When and where to hunt

Hunting hours

When is it legal for me to hunt small game?
Legal hunting hours for small game (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for Time 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.

Hunting time zones map

Isle Royale of Keweenaw County (not pictured) is closed to hunting and trapping.

Zone A hunting hours table (September 2024)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Zone A hunting hours table (October 2024)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.

Zone A hunting hours table (November 2024)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).

Zone A hunting hours table (December 2024)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).

Zone A hunting hours table (January 2025)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).

Zone A hunting hours table (February 2025)

Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).

Hunting and trapping zones

What are the hunting and trapping zone boundaries?
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 center line of AuGres River, southerly along center line of AuGres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.

Limited firearms deer zone

What is the limited firearms deer zone?
Michigan is divided into a northern zone and a southern limited firearms deer zone where only shotguns, certain firearms, and certain handguns can be used before and during the firearm deer season (Nov. 15-30). See the Equipment regulations sections for impacts to small game hunting.

What are the limited firearms deer zone boundaries?
The dividing line between the northern zone and the southern limited firearms deer zone is as follows: starting at a point on the Lake Michigan shoreline directly west of M-46, then easterly to M-46, then easterly along M-46 to U.S. 131 at Cedar Springs, southerly on U.S. 131 to M-57, easterly on M-57 to Montcalm Road on the Kent-Montcalm county line, southerly on Montcalm Road and the Kent-Ionia county line to M-44, easterly on M-44 to M-66, northerly on M-66 to M-57, easterly on M-57 to M-52 near Chesaning, northerly on M-52 to M-46, easterly on M-46 to M-47, northerly on M-47 to U.S. 10 west of Bay City, easterly on U.S. 10 to I-75, northerly on I-75 and U.S. 23 to Beaver Road (about 1 mile north of Kawkawlin), easterly to Saginaw Bay, north 50 degrees east to the International Boundary.

Safety zones

What are the safety zones around buildings when hunting with a firearm?
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 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. See NPS.gov/SLBE for more information.

Public lands

Where can I find public hunting lands near me?
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.

Where do I find the rules for state lands?
You can find the state land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:

• Cut branches, limbs, trees or other vegetation for shooting lanes on public lands.
• Block any gate, road or trail on public lands.
• Camp on public lands without a permit. Permits are free and are available online at Michigan.gov/Camping or at any DNR office. They must be posted at your campsite. A fee is charged for camping at designated campsites in state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and some state game areas.

State parks and recreation areas

Can I hunt in state parks and recreation areas?
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting unless opened by law (see Michigan.gov/DNRLaws). State recreation areas are open to hunting unless closed by law. Approximately 92 percent of state park and state recreation area lands are open to hunting.

Are there restrictions on hunting in state parks and recreation areas?
Yes. Contact individual parks or recreation areas for current hunting regulations and any restrictions for those areas prior to hunting.

• You cannot use a centerfire rifle or centerfire pistol to take an animal during nighttime hours in any state park or state recreation area.
• You cannot target shoot in a state park or recreation area, except on designated shooting ranges located at Algonac State Park and Bald Mountain, Island Lake, Ortonville, and Pontiac Lake recreation areas.
• Within the established season, quail may be harvested only by field trial participants in the Highland and Ionia recreation area field trial areas on days with authorized field trials. Contact the recreation area headquarters for field trial dates.

Can I camp at a state park or recreation area while hunting?
Yes. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. To make camping reservations, go to MiDNRReservations.com.

Do I need a Recreation Passport to use state parks and recreation areas?
Yes. If you are hunting or camping in state parks or recreation areas, 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 boat launches 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 $14 when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. Vehicles registered in other states will require a daily ($11) or annual ($40) fee to enter any state park or DNR-administered boat launch site. State forests and state game areas do not require a Recreation Passport.

National wildlife refuges

Can I hunt on national wildlife refuges?
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.

• Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge: 5437 West Jefferson Ave., Trenton, MI 48183; 734-365-0219. Limited small game and waterfowl hunting are allowed as shown on maps available at refuge parking areas or online at FWS.gov/Refuge/Detroit_River.
• Harbor Island National Wildlife Refuge: Managed by Seney National Wildlife Refuge, 906-586-9851. Open for deer and bear hunting. More information can be found at FWS.gov/Refuge/Harbor_Island.
• Huron National Wildlife Refuge: Managed by Seney National Wildlife Refuge, 906-586-9851. Closed to hunting. See FWS.gov/Refuge/Huron.
• Kirtland Warbler Wildlife Management Area: Managed by Seney National Wildlife Refuge, 906-586-9851. Parcels of property occupied by Kirtland’s warblers are closed to all entry during the bird’s breeding season (May 1 – Aug. 15). Closed parcels will be posted. More information can be found at FWS.gov/Refuge/Kirtlands_Warbler.
• Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge: Managed by Seney and Shiawassee national wildlife refuges. Closed to public access. More information is available online at FWS.gov/Refuge/Michigan_Islands.
• Michigan Wetland Management District: Managed by Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, 989-777-5930. Hunting information is available online at FWS.gov/Refuge/Michigan_WMD.
• Seney National Wildlife Refuge: 1674 Refuge Entrance Road, Seney, MI 49883; 906-586-9851. Refuge-specific regulations apply. See FWS.gov/Refuge/Seney/Visit-us/Activities/Hunting.
• Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge: 6975 Mower Road, Saginaw, MI 48601; 989-777-5930. Limited waterfowl, deer, small game, spring turkey, and furbearer hunting is allowed. Refuge-specific regulations apply. See FWS.gov/Refuge/Shiawassee/Visit-us/Activities/Hunting.

National forest lands

Can I hunt on national forest lands?
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.

Where can I use a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle on national forest lands?
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 as well at FS.USDA.gov. Both state and federal laws governing ORV use must be followed.

Commercial Forest lands

What are Commercial Forest lands?
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 or hunting. 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.

Can I hunt on Commercial Forest 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 and hunting 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.

Hunting Access Program

What is the Hunting Access Program?
The Hunting Access Program provides public hunting opportunities on private 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 operation are permissible.

How do I hunt on HAP lands?
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.

Where can I find more information on HAP?
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.

Local municipalities

Are there any local municipalities with hunting or trapping restrictions?
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.

Are there townships with hunting 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, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Iosco, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, 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.

Waterways

Can I float hunt along waterways?
Hunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landowner(s) bordering the waterway and their invited guests. You must secure permission from the landowner 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.

Rights of way

Can I hunt within a road right of way?
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.

Can I hunt within a railroad right of way?
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.

Trespassing

Do I need permission to hunt on someone’s private land?
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 to 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.

What if the game animal I wounded goes onto private land?
If you wound a game animal and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission of the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.

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