Northland Sportsmen's Club again offers hunter education course

GAYLORD —  An individual born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, is required to successfully complete an approved hunter education course before they can purchase a hunting license in Michigan.

The Northland Sportsmen's Club in Gaylord is offering such a class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 25 and 26. Judi Doan of the club said a limited number of openings are still available.

Registration for the class is available online at https://michigan.storefront.kalkomey.com/em/programs/1. If you are unable to register online you may call Jim Monforton, a member of Northland and a hunter education insturctor at (989) 619-9393. As a last resort, in-person registration will be offered from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the club, which is located at 1592 Old Alba Road.

The class will consist of classroom study as well as hands-on shooting experience.  Each student will have the opportunity to shoot a .22 rifle, a 20-gauge shotgun, a bow, and a black powder rifle.  All firearms, ammo, ear and eye protection will be provided.

Doan said the class doesn't focus on hunting a specific species like deer.

"It focuses on safety and safe gun handling," she said. "Know your target and know what is behind your target. Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to pull it."

The class is open to adults and young people, said Doan.

"About 70% of the class is under the age of 20 and many are first-time hunters," she added. "There will be a DNR (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) officer at the class to present their view on what they do and what they expect from hunters."

Doan said the class also discusses first aid, "such as what to do if someone is having a heart attack or twists an ankle after falling down a hill."

"We also talk about not getting lost and offer instruction on how to use a compass," said Doan. "Even though your cell phone has a compass, trust me when you are out in the Pigeon River State Forest area there is no service."

Doan said the sportsmen's club has been around since 1934 and has offered hunter education instruction for 50 years.

"Anyone can join with a recommendation from a current member," she said.

The cost of a membership is $70 annually.

"They have many shooting ranges and the shotgun range is open to the public two days a week," added Doan.

The shotgun range offers trap, skeet and five stand. The range is open to the public on Tuesday and Friday evenings year round from 4:30 p.m. until 8 p.m.

The club also has an archery and indoor shooting range. Doan said no hunting is allowed on club property.