The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor. The NRC has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish, and is authorized to designate game species and authorize the establishment of the first open season for animals through the issuance of orders. The NRC conducts monthly, public meetings in locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/NRC.
This program receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or facility, or if you need more information, please write to: Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
NOTICE: This document is not a legal notice or a complete collection of hunting regulations and laws. It is a summary of regulations issued for hunters’ convenience. Copies of wildlife conservation orders, which contain complete listings of regulations and legal descriptions, are available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Managing turkeys in Michigan involves the complex interactions of turkey populations, their habitat and their relationship to people. Hunting plays an important role in managing turkeys by regulating their numbers. The goal of the spring turkey hunting season is to maximize hunter opportunity while maintaining a satisfactory hunting experience. License quotas are developed to harvest the desired number of turkeys to meet management goals. For more information on turkey management in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Spring turkey season dates are determined by a formula defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. Each year, the spring turkey season is the second-to-last Saturday in April through a defined number of days thereafter.
Spring turkey licenses are valid for specific turkey management units and hunting dates. In many TMUs, license availability is subject to a license quota. The 2027 spring turkey hunting season dates and license quotas are detailed in the following table:
| TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | April 17 – May 31 | 6,000 | 0110 |
| NN | April 17 – April 30 |
18,000 | 0201 |
| Statewide | May 1 – May 31 | Unlimited | 0234 |
| ZZ* | April 17 – May 31 | Unlimited | 0301 |
| ZZ | April 17 – April 30 |
8,000 | 0302 |
| ZZ | May 1 – May 31 | 8,000 | 0303 |
*Private land only
A general license is valid on all public and private lands within the TMU. All spring turkey hunt numbers, except Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301, are for general licenses.
Hunt 0234 is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing.
With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
Hunt 0301 is a guaranteed spring turkey license, valid only for private lands within TMU ZZ. You must have permission from the landowner. Hunt 0301 is not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Hunt 0301 can be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission. Hunt 0301 does not require an application in the drawing.
You can purchase a Hunt 0234 license or a Hunt 0301 license beginning March 15 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301 have unlimited quotas and can be purchased throughout the entire spring turkey hunting season.
For detailed descriptions of spring turkey management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
| Map symbol | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Units open to spring turkey hunting |
 |
Unit boundaries |
 |
County boundaries |
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to spring turkey hunting.
You can harvest one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.
No. You can only harvest a bearded turkey during the spring turkey season.
Legal hunting hours for spring turkeys (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset) for Zone A are published in the table. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the time from the Zone A hunting hours table.
| Map symbol | Description |
|---|---|
 |
Hunting time zone boundaries |
 |
Eastern time zone counties |
 |
Central time zone counties |
|
County boundaries |
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 before sunset. 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 published time by subtracting one hour.
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| April 17 |
6:18 |
7:46 |
| April 18 | 6:17 | 7:47 |
| April 19 | 6:15 | 7:48 |
| April 20 | 6:14 | 7:49 |
| April 21 | 6:12 | 7:50 |
| April 22 | 6:11 | 7:52 |
| April 23 | 6:09 | 7:53 |
| April 24 | 6:08 | 7:54 |
| April 25 | 6:06 | 7:55 |
| April 26 | 6:05 | 7:56 |
| April 27 | 6:03 | 7:57 |
| April 28 | 6:02 | 7:58 |
| April 29 | 6:00 | 7:59 |
| April 30 | 5:59 | 8:01 |
| May 1 | 5:58 | 8:02 |
| May 2 | 5:56 | 8:03 |
| May 3 | 5:55 | 8:04 |
| May 4 | 5:54 | 8:05 |
| May 5 | 5:52 | 8:06 |
| May 6 | 5:51 | 8:07 |
| May 7 | 5:50 | 8:08 |
| May 8 | 5:49 | 8:09 |
| May 9 | 5:48 | 8:10 |
| May 10 | 5:46 | 8:11 |
| May 11 | 5:45 | 8:13 |
| May 12 | 5:44 | 8:14 |
| May 13 | 5:43 | 8:15 |
| May 14 | 5:42 | 8:16 |
| May 15 | 5:41 | 8:17 |
| May 16 | 5:40 | 8:18 |
| May 17 | 5:39 | 8:19 |
| May 18 | 5:38 | 8:20 |
| May 19 | 5:37 | 8:21 |
| May 20 | 5:36 | 8:22 |
| May 21 | 5:35 | 8:23 |
| May 22 | 5:35 | 8:24 |
| May 23 | 5:34 | 8:25 |
| May 24 | 5:33 | 8:26 |
| May 25 | 5:32 | 8:26 |
| May 26 | 5:32 | 8:27 |
| May 27 | 5:31 | 8:28 |
| May 28 | 5:30 | 8:29 |
| May 29 | 5:30 | 8:30 |
| May 30 | 5:29 | 8:31 |
| May 31 | 5:29 | 8:32 |
Hunters are selected for a spring turkey license using a random drawing system. In the annual drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase. For more information on the spring turkey drawing, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
The following people are eligible to apply for a spring turkey license (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):
No. If you are 10-16 years old, you can purchase a spring turkey youth license, so there is no need to apply. Go to the Spring turkey license section for more information.
Yes. You can apply for the Michigan spring turkey drawing as a nonresident.
The application period is Jan. 1 – Feb. 1, 2027.
An application is $5.
You can only purchase one spring turkey application per year. You can apply for a spring turkey license valid for a specific TMU during specific season dates.
First hunt choices have priority for selection. When applying, you must choose a first hunt choice and may also choose an optional second hunt choice. If you choose a second hunt choice, it will be considered only if licenses remain for that hunt number after all first hunt choices have been awarded for all applicants. There is no guarantee that licenses will be available for second hunt choices in any hunt number.
To purchase an application in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
You can purchase an application 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.
Yes. You can apply in a party with one other person. If you apply with more than one person, you will be ineligible for the drawing. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.
The first person to apply (either you or the other member of the party) selects the hunt number(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other person uses the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.
You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. If you submit an invalid application, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
You can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
Drawing results will be available on March 1, 2027.
You can check your drawing results online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.
You can purchase the license for which you were selected. Go to the Licensing section for more information.
No. You cannot sell your spring turkey drawing success to another person.
No. You cannot transfer your spring turkey drawing success to another person.
If you applied in the drawing and were unsuccessful, you can purchase a leftover license for another hunt number with a quota remaining beginning March 8 at 10 a.m. ET. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some spring turkey management units and/or hunt period dates. Go to the Leftover licenses section for more information.
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you have three options. You can purchase one of the following, beginning March 15 at 10 a.m. ET:
Go to the Spring turkey hunting season dates and license quotas and Leftover licenses sections for more information.
No. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt number, except Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301, which have unlimited quotas. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis beginning March 8 at 10 a.m. ET.
If any licenses remain as of March 15 at 10 a.m. ET and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis, or a Hunt 0234 or Hunt 0301 license.
Yes. You can purchase a leftover spring turkey license as a nonresident, if available.
You can only purchase one spring turkey license (awarded in the drawing or leftover) per year.
To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
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.
To qualify for 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. 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 kill tag, you must be able to present the electronic kill tag on your mobile device.
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license to purchase your license. An apprentice license, mentored hunting license or equivalent does not satisfy the requirement of previous hunting experience. Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter education requirements (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.
Yes. The DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and other groups may offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses. A fee may be charged, and space may be limited. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
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.
| 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, 2028 | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| DNR Sportcard2 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| 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 |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Spring turkey application | N/A | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Spring turkey license | N/A | N/A | $15 | $6 | $15 |
| Spring turkey youth license | N/A | $15 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
*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.
2A 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.
Resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and Michigan veterans
with a 100% disability rating can obtain a leftover spring turkey
license free of charge beginning March 15. Licenses are full price for
those who apply for a license and are selected in the drawing.
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. The mentored hunter must always be within arm's length of the mentor. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (bow, crossbow or firearm) 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 while mentoring. 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 resident and nonresident 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. Elk applications and licenses are only available to residents. 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. The spring turkey license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey management unit on public or private lands.
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. Elk applications and licenses are only available to residents. The spring turkey license issued with the inclusive mentored license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey hunt unit on public or private lands.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
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.
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person, resident or nonresident, 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 harvest bears, deer, elk, furbearers turkeys and waterfowl.
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.
Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase a spring turkey license awarded in the drawing or a leftover spring turkey license, if available.
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 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.
For hunting spring turkey, your accompanying mentor needs a current-year spring turkey license, but it does not have to be for the same TMU or season dates as your spring turkey license.
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.
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. 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. For more information on hunters with disabilities, visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessability.
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 follow all applicable state spring turkey hunting regulations.
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 license when hunting.
Armadillos, porcupines and Russian boars may be taken year-round, statewide with a valid base license.
The 2027 base license will be available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app beginning March 1, 2027.
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 spring turkey youth license is a kill tag that allows an individual 10-16 years old to harvest a turkey on all public and private lands within any open spring TMU and season dates. Spring turkey youth licenses will be available for purchase beginning March 1, 2027. You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
A spring turkey license is a kill tag that allows an individual 17 years old or older to harvest a turkey within a designated TMU and hunt period during the spring turkey season.
While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2027 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.
When you purchase a spring turkey license, you will have the option to receive an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) or a traditional paper kill tag, depending on where you purchase your spring turkey license.
If you purchased your spring turkey license online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, your paper kill tag will be mailed to you 10 to 15 business days after your purchase. You cannot go hunting without the paper kill tag in your possession.
If you purchased your spring turkey license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately after purchase. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.
A spring turkey license is valid on all public and private lands within the designated TMU, except spring turkey licenses for Hunt 0234 (go to the Spring turkey hunting season dates and license quotas section for location restrictions) and Hunt 0301 (private lands only). You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
No. You cannot purchase more than one spring turkey license per year.
No. You can only purchase one spring turkey license per license year.
No. If you are licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license. Go to the Mentored hunting section for more information.
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for a hunter to harvest or attempt to harvest a turkey unless the hunter has an unused spring turkey license issued in their name for the TMU and season dates in which they are hunting.
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
No. You cannot use your kill tag on a turkey you did not harvest.
Non-kill tags are licenses without kill tags, including the base license. If you lost your non-kill tag(s), you can:
If you lost your paper kill tag(s), you can:
If you originally purchased your eHarvest tag(s) through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag(s) cannot be lost or damaged. You can open the mobile app to access your purchase history and eHarvest tag(s) at any time.
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 of dollars and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2028 species hunting season and in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2028 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, 2027.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2027.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice base license to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt 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 2028, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
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. For a map of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
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. The Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek offers turkey hunting opportunities for military personnel and occasionally for youth and hunters with disabilities. For current hunting opportunities and more information, visit FortCusterHunt.org and click on the “Turkey Hunts” tab or call 269-282-7878.
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.
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.
Turkey Tracts are a series of actively managed, walk-in turkey hunting areas across southern Michigan. With accessible walking trails and a kiosk with maps and area information, they are great places for new hunters to explore. With the help of hunters and partners such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, the DNR developed this program to highlight local wildlife management on public hunting areas and connect hunters with local business partners. Current sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm, Oakland, Tuscola and Washtenaw counties. The program will be expanded to more locations in the future. Visit Michigan.gov/Turkey for more information.
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. You cannot target shoot in a state park or recreation area, except at designated shooting ranges located in Algonac State Park and Bald Mountain, Island Lake, Ortonville and Pontiac Lake recreation areas.
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. State forests and state game areas do not require a Recreation Passport. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport or call 517-284-7275.
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. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass. Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor.
No. You must have written permission from the landowner to be exempt from trespass. Utility rights of way, such as underground gas lines and overhead power lines, on private property are closed to public access.
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 a turkey in Michigan:
Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
No. If you are hunting turkeys, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
No. You cannot use an elevated platform to hunt turkeys on public lands during the spring turkey season. Elevated platforms are prohibited on public lands during the spring turkey hunting season. Elevated platforms are only permitted on public lands from Sept. 1 through March 1.
Yes. You can use an elevated platform to hunt turkeys on private lands during the spring turkey season with the permission of the landowner. A fall arrest system is recommended. 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 turkeys during the spring turkey season. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands:
Yes. You can use a ground blind to hunt turkeys on private lands during the spring turkey season 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 Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
You can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm per the regulations explained in this section.
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. If you are hunting with a crossbow, you can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
If you are turkey hunting during the spring turkey season, you must abide by the following firearm restrictions or use a bow or crossbow. Legal firearms are as follows:
Yes. You can use a pneumatic gun to hunt a turkey if it is a muzzleloading shotgun or is designed to fire a fixed shotgun shell.
Yes. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, you can only use or carry afield No. 4 shot or smaller.
No. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, there are no shell capacity restrictions.
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use lead-free ammunition when hunting a turkey. Some national wildlife refuges require the use of lead-free ammunition. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license 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 firearms 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:
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, shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for spring turkey hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot harvest a turkey while it is in a tree.
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including turkeys.
No. You cannot hunt turkeys while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
No. You cannot use mechanical, electronic or live decoys to hunt a turkey during the spring turkey season.
No. A windsock or similar decoy body anchored at a fixed point into the ground, and whose only motion is derived exclusively by power of the natural wind, is not considered a mechanical decoy.
No. You cannot stalk a turkey with a handheld decoy or silhouette during the spring turkey season.
No. You cannot use or possess electronic devices that imitate turkey calls while hunting a turkey during the spring turkey season.
No. You cannot use bait to aid in the taking of a turkey during the spring turkey season. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables.
No. You cannot hunt a turkey with a dog during the spring turkey season.
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.
Although human risk is considered to be low, precautions should be taken when handling wild birds (go to the Handling and processing game meat section for more information). Wild birds can carry bird flu without appearing sick. As a general precaution, people should not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good biosecurity to prevent any potential disease spread.
Prevention is the best way to manage invasive species! Invasive species are often spread unintentionally. Seeds and plant parts readily attach to equipment, and they are unknowingly transported from one area to another. Plants may also spread in dirt, mud and debris on people, pets and equipment. Forest pests can travel in firewood when moved to new locations.
To help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect habitat, hunters should take the following precautions:
Invasive species can cause significant harm to wildlife habitat, reduce hunting opportunities and damage equipment. 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.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Any swine (including 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, at squealonpigs.com or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants, including for use on blinds. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a turkey, you must validate your paper kill tag and securely attach the paper kill tag to the leg of the turkey. You cannot transport or possess a turkey unless the validated paper kill tag is attached to the leg of the turkey.
To validate your paper kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as instructed on the paper kill tag.
You must securely and permanently attach the entire paper kill tag to the leg of the turkey. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at a license agent is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across the back of the paper kill tag so the tag can be folded in half and to tape it in place as needed. Do not stick or wrap the paper kill tag directly onto the leg of the turkey. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses is to put a wire or cord through the prepunched holes on the paper kill tag. Tie the wire or cord to the turkey’s leg in such a manner that the paper kill tag remains securely attached. Make sure the paper kill tag is completely legible and visible for inspection. The paper kill tag must remain attached until you process or butcher the turkey or until the turkey is accepted for processing and recorded by a commercial processor or taxidermist.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a turkey, you must validate your eHarvest tag. You cannot transport or possess a turkey unless the eHarvest tag validation has been completed.
To validate your eHarvest tag, you must use your mobile device to access the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and complete the following steps:
If you have an eHarvest tag, you do not need to attach a tag to the harvested turkey if the turkey remains in your possession or is physically stored at your primary residence. However, a durable tag with your spring turkey license number must be attached to the turkey if you are no longer present with the turkey to display your eHarvest kill tag data on your phone.
You must attach a tag made of durable material to your turkey when you are no longer personally present with the turkey and unavailable to display your eHarvest tag data on your phone. A durable tag must include your spring turkey license number legibly written in permanent ink and be attached to your turkey in a secure and permanent manner. A durable tag must remain attached to the turkey until the turkey has been processed.
Yes. Spur length can be used to estimate the age of a male turkey. Use the following chart to determine the approximate age of your turkey:
| Spur length (inches) | Curvature | Sharpness | Age of turkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.5” | None | Rounded | Younger than 1 year |
| 0.5” to 1” | Straight | Blunt | 1 to 2 years |
| 1” to 1.25” | Slightly curved | Pointed | 2 to 3 years |
| Over 1.25” | Curved | Sharp | Older than 3 years |
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game animal. You cannot transport or possess a turkey unless a validated kill tag is attached to the leg of the turkey or you have validated your eHarvest tag. If you are transporting another person's turkey that was harvested with an eHarvest tag and the other person is not present, a durable tag with the other person's spring turkey license number must be attached to the turkey. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of a turkey while in the field or when transported in a motor vehicle.
A turkey must be reported within 72 hours of harvest or before you transfer possession, whichever comes first.
All successful turkey hunters with a state-issued turkey license are required to report their turkey harvest through the DNR’s website or mobile app. The system will allow a near real-time estimate of turkey harvest as it occurs.
Each paper kill tag and eHarvest tag has a unique, underlined license number that must be used for the harvest report. You must use the correct license number from the paper kill tag or eHarvest tag you used to harvest the turkey with. You can report your harvest through eLicense (Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses) or the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Once your harvest report is completed, you will be given a confirmation number and the option to receive a copy by email.
To report your harvest through eLicense:
To report your harvest through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app:
If you have a paper kill tag, you must continue to attach a paper kill tag to a harvested turkey. The paper kill tag must remain attached to the turkey until it is processed. If you have an eHarvest tag, you must ensure your eHarvest tag validation has been completed. Anyone in possession of a turkey after the harvest reporting timeframe expires must retain and be able to present the confirmation number. If you have an eHarvest tag and you are no longer personally present with your turkey, you must attach a tag made of durable material to your turkey. The durable tag must include your spring turkey license number.
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 hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to turkey:
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 lead particles remaining in game meat. Some of these lead particles may be too small to be seen or felt when field-dressing and 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.
Select lead-free ammunition such as steel, bismuth or tungsten. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, you can only use or carry afield No. 4 shot or smaller. It is important to pattern your shotgun 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.
Michigan’s Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch Program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR.
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the American wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan. Each year the National Wild Turkey Federation, working cooperatively with the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan.
No. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch.
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals can purchase a wild turkey patch for $8, including postage and handling.
Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid turkey hunting license can get a free wild turkey patch by sending their name and complete address, along with a legible copy of their valid turkey hunting license, to National Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Turkey Patch Program, P.O. Box 471, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. If you have questions, email miturkeypatch@gmail.com.
No. You can only purchase the current-year wild turkey patch.
Wild turkey patches must be ordered online at MINWTF.org. Mail-in patch orders will no longer be accepted, except for the free wild turkey patch for young hunters.
You should receive your wild turkey patch six to eight weeks after purchase.
Yes. You can help the DNR monitor turkey populations by participating in the annual wild turkey brood survey, available July 1 through Aug. 31 each year. Report any sightings of wild turkey young and adults at Michigan.gov/Turkey or by contacting a DNR office.
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.
Violations of turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors, and the following penalties may apply.
Reimbursement to the state for unlawful taking of wild turkey is $1,000 per animal plus an additional $1,000 for a turkey with a beard.
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.
