Bow Hunter Education - Field Day

Overview

The bow hunter education safety certificate cannot be used to purchase a hunting license in Michigan. Individuals must complete a Michigan hunter education course (traditional or field day) to purchase a hunting license in Michigan.

The main purpose of the bow hunter education course is to build upon the basic hunter education course concentrating on safe and responsible bow hunting. Topics include bow hunting techniques, archery equipment, tree stand safety, ethics, and laws and regulations.

Additional Information

Description

Bow hunter education is an optional course offered to hunters to continue their education above and beyond the required Michigan hunter education course. Bow hunter education is not required in Michigan; however, it is required in other states and this certification may satisfy other states requirements. There are two different formats for successfully completing the field day course. Students must take either, the online course or the take home study, then complete the field day in order to earn a bow hunter safety certificate. Students choosing the online course followed by the field day must present a copy of their certificate of completion (voucher) of the online course at the start of the field day. The certificate of completion (voucher) of the online course is valid for 12 months from the completion date. The online course is fee based and can be taken at https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/michigan/. The second format is take home study. Students register for the field day and pick up the student manual, a minimum of one week prior to the field day. Take home study students must complete the chapter review questions and present them at the start of the field day. Michigan’s bow hunter education course is taught by a dedicated core of certified volunteer instructors and Michigan conservation officers.

About the Field Day:

In person field day
4 hours
Written test (80% or better to pass) and practice assessment (pass/fail)
Maximum $10 fee
No minimum age requirement; however, students under 10 years of age shall be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other adult approved by parent or legal guardian.

Managed & Approved by:

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Jul 2025

Jul 26