Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. Use the link above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below:
Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. Use the button above to visit the hunting home page, or go directly to your area of interest below:
Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below:
Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below:
Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket.
Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more.
Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more.
Find a great trail experience near you - whether you want to hike, bike, snowmobile or ride an ORV. From long, paved linear trails to rugged forest terrain, Michigan offers trail opportunities for all abilities and interests.
Visitor Centers across the state provide education programs, field trips, archery, fishing, trails and much more. Click the box above to see all our locations, or click the individual location below.
We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below:
Recreational Safety and Hunter Education
Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below.
DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below.
DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below.
DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests.
All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups
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| License type: | Age up to 9: | Junior age 10–16: | Resident age 17–64: | Resident age 65+: | Nonresident age 17+1: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DNR Sportcard*2 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Fall turkey application | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Base license* — valid through March 31, 2025 | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| Fall turkey license | $15 | $15 | $15 | $6 | $15 |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
*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.
Resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and Michigan veterans with disabilities Resident active-duty military personnel and resident veterans with a 100% disability rating can obtain a leftover fall turkey license free of charge beginning Aug. 26. Licenses are full price for those who apply for a license and are selected in the drawing.
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. 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 is the Mentored Youth Hunting Program?
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years old, has hunting experience and has a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice license.
What species can mentored youth harvest with their license?
The mentored youth license is a “package” license to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species. It also allows hunters to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
I am a mentored youth hunter. What can I do with the fall turkey license I received in my MYH package?
As a mentored youth hunter, you get one fall turkey license, which is valid for one turkey (any sex) in any open fall turkey hunt unit on public or private land.
I am 9 years old or younger and not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a mentored youth license?
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.
What happens if a mentored youth turns 10 years old during the license year?
The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth turns 10 years old during the license year.
Return to table of contentsWhat 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 online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a base apprentice license?
Yes. The base apprentice 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.
I am an apprentice hunter. Can I purchase a fall turkey license?
Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase a fall turkey license awarded in the drawing or a leftover fall turkey license, if available.
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.
Does my accompanying mentor need to have a fall turkey license for the same unit and hunt period as me?
For hunting fall turkey, your accompanying mentor needs a current-year fall turkey hunting license, but it does not have to be for the same management unit or season dates as your fall turkey license.
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.
Do I qualify as a Michigan resident?
To qualify as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
If I own land in Michigan but live in a different state, can I buy a resident fall turkey license?
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
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.
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.
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.
I was selected for a fall turkey license in the drawing but can’t purchase my license. Why not?
While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase your 2024 base license before you can purchase a fall turkey license.
When can I purchase a 2024 base license?
The 2024 base license is currently available for purchase. A 2024 base license is valid through March 31, 2025.
What is a fall turkey license?
A fall turkey license is a kill tag that allows an individual to harvest a turkey within a designated TMU and hunt period during the fall turkey season.
What type of lands can I hunt with a fall turkey license?
A fall turkey license is valid on all public and private lands within the designated TMU, except fall turkey licenses for TMU HA and YY are valid only on private lands only. You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
Can I purchase more than one fall turkey license?
Yes. You can purchase one fall turkey license per day until quotas are met.
Can I let someone else hunt using my fall turkey license?
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 turkey unless they have an unused fall turkey hunting license issued in their name for the TMU in which they are hunting.
Can I use the same kill tag on more than one turkey?
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
Can I put my kill tag on a turkey someone else harvested?
No. You cannot put your kill tag on a turkey you did not harvest.
Are there always leftover licenses available?
No. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt number. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
When can I purchase a leftover license if I was not selected for a fall turkey license in the drawing?
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover fall turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. ET.
When can I purchase a leftover license if I didn’t apply for the drawing?
If any licenses remain as of Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. ET and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover fall turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis.
I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a leftover license?
Yes. You can purchase a leftover fall turkey license as a nonresident, if available. How many leftover fall turkey licenses can I purchase?
You can purchase one fall turkey license (awarded in the drawing or leftover) per day until quotas are met.
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 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 is valid for the applicable 2025 species hunting season and may 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. Nonresidents are not eligible to purchase the PMH elk license.
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.
When will the 2025 Pure Michigan Hunt winners be announced?
Three 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.
