Hunting methods

Restrictions on small game hunting

Can I harvest a squirrel while it is in a nest?
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.

Can I harvest a rabbit while it is in a burrow?
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.

Can I use ferrets, fitchews or weasels to hunt small game?
No. You cannot use ferrets, fitchews or weasels to take game animals, including small game.

Can I set fires to drive out small game?
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including small game.

Can I hunt from a vehicle?
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.

Can I hunt while under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or controlled substances?
No. You cannot hunt while under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or controlled substances.

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Falconry

Can I use falconry to hunt small game?
Yes. Falconry is a permitted method of hunting small game.

When is the falconry season and which small game species can I take using 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, 2025.

What are the daily bag limits and possession limits for falconry?
The daily bag limit is two pheasants of either sex. The possession limit is four pheasants.

Do I need to wear hunter orange while participating in falconry?
No. If you are engaged in the sport of falconry, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.

Training dogs on game animals

Can I train my dogs on game animals?
Yes. You can train your dogs on game animals that can legally be hunted with dogs. For more information, see Chapter VI and XIV of the Wildlife Conservation Order, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.

When can I train my dogs?
You can train your dogs on legal game animals from July 8 – April 15. During the closed season of April 16 – July 7, dog training is only allowed under a special permit issued by the DNR Wildlife Division permit specialist. The only dog training permits issued during the closed season are for fox hound training in Zone 3 or private-land special dog training areas. For additional information on dog training, please email DNR-PermitSpecialist@michigan.gov. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for dog training information and application forms.

Where can I train my dogs?
You can train your dogs 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.

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Hunting with dogs

Can I use my hunting dog to hunt small game?
Yes. You can hunt cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, squirrel, pheasant, quail, ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse and woodcock with the use of dogs.

Can I retrieve my hunting dog if it runs on to private property?
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.

Wolf-dog conflicts

I hunt in the Upper Peninsula. Should I be concerned that my hunting dogs might be attacked by wolves?
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.

How can I avoid potential problems with wolves and my dogs?
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 their 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 site 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.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has had a conflict with a wolf?
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 update 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.

Where can I find more information on hunting dog conflicts with wolves?
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.

Commercial hunting guides

Can I hire a hunting guide for small game hunting?
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.

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