Hunting in Michigan

Hunting in Michigan

Michigan is one of the Midwest's most diverse hunting destinations, stretching from productive agricultural country in the southern Lower Peninsula to the vast forests, wetlands, and remote backcountry of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. The state's mix of hardwoods, cropland, river bottoms, marshes, and Great Lakes shoreline creates habitat for a wide range of game.

Whitetail deer are the centerpiece of Michigan's hunting tradition, with opportunities throughout the state. The Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula offer expansive forest and backcountry hunting, while southern Michigan's agricultural country provides excellent habitat for deer and turkey.

Michigan is also well known for waterfowl hunting along the Great Lakes, rivers, inland wetlands, and agricultural fields. Spring and fall turkey seasons, black bear hunting, pheasant, grouse, woodcock, rabbit, and other small-game opportunities give hunters plenty of ways to spend time in the field.

Whether you're looking for a traditional Midwest whitetail hunt, a Great Lakes waterfowl adventure, or a remote Upper Peninsula experience, Michigan offers hunting opportunities across a huge variety of terrain.

Michigan Tags & Licenses

Michigan hunting licenses, permits, and species-specific requirements are administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Requirements vary based on residency, species, hunting zone, season, and hunting method.

Whitetail deer: Hunters need the appropriate Michigan hunting license and deer license or tag. Michigan offers archery and firearm seasons, with regulations, antler restrictions, and license requirements varying by deer management unit and season.

Turkey: Hunters need the appropriate base license and turkey hunting license. Spring and fall turkey hunting are managed through specific regulations, hunt units, season dates, and permit requirements.

Waterfowl: Duck and goose hunters must meet Michigan and federal migratory bird requirements, including applicable state and federal waterfowl stamps and HIP registration.

Black bear: Michigan black bear hunting is managed through a limited license and hunt-unit system, with specific application and drawing requirements.

Upland and small game: Separate seasons and regulations apply to pheasant, ruffed grouse, woodcock, rabbit, squirrel, and other small game.

Hunters should review current Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations for license requirements, application deadlines, season dates, hunting units, bag limits, and species-specific rules before booking a hunt.

Species You Can Hunt in Michigan

Whitetail Deer

Bear

Turkey