Equipment regulations

Are there any types of equipment I cannot use to hunt deer?
Yes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt deer in Michigan:

• Snares, traps, cages, nets, pitfalls or deadfalls.
• Spears, slingshots, fully automatic firearms, airbows or mechanical devices other than bows, crossbows and firearms.
• Cartridges containing tracer or explosive bullets.
• Drugs, poisons, anticoagulants, stupefying substances, smoke, gas or explosives.

Can I hunt with an air gun?
Yes. Pneumatic guns, or “air guns,” are considered firearms for hunting purposes. Pneumatic guns must meet firearm requirements for season, species hunted and zone you are hunting in.

Hunter orange

Do I need to wear hunter orange while deer hunting with a firearm?
Yes. If you are hunting deer with a firearm, you must wear a cap, hat, vest, jacket or rain gear of hunter orange. The hunter orange garments must be your outermost layer and be visible from all sides. Hunter orange includes camouflage that is not less than 50 percent hunter orange.

Do I need to wear hunter orange while deer hunting with archery equipment?
No. If you are hunting deer with archery equipment (bow or crossbow) during the archery deer seasons, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement. However, if you are hunting deer with archery equipment during a firearm deer season, you must follow all firearm deer season requirements, including the hunter orange requirement.

Elevated platforms and ground blinds

Can I hunt deer from an elevated platform?
Yes. You can hunt deer from an elevated platform using a bow, crossbow or firearm on public and private lands. A fall arrest system is recommended.

When can I put an elevated platform up on public lands?
You can place an elevated platform on public lands beginning Sept. 1. You must remove your elevated platform(s) from public lands by March 1.

Are there other restrictions for elevated platforms placed on public lands?
Yes. If you hunt on public lands, your elevated platform must be portable. Elevated platforms on public lands cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts. However, a “T” bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used. Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It is unlawful to use any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in the construction or affixing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.

Can I use an elevated platform on private lands?
Yes. You can use an elevated platform for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner. Permanent elevated platforms are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands. The use of tree steps, nails, screws, bolts, etc. is also not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.

Can I use a ground blind on public lands during the deer seasons?
Yes. You can use ground blinds on public land to hunt deer during any deer season. Ground blinds can be placed on all Zone 1 and Zone 2 public lands from Sept. 1 to the end of the annual deer season. In addition to being subject to criminal penalties, any constructed blind found on public land prior to Sept. 1 or after the end of the annual deer season will be considered abandoned.

As a hunter with a disability, can I use a ground blind on public land?
Yes. If you have been issued a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle, a permit to hunt with a crossbow, a Secretary of State disabled person parking permit or meet the disability standards set forth in the Michigan Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Law, you can use a constructed ground blind on public land. A nondisabled person can assist you in constructing a legal blind on public land. If the constructed ground blind is left overnight on public land, the following conditions must be met:

• The blind is placed on public land no earlier than 10 days prior to the hunting season for which it is used and is removed at the end of the season for which it is used.
• You have permanently affixed your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number on the blind.
• Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the bark of a tree and must be removed with the blind.
• Branches, limbs, trees or other vegetation are not cut for shooting lanes or to construct blinds.

What types of ground blinds are legal on public lands?
Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identification is required. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.

Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of the blind, except that a hunter can add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued or fastened in any permanent manner. No identification is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.

Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds, if not removed daily. Identification is required. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed with the blind. These blinds are not legal on state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has been permitted to be placed on land administered by a local public agency (city, township, county), the local agency will establish the length of time that a blind may be placed on its property.

• Deer hunters may place constructed ground blinds on all Zone 1 and Zone 2 public lands from Sept. 1 to the end of the annual deer season. In addition to being subject to criminal penalties, any constructed blind found on public land prior to Sept. 1 or after the end of the annual deer season will be considered abandoned.

Can I use a ground blind on private lands?
Yes. You can use a ground blind for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner. Permanent ground blinds are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.

What information must I tag my elevated platform or ground blind with?
In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the elevated platform or Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.

Can someone else use my elevated platform or ground blind that is on public lands?
No. However, placing an elevated platform or ground blind on public lands does not guarantee exclusive use of the area. You cannot use an illegal elevated platform or ground blind regardless of who placed it on public lands.

Bows, crossbows and firearms

What equipment can I use to hunt deer?
You can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm per regulations explained in this section.

What equipment can a mentored hunter use?
Mentored hunters licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm. Any hunting device possessed by a mentored hunter must be sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the mentored hunter.

What equipment can a mentor carry in the field when mentoring?
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, rifle, bow or crossbow) in the field while mentoring, and the mentored hunter must always be within arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of the mentored hunter while in the field.

What equipment can an apprentice youth hunter use?
Apprentice youth hunters can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm.

I hunt with archery equipment. Are there any restrictions on which arrows I can use?
Yes. You can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.

Can I hunt deer with a crossbow in the Lower Peninsula?
Yes. You can use a crossbow throughout the archery deer seasons in the Lower Peninsula (Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1). A crossbow can also be used during any season in which a firearm is allowed.

Can I hunt deer with a crossbow during the early segment of archery deer season in the Upper Peninsula?
Yes. You can use a crossbow during the early segment of archery deer season (Oct. 1 – Nov. 14) in the Upper Peninsula.

Can I hunt deer with a crossbow during the regular firearm deer season in the Upper Peninsula?
Yes. You can use a crossbow during the regular firearm deer season (Nov. 15-30) in the Upper Peninsula.

Can I hunt deer with a crossbow during the late segment of archery deer season in the Upper Peninsula?
No. You cannot use a crossbow or a modified bow during the late segment of archery deer season (Dec. 1 – Jan. 1) in the Upper Peninsula, unless you are a disabled hunter with a crossbow permit or special permit to take game with a modified bow.

Can I hunt deer with a crossbow during the muzzleloader deer season in the Upper Peninsula?
No. You cannot use a crossbow or a modified bow during the muzzleloader deer season (Dec. 6-15) in the Upper Peninsula, unless you are a disabled hunter with a crossbow permit or special permit to take game with a modified bow.

Can I carry a firearm during archery deer season?
No. During the archery deer seasons, you cannot possess or carry afield a pistol, revolver or other firearm while bow hunting for deer. However, this does not apply if you are:

• Properly licensed to hunt deer with a firearm and in an area open to firearm deer hunting during the early and late antlerless season, Liberty Hunt, Independence Hunt and the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer hunt.
• Properly licensed to hunt deer with a firearm and in an area open to the muzzleloading deer season in Zone 2 or Zone 3. Pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. However, a concealed pistol license does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
• Carrying a pistol under authority of a concealed pistol license or a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. However, a concealed pistol license does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.

Can I use archery equipment during the firearm deer seasons?
Yes. During firearm deer seasons, you can use archery equipment if you follow all firearm season regulations, including the hunter orange clothing requirement.

When is the “quiet period” and what are the restrictions?
The “quiet period” is Nov. 10-14. During this time, you cannot carry afield or transport any rifle (including rimfire) or shotgun if you have buckshot, slug, ball loads or cut shells. The following exceptions may apply:

• You can transport a firearm to your deer camp or to a target range during this period if the firearm is properly transported (see the Transporting bows, crossbows and firearms section).
• You can target shoot on your own property provided there is no attempt to take game.

What are the firearm restrictions I must follow when hunting deer during a firearm deer season in the limited firearms deer zone?
If you are deer hunting during a firearm deer season in the limited firearms deer zone, you must abide by the following firearm restrictions or use a crossbow or a bow. Legal firearms are as follows:

• A shotgun with a smooth or rifled barrel of any gauge.
• A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute.
• A conventional (smokeless powder) handgun .35-caliber or larger and loaded with straight-walled cartridges. It may be single- or multiple-shot but cannot exceed a maximum capacity of nine rounds in the barrel and magazine combined.
• A .35-caliber or larger rifle loaded with straight-walled cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.80 inches.
• A .35-caliber or larger air rifle or pistol charged only from an external, high-compression power source.

I am hunting deer north of the limited firearms deer zone. Which equipment can I use during a firearm season?
If you are deer hunting during a firearm deer season north of the limited firearms deer zone, you can use handguns, rifles, crossbows, bows, shotguns and muzzleloading firearms, including black powder handguns. It is legal to hunt deer north of the limited firearms deer zone with any caliber of firearm except a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire (rifle or handgun). During the firearm deer seasons, a firearm deer hunter may carry afield a bow, crossbow or firearm.

I am hunting deer. What is the shell capacity for shotguns and centerfire rifles?
You cannot hunt deer with a semi-automatic shotgun or semi-automatic rifle that can hold more than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined.

What are the handgun restrictions I must follow when hunting?
Handguns can be used while hunting during any season in which a firearm is allowed if following the rules listed below. The rules listed below may not apply to those having a concealed pistol license or specifically exempt by law from a CPL and carrying their handgun in accordance with their license or exemption.

• A person must be at least 18 years old to hunt with or possess a handgun.
• Handguns cannot be borrowed or loaned to another person other than provided for under a CPL.
• While in the field, handguns must be carried in plain view.
• Carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view is permitted.
• It is a crime for certain felons to possess ammunition and firearms, including rifles and shotguns, in Michigan.

I am not a resident of Michigan. What documentation do I need to carry a handgun in Michigan?
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license or a license to purchase, carry or transport issued by your home state to legally carry or transport a handgun in Michigan. For more information about statewide handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL, or concealed weapons and firearms laws, contact your local police department.

I have a concealed pistol license. Can I carry my pistol while hunting?
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.

I am hunting deer in Zone 1. Which equipment can I use during the muzzleloading deer season?
If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in Zone 1, you can only possess, carry afield or take a deer with a muzzleloading rifle, muzzleloading shotgun or black-powder pistol, loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black-powder substitute. In the Upper Peninsula (Zone 1), only certified hunters with a disability can use a crossbow or a modified bow during the muzzleloading season.

I am hunting deer in Zone 2. Which equipment can I use during the muzzleloading deer season?
If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in Zone 2, you can use all legal firearms to take a deer.

I am hunting deer in Zone 3. Which equipment can I use during the muzzleloading deer season?
If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in Zone 3, you can use all legal firearms to take a deer. If you are hunting in the limited firearms deer zone, you must follow equipment requirements for that zone.

Transporting bows, crossbows and firearms

How should I transport my bow, crossbow or firearm when afield outside the legal hunting hours?
Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when you are afield outside the legal hunting hours.

How should I transport my bow, crossbow or firearm while in or on a motor vehicle?
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles:

• Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle on private or public property.
• Crossbows and bows must be unloaded and uncocked or enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle while that vehicle is operated on public land or on a highway, road or street.
• A person holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle may transport or possess an uncased firearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive mobility device if the action is open.

How should I transport my bow, crossbow or firearm while in or on an off-road vehicle?
These rules apply whether your off-road vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times, when carried in or on an off-road vehicle:

• Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case or equipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured, key-locked, trigger-housing mechanism.
• Crossbows and bows must be unloaded or uncocked and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle while that vehicle is operated on public land or on a highway, road or street.
• A person holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle may transport or possess an uncased firearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive mobility device if the action is open.

How should I transport my firearm while in or on a boat?
These rules apply when the vessel is under power and until forward motion has ceased. Once the vessel is no longer under power and forward motion has ceased, firearms can be loaded. When carried in or on a motor-propelled boat or sailboat, while the vessel is under power or forward motion is occurring:

• Rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.

Are there exceptions for transporting a firearm if I have a standing vehicle permit?
Yes. If you have a valid standing vehicle permit, you can transport or possess an uncased firearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive mobility device if the action is open.

Are there additional restrictions for transporting a handgun?
Yes. You can transport your registered handguns while en route to and from your hunting or target shooting area. However, handguns, including BB guns larger than .177 caliber and all pellet guns, must be unloaded in the barrel and magazines and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms and cannot be readily accessible to any occupant of the vehicle. These rules do not apply to a pistol carried under authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license.

Artificial lights

Can I use an artificial light to locate wild animals?
You cannot use an artificial light (including vehicle headlights) to locate wild animals at any time during November and all other days of the year between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. You cannot use an artificial light on a highway or in a field, wetland, woodland or forest while having a bow, crossbow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile in your possession. It is a violation of federal law to shine at any time on any national wildlife refuge.

• This prohibition does not apply to pistols carried under the authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exemption from the requirement of a concealed pistol license. This does not authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
• An artificial light can be used from Nov. 1-30 on property you own or property owned by a member of your immediate family if you do not have a bow, crossbow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile in your possession.
• If you are using an artificial light to locate game, you must immediately stop your vehicle when signaled by a uniformed officer or marked patrol vehicle.

Can I use an artificial light when traveling to my deer hunting location?
Yes. Deer hunters can use an artificial light one hour before and one hour after shooting hours while carrying an unloaded bow, crossbow or firearm when traveling on foot to or from their hunting location.

Can I use optics such as scopes or lighted pin sights when hunting?
Yes. You can use a scope with illuminated crosshairs or a lighted pin sight on a bow to hunt game during legal hunting hours.

Off-road vehicles and snowmobiles

Are there restrictions on where I can use off-road vehicles or snowmobiles?
Yes. Some roads or areas may be closed to off-road vehicle or snowmobile use. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact the nearest DNR office for closures.

Are there restrictions on when I can use off-road vehicles or snowmobiles?
Yes. You cannot operate an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile between the hours of 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open to public hunting during the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer season. The time restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles do not apply to the following situations:

• During an emergency.
• While traveling to and from a permanent residence or hunting camp that is otherwise inaccessible by conventional wheeled vehicle.
• While removing legally harvested deer from state land. An individual shall not operate an off-road vehicle at a speed exceeding 5 miles per hour, and the individual must use the most direct route that complies with all off-road vehicle restrictions.
• While on private lands and operated by the private landowners and their invited guests.
• While operating a motor vehicle licensed under the Michigan Vehicle Code on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic.
• During the use of a designated trail or forest road for hunting or fishing purposes by a person with a disability.
• During use by a person with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle.

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