Confidence begins with knowing
you are prepared.
At Bear Creek Defense, we provide expert, hands-on instruction in small class environments, ensuring personalized attention for every participant.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced shooter, our USCCA Certified instructors are dedicated to helping you advance your skills with our extensive curriculum of courses.
Why Choose Bear Creek Defense?
Our goal is to wholeheartedly embrace the relentless pursuit of excellence, both within and beyond educational settings. We foster an environment that promotes critical thinking and prioritizes the learning journey over mere memorization.
Our aim is to revolutionize the self-defense and firearm industry, driving positive transformation.
By attending our classes, you will leave feeling empowered and enlightened, equipped with the necessary expertise to safeguard yourself and your loved ones as a responsible firearm owner.
Self-Defense is about more than owning a firearm.
It’s a mindset, a skill set, and a lifestyle.
While firearms are a valuable tool, true self-defense encompasses situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, mental resilience, and even understanding the legal and ethical responsibilities of protecting yourself and others.
It’s about being prepared to respond to a wide range of scenarios—not just those involving an immediate physical threat.
It requires training not just in tools and tactics but in cultivating confidence, discipline, and clarity under pressure. Knowing…
Find the right class for you!
Our expert USCCA-certified instructors provide hands-on instruction. We teach participants in a small class environment, allowing for more personalized, one-on-one instruction.
We also offer an extensive curriculum of advanced courses for experienced shooters.
Our Live, In-Person Training
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Multi-State Permit to Carry
Apply for your concealed carry permit in MN, WI and FL! Also has reciprocity for 38 states! This class is offered as Women Only & Co-Ed.
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Intro to Firearms
New to firearms or need a refresher before hitting the range or taking a concealed carry class? This class is offered as Women Only & Co-Ed.
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Real Estate Agent Safety Class
Real estate agents face a high risk of violent encounters in the workplace, more so than many other professions. Learn how to protect yourself.
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Simulator Training
A virtual shooting range system that uses laser-based infrared technology to simulate live-fire training, without the need for live ammunition.
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Private Firearm Training
This is a private firearms training class with just you and an instructor! Great for beginners, experienced shooters or even couples!
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COUNTERING THE MASS SHOOTER THREAT ACTIVE SHOOTER THREAT
It’s hard to turn on the news & not hear about another mass shooting. While the politicians argue over what to do, we are still left full of worry & needing solutions NOW.
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ANTI HUMAN TRAFFICKING PERSONAL SAFETY CLASS
Learn about Human Trafficking, the signs & what to if you or a loved one is suspected of being groomed from our Certified Anti Human Trafficking Instructor. This is a HIGHLY educational & can’t miss class!
our e-learning options
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What You Need To Know As A Firearm Owner
If you own a firearm, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to know more than just how to use it. From proper firearm safety to understanding the use of lethal force and what constitutes self defense in Michigan, ignorance of the law is no defense.…
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Why Take A Gun Safety Class
Are you a responsible gun owner…or just a gun owner? Every day at the range we witness people who don’t know even the most basic fundamentals firearm ownership, the law or proper transport of a firearm. There’s no such thing as a gun “accident”. If you own a…
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Practical Self Defense
Course Information Estimated Time: 55 Minutes Categories: Personal Safety Course Instructor Sarah Barton Author Lessons 1 of 6 Introduction 2 of 6 Understanding Situational Awareness 3 of 6 Recognizing and Responding to Threats 4 of 6 Personal Safety Tips and Awareness 5 of 6 Self Defense Techniques and…
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Real Estate Agent Safety
Course Information Estimated Time: 1 hr 40 min Categories: Personal Safety Course Instructor Sarah Barton Author Lessons 1 of 25 Introduction 2 of 25 Overview & Objectives 3 of 25 Real Estate Professional Risks 4 of 25 National Association of Realtors Member Survey 5 of 25 The Beverly…
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Travel Safety
The class provides a comprehensive tutorial on travel safety, covering topics such as travel planning, hotel safety, emergency procedures, health precautions, self-defense, situational awareness, and the benefits of a travel safety membership. Course Information Estimated Time: 50 Minutes Categories: Personal Safety Course Instructor Sarah Barton Author Lessons 1…
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Intro To Handguns
Interested in gaining some knowledge BEFORE you take a Michigan Concealed Carry CCW/CPL Class? Then this is the class for you. Video-On-Demand delivery means you can watch it on any internet connected device when it is most convenient for you. Come to your class prepared to learn, with…
Train on a Smokeless Range
A virtual shooting range system that uses laser-based infrared technology to simulate live-fire training, without the need for live ammunition. It is designed to replicate the experience of a live-fire shooting range without the use of actual guns or ammunition.
Our students use specially modified trainer firearms equipped with lasers, allowing them to engage with virtual targets projected onto a screen or displayed on a monitor. The system instantly tracks shots, providing detailed feedback on accuracy, timing, and other critical aspects of shooting performance.
It is highly adaptable, offering a wide variety of training scenarios, from basic marksmanship drills to complex tactical situations that can be customized to simulate real-world environments.
The absence of live ammunition means there is no risk of accidental discharge, making it an ideal setting for beginners, those who may be anxious about firearms, or individuals recovering from traumatic experiences.
The Smokeless range is popular for training purposes because it offers a safe, cost-effective way to practice shooting skills in various scenarios, all without the noise, recoil, or safety concerns associated with
live ammunition.
The quiet, controlled environment also allows for extended training sessions without the fatigue and stress associated with live-fire ranges.
Overall, our smokeless range provides a comprehensive, flexible, and user-friendly platform for firearm training, enabling users to build confidence and proficiency in a safe, controlled manner.
We Offer Compassionate Training for ALL
At Bear Creek Defense, we specialize in providing a safe, supportive, and understanding environment for individuals new to firearms, as well as those who have experienced trauma.
Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping you build confidence and competence at your own pace, with a focus on safety, education, and empowerment.
Whether you’re stepping into the world of firearms for the first time or seeking to regain a sense of security after a difficult experience, we are committed to offering personalized training that respects your unique needs and journey.
At Bear Creek Defense, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities.
Rating
Responsible, Smart, Compassionate. Why settle for minimal education? You want Bear Creek on your side.
Great conceal and carry class. She does a great job of keeping the class engaging and entertaining. She does a great job of answering questions and only using the facts rather than inputting her opinions. Also offers several other classes with great information. Some of her classes are women only. If you are looking for different self defense options other than a firearm, she will teach you. If you are new to firearms, she will help with that as well. The range time was a relaxed environment while still following all of the safety rules. The different firearms used for range time were well explained and always knew what to expect.
Sarah is an amazing Instructor, she's quite throughough and knowledgeable about firearms. You can for sure see her passion, especially in her clases.
I've had my ccw for 5 years now and I must say when taking this class it was very Knowledgeable I've learned more taking this class then the class I took 5years ago very recommended, very fun class as well I definitely will be going back to Bear Creek Defense
Was very informative. In a relaxed setting. Was there for about 6 hours. But time flew by. Definitely didn't feel like it. For what can be a dry subject instructor aloud jokes and humor in. Which helped a ton. Would definitely recommend for CCW class. Will be back when I need refreshing and taking look at other classes they offer.
We have had Sarah May come twice to teach. She is a fantastic instructor, she has the ability to take topics like self defense and situational awareness and teach them to all ages. I definitely recommend Bear Creek Defense for classes and overall advice. Great communication scheduling and setting up for class.
I took the concealed carry firearm training class .. All I can say is, I’m glad I went. I learned so much information about everything all the dos and don’ts, and all the rules and regulations that go with it . I was simply amazed of how much stuff they can teach in a short time. A big shout out to one of the instructors and I’ll tell you what she made it Super interesting. Thank you, Sarah Then we got to go shoot down in the basement of UWS in Superior and Boy that top it all off .. What a great time thank you to all the ones that were involved in this to make it possible. So if you are reading this review and you are thinking about it, I would go on their website and sign up for it. It is well worth your time and money. If they would’ve had 10 stars, I would’ve gave 10 plus Thanks again and have a great day
Sarah is very passionate about teaching people how to protect themselves. Jordan is an excellent teacher, kind and patient. The only constructive criticism is that the website should be updated to a 6 hour class with 2-10 minute breaks. We all agreed to keep pushing through class, but the website states 4 hours classroom, when it is actually 6. I will return for more classes.
I signed my 12 year old daughter up for the women's only firearm 101 course after my husband and I went through the Concealed Carry Course with Sarah and Jordan. Not only did we appreciate their expertise in our firearm class, but we decided they would be a great fit to help our daughter become more comfortable around firearms and prepare for her hunter's safety course. We were very unsure about the quality of the hunter's safety course since it was solely online for the Minnesota DNR with another day dedicated to live fire. I was worried about how well my daughter would understand the material and be able to demonstrate it with a large gap between the course and live fire. So I signed Caitlyn up for the Women's Only Firearm 101 class. Sarah and Jordan took this time to really break down the different types of rifles Caitlyn might see on the course but also pistols as well. They really took the time to make sure my daughter knew about the proper storage and carry for each of these guns. I feel much better about my daughter being in a stand hunting now after she's taken this course. The best part is for my daughter's entire firearm education I paid 110.50$ (DNR hunter's safety course and live firearm included, only 68$ for Sarah's and Jordan's course), to me that is worth knowing my daughter is safe and knowledgeable.
Great class with a good teacher. She taught me alot about gun safety and I’m glad I went. I would definitely recommend if I had any friends. Lol 😂
Took multiple class from this place, very enjoyable and personable instructors. Got hands on training and valuable knowledge. Classes are affordable. Would highly recommend to anyone starting out or wanting to refresh their skills.
Sarah is a very passionate and personable firearms instructor. I highly recommend using her for self defense firearms training.
I was leary at first when I walked in and found the class being taught by a woman. But something made me stay anyways. Sarah was not only professional, but very knowledgeable and truly cares about what she is teaching. I will definitely recommend Bear Creek Defense to friends and family!!
Both informative and eye opening. Good information that can be taken and applied in our businesses/jobs and in our schools.
I took this CCW class May 13th, 2023 and was totally amazed with the expert and safe instructions that were taught by instructor Sarah. I have had my CC permits both in Minnesota and Florida and I must say I learned much more at Bear Creek Defense than either one of the other classes I have taken. Thank you Bear Creek for the 5 hours of class room learning and firing range time. If there was more than 5 stars for this review you surely would get it.
Sarah is very down to earth and has a no-nonsense approach to firearm safety. As a new gun owner, working on getting my concealed carry,I learned a lot in her 101 basic gun glass and I can’t wait to do the intermediate class, she brings lots of energy and fun to learning. The best part is she is part of the USCCA team.
Sarah and Jordan made the material relevant, answered all questions and were very knowledgeable. They have fun personalities which helped make a long class enjoyable.
Very knowledgeable, the instructors were awesome and we had a few laughs! Loved the class!!
Great course, great experience, with an even better instructor. I would highly recommend to anyone!
Very wonderful experience, and the teacher has a sense of humor. But what really did it for me was that for legged assistant of hers. 10/10 highly recommend getting your CCW certificate through Bear Creek Defense
Great class, very informative. Instructor had a lot of knowledge and kept class fun and entertaining. Learned lots!