Season Information:
See each of the species below for season information and bag limits.
License requirements to hunt small game:
- Base License
- All woodcock hunters must obtain a free woodcock stamp which includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
- Pheasant/Sharp-tailed grouse requires a free pheasant/sharp-tailed grouse stamp
- Buy a License Online
- Surveys and Reports
- Find a Place to Hunt
Season Dates:
Coyote hunting is open year-round. Coyote may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year if they are doing or about to do damage on private property - a license or written permit is not needed.
Note: The use of .269 caliber or smaller for the take of coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums at night is permitted. Nighttime take with centerfire rifles is prohibited on all state parks and recreation areas statewide, and all state game areas within the limited firearm deer zone.
See Hunting and Trapping Digest for more information.
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limits: No limit
- About Coyotes in Michigan
- All About Coyotes
Season Dates:
Aug 1 - Sept 30 and Feb 1 - Mar 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: No Limit
- About Crows
Season Dates:
Sept 15 - Nov 14 and Dec 1 - Jan 1
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession) Zones 1 and 2 and 3 (daily), 6 (possession) Zone 3
- Grouse Enhanced Management Sites (GEMS)
- About Ruffed Grouse
- West Nile Virus and Ruffed Grouse FAQ
- Become a Ruffed Grouse and American Woodcock Cooperator
Season Dates:
Oct 10 - Oct 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 2 (daily), 4 (possession), 6 (season)
- About Sharp-tailed Grouse
Season Dates:
- Zone 1 (partial): Oct. 10-31
- Zone 2, 3: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14
- Zone 3 (partial): Dec. 1 - Jan. 1
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 2 (daily), 4 (possession)
- About Pheasants
- Michigan Pheasant Restoration Initiative
- Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative
Season Dates:
Oct. 20 - Nov. 14
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession)
- About Quail
Season Dates:
Sept 15 - Mar 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession, combined)
- About Snowshoe Hare
- About Cottontail Rabbit
- Video (2h 32m): 2019 Snowshoe Hare Forum
Gray Squirrel and Fox SquirrelSeason Dates:
Sept. 15 - Mar. 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession)
- About Gray Squirrels
- About Fox Squirrels
Season Dates:
Sept. 25 - Nov. 8, 2021
USFWS framework stipulates the season can start no earlier than the Saturday closest to September 22.Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 3 (daily), 9 (possession)
Notes: Shotguns must be plugged so they are capable of holding no more than three shells. All woodcock hunters must obtain a free woodcock stamp in addition to a valid base license, available from all license agents or online. The woodcock stamp includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). A current-year HIP endorsement must be carried when hunting migratory birds. Hunters can promote sound woodcock management by promptly reporting all banded birds harvested, including date and location taken. To report bands, go online to www.reportband.gov, or call 800-327-BAND.
- About Woodcock
- Woodcock Hunt At GEMS
- Woodcock Aging Resources
Coyote, Opossum, Porcupine, Weasel, Red Squirrel, Skunk, Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck, Russian boar, Feral Pigeons, Starlings, and House SparrowsSeason Dates:
Year-round
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: No Limit
Notes: Please see Chapter VII of the Wildlife Conservation Order for more information on hunting State Parks and Recreation Areas.
Subscribe to Small Game Hunting Updates:
Updates will include hunting regulation changes such as bag limits and seasons, and general hunting information that affects small game hunters. Emails will be sent periodically.
