^^Definately have to get your hunter safety course and then your license. If you get caught by dnr without your license they can give you a pretty hefty fine and I think they can hold your gun as well. Just check and make sure there arent any special rules about what game you decide to hunt. I use a Browning .270 semi-auto for deer season and a Remington 12gauge for anything else. Another thing that I also carry any time im out in the woods is my S&W mp .45 for safety.