Michigan Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
Hunting is a popular pastime in the state of Michigan, and there are many different laws and regulations in place governing this activity. In order to hunt legally in Michigan, hunters must obtain a license from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Michigan offers a variety of different landscapes for hunters to explore, including forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The state is home to many different species of animals, including deer, bear, turkey, and grouse. Hunting can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. There is also a Hunting Access Program in the state. This program helps private landowners make their land accessible to the public for hunting.
Michigan Deer Seasons
| Liberty Hunt (Youth and Disabled Hunters) | Sep. 10 – 11 |
| Early Antlerless Firearm Hunt | Sep. 17 – 18 |
| Independence Hunt (Disabilities Hunt) | Oct. 13 – 16 |
| Archery Hunt | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 |
| Regular Firearm Hunt | Nov. 15 – 30 |
| Muzzleloading Deer Hunt Zone 1 | Dec. 2 – 11 |
| Muzzleloading Deer Hunt Zone 2 | Dec. 2 – 11 |
| Muzzleloading Deer Hunt Zone 3 | Dec. 2 – 11 |
| Late Antlerless Firearm Hunt | Dec. 12 – Jan. 1 |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bag limits for Deer are one deer per season of either sex.
Michigan Black Bear Seasons
| Black Bear Hunt | BMU Specific, by lottery |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bear hunting in Michigan is done on a lottery system and a limited number of permits are given out each year.
Michigan Elk Seasons
| Elk Hunting Season Period 1 | Aug. 30 – Sep. 2, Sep. 16 – 19, Sep. 30 – Oct. 3 |
| Elk Hunting Season Period 2 | Dec. 10 – 18 |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Elk Hunting Digest for more information.
There is also a mandatory elk hunt orientation as well as a number of specific information to understand before hunting Elk, so make sure to read the Michigan Elk Hunting Digest before hunting, which is linked above.
Michigan Gamebird Seasons
| Quail | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Oct. 10-31 |
| Woodcock | Sept. 15 – Oct. 29 |
| Pheasant Zone 1 | Oct. 10 – Oct. 31 |
| Pheasant Zone 2 and 3 | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 |
| Pheasant Zone 3 | Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Make sure to check zone specific regulations when hunting gamebird in Michigan. Waterfowl can also be hunting but season dates are more variable and are found in the Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest.
Michigan Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall Wild Turkey Season | Sep. 15 – Nov. 14 |
| Spring Wild Turkey Season | May 7 – May 31 |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of, especially when it comes to hunting wild turkey. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Bag limits are generally 1 turkey per license.
Michigan Small Game Seasons
| Porcupine | Year Round with Hunting License |
| Weasel | Year Round with Hunting License |
| Red Squirrel | Year Round with Hunting License |
| Opossum | Year Round with Hunting License |
| Woodchuck | Year Round with Hunting License |
*Michigan has a number of zone specific regulations to be aware of. Please make sure to check the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources Hunting Season site for more information.
Michigan Crossbow Regulations
Youth age 10 or older can hunt using a crossbow during the regular firearm season for both small and larger game. Children 9 years of age or younger may also hunt using a crossbow as long as they are registered with the MYH (Michigan Youth Hunting) Program.
- Arrows, quarrels, and bolts with broadheads must be at least 7/8” wide and 14 inches in length when harvesting turkey, deer, elk, and/or bear.
- It is illegal to harvest migratory game birds, including Woodcock.
- Hunter orange is required when harvesting deer during youth firearm season, November firearm deer season, early antlerless season, and any time while hunting small game. This does not apply to crossbow hunters within the archery deer season or individuals hunting waterfowl, wild turkey, or crow. Also, to those using crossbows to hunt bear or to hunters who remain stationary and while hunting of fox, bobcat, and/or coyote.
Michigan Hunting License
All hunters both local and visiting, require a hunting license in the state of Michigan. The resident license is $11 and the nonresident license is $151 for the base. There are also a number of special licenses to be purchased if interested in hunting some of the specific animals.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Minnesota.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Massachusetts.
