon Classes will Start at 12:30pm registration will begin at 12:15pm. The course runs approximately four hours, and students should plan to bring a pencil, drink, and a snack or light lunch. Parents or guardians are strongly encouraged to attend with youth participants to support their learning; however, they may not assist during testing.

Morning Session
Doors Open: 7:45 AM

Class Time: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

What to Bring: Pencil, drink, and a snack or light lunch

Tentative Morning Schedule:

8:00 – 8:15 AM – Welcome & Introductions (Edward Shaw)

8:15 – 8:45 AM – DNR Conservation Officer Presentation

8:45 – 9:30 AM – Written Test (80% to pass; may be read aloud)

9:30 – 10:30 AM – Safety Station Rotations

Station 1: Firearm Handling & Safe Field Carries

Station 2: Archery & Pellet Gun Range

Station 3: Compass Course & Tree Stand Safety

10:30 – 11:00 AM – Review, Graduation & Certificate Distribution

Afternoon Session
Doors Open: 12:15 PM

Class Time: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

What to Bring: Pencil, drink, and a snack

Tentative Afternoon Schedule:

12:30 – 12:45 PM – Welcome & Introductions (Edward Shaw)

12:45 – 1:15 PM – DNR Conservation Officer Presentation

1:15 – 2:00 PM – Written Test (80% to pass; may be read aloud)

2:00 – 3:00 PM – Safety Station Rotations

Station 1: Firearm Handling & Safe Field Carries

Station 2: Archery & Pellet Gun Range

Station 3: Compass Course & Tree Stand Safety

3:00 – 3:10 PM – Break

3:10 – 4:00 PM – Final Station Rotation or Review as needed

4:00 – 4:30 PM – Graduation & Certificate Distribution
Student's MUST be picked up promptly atr the end of class. Staff will not wait for parents at the end of the day.

To earn certification, students must successfully complete all components of the course:

Written Exam: Students must achieve a minimum score of 80%. Accommodations such as reading the test aloud are available.

Behavioral Standards: Students must participate respectfully, safely, and without disruption throughout the course.

Practical Application: Students must demonstrate safe firearm handling, compass use, and an understanding of safe hunting practices at the hands-on stations.

Instructors reserve the right to dismiss any student for unsafe or disruptive behavior. Students under 18 must have emergency contact information on file. Parents are encouraged to attend but may not assist during the exam. Disruptive students may be asked to leave, and if so, parents will be contacted immediately. Refunds will be issued for any expelled students who paid fees for the class.

If you have any questions or need assistance registering, please contact the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center at (231) 779-1321. We look forward to helping you become a safe, responsible, and knowledgeable Michigan hunter.