With all of the shutdowns and closures meant to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, enjoying the Pure Michigan outdoors is one way we can keep ourselves entertained and active.

But we must continue to do so safely, and outdoor regulations and requirements remain in effect. You must still, for example, obtain an off-road vehicle license, and you must still pass a hunter’s safety course to buy a hunting license.

We’re glad to see the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announce recently that they’re trying to make it easier to do so.

All first-time hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1960 are required to take and pass a hunter safety course that usually includes field day classes. Such classes have been postponed because of the virus, but the DNR is now giving out temporary safety certificates if hunters meet the following criteria:

* They completed the online hunter education safety training since March 15, 2019

* Started the online program on or after Jan. 1 and are still in process of completing the course.

* Or began and completed the online program between now and the end of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s stay-home order, currently set to expire May 28.

Eligible students will receive an email from Kalkomey Enterprises and be able to print a temporary certificate allowing them to purchase a license through Dec. 31. A field day class will be required once the classes resume.

Spring turkey hunting license sales are the highest they have been since 2015, the DNR says, so it’s obvious there’s still great interest in the tradition of hunting.

We’re glad the state is making it as easy as possible to do so.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)