License types and fees

License types and fees by age

*One dollar from each of these licenses will be used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the state’s natural resources.
¹Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
²The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
³At the time of purchase, you must choose if you want the opportunity to harvest one or two antlered deer (except DMU 117). If you only want to harvest one antlered deer throughout the license year, you can purchase a single deer license (one kill tag). If you want to harvest two antlered deer throughout the license year, you must purchase a deer combo license (two kill tags).
⁴The extended late antlerless deer license is only valid Jan. 2-12, 2025 in certain counties during the extended late antlerless firearm season.

Do I need a hunting license to target practice?
No, you do not need a hunting license when target shooting for practice or sighting in a firearm at an identifiable, artificially constructed target and when there is no attempt to take game.

Hunter safety

Is hunter safety required for purchasing a license?
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter safety certificate or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter safety requirement (see the Mentored Hunting for more details). A valid hunter education safety certificate from another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. For a replacement Michigan hunter safety certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

What are the rules for a youth hunter 10–16 years old who has taken hunter safety?
Youth 10–16 years old, and who are hunter safety-certified, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older to hunt, unless:

• The youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
• AND the license is not an apprentice license.

Mentored hunting

What is the Mentored Hunting Program?
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package. Complete program details can be found at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.

What are the rules for a mentor participating in the Mentored Hunting Program?
A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have previous hunting experience.
• Possess a current-year Michigan base license that is not an apprentice license.

What is the mentored youth license?
The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year.

• The single deer license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless-only season, when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.

What is the inclusive mentored license?
The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey.

• The single deer license issued with the inclusive mentored license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless-only season, when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.

Who qualifies for the inclusive mentored license?
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:

• The mentored individual is a minor child with a developmental disability and is unable to complete hunter safety.
• The mentored individual is an adult with a developmental disability, has a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code (1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1600 to 330.1644) and is unable to complete hunter safety.

Apprentice hunting

What is the Apprentice Hunting Program?
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter safety certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a mentor who is at least 21 years old. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl. Complete program details can be found at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.

• Apprentice youth hunters can hunt on public lands and private or Commercial Forest lands for deer.
• Apprentice hunters are exempt from antler point restrictions during all deer seasons, in all regions and for all deer licenses, which also includes the four-point APR on the restricted tag. A legal antlered deer is one antler 3 inches or longer.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a base apprentice license?
Yes. The base apprentice hunting license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter safety certificate.

How many times can I purchase a base apprentice license?
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter safety course and purchase a regular base license.

Can I hunt by myself with a base apprentice license, or do I need to hunt with someone else?
When hunting as an apprentice hunter, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10–16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.

How close do I need to be to my accompanying mentor during the hunt?
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.

Hunters with disabilities

Additional resources for hunters with disabilities are available through Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors. Visit MIOFO.org for more information.

Who qualifies for a disability bow permit?
Those with a temporary or permanent disability that affects their ability to use a conventional bow may apply for a disability bow permit. Disability bow permits are required for using a crossbow or modified bow during late archery season in the Upper Peninsula. A physician can automatically certify a hunter as eligible for a disability bow permit if the hunter has an amputation involving body extremities required for stable function to use conventional archery equipment or has a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent disability to the lower extremities, leaving the applicant permanently nonambulatory, or has a permanent wheelchair restriction. If none of the above criteria apply, physicians, physical therapists or occupational therapists can certify hunters who fail a functional draw test that equals 35 pounds of resistance and involves holding it for four seconds, a manual muscle test involving the grading of shoulder and elbow flexion and extension, or an impaired range-of-motion test involving the shoulder or elbow. In addition, a physician can recommend a disability bow permit for other temporary or permanent disabilities, such as neuromuscular conditions. For more information and an application, call 517-284-6057 or visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

Who qualifies for a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle?
A person who, due to injury, disease, amputation or paralysis, is permanently disabled and unable to walk, may apply for a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle. This permit allows a licensed hunter to hunt, and shoot from, a parked motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or personal assistive mobility device. Subject to all other regulations, including buck limits and antler point restrictions, this permit also entitles the holder to take a deer of either sex under any valid deer license. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

• Use of off-road vehicles: Those holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle or those hunting with disabilities while using an ORV may display an orange flag to identify themselves as hunters with disabilities. Hunters with disabilities hunting on Commercial Forest land must get landowner permission for motorized access.
• Use of personal assistive mobility devices: An individual whose disability requires use of a wheelchair or PAMD, and who has a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle, may use such equipment anywhere foot travel is allowed on public land. Areas that prohibit the use of motorized vehicles are not off-limits to PAMDs. Use caution where the landscape is uneven or presents other safety concerns.

I am legally blind. Can I hunt with a laser-sighting device?
Yes. Legally blind hunters can use laser-sighting devices to take game, subject to all other regulations, with a firearm or crossbow if all the following conditions are met:

• The person is accompanied by a sighted person who is at least 18 years old and possesses proof of a current or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) or proof of successful completion of a hunter safety class.
• The legally blind person possesses the appropriate hunting license and proof of impairment in the form of a Secretary of State ID card. No permit is necessary for this accommodation.

Can I get a permit to hunt using a laser-sighting device?
Yes. Hunters with other permanent disabilities can apply to the DNR Law Enforcement Division for a permit to use a laser-sighting device with a firearm or crossbow to take game. Subject to all other regulations, a permittee can take game with the use of a laser-sighting device only if accompanied by a person who is at least 18 years old and licensed to hunt the same game (other than an apprentice license). For application information, please call 517-284-6000.

Michigan residents

Do I qualify as a Michigan resident?
To qualify for a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state. Resident status can only be claimed in one state.
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university and reside in the state during the school year.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and be officially stationed in Michigan.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and maintain residency in Michigan.

If I own land in Michigan but live in a different state, can I buy a resident hunting license?
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.

Michigan veterans with disabilities

I am a Michigan veteran with a disability. Do I get a discount?
Yes. Michigan resident veterans with a disability are eligible to obtain any hunting license that does not require a separate application free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:

• You have been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate, for disabilities other than blindness.
• You have been rated by United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.

Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the above conditions should be in the possession of a veteran when obtaining free licenses and while afield.

U.S. military personnel

I am a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?
Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.

I am not a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?
No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military.

Treaty-authorized hunters

Can I hunt with a tribal member?
Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must still follow all applicable state deer hunting regulations.

DNR Sportcard

What is a DNR Sportcard?
A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.

Hunt/fish combo license

What is the hunt/fish combo license?
The hunt/fish combo license is a “package” license that includes an annual fishing license good for all species on any Michigan body of water, a base license that allows small game hunting and a deer combo license (regular and restricted kill tags) valid in both archery and firearm seasons.

Base license

What is a base license?
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. The base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. The base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base license when hunting.

Deer licenses

Which deer licenses are available in Michigan?
The following deer licenses are available to purchase in Michigan:

• Single deer license — One kill tag valid for one deer.
• Deer combo license — Two kill tags (regular and restricted) valid for one deer per kill tag.
• Universal antlerless deer license — One kill tag valid for one antlerless deer only.
• DMU 487 antlerless deer license — One kill tag valid for one antlerless deer only.
• Extended late antlerless deer license — One kill tag valid for one antlerless deer only.

Can I purchase a single deer license and a deer combo license?
No. If you purchased a single deer license, you cannot purchase a second single deer license or the deer combo license.

What is a universal antlerless deer license?
A universal antlerless deer license is a kill tag that allows residents and nonresidents to take an antlerless deer on public or private land in any deer management unit open to antlerless deer hunting in all deer seasons. No application is needed to purchase a universal antlerless deer license. Hunters of any age may purchase universal antlerless deer licenses, including hunters licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program. Antlerless deer hunters in DMU 352 must obtain an antlerless deer hunting access permit in addition to the universal antlerless license (see the Antlerless Deer Drawing System section on for more information).

How many universal antlerless deer licenses can I purchase?
You can purchase up to 10 universal antlerless deer licenses, statewide, per license year. This limit includes discounted antlerless deer licenses for DMU 487.

What is an extended late antlerless deer license?
An extended late antlerless deer license is a kill tag that allows residents and nonresidents to take an antlerless deer on public or private land within DMUs open to antlerless deer hunting during the extended late antlerless firearm deer season. These licenses are only valid Jan. 2-12, 2025.

How many extended late antlerless deer licenses can I purchase?
From Dec. 1 through Jan. 12, you can purchase up to 10 extended late antlerless deer licenses. These licenses do not count toward the purchase limit of 10 universal antlerless deer licenses.

Which deer licenses are valid during the extended late antlerless firearm deer season?
Unused single deer licenses (including those issued through the Mentored hunting program), deer combo licenses (regular kill tags), deer combo licenses (restricted kill tags), universal antlerless deer licenses, or extended late antlerless deer licenses are valid for harvesting antlerless deer during the extended late antlerless firearm deer season.

What type of lands can I hunt with deer licenses?
You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.

• The single deer license and deer combo license (regular and restricted kill tags) are valid on all public and private lands in the Upper and Lower peninsulas. Antler point restrictions may apply.
• The universal antlerless deer license is valid on all public and private lands in the Lower Peninsula.
• The universal antlerless deer license is valid on all public and private lands in the southernmost portion of the Upper Peninsula with DMUs open to antlerless hunting.
• The universal antlerless deer license is valid on all public and private lands in DMU 352 of the Upper Peninsula. In DMU 352, you must have an antlerless deer hunting access permit AND a universal antlerless deer license (see the Antlerless Deer Drawing System section for more information).
• The extended late antlerless firearm deer season is a firearm deer season that takes place on public and private lands Jan 2-12, 2025 within Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair (excluding DMU 174), Washtenaw and Wayne counties, as well as DMUs 311 (Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties), 312 (Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Branch counties) and 332 (Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac counties).

Can I let someone else hunt using my deer license(s)?
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for hunters to harvest or attempt to harvest a deer unless they have an unused deer license issued in their name.

Can I use the same kill tag on more than one deer?
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.

Can I put my kill tag on a deer someone else harvested?
No. You cannot put your kill tag on a deer you did not harvest.

What is a deer management assistance permit?
A deer management assistance permit allows an individual to harvest antlerless deer only on the property for which it has been issued and adjacent private property with permission of the landowner. Deer taken with DMA permits do not count against a hunter’s license purchase limit. DMA permits are not stand-alone licenses. You must purchase an appropriate deer license for the season in which you are hunting.

Pure Michigan Hunt

What is the Pure Michigan Hunt?
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners may purchase one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey, and base hunting license at a total cost of $3. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have the first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2025 species hunting season and able to be used in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2025 hunting regulations.

How does the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing system work?
Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.

When is the application period for the 2025 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing?
The application period is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2024.

How many Pure Michigan Hunt applications can I purchase?
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2024.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I apply in the drawing?
No. You must be eligible to purchase regular, nonapprentice hunting licenses to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I apply in the drawing?
Yes. You can apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as a nonresident. However, if you are selected, you will not be eligible to receive the PMH elk license but will be allowed to transfer the license to a Michigan resident.

When will the 2025 Pure Michigan Hunt winners be announced?
The lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2025, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.

Where can I find more information?
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.

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