MIDNR has announced the latest dates for Michigan hunting season 2023-2024, and this is the best times to harvest both big and small game. Elk, deer, bear, turkey, and Coyote are just few of the many species of wildlife that can be found in the state for hunters to pursue.
In Michigan, you may go hunting on either public or private land. Hunters Helping Landowners (HHP) and the Hunting Access Program (HAP) work together to turn privately owned property into open and legal hunting grounds. A mapping program called Mi-HUNT is provided by the state’s Department of Natural Resources to aid hunters in locating legal hunting sites around the state.
Both residents and non-residents may apply for and get hunting licenses. A licensing agency or the Department of Natural Resources’ website are also good options for obtaining the necessary permits.
Michigan Hunting Seasons
Find out when the season is, what the bag restrictions are, how to get a license, and where to go for more information. The information presented herein will appeal to you. Let’s get started.
Deer Hunting Season in Michigan
| Michigan Deer Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer (Liberty Hunt) | 9-Sep | 10-Sep | Youth & hunters with disabilities hunt |
| Deer (Early Antlerless Firearm) | 16-Sep | 17-Sep | 1 bag limit each kill tag |
| Deer (Independence Hunt) | 19-Oct | 22-Oct | (Hunters with disabilities) |
| Deer (Regular Firearm) | 15-Nov | 30-Nov | 1 bag limit each kill tag |
| Deer (Early Archery) | 1-Oct | 14-Nov | 1 bag limit each kill tag |
| Deer (Late Archery) | 1-Dec | 1-Jan | 1 bag limit each kill tag |
| Muzzleloading Zone 1 | 2-Dec | 11-Dec | |
| Muzzleloading Zone 2 | 2-Dec | 11-Dec | |
| Muzzleloading Zone 3 | 2-Dec | 11-Dec | |
| Deer (Late Antlerless Firearm) | 12-Dec | 1-Jan | 1 bag limit each kill tag |
Check out on how to make the most of the Deer season, with our in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know about Michigan deer hunting season.
Deer Reporting Updates 2023-2024
| Deer Reporting | Updates 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
| Changes | Penalty reduction for failing to report a deer harvest. |
| Previous Penalty | For not reporting deer harvest within 72 hours, a $500 fine, misdemeanor charge, and imprisonment. |
| New Penalty | Fee capped at $150, misdemeanor threat eliminated. |
| Reporting Method | Hunters may report deer for others via the DNR's eLicense system. |
| Purpose | Reduce hunting expenses and hassles while gathering harvest data. |
| Support | Supported by Michigan United Conservation Clubs. |
| Governor's Statement | "Lowering the fine for failing to register a deer kill would mean less money for hunters and ensure no one is imprisoned for a simple, correctable error." Gretchen Whitmer, governor. |
Elk Season
| Michigan Elk Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Elk (Unit X) (Part 1) | 29-Aug | 1-Sep |
| Elk (Unit X) (Part 2) | 15-Sep | 18-Sep |
| Elk (Unit L) (Part 3) | 29-Sep | 2-Oct |
| Elk (Unit H, I, X) | 9-Dec | 17-Dec |
Note: There are restrictions on elk hunting because of a lottery system. Randomly chosen hunting places and seasons, from August to January, are allotted to hunters.
Bear Season
| Michigan Bear Season BMU Zones | Season Start Dates | Season End Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Bergland | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Bergland | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Bergland | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Baraga | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Baraga | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Baraga | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Amasa | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Amasa | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Amasa | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Carney | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Carney | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Carney | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Gwinn | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Gwinn | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Gwinn | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Newberry | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Newberry | 11-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Newberry | 25-Sep | 26-Oct |
| Drummond Island | 6-Sep | 21-Oct |
| Red Oak | 9-Sep | 19-Sep |
| Red Oak | 6-Oct | 12-Oct |
| Baldwin | 9-Sep | 19-Sep |
| Baldwin | 6-Oct | 12-Oct |
| Gladwin | 9-Sep | 19-Sep |
| Gladwin | 6-Oct | 12-Oct |
Furbearer Season
Bobcat Season
| Unit | Bobcat Hunting Season Dates | Bobcat Trapping Season Dates |
|---|---|---|
| A, B, C | Jan 1 - March 1 | Oct 25 - Dec 26 |
| D | Jan 1 - Feb 1 | Dec 10 - 29 |
| G | Jan 1 - 20 | Dec 10 - 29 |
| H | Jan 1 - 11 | Dec 10 - 20 |
Coyote Season
| Michigan Coyote Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Fisher Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fisher Season | 2-Dec | 11-Dec |
Raccoon Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raccoon Season | 1-Oct | 31-Mar | There is no limit |
Furbearer Trapping Season
| MI Furbearer Trapping season | Season Start Dates | Season End Dates | Locations | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Badger | 15-Oct | 14-Nov | Zones 1 & 2 Zone 3 | 1 /Resident |
| 1-Nov | 1-Mar | Zones 1 & 2 Zone 3 | 1 /Resident | |
| Beaver (resident) | 25-Oct | 30-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit |
| 1-Nov | 26-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit | |
| 10-Nov | 26-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit | |
| Beaver (nonresident) | 15-Nov | 30-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit |
| 24-Nov | 26-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit | |
| 15-Dec | 26-Apr | Unit A Unit B Unit C | No limit | |
| Bobcat | 25-Oct | 26-Dec | Units A and B Units C, D and G Unit H | 2 for each Resident. Second kill tag in Unit A only, usable on private property |
| 10-Dec | 29-Dec | Units A and B Units C, D and G Unit H | 2 for each Resident. Second kill tag in Unit A only, usable on private property | |
| 10-Dec | 20-Dec | Units A and B Units C, D and G Unit H | 2 for each Resident. Second kill tag in Unit A only, usable on private property | |
| Coyote and fox (gray and red) | 15-Oct | 1-Mar | Statewide | No limit |
| Fisher and marten | 1-Dec | 10-Dec | Zone 1 (excluding Drummond Island) | Two combined bags are allowed per Resident, however only one of those bags may be a fisher |
| Muskrat and mink | 25-Oct | 1-Mar | Zone 1 | No limit |
| 1-Nov | 1-Mar | Zone 2 | No limit | |
| 10-Nov | 1-Mar | Zone 3 | No limit | |
| Otter | 25-Oct | 31-Mar | Unit A Unit B Unit C | 4 per Resident; only 3 from Unit B and only 2 from Unit C may be taken |
| 1-Nov | 31-Mar | Unit A Unit B Unit C | 4 per Resident; only 3 from Unit B and only 2 from Unit C may be taken | |
| 10-Nov | 31-Mar | Unit A Unit B Unit C | 4 per Resident; only 3 from Unit B and only 2 from Unit C may be taken | |
| Raccoon | 1-Oct | 31-Mar | Statewide | No limit |
Crow Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Crow | 1-Aug | 30-Sep |
| 1-Feb | 31-Mar |
Woodcock Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Woodcock Season | 15-Sep | 29-Oct |
Opossum Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opossum Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Skunk Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skunk Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Porcupine Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porcupine Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Squirrel Season
| MI Squirrel Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Squirrel fox and gray (black phase included) | 15-Sep | 31-Mar |
| Red squirrel | 1-Jan | 31-Dec |
| Ground squirrel | 1-Jan | 31-Dec |
Woodchuck Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Woodchuck Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Russian Boar Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Russian Boar Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Feral Pigeon Season
| Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feral Pigeon Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Sparrow Season
| MI Sparrow Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starling and House sparrow Season | 1-Jan | 31-Dec | There is no limit. |
Fox Season
| Michigan Fox Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox | 15-Oct | 1-Mar | There is no limit |
Duck Season
| Michigan Duck Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (North-Early) | 24-Sep | 20-Nov | North Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
| Duck (Middle-Early) | 8-Oct | 4-Dec | Middle Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
| Duck (South-Early) | 15-Oct | 11-Dec | South Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
| Duck (North-Late) | 26-Nov | 27-Nov | North Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
| Duck (Middle-Late) | 17-Dec | 18-Dec | Middle Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
| Duck (South-Late) | 31-Dec | 1-Jan | South Zone. (There is a bag limit of 6 per day.) |
Goose Season
| Michigan Goose Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goose (Middle Zone) (Part 1) | 1-Sep | 30-Dec | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (South Zone) (Part 1) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (North Zone) | 1-Sep | 16-Dec | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (Middle Zone) (Part 2) | 8-Oct | 23-Dec | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (South Zone) (Part 2) | 15-Oct | 11-Dec | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (South Zone) (Part 3) | 31-Dec | 8-Jan | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
| Goose (South Zone) (Part 4) | 4-Feb | 13-Feb | Dark & Light Goose (Canada, Brant, and White-Fronted, Snow, Blue, and Ross’s) Bag limit 5 per day. |
Grouse Season
| Michigan Grouse Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ruffed Grouse (Zone 1-2) (Early) | 15-Sep | 14-Nov | A bag limit of 5 per day for Ruffed grouse |
| Ruffed Grouse (Zone 1-2) (Late) | 1-Dec | 1-Jan | A bag limit of 5 per day for Ruffed grouse |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | 10-Oct | 31-Oct | Zone 1. A bag limit of 2 per day. |
Quail Season
| Michigan Quail Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quail | 20-Oct | 14-Nov | There is a bag limit of 5 per day. |
Pheasant Season
| Michigan Pheasant Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pheasant (Zone-1) | 10-Oct | 31-Oct | A bag limit of 2 per day (male only). |
| Pheasant (Zone 2-3) | 20-Oct | 14-Nov | A bag limit of 2 per day (male only). |
| Pheasant (December Pheasant Management Unit) | 1-Dec | 1-Jan | A bag limit of 2 per day (male only). |
Pheasant Updates 2023-2024
| Pheasant Hunting | Updates 2023-2024 |
|---|---|
| Changes | • Rooster pheasants released three times more than previous year. • New release locations in Cass City, Crane Pond, Dansville, and Stanton state game areas. • December pheasant releases in various state game regions. |
| Purpose | To provide hunters a unique upland bird hunting experience. |
| Release Dates | Oct. 20 - Nov. 14 (coinciding with pheasant hunting season) with an additional release in December for open season sites. |
| Locations | 13 state game/wildlife areas throughout southern Michigan, including Cass City, Cornish, Crane Pond, Crow Island, Dansville, Erie, Lapeer, Leidy Lake, Pinconning, Pointe Mouillee, Rose Lake, Stanton, and St. Johns Marsh. |
| Funding | • Pheasant release program funded by $25 pheasant license. • Pheasants supplied by Michigan Association of Gamebird Breeders and Hunting Preserves. |
| More Info | Available at Michigan.gov/smallgame. |
Pheasant game/wildlife areas across southern Michigan
| Location | Fall Release | December Release |
|---|---|---|
| Cass City (Tuscola County) | Yes | Yes |
| Cornish (Van Buren County) | Yes | No |
| Crane Pond (Cass County) | Yes | No |
| Crow Island (Bay and Saginaw counties) | Yes | Yes |
| Dansville (Ingham County) | Yes | Yes |
| Erie (Monroe County) | Yes | Yes |
| Lapeer (Lapeer County) | Yes | Yes |
| Leidy Lake (St. Joseph County) | Yes | Yes |
| Pinconning (Bay County) | Yes | No |
| Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) | Yes | Yes |
| Rose Lake (Clinton and Shiawassee counties) | Yes | Yes |
| Stanton (Montcalm County) | Yes | Yes |
| St. Johns Marsh (St. Clair County) | Yes | Yes |
Rabbit Season
| Michigan Rabbit Season | Start Date | End Date | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rabbit (Cottontail & Snowshoe Hare) | 15-Sep | 31-Mar | NA |
Seasons for wild turkeys in Michigan
| Michigan Turkey Season | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey Season | ||
| A, B, E, F, J | 22-Apr | 5-May |
| K, ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF,ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | 22-Apr | 28-Apr |
| K | 29-Apr | 5-May |
| M | 22-Apr | 31-May |
| ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | 29-Apr | 12-May |
| ZA, ZB, | 13-May | 31-May |
| ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | 1-Jun | 7-Jun |
| ZZ | 22-Apr | 31-May |
| Fall Turkey Season | ||
| G,GB, GC, J, L, M, T, W, WA, HA, YY | 15-Sep | 14-Nov |
MI Waterfowl Season
| MI Waterfowl Season | Hunting Season Start Dates | Hunting Season Start Dates | Bag Limits (Daily) | Possession Limits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duck (North Zone) | 24-Sep | 20-Nov | 6 | 18 |
| 26-Nov | 27-Nov | 6 | 18 | |
| Coots (North Zone) | 24-Sep | 20-Nov | 15 | 45 |
| 26-Nov | 27-Nov | 15 | 45 | |
| Mergansers (North Zone) | 24-Sep | 20-Nov | 5 | 15 |
| 26-Nov | 27-Nov | 5 | 15 | |
| Dark goose-Canada, brant and white-fronted (North Zone) | 1-Sep | 16-Dec | 5 | 15 |
| Light goose-snow, blue and Ross’s (North Zone) | 1-Sep | 16-Dec | 20 | 60 |
| Duck (Middle Zone) | 8-Oct | 4-Dec | 6 | 18 |
| 17-Dec | 18-Dec | 6 | 18 | |
| Coots (Middle Zone) | 8-Oct | 4-Dec | 15 | 45 |
| 17-Dec | 18-Dec | 15 | 45 | |
| Mergansers (Middle Zone) | 8-Oct | 4-Dec | 5 | 15 |
| 17-Dec | 18-Dec | 5 | 15 | |
| Dark goose-Canada, brant and white-fronted (Middle Zone) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep | 5 | 15 |
| 8-Oct | 23-Dec | 5 | 15 | |
| Light goose-snow, blue and Ross’s (Middle Zone) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep | 20 | 60 |
| 8-Oct | 23-Dec | 20 | 60 | |
| Duck (South Zone) | 15-Oct | 11-Dec | 6 | 18 |
| 31-Dec | 1-Jan | 6 | 18 | |
| Coots (South Zone) | 15-Oct | 11-Dec | 15 | 45 |
| 31-Dec | 1-Jan | 15 | 45 | |
| Mergansers (South Zone) | 15-Oct | 11-Dec | 5 | 15 |
| 31-Dec | 1-Jan | 5 | 15 | |
| Dark goose-Canada, brant and white-fronted (South Zone) (excluding some GMUs (see South Zone – Local Goose Management Units (GMU) section) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep | 5 | 15 |
| 15-Oct | 11-Dec | 5 | 15 | |
| 31-Dec | 8-Jan | 5 | 15 | |
| 4-Feb | 13-Feb | 5 | 15 | |
| Light goose-snow, blue and Ross’s (South Zone) | 1-Sep | 30-Sep | 20 | 60 |
| 15-Oct | 11-Dec | 20 | 60 | |
| 31-Dec | 8-Jan | 20 | 60 | |
| 4-Feb | 13-Feb | 20 | 60 | |
| Early teal (Statewide) | 1-Sep | 16-Sep | 6 | 18 |
| Common snipe (Statewide) | 1-Sep | 9-Nov | 8 | 24 |
| Virginia rail and sora rail (Statewide) | 1-Sep | 9-Nov | 25 | 75 |
| Moorhens-gallinules (Statewide) | 1-Sep | 9-Nov | 1 | 3 |
Seasons for Small Game in Michigan
| Small Game Season | Hunting Season Start Date | Hunting Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| (Cottontail Rabbit) | 15-Sep | 31-Mar |
| (Snowshoe Hare) | 15-Sep | 31-Mar |
| Pheasant- (Male only) | 10-Oct | 1-Jan |
| (Grouse, Ruffed) | 15-Sep | 14-Nov |
| 1-Dec | 1-Jan | |
| (Grouse, Sharp-tailed) | 10-Oct | 31-Oct |
| Squirrel - (Fox and Gray) | 15-Sep | 31-Mar |
Note: Season dates differ depending on the zone. And all dates are tentative, please confirm with Michigan DNR before making a plan.
Liberty Hunt 2023
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Liberty Hunt | - Youth and disabled firearm deer hunt in Michigan |
| - Takes place Sept. 9-10 | |
| - Hunters can harvest multiple antlerless deer but only 1 buck | |
| - Separate license required for each deer taken | |
| CWD Zone Changes | - UP Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zone removed |
| - Includes parts of Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties | |
| - Hunters can resume baiting and feeding | |
| Archery Seasons | - Michigan archery opener: Oct. 1 |
| - Wisconsin archery/crossbow opener: Sept. 16 | |
| Youth Firearm Seasons | - Michigan: Sept. 9-10 (Liberty Hunt) |
| - Wisconsin: Oct. 7-8 | |
| Turkey & Small Game | - UP opener: Sept. 15 |
| - Wisconsin opener: Sept. 16 | |
| Lake Michigan Fishing | - Walleye action around Green Island, Chambers Island |
| - Northern pike moving to cooler water near streams, springs | |
| Little Bay de Noc | - Slow perch fishing, drifting minnows working |
| - Walleye being caught drifting harnesses, body baits | |
| Big Bay de Noc | - Good yellow perch, smallmouth fishing |
| Marquette | - Lake trout near White Islands, Granite Island |
| - Chinook, coho near Chocolay River, Shot Point | |
| Au Train | - High winds, but good lake trout and Chinook action |
| Keweenaw Bay | - More pink salmon, lake trout being caught |
| - Morning trips most productive | |
| Big Traverse Bay | - Large catches of pink salmon and lake trout |
| - Most fish at ~80 feet depth | |
| Ontonagon River | - Slow walleye fishing |
| Ontonagon/Silver City | - Good lake trout, some salmon |
| - Fish throughout water column | |
| Black River Harbor | - Lake trout, occasional salmon |
| - Success morning and afternoon |
Hunting Zones in Michigan.
For a summary of Michigan’s hunting zones, see the map below:
Bag Limits in Michigan
Deer bag restrictions are as follows:
It should be noted that bag limits, designated hunting areas, and hunting regulations vary by species and season in Michigan. For further information on obtaining licenses, permits, and restrictions, see the Michigan (Department of Natural Resources) website.
Michigan Hunting digest 2023
A thorough guide to hunting in Michigan may be found in The Michigan Hunting Digest 2023. All of the game species that may be hunted in Michigan are covered, including details on hunting seasons, bag limits, hunting grounds, and hunting laws.
Here are some of the key changes to the Michigan Hunting Digest 2023:
- In 19 Lower Peninsula counties, the four-point antler limitation on the restricted tag of the deer combination license has been reintroduced.
- In the Upper Peninsula and the Lower Peninsula, the spring turkey hunting season has been extended by one week and two weeks, respectively.
- In the Upper Peninsula, the autumn turkey hunting season has been extended by one week.
- To coincide with the federal waterfowl hunting season, the waterfowl hunting season has been modified.
Hunters are urged to thoroughly read the Michigan Hunting Digest 2023 before heading out. You may print it off or download it for free from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or the categories below.
MI Furbearer Hunting Digest 2023
The digest is divided into several sections:
| MI Hunting Digest Section | Content |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Overview of Michigan hunting, including licensing requirements and animal handling. |
| Hunting Seasons | List of Michigan hunting seasons, bag limits, and locations for all game species. |
| Hunting Regulations | Game species hunting rules, including authorized techniques, hours, and safety. |
| Other Information | Information about chronic wasting disease, hunting instruction, and safety. |
The 2023 Michigan Hunting Digest is accessible online, at DNR locations, and at license retailers all around the state. Additionally, there is an iPhone and Android mobile app for it.
License to hunt in Michigan.
Everyone who hunts small game needs an annual basic license as well as an extra license.
Visit page https://www.mdnr-elicense.com/ to get your hunting and fishing license.
| License Specifics | (Resident) | (Nonresident) |
|---|---|---|
| (Annual all species) | 26 $ US | 76 $ US |
| (Hunt/ Fish Combo) | 76 $ US | 266 $ US |
| (Base License) | 11 $ US | 15 $ US |
| (Permit) | ||
| (Antlerless Deer) | 20 $ US | |
| (Bear) | 25 $ US | N/A |
| (Deer) | 40 $ US | 20 $ US |
| (Turkey) | 15 $ US | N/A |
Hunting Regulations in Michigan.
• Taking an animal from a vehicle may result in a $200 to $1,000 fine, 5 to 90 days in jail, $1,500 in restitution for a bear and $1,000 for a deer or turkey, loss of hunting rights for the remainder of the year, and three years of license ineligibility.
• Possession of a loaded, uncased weapon in a moving vehicle is unlawful, and the offender might face a $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, and loss of hunting rights, depending on the circumstances.
• It is illegal to hunt with a rifle within 150 yards of an occupied residence, building, cabin, or barn without written permission. Depending on the circumstances, violators may face penalties ranging from $50 to $500, up to 90 days in jail, and/or the cancellation of hunting licenses.
• Driving or disturbing animals for allowed hunting is a crime punished by imprisonment for less than 93 days, a fine of $500 to $1,000, the loss of hunting licenses at the court’s discretion, and the prosecution’s expenditure. Repeat offenders face up to a year in prison, a $1,000 to $2,500 fine, and extra legal expenses.
• A $100 to $500 fine, up to 90 days in jail, and the loss of hunting licenses for the remainder of the current year and the next year are all potential punishments for using artificial light to catch the game or in animal-friendly areas unless specifically approved.
• A $50 to $100 fine, up to 90 days in prison, and the loss of hunting rights are potential penalties for using artificial light to find animals between December 1 and October 31 between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. and between November 1 and November 30 between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. When going to and from hunting areas with an unloaded weapon, licensed hunters are allowed to use artificial light for one hour before and after shooting hours.
• If a person disobeys an order to stop using artificial light to discover game issued by a peace officer or indicated by a flashing signal light or siren, they might face a minimum of 5 days in prison, a fine of $50 to $100, and the loss of hunting privileges.
• Between August 15 and April 30, it is mandatory to wear appropriate apparel, such as hunter orange or hunter pink; failure to do so may result in a fine of $50 to $100 and/or a prison sentence of up to 90 days.
• The grounds of any public or private school are considered safety zones, and hunting is forbidden. Depending on the circumstances, violators may face penalties ranging from $50 to $100, up to 90 days in prison, and/or the loss of their hunting license.
• Hunting from a moving vehicle is banned, and the court may impose a fine of up to $500 or a prison term of up to 90 days in addition to the loss of the hunter’s license, depending on the circumstances.
• Hunting on another person’s property without their authorization is also forbidden. Offenders may face a $50 to $500 fine, up to 90 days in prison, and/or the cancellation of hunting permits, depending on the circumstances.
• When someone takes more than they are authorized to in a given day or has more than they are allowed to have in their possession at any one time, they have breached the law and have been charged with a Take/Possess Over the Limit infraction. If convicted, the offender risks up to 90 days in prison, a $200 to $1,000 fine, the loss of their hunting license for the remainder of the year and the following three years, and the expense of replacing the animal (which varies based on the type of animal).
| Restitution | Amount |
|---|---|
| Deer | $1,000 |
| Turkey | $1,000 |
| Bear | $3,500 |
| Elk | $5,000 |
• If a person is found with more than the authorized number of elk, they may be imprisoned for 30 days to 18 months, fined $500 to $2,000, compelled to make restitution, and have their hunting rights revoked for the remainder of the year and the following 15 calendar years.
• Repeat offenders risk having their hunting licenses canceled permanently. If you use a dog to hunt deer or elk without a license, you might face up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $50 to $500, and your hunting rights could be revoked.
• If an offender is found guilty of hunting outside the permissible hours (one hour before dawn to one hour after sunset) without permission, the court may impose a fine of $50 to $500 and/or restrict the offender’s hunting rights for up to 90 days.
• Unless you’re going elk hunting, you can’t build up a platform taller than a tree trunk on public land after August 1 and must take it down by March 1. In addition to a fine of $50 to $500 and the loss of hunting rights, offenders may face up to 90 days in jail.
• If you’re found hunting while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may face up to 90 days in jail, a $500 fine, and having your hunting license canceled for the remainder of the year and the following three calendar years.
Resources that are beneficial.
Official State Website: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/.
FAQs related to MI Hunting Season
What kind of hunting game season can you find in Michigan?
There are seven different types of game that may be hunted in Michigan: bear, deer, elk, turkey, small game, waterfowl, and trapping fur harvesting.
Is using a rifle to hunt in Michigan during muzzleloader season legal?
Hunters are permitted to use any lawful guns during the muzzleloading season in Zone 3, which includes all of the southern Michigan counties of Bay, Isabella, Mecosta, Midland, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana. Accordingly, compared to other regions where just a few types of guns are permitted, hunters in this region have more options when it comes to their choice of rifle during this particular hunting season.
How many rounds are legal for hunting in Michigan?
The maximum number of rounds that semi-automatic rifles and shotguns may contain in their magazines is six, according to Michigan state hunting laws. Hunting and recreational shooting are not anticipated to be adversely affected by this limitation, and it may even improve safety and sportsmanship.
Is it legal to shoot crows in Michigan?
There is no bag restriction for crow hunting in Michigan, but hunters must possess a small game license. In accordance with federal law, crows may be shot outside of the legal hunting window if they are considered dangerous to people or a nuisance.
Is hunter safety course completion required for basic hunting license application in Michigan?
If you wish to apply for a hunting license and you were born on or after January 1, 1960, you must first finish a hunter safety course. If you are making an application for an apprentice license, this condition does not apply.
What is the punishment for baiting deer in Michigan?
Baiting is currently prohibited and regarded as illegal conduct in Michigan. Fines, up to 90 days in prison, and the loss of their hunting license are all possible penalties for infractions. Senate Bill 800 also adds $1 state civil penalty for infractions.
How many deer tags can you get in Michigan?
A hunter may purchase up to 10 universal antlerless deer licenses over the course of the season.
What kinds of animals can you capture in Michigan?
You may hunt opossums, porcupines, weasels, red squirrels, skunks, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and feral pigs all year long in Michigan if you have a current hunting license. There is no bag limit for these species.
How much does a deer combination license in Michigan cost?
This year, the price of a single deer license for inhabitants of the state increased from $15 to $20, while the price of a combo license increased from $30 to $40.
Is it legal to go hunting in Michigan without a license on my own property?
A resident, a resident’s spouse, or a resident’s children may hunt small game on enclosed farmlands where they reside without a license, but they must have both a federal waterfowl stamp and a state waterfowl license to hunt waterfowl.
How many acres are required to hunt in Michigan?
It is no longer necessary to have at least 5 acres of property to go hunting, provided that all other regulations regarding proximity to other structures are observed.
What is the minimum antler length for a standard tag deer in Michigan?
It’s crucial to keep in mind that throughout the majority of Michigan, any deer with at least one antler measuring three inches or longer qualifies for a standard tag.
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I’m really mad that mi. discontinued the hunting digest are group always used it to make sure we were always in compliance with the regulations and with the money we spend the DNR not making it easy for residence bring back the digest.
Hunting regs have certainly changed since I left Michigan in the early 1970’s. Mostly for the better, and there is a lot more game available! While perhaps little else has improved.