DNR - Rules for Young Hunters (Up to 16 Years of Age)

Rules for Young Hunters (Up to 16 Years of Age)

The following table explains which species youth are allowed to hunt, with an appropriate license. Nonresidents up to and including 16 years old may purchase resident and junior licenses, except nonresidents are not eligible to apply for a Michigan elk license, including nonresident youth.

Species and Age 9 or younger 10-13 14-16

Small Game and Waterfowl Yes³ Yes¹ Yes¹

Turkey Yes³ Yes¹ Yes¹

Fur Harvester Yes³ Yes¹ Yes¹

Trap-only Fur Harvester Yes Yes Yes

Deer Yes^{2, 3} Yes^{1, 2} Yes¹

Bear No Yes^{1, 2} Yes¹

Elk No Yes^{1, 2} Yes¹

¹If hunter safety certified and accompanied by an adult 18 years or older, or a youth apprentice with an apprentice license and accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone 21 or older. "Accompanied by" requires the adult to be able to come to the immediate aid of the apprentice and stay within a distance from the apprentice which allows uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.

²Youth less than 14 years of age may hunt with archery and crossbow on public or private lands or with a firearm on private or Commercial Forest lands only.

³ If in possession of a Mentored Youth Hunting license and accompanied by an adult mentor 21 years old or older, with hunting experience, who has a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice license.