Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir.
The hunting regulations summaries are a condensed summaries of the full regulations and legal descriptions found in this Wildlife Conservation Order, issued by the Natural Resources Commission.
Michigan has 11 species of small game that can be harvested using hunting methods. In Michigan, small game species include bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbit, crow, ground squirrel (including chipmunk), ring-necked pheasant, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, snowshoe hare, squirrel (fox, gray and red), woodchuck and woodcock. Woodcock and crows are considered migratory game birds. For more information on small game management in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/SmallGame.
Feral pigeons, house sparrows and starlings may be hunted, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. There are no bag limits for these species.
Cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels, gray squirrels, ground squirrels, red squirrels and woodchucks may be taken year-round, using all legal hunting and trapping methods for those species as permitted by law, on private property without a license or written permit when doing, or physically present where they could imminently cause, damage. Damage means physical harm to forest products, roads, dams, buildings, orchards, apiaries, livestock and horticultural or agricultural crops. For additional information (including additional trapping methods for small game species), please refer to Wildlife Conservation Order section 5.56.
Crows, house sparrows and starlings may be taken if doing or about to do damage to private property or committing or about to commit depredations. A license or written permit is not needed.
| Season | Area | Season dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite quail hunting | Select counties1 | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 | Special rules for Ionia and Highland field trial areas apply. Go to the State parks and recreation areas section. |
| Cottontail rabbit hunting | Statewide | Sept. 15 – March 31 | N/A |
| Crow hunting | Statewide | Aug. 1 – Sept. 30 and Feb. 1 – March 31 | Crows cannot be hunted in state parks or recreation areas between Aug. 1 and Sept. 14. |
| Ground squirrel hunting (chipmunk included) | Statewide | Year-round | Ground squirrels can also be taken using legal trapping methods. |
| Ring-necked pheasant hunting | Zone 12 | Oct. 10–31 | Go to the Pheasant license section for license requirements. Only male pheasants can be harvested. |
| Ring-necked pheasant hunting | Zone 2 | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 | Go to the Pheasant license section for license requirements. Only male pheasants can be harvested. |
| Ring-necked pheasant hunting | Zone 3 | Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 | Go to the Pheasant license section for license requirements. Only male pheasants can be harvested. |
| Ring-necked pheasant hunting | December pheasant management unit3 | Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 | Go to the Pheasant license section for license requirements. Only male pheasants can be harvested. |
| Ruffed grouse hunting | Statewide | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 | N/A |
| Sharp-tailed grouse hunting | Zone 1 | Oct. 10–31 | Go to the Sharp-tailed grouse stamp section for stamp requirements. |
| Snowshoe hare hunting | Statewide | Sept. 15 – March 31 | N/A |
| Squirrel hunting (fox and/or gray; black phase included) | Statewide | Sept. 15 – March 31 | N/A |
| Squirrel hunting (red) | Statewide | Year-round | Red squirrels can also be taken using legal trapping methods. |
| Woodchuck hunting | Statewide | Year-round | Woodchucks cannot be hunted in state parks or recreation areas between April 1 and Sept. 14. |
| Woodcock hunting | Statewide | Sept. 15 – Oct. 29 | Go to the Woodcock stamp section for stamp and HIP requirements. |
1Bobwhite quail can be hunted in Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. All other counties are closed to quail hunting.
2Zone 1 pheasant management unit includes all of Menominee County and portions of Delta, Dickinson, Iron and Marquette counties. The remaining portion of Zone 1 is closed to pheasant hunting.
3December pheasant management unit includes all of Zone 3.
Yes. This year, pheasants will be released on 13 state game/wildlife areas throughout southern Michigan. Maps of parking lots for the release sites can be found at Michigan.gov/SmallGame. Releases will occur for the Oct. 20 – Nov. 14 season AND the Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 season for all 13 release sites. Pheasant release locations include:
At the time this regulations summary was printed, it was unknown if pheasant releases for pheasant hunting recruitment activities would be able to occur in 2026. If available, event dates and registration details will be posted at Michigan.gov/SmallGame.
The small game management seasons are intended to address interspecies conflict and overabundance statewide for cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels and gray squirrels.
The small game management seasons start the day after the regular hunting season closes for the respective species. The small game management seasons end the day before the start of the regular hunting season for the respective species.
| Season | Area | Season dates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cottontail rabbit management | Statewide1 | April 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2026 | Hunting only |
| Squirrel hunting (fox and gray management | Statewide1 | April 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2026 | Hunting only |
1Private lands only.
During the small game management seasons, cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels and gray squirrels can be hunted on private lands only. This does not include Commercial Forest lands open to the public, which are closed to hunting during the small game management seasons.
You must possess the appropriate licenses for hunting the respective species during the small game management seasons. During the small game seasons, you will need to have a current-year base license.
During the small game management seasons, otherwise legal hunting methods can be used for the respective species, except the use of dogs for hunting cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels and gray squirrels is prohibited from April 16 to July 7. All other applicable hunting regulations for the respective species must be followed.
Cottontail rabbits, fox squirrels and gray squirrels harvested during the respective management season can be used or must be properly disposed of. Carcasses must be buried completely or wrapped and disposed of in a landfill. Private landowners may compost carcasses on their own land, as allowed by local authority.
The pheasant management unit open to hunting Oct. 10–31 in Zone 1 (Upper Peninsula) includes all of Menominee County and portions of Delta, Dickinson, Iron and Marquette counties. Zones 2 and 3 (entire Lower Peninsula) are open to pheasant hunting Oct. 20 – Nov. 14. Zone 3 is open to pheasant hunting Dec. 1 – Jan. 1. For detailed descriptions of pheasant management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
The sharp-tailed grouse management unit open to hunting Oct. 10–31 in Zone 1 (Upper Peninsula) includes the area shown below. For detailed descriptions of sharp-tailed grouse management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
The daily bag limits and possession limits for small game species are listed below.
| Species | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|
| Bobwhite quail | 5 | 10 |
| Cottontail rabbit and/or snowshoe hare | 5 | 10 |
| Crow | No limit | No limit |
| Ground squirrel (including chipmunk) | No limit | No limit |
| Ring-necked pheasant (male only) | 2 | 4 |
| Ruffed grouse (Zone 1 and Zone 2) | 5 | 10 |
| Ruffed grouse (Zone 3) | 3 | 6 |
| Sharp-tailed grouse | 2 | 4* |
| Squirrel (fox, gray, black phase included) | 5 | 10 |
| Squirrel (red) | No limit | No limit |
| Woodchuck | No limit | No limit |
| Woodcock | 3 | 9 |
*Sharp-tailed grouse have a season limit of six birds.
No. You cannot take or attempt to take in any one day more than one daily limit per small game species listed above. You cannot kill or wound any game animal without making a reasonable attempt to retrieve it and include it in your daily bag limit. Wounded game animals reduced to possession should be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit.
Yes. If you wound or kill a game animal and recover the animal, you must include it in your daily bag limit.
| License type | Youth age 9 and under | Youth age 10–16 | Resident age 17–64 | Resident senior age 65+ | Nonresident age 17+1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base license* — valid through March 31, 2027 | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| DNR Sportcard2 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Harvest Information Program endorsement | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Hunt/fish combo license* | N/A | N/A | $76 | $43 | $266 |
| Inclusive mentored license3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pheasant license4 | N/A | N/A | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Sharp-tailed grouse stamp | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Small game 3-day nonresident license | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $50 |
| Small game 7-day nonresident license | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $80 |
| Woodcock stamp | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
*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.
3The inclusive mentored license package is only available for qualified individuals at DNR offices, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
4A pheasant hunting license is required for pheasant hunters 18 years old and older hunting on public lands and Hunting Access Program lands. Go to the Pheasant license section for exceptions and additional information.
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.
No. You do not need a hunting license to hunt farm-raised game birds on a licensed game bird hunting preserve. However, to take wild game species on a game bird hunting preserve, hunters must have all appropriate licenses, including a federal duck stamp if applicable, and follow state laws governing the hunting of each species.
No. You cannot use another person’s hunting license or allow another person to use your hunting license.
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter education requirement (go to the Mentored hunting section for more information). A valid hunter education 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 education certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.
A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package.
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:
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 and elk. 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.
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.
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 apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl. Apprentice hunters can hunt on public lands and private or Commercial Forest lands for small game.
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.
No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular base license and current-year license and a 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.
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory contact.
Additional resources for hunters with disabilities are available through Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors. Visit MIOFO.org for more information.
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:
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 sighted person who is at least 18 years old and licensed to hunt the same game (other than with a base apprentice license). For application information, please call 517-284-6000.
To qualify as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
Yes. Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected 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:
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.
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.
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.
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 small game hunting regulations.
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.
The hunt/fish combo license is a license package 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.
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. A 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 and trapping practices are followed. A 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 licenses when hunting.
Armadillos, porcupines and Russian boars may be taken year-round, statewide with a valid base license.
A base license allows you to hunt bobwhite quail, coot (go to the HIP endorsement section), cottontail rabbit, coyote (resident only), crow, ground squirrel (including chipmunk), rail (go to the HIP endorsement section), ring-necked pheasant (go to the Pheasant license section), ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse (go to the Sharp-tailed grouse stamp section), snipe (go to the HIP endorsement section), snowshoe hare, squirrel (fox, gray and red; black phase included), woodchuck and woodcock (go to the HIP endorsement and Woodcock stamp sections) during the open season for each species. A base license is required to hunt small game on your own enclosed farmlands where you live.
No. A base license is not required to purchase a nonresident small game three-day or seven-day license. Nonresidents may choose to purchase the three-day or seven-day small game license instead of an annual base license. You can purchase multiple three-day or seven-day small game licenses throughout the license year.
A nonresident small game limited license is a license that allows a nonresident to hunt all species of small game that are available to hunt under a nonresident base license for a certain number of days. Michigan offers a small game three-day license and a small game seven-day license. These licenses are not kill tags and cannot be used to purchase other hunting licenses, such as a pheasant license.
No. A base license is not required to purchase a nonresident small game three-day or seven-day license. Nonresidents may choose to purchase the three-day or seven-day small game license instead of an annual base license. You can purchase multiple three-day or seven-day small game licenses throughout the license year.
No. A nonresident three-day or seven-day small game license does not allow for the purchase of a pheasant license without the purchase of a base license.
A pheasant license is required to hunt pheasants on any public lands in the Lower Peninsula or on lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program. The pheasant license is not a kill tag.
The following people do not need a pheasant license to hunt pheasants in Michigan:
The Harvest Information Program is a cooperative effort between state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was implemented to improve knowledge about the harvest of migratory game birds. Any person who hunts migratory game birds (except crows) in Michigan is required to register with the HIP. The HIP provides the USFWS with a national registry of potential migratory bird hunters from which they could select participants for federal harvest surveys.
When you purchase a qualifying hunting license, you will be asked HIP survey questions about your migratory bird harvest during the previous year. The HIP endorsement, “Migratory Bird Hunter,” will be printed on your hunting license. A current-year HIP endorsement must be carried when hunting woodcock, snipe, coot and rails.
A sharp-tailed grouse stamp is required to hunt sharp-tailed grouse in Michigan. The sharp-tailed grouse stamp is not a kill tag and does not include the HIP endorsement.
A woodcock stamp is required to hunt woodcock in Michigan. The woodcock stamp is not a kill tag. The woodcock stamp includes the HIP endorsement.
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners will receive one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at no cost. 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 will be valid for the applicable 2027 species hunting season and in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2027 hunting regulations.
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.
The application period is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2026.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice hunting license to apply in the PMH 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.
Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2027, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results are posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic copy of a license or stamp, you must be able to present the electronic license or stamp on your mobile device.
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
If you originally purchased your hunting license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license(s) reprinted ($3 for non-kill tag replacement and full price for kill tag replacement). You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license.
If you originally purchased your hunting license online, you received an email containing a PDF file of printable licenses (those without kill tags), including your base license. Save your PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced. If you have an eLicense account, you may log in at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses to reprint your non-kill tag items. Access your purchase history to reprint current licenses. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.
Legal hunting hours for small game (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. Note: Woodcock hunting season hours are sunrise to sunset. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another time zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the times from the Zone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Time, adjusted for daylight saving time where appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour. For hunt dates not listed in the table, please consult your local newspaper or NOAA.gov.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to hunting and trapping.
Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time). For hunt dates Dec. 1, 2026 – Feb. 28, 2027, hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | 6:28 | 8:35 |
| Sept. 2 | 6:29 | 8:33 |
| Sept. 3 | 6:30 | 8:32 |
| Sept. 4 | 6:31 | 8:30 |
| Sept. 5 | 6:32 | 8:29 |
| Sept. 6 | 6:33 | 8:27 |
| Sept. 7 | 6:34 | 8:25 |
| Sept. 8 | 6:35 | 8:24 |
| Sept. 9 | 6:36 | 8:22 |
| Sept. 10 | 6:37 | 8:21 |
| Sept. 11 | 6:38 | 8:19 |
| Sept. 12 | 6:39 | 8:17 |
| Sept. 13 | 6:40 | 8:16 |
| Sept. 14 | 6:41 | 8:14 |
| Sept. 15 | 6:42 | 8:12 |
| Sept. 16 | 6:43 | 8:11 |
| Sept. 17 | 6:44 | 8:09 |
| Sept. 18 | 6:45 | 8:07 |
| Sept. 19 | 6:46 | 8:06 |
| Sept. 20 | 6:48 | 8:04 |
| Sept. 21 | 6:49 | 8:02 |
| Sept. 22 | 6:50 | 8:01 |
| Sept. 23 | 6:51 | 7:59 |
| Sept. 24 | 6:52 | 7:57 |
| Sept. 25 | 6:53 | 7:56 |
| Sept. 26 | 6:54 | 7:54 |
| Sept. 27 | 6:55 | 7:53 |
| Sept. 28 | 6:56 | 7:51 |
| Sept. 29 | 6:57 | 7:49 |
| Sept. 30 | 6:58 | 7:48 |
| Oct. 1 | 6:59 | 7:46 |
| Oct. 2 | 7:00 | 7:44 |
| Oct. 3 | 7:02 | 7:43 |
| Oct. 4 | 7:03 | 7:41 |
| Oct. 5 | 7:04 | 7:40 |
| Oct. 6 | 7:05 | 7:38 |
| Oct. 7 | 7:06 | 7:37 |
| Oct. 8 | 7:07 | 7:35 |
| Oct. 9 | 7:08 | 7:33 |
| Oct. 10 | 7:09 | 7:32 |
| Oct. 11 | 7:11 | 7:30 |
| Oct. 12 | 7:12 | 7:29 |
| Oct. 13 | 7:13 | 7:27 |
| Oct. 14 | 7:14 | 7:26 |
| Oct. 15 | 7:15 | 7:24 |
| Oct. 16 | 7:16 | 7:23 |
| Oct. 17 | 7:17 | 7:21 |
| Oct. 18 | 7:19 | 7:20 |
| Oct. 19 | 7:20 | 7:19 |
| Oct. 20 | 7:21 | 7:17 |
| Oct. 21 | 7:22 | 7:16 |
| Oct. 22 | 7:23 | 7:14 |
| Oct. 23 | 7:25 | 7:13 |
| Oct. 24 | 7:26 | 7:12 |
| Oct. 25 | 7:27 | 7:10 |
| Oct. 26 | 7:28 | 7:09 |
| Oct. 27 | 7:29 | 7:08 |
| Oct. 28 | 7:31 | 7:06 |
| Oct. 29 | 7:32 | 7:05 |
| Oct. 30 | 7:33 | 7:04 |
| Oct. 31 | 7:34 | 7:03 |
| Nov. 1 | 6:36 | 7:02 |
| Nov. 2 | 6:37 | 6:01 |
| Nov. 3 | 6:38 | 5:59 |
| Nov. 4 | 6:39 | 5:58 |
| Nov. 5 | 6:41 | 5:57 |
| Nov. 6 | 6:42 | 5:56 |
| Nov. 7 | 6:43 | 5:55 |
| Nov. 8 | 6:44 | 5:54 |
| Nov. 9 | 6:46 | 5:53 |
| Nov. 10 | 6:47 | 5:52 |
| Nov. 11 | 6:48 | 5:51 |
| Nov. 12 | 6:49 | 5:50 |
| Nov. 13 | 6:51 | 5:50 |
| Nov. 14 | 6:52 | 5:49 |
| Nov. 15 | 6:53 | 5:48 |
| Nov. 16 | 6:54 | 5:47 |
| Nov. 17 | 6:55 | 5:47 |
| Nov. 18 | 6:57 | 5:46 |
| Nov. 19 | 6:58 | 5:45 |
| Nov. 20 | 6:59 | 5:45 |
| Nov. 21 | 7:00 | 5:44 |
| Nov. 22 | 7:02 | 5:43 |
| Nov. 23 | 7:03 | 5:43 |
| Nov. 24 | 7:04 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 25 | 7:05 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 26 | 7:06 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 27 | 7:07 | 5:41 |
| Nov. 28 | 7:08 | 5:41 |
| Nov. 29 | 7:10 | 5:40 |
| Nov. 30 | 7:11 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 1 | 7:12 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 2 | 7:13 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 3 | 7:14 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 4 | 7:15 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 5 | 7:16 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 6 | 7:17 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 7 | 7:18 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 8 | 7:19 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 9 | 7:20 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 10 | 7:20 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 11 | 7:21 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 12 | 7:22 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 13 | 7:23 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 14 | 7:24 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 15 | 7:24 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 16 | 7:25 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 17 | 7:26 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 18 | 7:26 | 5:42 |
| Dec. 19 | 7:27 | 5:42 |
| Dec. 20 | 7:27 | 5:43 |
| Dec. 21 | 7:28 | 5:43 |
| Dec. 22 | 7:28 | 5:44 |
| Dec. 23 | 7:29 | 5:44 |
| Dec. 24 | 7:29 | 5:45 |
| Dec. 25 | 7:30 | 5:45 |
| Dec. 26 | 7:30 | 5:46 |
| Dec. 27 | 7:30 | 5:47 |
| Dec. 28 | 7:31 | 5:47 |
| Dec. 29 | 7:31 | 5:48 |
| Dec. 30 | 7:31 | 5:49 |
| Dec. 31 | 7:31 | 5:50 |
| Jan. 1 | 7:31 | 5:40 |
| Jan. 2 | 7:31 | 5:41 |
| Jan. 3 | 7:31 | 5:42 |
| Jan. 4 | 7:31 | 5:43 |
| Jan. 5 | 7:31 | 5:44 |
| Jan. 6 | 7:31 | 5:45 |
| Jan. 7 | 7:31 | 5:46 |
| Jan. 8 | 7:31 | 5:47 |
| Jan. 9 | 7:31 | 5:48 |
| Jan. 10 | 7:31 | 5:49 |
| Jan. 11 | 7:30 | 5:50 |
| Jan. 12 | 7:30 | 5:51 |
| Jan. 13 | 7:30 | 5:52 |
| Jan. 14 | 7:29 | 5:54 |
| Jan. 15 | 7:29 | 5:55 |
| Jan. 16 | 7:28 | 5:56 |
| Jan. 17 | 7:28 | 5:57 |
| Jan. 18 | 7:27 | 5:58 |
| Jan. 19 | 7:27 | 6:00 |
| Jan. 20 | 7:26 | 6:01 |
| Jan. 21 | 7:25 | 6:02 |
| Jan. 22 | 7:25 | 6:03 |
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| Jan. 28 | 7:20 | 6:11 |
| Jan. 29 | 7:19 | 6:12 |
| Jan. 30 | 7:18 | 6:14 |
| Jan. 31 | 7:17 | 6:15 |
| Feb. 1 | 7:16 | 6:16 |
| Feb. 2 | 7:15 | 6:17 |
| Feb. 3 | 7:14 | 6:19 |
| Feb. 4 | 7:13 | 6:20 |
| Feb. 5 | 7:11 | 6:21 |
| Feb. 6 | 7:10 | 6:23 |
| Feb. 7 | 7:09 | 6:24 |
| Feb. 8 | 7:08 | 6:25 |
| Feb. 9 | 7:07 | 6:27 |
| Feb. 10 | 7:05 | 6:28 |
| Feb. 11 | 7:04 | 6:29 |
| Feb. 12 | 7:03 | 6:31 |
| Feb. 13 | 7:02 | 6:32 |
| Feb. 14 | 7:00 | 6:33 |
| Feb. 15 | 6:59 | 6:34 |
| Feb. 16 | 6:57 | 6:36 |
| Feb. 17 | 6:56 | 6:37 |
| Feb. 18 | 6:55 | 6:38 |
| Feb. 19 | 6:53 | 6:39 |
| Feb. 20 | 6:52 | 6:41 |
| Feb. 21 | 6:50 | 6:42 |
| Feb. 22 | 6:49 | 6:43 |
| Feb. 23 | 6:47 | 6:45 |
| Feb. 24 | 6:46 | 6:46 |
| Feb. 25 | 6:44 | 6:47 |
| Feb. 26 | 6:43 | 6:48 |
| Feb. 27 | 6:41 | 6:49 |
| Feb. 28 | 6:39 | 6:51 |
Michigan is divided into three hunting and trapping zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is from the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue, easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on M-61 to U.S. 23, easterly on U.S. 23 to the center line of the Au Gres River, southerly along the center line of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to hunting and trapping.
Safety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm operation. No person may hunt in, shoot through or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird with a firearm within a safety zone without the written permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It does not apply to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, law enforcement activities or the lawful discharge of firearms for any nonhunting purpose. Special safety zones are established at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visit NPS.gov/SLBE for more information.
Yes. Opportunities to hunt on national forest lands may be available for the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa national forests. All state laws apply to national forest lands. Additional federal regulations also apply. For a complete listing of regulations, see 36 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations) at FS.USDA.gov.
A motor vehicle use map that shows designated roads and trails open for motorized travel, including off-road vehicles, is available at U.S. Forest Service offices or online at FS.USDA.gov. Both state and federal laws governing ORV use must be followed.
National wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. All state laws apply to national wildlife refuge lands. Additional federal regulations also apply and can be found in 50 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) at FWS.gov. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting. Please note that Mi-HUNT may be unavailable due to maintenance.
You can find the DNR-managed public land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting unless opened by law (visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws for more information). State recreation areas are open to hunting unless closed by law. Approximately 92% of state park and state recreation area lands are open to hunting.
Yes. Contact individual parks or recreation areas for current hunting regulations and any restrictions for those areas prior to hunting.
Yes. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Some state parks and recreation areas have seasonal closures. To make camping reservations, go to MiDNRReservations.com.
Yes. If you are accessing a state park, recreation area or boating access site by motor vehicle, you must have a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport gives you access to all 103 state parks and recreation areas as well as all state forest campgrounds and DNR-administered boating access sites in Michigan. Camping fees remain in effect. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport or call 517-284-7275. Michigan residents have the opportunity to buy a Recreation Passport for $15 when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. Vehicles registered in other states will require a daily ($12) or annual ($42) fee to enter any state park or DNR-administered boating access site. State forests and state game areas do not require a Recreation Passport.
Yes. Some local municipalities may be closed to hunting, trapping or the discharge of firearms. Please contact the local municipality office or local law enforcement agency to find out about restrictions.
Yes. Townships or parts of townships in these counties are closed to hunting or restricted to types of firearms or the discharge of firearms as posted: Alcona, Arenac, Barry, Berrien, Crawford, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Iosco, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Saginaw, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. These areas are posted with the restrictions. For descriptions, contact the appropriate township clerk or township police department. Find county-specific rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Commercial Forest lands are privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. CF landowners are not required to identify the property as CF, and CF land may be fenced and/or gated. The presence of a fence or gate does not prohibit public access to CF lands for fishing, hunting or trapping. The landowner may restrict public access during periods of active commercial logging to ensure public safety. Descriptions of land in the CF Program and a GIS map are available on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/CommercialForest. CF parcels can also be found using Mi-HUNT at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Contact the DNR Forest Resources Division at 517-284-5900 or visit the Commercial Forest webpage for more information about CF lands.
Yes. Over 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program are accessible by foot to the public for fishing, hunting and trapping. To hunt all species, you must possess licenses that are valid for private-land hunting. Use of motorized vehicles for fishing, hunting or trapping access is at the landowner’s discretion. Any activities other than the acts of fishing, hunting and trapping require landowner permission. Leaving anything unattended, other than traps, also requires landowner permission. In addition, hunters may not build structures or construct blinds other than with natural materials found on-site. The use of nails, bolts or tree steps is not allowed. The cutting of shooting lanes or destruction of brush, trees or other vegetation is prohibited. Commercial activity on CF lands is not allowed for any purpose other than forestry or oil and gas extraction.
The Hunting Access Program provides public hunting opportunities on private hunting lands. The DNR leases lands from private landowners to allow public hunting. This program is now one of the oldest dedicated private-lands, public-access programs in the nation. Private landowners determine whether all hunters, or youth and apprentice hunters only, may hunt on their property. They also determine whether hunters may harvest deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, all legal species or a combination of any of these options. Property owners specify the maximum number of hunters allowed on the land at any one time. Members of the public can use HAP lands only for hunting purposes; no other activities or recreation are permissible.
If you utilize a HAP property, you are a guest of the landowner. Respect for the landowner and landowner’s privacy is vital. You should use the types of registration service provided. Appropriate conduct is expected and helps ensure a good experience for both you and the landowner. All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR apply while hunting on HAP lands. Lands enrolled in HAP are available each day on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must register at each property headquarters to hunt for that day. To help hunters locate and scout HAP lands, aerial photographs of HAP properties are available at Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
For more information on HAP, including a current listing of enrolled lands, property details, registration details, HAP rules and enrollment applications, visit Michigan.gov/HAP.
Hunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landowner(s) bordering the waterway and their invited guests. You must secure permission from the landowner(s) before float hunting along those waterways that are protected by the recreational trespass law. You can float hunt on and along waterways that are surrounded by public lands and open to hunting.
You can hunt within a road right of way where the adjoining property is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privately owned, you must have permission from the landowner.
No. Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass.
No. Utility rights of way, such as underground gas lines and overhead power lines, on private property are closed to public access. You must have written permission from the utility company to be exempt from trespass.
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder before you hunt on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters are required to produce their hunting licenses for landowners upon request. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a firearm may enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
If you wound a game animal and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission from the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Yes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt small game in Michigan:
Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
Yes. If you are hunting small game (except crows) from Aug. 15 through April 30, 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. If you are exclusively hunting crows, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
Yes. You can hunt small game (except crows and woodcock) from an elevated platform using a bow, crossbow or firearm on public and private lands. A fall arrest system is recommended. Migratory birds, including crows and woodcock, cannot be hunted from an elevated platform.
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.
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.
Yes. You can use a ground blind on public lands to hunt small game during the small game hunting seasons. A ground blind can be placed on public lands from Sept. 1 to March 1. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands:
For detailed descriptions of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
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.
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.
You can use a bow, a crossbow, a firearm or a slingshot per the regulations explained in this section.
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.
A licensed mentored hunter 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.
An apprentice hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm.
Yes. You can use a slingshot to hunt small game.
Yes. You can use a pneumatic gun to hunt small game if it meets the firearm requirements for the season and species you are hunting.
Yes. If you are hunting small game Nov. 10–14, you can carry a shotgun with shotshells. You cannot possess buckshot, slugs, ball loads or cut shells during the quiet period.
Yes. You cannot hunt small game with a semi-automatic shotgun or semi-automatic rifle that can hold more than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined, unless it is a .22-caliber or smaller rimfire. All shotguns used for migratory game birds (including woodcock) must be plugged so the total capacity of the shotgun does not exceed three shells.
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.
You must own and have in your possession either a CPL 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 firearm laws, contact your local police department.
Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when you are afield outside the legal hunting hours.
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles:
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:
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.
Yes. You can transport your registered handgun(s) 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.
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.
Yes. You can use a scope with illuminated crosshairs or a lighted pin sight on a bow to hunt game during legal hunting hours.
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.
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:
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for small game hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot harvest a squirrel in a nest. It is unlawful to disturb a squirrel nest or disturb, harm or molest a squirrel in its nest.
No. You cannot harvest a rabbit in a burrow. It is unlawful to disturb a rabbit burrow or disturb, harm or molest a rabbit in its burrow.
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including small game.
No. You cannot hunt or pursue small game from a car, snowmobile, aircraft, drone, motorboat, personal watercraft, off-road vehicle or other motorized vehicle, or by a sailboat. Special permits may apply. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility for more information for hunters with disabilities.
No. You cannot hunt while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
No. You cannot use ferrets, fitchews or weasels to take game animals, including small game.
Yes. If you are a licensed falconer, you can hunt cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock with the use of falconry.
Ring-necked pheasants may be taken by falconry in the portions of Zone 1 open to pheasant hunting Oct. 10–31. Ring-necked pheasants may be taken by falconry in the portions of Zone 2 and Zone 3 open to pheasant hunting Oct. 20 – Feb. 28, 2027. The open seasons for hunting cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock with the use of falconry are the same dates as the regular seasons in the respective zones for each species (go to the Small game hunting season dates section for more information on regular seasons).
The daily bag limit is two pheasants of either sex. The possession limit is four pheasants. The daily bag limits and possession limits for cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock taken with the use of falconry are the same bag limits as the regular seasons in the respective zones for each species (go to the Bag limits section for more information on regular bag limits).
No. If you are engaged in the sport of falconry, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
Yes. You can train your dog on game animals that can legally be hunted with a dog. For more information, see Chapter VI and XIV of the Wildlife Conservation Order, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
You can train your dog on legal game animals from July 8 through April 15 of the following year. During the closed season of April 16 – July 7, dog training is only allowed under a special permit issued by the DNR Wildlife Division. For additional information on dog training permits, visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
You can train your dog statewide in areas open to hunting or on private land. You must have permission from the landowner to train on private lands. Some lands are not open to dog training and are posted that way. The training of hunting dogs is prohibited at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Before leaving the training location, remove plant debris, dirt and mud from your dog to protect its health and habitat quality.
Yes. You can hunt cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock with a dog during their respective open seasons. It is unlawful to hunt with the aid of a dog from April 16 through July 7.
Yes. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, you can enter on foot the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. You cannot be in possession of a firearm when retrieving a dog from private property. You should not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
Before leaving the hunting location, remove plant debris, dirt and mud from your dog to protect its health and habitat quality.
Yes. Wolves will defend their territories and may attack other wolves, coyotes and domestic dogs that are in their territory. Wolf attacks on domestic dogs are relatively rare. Most wolf-dog conflicts occur where dogs are trained or used for bear hunting. These dogs are more at risk because they: traverse large areas, which increases their chances of encountering wolves; may be released at bear bait sites that also may be used by wolves; bark while tracking, which may be viewed as a territorial challenge by wolves; and are some distance from hunters and therefore not protected by the presence of humans.
To minimize the conflict between wolves and dogs, it is best to avoid areas of recent wolf activity. Wolves will concentrate much of their activity around the den and rendezvous sites. Rendezvous sites, where pups are raised, usually include forest openings or edge areas and often are near water. These sites may vary from year to year and can change throughout the summer. They can be identified by a concentration of wolf tracks, droppings and matted vegetation. It is best to do some scouting and look for wolf sign before releasing dogs. Be especially vigilant when starting dogs from a bear bait station and make sure wolves have not been using the bait. If wolf sign, particularly the sign of wolf pups, is evident, move to another area before releasing dogs. Become familiar with coyote and dog tracks, so they can be correctly distinguished from wolf tracks. Consider adding bells or beepers to dog collars, which may reduce wolf attacks.
Report all suspected wolf-dog conflicts to the DNR immediately to allow a timely investigation. To report a dog depredation, call the Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Your reports help other hunters by allowing the DNR to provide updated dog depredation locations. At this time, the use of lethal control of wolves in the act of depredation is not authorized. Because the federal status of wolves has changed, and may continue to change, please contact a DNR office to ask about current rules regarding lethal take of wolves if in the act of killing or wounding a dog.
For more information, including locations where hunting dog conflicts with wolves have occurred, visit Michigan.gov/Wolves or contact the DNR Marquette Customer Service Center at 906-228-6561.
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is caused by viruses that infect both wild and domestic birds and mammals. These viruses impact poultry and wild birds in different ways. In poultry, avian influenza is typically extremely contagious, resulting in high death loss and associated economic losses to poultry producers. Wild birds can carry the viruses but don’t always get sick or die. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifeDisease or Michigan.gov/BirdFlu for more information.
The risk of hunting dogs acquiring bird flu is likely low since they are not consuming the bird, but exposure to the virus may occur when mouthing or biting the bird. If you want to share game meat with your dog, thoroughly cook it first.
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 is a highly contagious and fatal calicivirus that affects lagomorphs (domestic and wild rabbits, hares and pikas). In Michigan, the species that could be affected are cottontail rabbits and snowshoe hares. The virus attacks the internal organs and causes hemorrhaging, leading the affected animal to bleed out. Sudden death in otherwise healthy rabbit populations is usually observed, along with blood around the mouth and nostrils of dead specimens. If a wild rabbit or hare is found dead with blood around its nose and mouth and there is no obvious cause of death, it should be collected and submitted to the DNR Wildlife Health Section for testing. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions. For a map of RHDV2-positive states, visit aphis.usda.gov/livestock-poultry-disease/rabbit-hemorrhagic-disease-map.
Tularemia is a disease caused by a bacterium called Francisella tularensi and can cause serious illness in humans. Tularemia is transmitted by ticks and biting insects, such as fleas and deer flies, or from environmental contamination. Impacted small game species include cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare and squirrel. While most human cases are from tick and insect bites, human infection from wildlife generally occurs while handling, field-dressing or skinning infected carcasses. The risk of tularemia in Michigan is low, especially in colder months. Harvested animals that appear sick or have unusual internal lesions, such as white spots on the liver, should not be consumed. Potentially infected carcasses may be submitted to the DNR for necropsy and diagnosis.
The DNR recommends following general health guidelines when handling, field-dressing or preparing game meat. Hunters should practice good hygiene when field-dressing small game, including wearing latex or nitrile gloves and refraining from eating, smoking or drinking. Hunters should thoroughly wash hands, utensils and surfaces with soap and hot water after preparing raw game meat. Internal organs should not be fed to dogs or other domestic animals. It is recommended that meat be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to inactivate bacteria, viruses and parasites. Because tularemia can be spread by ticks and biting insects, hunters should protect themselves appropriately while afield.
West Nile virus is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause inflammation of the brain and/or inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. WNV primarily infects and multiplies in birds, which serve as reservoirs for the virus. Corvids (crows, blue jays and ravens) are the most susceptible to the disease. The virus is spread between birds mostly through the bite of an infected mosquito. When the level of virus transmission among birds and mosquitoes becomes high, horses and humans can be incidentally infected. In Michigan, 65 bird species and six mammal species have been detected positive. Grouse infected with WNV generally display neurologically abnormal behavior such as erratic flying. Hunters may observe this behavior or find that a bird that they have harvested is in poor physical condition. Birds may also be found dead for no apparent reason. The entire carcass should be collected and submitted for examination. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
The DNR encourages you to learn how to identify and report invasive species at MISIN.MSU.edu. For more information on invasive species management or your local cooperative invasive species management area, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Prevention is the best way to manage invasive species! Practice PlayCleanGo by checking yourself and your gear. Arrive clean and remove any plant debris, dirt and mud before leaving your hunting location.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the landowner’s permission. You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at Michigan.gov/RussianBoar or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
No. The use of drones to pursue wildlife in any manner, either during legal hunting hours or after, is illegal. You cannot take game or fish using an unmanned vehicle or unmanned device that uses aerodynamic forces to achieve flight or using an unmanned vehicle or unmanned device that operates on the surface of water or underwater. Attempting to locate and/or recover game, either dead or wounded, is an act which falls within the definition of “take.”
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. If you are transporting migratory birds (including woodcock), one fully feathered wing must be left on the bird. If transporting another person’s migratory birds, they must be tagged with the person’s name, signature and home address, and the number of birds by species, dates of kill and hunting license number. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of any small game animal.
Yes. You can promote sound wildlife management by promptly reporting all banded birds harvested, including date and location taken. This information is used to determine annual survival, migration routes and contribution to the state harvest from different breeding grounds. To report bands, go online to ReportBand.gov. Please note that even if the band you recover is inscribed with a 1-800 telephone number, you can only report it at ReportBand.gov.
Health assessors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan DNR determined that samples of wild game from the floodplains of the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River downstream of Midland contained high levels of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Wild game tested include deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose. As a result, the MDHHS advises that hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to small game:
For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, including a map of the area covered by these advisories, go to the MDHHS website at Michigan.gov/Dioxin.
Traditional ammunition containing lead may fragment, leaving small particles remaining in the game meat. Some of these particles may be too small to be seen or felt when field-dressing or processing game. Being exposed to any lead can be a serious issue for developing bodies and nervous systems, so those most at risk of health effects from eating wild game meat that contains lead are young children and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wildlife consuming discarded meat and internal organs from animals harvested with lead ammunition may be affected as well.
To minimize the risk to wildlife and people, the following steps are recommended:
Select lead-free ammunition such as steel, bismuth or tungsten. It is important to pattern your firearm with the ammunition you will hunt with.
If you are using lead ammunition:
Keep yourself and others healthy by taking care of your harvested meat. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends proper food safety practices when handling and processing game meat, as well as any other meat or poultry.
No. You cannot buy or sell game animals, dead or alive, except as provided by Wildlife Conservation Order 4.3, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
No. It is unlawful to possess live game or protected animals taken from the wild except under a permit issued by the DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for more information.
Michigan is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement where participating states share information about fish and game violators and honor each other’s decision to deny licenses and permits. If your hunting, fishing or trapping license is revoked in Michigan, you may lose your privileges in the other 45 participating states as well. And, if your license is revoked in any of those states, it also may be revoked in Michigan.
If you witness a natural resource violation or have information on the illegal killing of game animals in Michigan, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
