LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Lawmakers in the Michigan Senate have introduced legislation to make the state’s hunter safety course through the Department of Natural Resources available in schools.
State Senator Jon Bumstead (R-North Muskegon) introduced Senate Bill 664 last week. “My office and I have worked very hard to ensure that both MDE and DNR approved of this language and support this effort,” said Bumstead. “If schools choose to implement this instruction, it will offer kids a wonderful opportunity to learn more about hunting and Michigan’s outdoors. I hope these classes would be especially valuable to students who might not grow up in families with hunting traditions.”
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Senate Bill 664 would require firearms safety classes to be taught by certified hunter education instructors, to students sixth through twelfth grade.
“Students would learn the proper usage and handling, safe cleaning and maintenance of different types of firearms and safe hunting practices,” according to Sen. Bumstead’s office. “Real firearms or ammunition would not be allowed into schools as part of the instruction.”
The introductory course entails a variety of topics according to DNR Hunting Education Coordinator Doug Hermanson.
“The course covers such topics as: firearm safety, wildlife management, game care, survival, wildlife identification, first aid, hunter ethics and responsibility, bow hunting fundamentals and wildlife management,” said Hermanson in an email to Michigan News Source.
Generally, those completing the course have a variety of options, including the traditional in person course, but all have a required field day component.
“All students must be tested in person and students must demonstrate safe and responsible firearm/archery equipment handling practices,” he said in the email. “These proficiencies are both difficult to teach and to assess if not in-person.”
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“The Hunter safety course is NOT the equivalent of specific gun safety course and does NOT meet the requirements for Concealed Weapons permits,” DNR Officials said in a statement.
The bill also has the support of the DNR and Michigan United Conservation Club.
“Hunters and firearms safety programs provide safe, controlled introductions to Michigan’s outdoor heritage and create the next generation of conservationists,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “MUCC applauds Sen. Bumstead and his bipartisan Senate colleagues for this chance to introduce these critical education opportunities to Michigan’s students.”
According to Hermanson, there were 8,169 online students in 2022 of a total of 12,893 students certified.
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