Hunting Regulations in Michigan
Season dates, bag limits, license fees, and tips — updated 2026-03-05
Always verify current regulations before hunting. Regulations change frequently. Visit the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for the most up-to-date rules, emergency closures, and special regulations.
🎫 Hunting License Fees
2025–2026Resident License
Non-Resident License
Senior Discount
Base license plus additional tags/permits required. Deer license (antlered): $20 resident. Antlerless deer tags purchased separately. Turkey license required for spring/fall seasons. Elk by draw only (~$25 resident application). Federal Duck Stamp and HIP for migratory birds. Senior (65+) base license $1.
🦌 Season Dates & Bag Limits
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer - Archery | October 1 – January 1 | 1 antlered + antlerless by tag | No statewide antler restrictions | Oct 1–Nov 14 and Dec 1–Jan 1 statewide. Extended urban archery Dec 1–Jan 31 in select counties (Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne). Liberty Youth Hunt Sept 14-15. |
| White-tailed Deer - Firearms (Regular) | November 15 – November 30 | 1 antlered + antlerless by tag | No statewide antler restrictions | Firearm deer season is one of the most participated in the nation with 500,000+ hunters. Early antlerless firearm Sept 21-22. Independence Hunt Oct 16-19 for veterans. Late antlerless firearm Dec 15–Jan 1. |
| White-tailed Deer - Muzzleloader | December 5 – December 14 | 1 antlered + antlerless by tag | No statewide antler restrictions | Statewide muzzleloader season Dec 5-14. Inline muzzleloaders and scopes permitted. Antlerless tags required for additional deer. |
| Wild Turkey - Spring | April 19 – June 7 | 2 bearded birds (1 per day) | Bearded birds only | Hunt 0234 statewide May 3–31 (no application required). Management units divided to 3 Turkey Management Units (TMUs). Fall turkey archery Sept 15–Nov 14 in TMU I and TMU M. Turkey license required. |
| Elk | August – November | 1 per permit | Permit specifies antlered or antlerless | By draw only — application period May 1–June 1. Michigan elk herd is primarily in the northern Lower Peninsula (Pigeon River Country). Approximately 100 permits issued annually. Very competitive draw. |
| Waterfowl - Ducks | September 27 – December 26 | 6 per day (species sub-limits apply) | None | Split seasons in North and South zones. Canada goose 5/day. Teal early season in September. Federal Duck Stamp and HIP required. Great Lakes shoreline and inland marshes are key areas. |
| Small Game - Rabbit & Squirrel | September 15 – March 31 | 10 rabbit / 5 squirrel per day | None | Cottontail rabbit and fox squirrel season Sept 15–Mar 31. Snowshoe hare season Oct 1–Mar 31. Grouse and woodcock Sept 15–Nov 14 (UP) and Oct 1–Nov 14 (LP). |
| Black Bear | September 10 – October 26 | 1 per license year | None | Bear zones 1-7 in Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Baiting legal (50 gallon limit). Dogs permitted in designated zones. Application deadline June 1; drawing held in July. |
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (michigan.gov/dnr). Last updated: 2026-03-05. Regulations may have changed — always verify with the official agency.
About Hunting in Michigan
Michigan is a powerhouse hunting state with over 3.8 million acres of state and federal public land spread across both peninsulas. The state's whitetail deer herd ranks among the largest in the nation, producing excellent hunting across the agricultural Lower Peninsula and the vast forest lands of the Upper Peninsula. The UP in particular offers a wilderness deer hunting experience rivaled by few eastern states, with large-bodied deer adapted to harsh winters.
Michigan's wild turkey population has recovered remarkably from near-extinction in the mid-20th century, with spring gobbler season now one of the most popular hunts statewide. The Pigeon River Country State Forest in the northern Lower Peninsula holds Michigan's only elk herd — a wildly popular draw hunt. Michigan's Great Lakes shoreline and inland wetlands provide exceptional waterfowl hunting, particularly for diving ducks on Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. The Upper Peninsula's boreal forests offer outstanding grouse and woodcock hunting in October.
Best Times to Hunt in Michigan
🌱 Spring
Turkey season April–June; bear bait setup July; scouting
☀️ Summer
Woodchuck; scouting; elk and deer antler shed season
🍂 Fall
Archery deer Oct; firearms deer Nov; bear Sept–Oct; grouse Sept–Nov; duck Oct–Dec
❄️ Winter
Late archery deer through Jan; rabbit and squirrel season; late waterfowl
🎯 Expert Hunting Tips for Michigan
- During the November 15 opener for firearms deer, focus on the Pigeon River Country and Mackinac State Forest in Otsego County where mature bucks have large home ranges.
- Hunt black bear in Zone 3 (Marquette County, UP) over bait piles in late September; bears are actively feeding before denning and respond well to sweet attractants.
- For spring turkey, scout the Allegan State Game Area in southwestern Michigan — birds use agricultural edges and oak forest for strutting in April and May.
- Duck hunters should target Lake St. Clair marshes and the St. Clair Flats Wildlife Area for bluebills and canvasbacks during November cold fronts pushing birds south.
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency
🗺️ Nearby States (Midwest)
Also available: Fishing Regulations in Michigan — season dates, bag limits, size limits, and license info.