Michigan Hunting Seasons & Licensing: What You Need To Know (2024)

Bag game large and small during Michigan’s hunting seasons. From elk and deer to bear, turkey and wolf, hunters will find variety while hunting in the state.

Michigan offers hunters access to both public and private lands. The Hunting Access Program (HAP) and Hunters Helping Landowners Program turn privately owned properties into easily accessible and legally hunt-able regions. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources provides Mi-HUNT, a mapping tool for hunters to find public hunting areas statewide.

Hunting licenses are available for resident and nonresidents. Licenses can be purchased from a license agent or through the natural resources website.

Hunting In Michigan

Michigan has a long tradition of hunting and is home to some of the best hunting grounds in the country. From the expansive forests of the Upper Peninsula to the rolling hills of the Lower Peninsula, hunters can find a variety of game to pursue.

Michigan is also home to a large number of public hunting areas, which offer access to some of the best hunting in the state. In addition, Michigan has a number of private hunting clubs and preserves that offer access to exclusive hunting opportunities.

Whether you're looking to hunt for deer, turkey, bear, or small game, Michigan is a great place to start your search. With its diverse landscape and abundance of game, Michigan offers something for every hunter.

Michigan Deer Seasons

Early Antlerless, Firearms	Sept. 18-19
Liberty Hunt	Sept. 11-12
Independence Hunt	Oct. 14-17
Archery	Oct. 1-Nov. 14, Dec. 1-Jan. 1
Regular Firearm	Nov. 15-30
Muzzleloader	Dec. 3-12
Late Anterless, Firearms	Dec. 13-Jan. 1

Michigan Elk Seasons

Hunt Period 1	Aug. 31-Sept. 3, Sept. 17-20 and Oct. 1-4
Hunt Period 2	Dec. 11-19
Hunt Period 3	Jan. 12-16

*Elk hunting is restricted by a lottery permit system. Selected hunters are randomly assigned to specific hunting areas and hunt time period, ranging from August through January.

Michigan Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall General Season	Sept. 15-Nov. 14
Spring General Season	Apr. 17-June 7

Michigan Small Game Seasons

Cottontail Rabbit	Sept. 15-March 31
Snowshoe Hare	Sept. 15-March 31
Pheasant (Male only)	Oct. 10-Jan. 1**
Grouse	Ruffed: Sept. 15-Nov. 14 and Dec. 1-Jan. 1 Sharp-tailed: Oct. 10-31
Squirrel (Fox and Gray)	Sept. 15-March 31
Opossum, Porcupine, Weasel, Red Squirrel, Skunk, Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck, Feral Swine, Feral Pigeons, Starling, House Sparrows	Open Season

How To Get A Hunting License In Michigan?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

Complete the Michigan hunter education certification requirements.
Choose the correct license type.
Buy the license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or a Michigan–approved vendor.

Michigan License Expiration

The Base License expires March 31 of each year.

Where to Buy a Michigan Hunting License

Visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
Visit an approved license vendor.

**Season dates vary by zone

Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Michigan hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.