Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Today was a big step forward in my journey toward becoming a more capable and self-sufficient hunter. I finally completed my Michigan hunter safety course, and I’m taking you along for the whole experience. The morning started early, and we drove out to Saline for the required field day. I had already finished the online study course, which took about five hours and covered everything from firearm types to hunting ethics. It was thorough, and I came away with a real respect for the seriousness of handling a gun. It’s one thing to know that safety matters. It’s another to see real-world examples of what happens when it’s ignored.
The field day itself was a mix of classroom review, hands-on firearm training, and a final test. I had assumed they would go over everything from the study guide again, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the instructor focused on key safety principles, leaving the rest to what we had already learned on our own. I passed the test without trouble, but I won’t say I felt completely confident yet. The live-fire portion was my first real experience shooting a .22 and a shotgun in this kind of setting. I did well, even managed to take down a target shaped like a turkey, but I know there’s still a lot of practice ahead before I feel ready to hunt for real.
Having Todd there made the whole experience easier. He couldn’t help me on the test, but just knowing he was nearby was enough. We spent lunch talking about next steps—joining a sportsman’s club, getting in more range time, and looking at firearms. We even made a stop at Cabela’s, though we didn’t buy anything this time. I’ve got my eye on a 350 Legend, but that will come later.
All in all, I left feeling accomplished. Not quite ready to step into the woods, but ready to put in the time and practice to get there. If you’ve been thinking about taking a hunter safety course but feel a little intimidated, I’d say go for it. The learning process is worth it, and if nothing else, you’ll come away with a new level of respect for hunting and the responsibility that comes with it.
If you're interested in taking the Hunters Safety Course here in Michigan, start here: michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/education
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---------------
Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
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EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
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Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
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00:00 Introduction and Goals
00:45 Why Take a Hunter Safety Course
01:29 Finding a Course Near Me
02:11 Online Study Course Experience
02:58 Respect for Safety and Hunting
04:27 Field Day and Test Overview
05:08 Passing the Course and First Thoughts
05:49 Range Time and Shooting Experience
07:12 Course Reflections and Key Takeaways
09:20 Women in the Class and My Experience
10:36 Lessons Learned and Confidence Gained
12:37 Finding a Shooting Club and More Practice
14:33 Choosing a Firearm for Hunting
15:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Today was a big step forward in my journey toward becoming a more capable and self-sufficient hunter. I finally completed my Michigan hunter safety course, and I’m taking you along for the whole experience. The morning started early, and we drove out to Saline for the required field day. I had already finished the online study course, which took about five hours and covered everything from firearm types to hunting ethics. It was thorough, and I came away with a real respect for the seriousness of handling a gun. It’s one thing to know that safety matters. It’s another to see real-world examples of what happens when it’s ignored.
The field day itself was a mix of classroom review, hands-on firearm training, and a final test. I had assumed they would go over everything from the study guide again, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the instructor focused on key safety principles, leaving the rest to what we had already learned on our own. I passed the test without trouble, but I won’t say I felt completely confident yet. The live-fire portion was my first real experience shooting a .22 and a shotgun in this kind of setting. I did well, even managed to take down a target shaped like a turkey, but I know there’s still a lot of practice ahead before I feel ready to hunt for real.
Having Todd there made the whole experience easier. He couldn’t help me on the test, but just knowing he was nearby was enough. We spent lunch talking about next steps—joining a sportsman’s club, getting in more range time, and looking at firearms. We even made a stop at Cabela’s, though we didn’t buy anything this time. I’ve got my eye on a 350 Legend, but that will come later.
All in all, I left feeling accomplished. Not quite ready to step into the woods, but ready to put in the time and practice to get there. If you’ve been thinking about taking a hunter safety course but feel a little intimidated, I’d say go for it. The learning process is worth it, and if nothing else, you’ll come away with a new level of respect for hunting and the responsibility that comes with it.
If you're interested in taking the Hunters Safety Course here in Michigan, start here: michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/education
---------------
👕 Shop Our Merch: bonfire.com/store/1870smerch
🌻 HOSS Garden Tools & Seeds: shrsl.com/33ehp (Promo Code SHOP1870 for free seeds!)
🌱 MIGardener: migardener.com/1870
🌺 GREENSTALK Vertical Gardens: greenstalkgarden.com/?rstr=SHOP1870 (Promo Code SHOP1870 for $10 off!)
🥫 FORJARS Canning Lids: forjars.co/?sca_ref=1911228.45BY9FFxdg (Promo Code SHOP1870 to get 10% off)
🍃 HARVEST Right Freeze Dryers: affiliates.harvestright.com/1182.html
🔦 OLIGHT Flashlights: bit.ly/3z6daku (Promo Code SHOP1870 for 10% off!)
🛒 Our Favorite AMAZON Finds: amzn.to/3ihSgZP
---------------
Mailing Address:
That 1870's Homestead
P.O. Box 179
Newport, MI 48166
---------------
✅ Connect with Us 🐐
YouTube: youtube.com/@1870s
Facebook: facebook.com/1870sHomestead
Instagram: instagram.com/that_1870s_homestead
Pinterest: pinterest.com/that1870s
EMAIL: that1870shomestead@gmail.com
---------------
Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links - at no additional cost to you. We will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase, after clicking through the links. ♥ Todd & Rachel
---------------
00:00 Introduction and Goals
00:45 Why Take a Hunter Safety Course
01:29 Finding a Course Near Me
02:11 Online Study Course Experience
02:58 Respect for Safety and Hunting
04:27 Field Day and Test Overview
05:08 Passing the Course and First Thoughts
05:49 Range Time and Shooting Experience
07:12 Course Reflections and Key Takeaways
09:20 Women in the Class and My Experience
10:36 Lessons Learned and Confidence Gained
12:37 Finding a Shooting Club and More Practice
14:33 Choosing a Firearm for Hunting
15:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
