Equipment regulations

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

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

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

Hunter orange

Do I need to wear hunter orange while small game hunting with a firearm?
Yes. If you are hunting small game (except crow) with a firearm 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 crow, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.

Do I need to wear hunter orange while crow hunting?
No. If you are exclusively hunting crows or other migratory birds, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.

Elevated platforms and ground blinds

Can I hunt small game from an elevated platform?
Yes. You can hunt small game (except crow 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 crow and woodcock, cannot be hunted from an elevated platform.

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

Can I use an elevated platform on private lands?
Yes. You can use an elevated platform for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner.

What types of ground blinds are legal on public lands?

• Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identification is required. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks, and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
• Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of the blind, except that a hunter can add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued or fastened in any permanent manner. No identification is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
• Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds, if not removed daily. Identification is required. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed with the blind. These blinds are not legal on state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has been permitted to be placed on land administered by a local public agency (city, township, county), the local agency will establish the length of time that a blind may be placed on its property.

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.

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

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

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

Bows, crossbows and firearms

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

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

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

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

Can I use a slingshot to hunt small game?
Yes. You can use a slingshot to hunt small game.

Can I use rifles in the limited firearms deer zone to hunt small game?
Yes. You can use a centerfire or rimfire rifle to hunt small game during the open season for the species from Dec. 1 – Nov. 9 in the limited firearms deer zone.

Can I hunt small game during the Nov. 10-14 quiet period?
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.

I am hunting small game. What is the shell capacity for shotguns and centerfire rifles?
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.

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

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

I am not a resident of Michigan. What documentation do I need to carry a handgun in Michigan?
You must own and have in your possession either a 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.

Transporting bows, crossbows and firearms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artificial lights

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

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

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

Off-road vehicles and snowmobiles

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

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

• During an emergency.
• While traveling to and from a permanent residence or hunting camp that is otherwise inaccessible by conventional wheeled vehicle.
• While on private lands and operated by the private landowners and their invited guests.
• While operating a motor vehicle licensed under the Michigan Vehicle Code on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic.
• During the use of a designated trail or forest road for hunting or fishing purposes by a person with a disability.
• During use by a person with a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle.

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