Michigan Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Michigan

Michigan is a fantastic hunting destination in the United States. In the state, you can hunt elk, turkeys, deer, and other small game animals. Access to private and public lands for hunting is also permitted.

Hunting regulations in Michigan

Just as it is done in practically every region of the United States, Before taking wildlife or games in Michigan, hunters must follow hunting laws, standards, and regulations. These regulations are enforced by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The following are some key Michigan hunting restrictions to be aware of:

Regulation of Hunting Licenses

You must have a valid Michigan hunting license to take wildlife and games in the state. This is true for both residents and non-residents. There may be exceptions for hunting some games without a license, but only the Michigan Department of Fish and Wildlife can make that determination.

Regulations for tagging

Certain animals must be tagged after being captured. Big game species such as bears, elk, turkeys, and deer require tagging. Hunters must also be aware of any tagging and taking requirements for the species they wish to hunt. To avoid violating restrictions, tagging must be done correctly.

Requirements for Tagging

You must first validate the game tag before putting it on the carcass of any large game that requires tagging. It is permitted to put tags on the hides of games like bear, wolf, or lion. You must attach the tag immediately after starting the game. To tag, first remove the triangles surrounding the tag, which show the month and day you are taking the game.

Dress Code for Hunters in Michigan

Before you go hunting in Michigan, you must comply with the state’s hunters’ attire regulations for various games. The attire accepted for pheasant and other upland game hunting is orange and at least 36 square inches in size. The clothing should also be higher than the hunter’s waistline.

This clothing code applies to hunters on state fish and wildlife lands WMAs as well as those on sponsored hunts in Michigan. However, regardless of what animal they are hunting, the Michigan Department of Fish and Wildlife advises all hunters to adhere to the orange dress code.

Bag limits in Michigan

Bag limits for hunting in Michigan are used to limit the number of specific games that can be hunted during a given season. Bag limitations might be daily or seasonal, depending on the game being hunted.

For daily bag limits, the hunter will be limited to only a certain number of games per day. Seasonal bag limitations restrict hunters to the number of games that can be hunted during a certain game season.

Bag limitations are not always the same from year to year or season to season. The Michigan Department of Fish and Wildlife sets bag restrictions each year based on the game population. All bag limitations and restrictions imposed by the agency must be followed by hunters. Violating bag limitations may result in fines and the termination of hunting permits.

Michigan hunting regulations

The following are some of the most prevalent offenses for hunters to avoid in Michigan:

In Michigan, it is illegal to remove proof of game sex that you have taken. You must leave all sex evidence naturally attached to the game corpse, or the majority of the meat if the game is boned. There are exceptions for games such as bears, wolves, and lions, where the proof of sex must be left on their hide.
It is forbidden to tag games that require tagging or to tag them incorrectly. To tag the game according to Michigan regulations, remove the month and date notches completely and tag the game as soon as you harvest it.
It is illegal for hunters to refuse to halt at Wildlife Management Area checkpoints. It is mandatory for hunters and trappers to submit themselves and their hunting equipment for search at every check station they encounter on their way to and from a hunt.
It is illegal in Michigan to transfer games and wildlife without a proxy statement. A proxy statement is necessary for the shipment of games taken by another hunter. Hunters receive one proxy statement form for each tag purchased.
While hunting, it is illegal to discharge a firearm across a highway.
It is illegal to hunt animals during their hunting season. A hunter must be aware of the opening and closing dates of the game season for the animals they wish to take. Hunters must also be conversant with additional laws, such as the species of game that can be taken, the sex that can be taken, and the hunting boundaries. Hunters should also examine the rules every year in case they alter them.
It is illegal to hunt with an invalid license. Hunters must have the appropriate license for the game they are attempting to capture. This is typical when non-resident hunters purchase Michigan licenses that are only valid for state residents.
It is illegal for a hunter to transfer a hunting license or tag to another hunter.
You are not permitted to take a game for another hunter who will affix his or her hunting tag. In Michigan, party hunting is illegal.
It is illegal for any hunter to trespass on private territory to pursue a game. Exceptions are made for landowners and hunters who have permission from the landowner. Also, hunters must be aware that they are hunting on private property, as ignorance is not an explanation for this infraction.

When hunting big game using motorized vehicles, it is the hunter’s responsibility to observe the rules for hunting with vehicles in either state- or federally-held areas.

While hunting, open carry is permitted.

In Michigan, open carry is permitted for hunting purposes.

When bow hunting, however, you can only conceal carry. You are also not permitted to hunt with guns.

Michigan has rules against hunter harassment, which include the following:

Nobody shall interfere with hunting activities in the state if they are legitimately licensed by the appropriate authorities.
Nobody may follow or disturb wildlife or fish in an aquatic area in order to disrupt a legal hunting activity.
Nobody shall harass or annoy a hunter who is legally taking animals from wildlife or aquatic bodies.
Nobody shall use any stimulation or technology that has an effect on fish in water or animals in wildlife in such a way that it prevents or makes hunting difficult.
Nobody must impede the movement of animals in wildlife or fish in water by establishing a barrier to hinder hunting activity; this does not include a barrier built to prevent trespassing in the state.
Nobody shall place himself or herself in the line of fire to prevent authorized wildlife hunting.
Nobody shall alter the condition or settings of a wildlife property in such a way that it interferes with the legitimate taking of wild animals or fish in water.
Nobody must trespass on private or public land or water to engage in hunting without first obtaining permission from the owner or the appropriate authority.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Michigan

Michigan issues a variety of licenses, stamps, permits, and badges to both residents and non-residents. License categories are often based on age, grade, and game type.

Licenses, permits, and tags in Michigan include the following:

Licenses for minors

The following are the state’s youth licenses:

Residents Youth Consolidated Hunting and Trapping License

This license is accessible to Michigan juvenile residents for hunting and trapping in the state. There is an apprentice option on the license. It will set you back $7.

Annual juvenile hunting license for non-residents

Non-resident minors who want to hunt in Michigan can get this license. It features a one-year validity period and an apprentice option. It is priced at $17.

Youth deer hunting license for non-residents

This license is only accessible to non-residents in Michigan for deer hunting. It is $25 with an apprentice option.

Bundle of non-resident deer licenses

This license is only accessible to non-residents in Michigan for deer hunting. It is $65, with an apprentice option.

Spring Turkey Hunting for Non-Resident Youth

This license is exclusively accessible to non-resident youths in Michigan for spring turkey hunting. It is $25 with an apprentice option.

Non-resident youth turkey hunting in the fall

This license is exclusively accessible to non-resident youths in Michigan for fall turkey hunting. It is $25 with an apprentice option.

Annual Youth Trapping of Non-Residents

Non-resident minors can use this license to set traps for game animals in Michigan. It features a one-year validity period and an apprentice option. It is priced at $17.

Turkey hunting permits

In Michigan, the following types of turkey hunting licenses are available:

Spring Turkey Hunting Permit

Holders of this license may hunt turkeys during the spring season. Residents and non-resident hunters can purchase it for $25 and $120, respectively. Options for apprentice hunters are available at the same price.

Licenses for Fall Turkey Hunting

Hunting Postage Stamps

Michigan hunting stamps include the following:

Stamp for Game Bird Habitat

Holders of this stamp will be able to take game birds to Michigan. It costs $6.75 for locals and $6.75 for non-residents. For apprentice hunters, there are no options.

Stamp of Waterfowl

Holders of this stamp will be able to take ducks in Michigan. It costs $6.75 for locals and $6.75 for non-residents. For apprentice hunters, there are no options.

Michigan Fishing and Hunting Licenses

This category of permits allows holders to participate in Michigan hunting and fishing.

Annual Hunting and Fishing Permit

This license entitles the holder to hunt and fish in Michigan. It is exclusively open to state residents, has an apprentice option, and costs $25.

Disabled American veterans can get hunting and fishing licenses.

This license is exclusively available to Michigan citizens who are handicapped veterans. There is no apprentice option for this sort of license, and it comes in two types based on the validity period: yearly licenses and 10-year licenses. The annual license costs $2.75, while the 10-year license costs $27.5.

Small Game Hunting Permit

This category of licenses allows hunters to take small game in the state. Among them are the following:

Annual hunting permits

This license is valid for one year and includes the option of becoming an apprentice. It is offered to both locals and non-residents, with prices ranging from $17 to $80.

Five-Day Hunting Permit

This license is exclusively available to non-Michigan residents. It is good for 5 days, offers an apprentice option, and costs $31.

Annual Trapping Permits

To capture wildlife and games in Michigan, you must first obtain a one-year state-valid trapping license. This license does not have any apprentice alternatives. It is open to both locals and non-residents for $17 and $140, respectively.

Licenses and tags for fishing in Michigan

Michigan fishing licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Annual Fishing Permit

This license entitles holders to participate in Michigan fishing activities for one year. Residents and non-residents can purchase it for $17 and $35, respectively. For apprentices, there are no options.

One-Day Fishing Permit

This license is only good for one day. Holders will be able to catch fish, such as salmon and trout, within a 24-hour period. It costs $9 and is valid for both residents and non-residents. For apprentices, there are no options.

Seven-Day Fishing Permit

Non-residents who want to fish in Michigan can obtain a 7-day license. There are no possibilities for apprentices, and it costs $20.

Seniors’ Annual Fishing License

This license is only accessible to senior residents of Michigan aged 65 and up. The license allows for the harvest of trout and salmon species and is good for one year. It costs $3, and there are no alternatives for apprentices.

Seniors can get a lifetime fishing license.

This license is exclusively accessible to Michigan senior citizens aged 65 and up. The license allows for the harvest of trout and salmon species and is valid for the life of the holder. There are no options for apprentices, and it costs $17.

Fishing Stamps for Trout and Salmon

Anyone wishing to catch salmon or trout in Michigan will need to obtain a special stamp. Exceptions are allowed for fishermen who already have licenses, allowing them to fish for salmon and trout for a set length of time. It costs $11 and is available to both residents and non-residents. For apprentices, there are no options.

Annual Hunting and Fishing Permit

This license permits the holder to participate in both hunting and fishing in Michigan. It is only available to inhabitants of the state and costs $25. A Michigan apprentice hunting license is also available for the same price.

Hunting season in Michigan

The type of animal and the weapons used to capture the wildlife characterize Michigan’s hunting season.

The following species will be hunted in Michigan during the 2020–21 hunting season:

Deer Hunting Season in Michigan

Hunting Season in Reduction Zones (15th September to 31st January)
Youth Hunting Season (September 26th to September 27th)
Archery Season (October 1st to January 3rd)
Firearms Season (November 14th to November 29th)
Muzzleloader Season (December 5th to December 20th)
Antlerless Season (December 16th to January 3rd)

The bag restrictions for deer hunting in Michigan differ depending on where you live. Turkey hunting in Michigan They must research the deer limit for their specific Michigan hunting zone.

Turkey Season in Michigan

Fall Firearms Season (October 21st to November 1st)
Fall Archery Season (October 1st to November 1st and December 5th to January 3rd)
Spring General Hunting Season (April 21st to May 9th)
Spring Youth Season (April 17th to April 18th)

Small Game Hunting Season in Michigan

Hunting Season for Gray and Fox Squirrels (15th of August to 31st of January)
Pheasant Hunting Season (November 1st to November 15th)
Hunting Season for Quail (November 1st to January 10th)
Rabbit hunting season runs from November 1st to February 28th.
Crow Hunting Season (July 1st to August 15th and December 13th to March 1st)
Hunting Season for Green Frogs and Bullfrogs (15th of June to 30th of April)
Eastern Snapping Turtle Season (July 1st to March 31st)

Bag limits, special hunting seasons, and hunting standards, laws, and regulations in Michigan depend on the game animals. Licensed hunters must learn everything they can about the specific game they are hunting.

Michigan Wildlife, Recreation, and Fishing

The following games and fauna are available for hunting in Michigan:

Hunting for deer in Michigan

Deer hunting in Michigan is possible due to the state’s numerous acres of land and forests. Michigan includes both national and state land regions where hunters can hunt deer in plenty. Deer are found in most counties’ forests and are extensively scattered throughout the state.

Michigan Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting is permitted in all counties in Michigan. They are plentiful in the state. They become much more abundant in the spring, with as many as four turkeys found per square mile. Harvests of wild turkeys are more common in the southern section of Michigan.

Fox hunting in Michigan

Red foxes are the most frequent fox species in Michigan, and they prefer to live in the state’s scrublands and woodlands. They live in meadows, agricultural regions, forests, and bushlands. They are also at ease in both urban and suburban areas of the state. Fox hunting is permitted in all counties in Michigan.

Coyote hunting in Michigan

Coyote hunting in Michigan is mostly done in the winter, when they are most active. They are evenly distributed throughout the state, including densely populated areas.

Quail hunting in Michigan

The Northern Bobwhite Quail, which is found in all eastern states, is the quail species associated with Michigan. They live in the state’s agricultural landscape.

Duck hunting in Michigan

Duck hunting in Michigan takes place in marshy areas far from human settlement. They can be found in the state’s wildlife refuges and live in shallow areas of bodies of water, such as ponds and lakes.

Hunting and shooting ranges in Michigan

The following are some of the shooting ranges open to the general public in Michigan:

Allegan County Environmental League
Bald Mountain Shooting Range
Conservation in Bay County
Birmingham Rifle Club
Sporting Clays of the Black Duck
Association of Blue Water Sportsmen
Sporting Clays Brule
Sports for Top Guns
Caledonia Sportsmans Club is a club in Caledonia, Scotland.
Capital Area Sportsmen’s Association
Carleton Sportsmen’s Association
West Walker Sportsman’s Association

Hunting Lands in Michigan for Sale and Lease

Michigan hunting lands for sale include the following:

125 acres in Concord, Michigan (Jackson County).
60 acres in Branch, Michigan (Mason County).
120 acres in Cadillac, Michigan (Wexford County).
120 acres in Fennville, Michigan (Allegan County).
80 acres in Tustin, Michigan (Osceola County).

Michigan hunting lands for lease include the following:

Tuscola County deer lease, 118 acres
37-acre hunting property near Cedar River in Menominee County
260 acres of beautiful deer hunting land in Lake County
250-acre executive hunting lease adjacent to State Park Newberry in Luce County.
excellent black bear hunting on 78 acres of private land in Ontonagon County owned by Berglund Districk and bordered by state and federal land.