Important
Migratory game bird management in the U.S. is a cooperative effort between state and federal governments. Migratory bird treaties with Canada and Mexico govern the management of migratory birds in the U.S., distinguishing those species that can be hunted from those that cannot and establishing limits on hunting season dates and lengths. Authority lies with the federal governments in the respective countries. For waterfowl management, the U.S. and Canada are divided into four flyways: the Atlantic, Mississippi, Central and Pacific (Michigan lies within the Mississippi flyway). In the U.S., the flyway councils, consisting of representatives from state and provincial game management agencies, recommend regulations to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for waterfowl and for most migratory, shore and upland game birds.
Flyway technical committees, consisting of state and provincial biologists, advise the councils. These technical committees evaluate species and population status and harvest and hunter-participation data during the development of the council recommendations. The FWS evaluates the council recommendations, considering species status and biology, cumulative effects of regulations and existing regulatory policy, and develops final regulations. (Content modified from Flyways.us).
Once final federal regulations are known, the Michigan DNR analyzes waterfowl population, migration and hunter opinion data and meets with the Citizens Waterfowl Advisory Committee. The DNR uses the input from the CWAC and from hunters across the state to develop recommendations for waterfowl hunting seasons that are presented to the Natural Resources Commission. The NRC then makes the final decisions for waterfowl hunting regulations in Michigan.
CWAC is a 20-member group made up of 13 at-large members and representatives of seven major waterfowl hunting organizations. Its mission is to provide feedback to the DNR on existing and proposed waterfowl regulations and waterfowl hunting issues. CWAC members are charged with presenting views and concerns that represent stakeholders from their areas of the state or their organization and disseminating information learned at committee meetings back to those stakeholders. For more information about CWAC, its members and how to apply, visit Michigan.gov/DNR/About/Boards/CWAC.
Population surveys and monitoring programs are critical parts of successful waterfowl management in North America. Results from these surveys are crucial inputs for many waterfowl population models and are used to help guide biologists in setting and evaluating harvest management and habitat management programs. For more information on waterfowl monitoring, visit Michigan.gov/Waterfowl and click on “how waterfowl regulations are set” under Hunting Regulations.
| Area: | Season: | Season dates: |
|---|---|---|
| Statewide | Common gallinule, Virginia rail, sora rail and Wilson’s snipe | Sept. 1 – Nov. 9 |
| Statewide | Early teal1 | Sept. 1–9 |
| Statewide | Veterans and Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days2 | Sept. 19–20 |
| Statewide | Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend3 | Sept. 19–20 |
| North Zone | Coot, duck and merganser | Sept. 26 – Nov. 22 and Nov. 28–29 |
| North Zone | Dark goose4 | Sept. 1 – Dec. 16 |
| North Zone | Light goose5 | Sept. 1 – Dec. 16 |
| Middle Zone | Coot, duck and merganser | Oct. 3 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 12–13 |
| Middle Zone | Dark goose4 | Sept. 1–30 and Oct. 3 – Dec. 18 |
| Middle Zone | Light goose5 | Sept. 1–30 and Oct. 3 – Dec. 18 |
| South Zone | Coot, duck and merganser | Oct. 17 – Dec. 13 and Dec. 26–27 |
| South Zone6 | Dark goose4 | Sept. 1–30, Oct. 17 – Dec. 13, Dec. 26 – Jan. 3 and Feb. 6–15 |
| South Zone6 | Light goose5 | Sept. 1–30, Oct. 17 – Dec. 13, Dec. 26 – Jan. 3 and Feb. 6–15 |
| Allegan County GMU | Dark goose4 | Sept. 1–30, Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 – Feb. 14 |
| Allegan County GMU | Light goose5 | Sept. 1–30, Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 – Feb. 14 |
| Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU | Dark goose4 | Oct. 20 – Dec. 19 |
| Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU | Light goose5 | Oct. 20 – Dec. 19 |
1Open for blue-winged teal and green-winged teal only. Hunting hours begin at sunrise.
2Veterans and active-duty U.S military personnel only.
3Must be a properly licensed youth hunter (16 years old or younger) to participate.
4The dark goose season includes brant, Canada goose and white-fronted goose.
5The light goose season includes blue goose, Ross’s goose and snow goose.6Excludes Allegan County GMU and Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU.
To achieve consistency and assist waterfowl hunters in planning future duck hunting seasons, the DNR and CWAC developed proposed opening days for the 2025–2027 duck seasons. The proposed opening days for 2028–2030 will be developed in 2027. The proposed opening days are only valid if the federal duck season regulations do not change. Duck season dates will not be finalized until the spring prior to that year’s duck season.
| Area | Season | Proposed opening day |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | 2027 | Sept. 25 |
| Middle Zone | 2027 | Oct. 2 |
| South Zone | 2027 | Oct. 16 |
The early teal season is a statewide waterfowl season that takes place on public and private lands open to waterfowl hunting Sept. 1–9, 2026. Hunting hours for the early teal season differ from regular waterfowl hunting hours. Go to the Hunting hours section for more information.
Only blue-winged and green-winged teal may be harvested during the early teal season. Hunters are strongly encouraged to refresh their duck identification skills for this season. Do not shoot if you are not sure of your target. The daily bag limits and possession limits are the same as those allowed in the regular duck hunting season.
Here are a few teal hunting tips:
The Veterans and Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days are a statewide waterfowl season that takes place on public and private lands open to waterfowl hunting Sept. 19–20, 2026. This waterfowl season takes place concurrently with the Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend.
Ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and common gallinules may be harvested. The daily limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed in the regular waterfowl hunting season.
The Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend is a statewide waterfowl season that takes place on public and private lands open to waterfowl hunting Sept. 19–20, 2026. Youth 16 years old or younger can participate in this season.
Ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and common gallinules may be harvested; accompanying adults are not permitted to harvest these species during the hunt unless hunting during the September portion of the Canada goose hunting season. The daily limits and species restrictions are the same as those allowed in the regular waterfowl hunting season.
The Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU provides primarily goose hunting with the occasional mallard harvest. It is located on 5,700 acres of agricultural fields on the Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center (no open water), south and east of the Muskegon State Game Area headquarters. Hunting is allowed by a drawing held at the Muskegon State Game Area headquarters on Tuesday mornings at 5:30 a.m., Thursday mornings at 11 a.m., and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. starting Tuesday, Oct. 20, and ending Saturday, Dec. 19. For late season hunt availability or freeze up conditions, refer to the manager’s update at Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
The Allegan County GMU provides goose hunting opportunity on the Fennville Farm Unit of the Allegan State Game Area as well as the surrounding area (detailed in the map below). The Fennville Farm Unit portion is closed to goose hunting Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from Dec. 19 – Feb. 14. The Fennville Farm Unit will be open to goose hunting by self-registration from Sept. 1–30 and Oct. 17 – Nov. 4; and open by drawings on Oct. 17–18 and Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from Dec. 19 – Feb. 14. Drawings are held at 5:30 a.m., with hunting permitted from shooting time in the morning until 4 p.m. Leftover zones will be reissued until 11 a.m.
The daily bag limit for ducks is six ducks of any species. There may be no more than four mallards (no more than two of which may be hens), three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, two black ducks, three northern pintail, and one or two scaup (depending on season date). The possession limit for ducks is three times the daily bag limit. For ducks, the possession limit is 18.
As part of the total daily limit for ducks, the daily bag limit for scaup for the zones and dates specified is as follows:
| Area | Season dates | Daily bag limit |
|---|---|---|
| North Zone | Sept. 26 – Nov. 9 | No more than 2 scaup |
| North Zone | Nov. 10–22 and Nov. 28–29 | No more than 1 scaup |
| Middle Zone | Oct. 3–18 | No more than 1 scaup |
| Middle Zone | Oct. 19 – Nov. 29 and Dec. 12–13 | No more than 2 scaup |
| South Zone | Oct. 17 – Nov. 1 | No more than 1 scaup |
| South Zone | Nov. 2 – Dec. 13 and Dec. 26–27 | No more than 2 scaup |
The daily bag limit for mergansers is five mergansers, only two of which can be hooded mergansers. The possession limit for mergansers is three times the daily bag limit.
For the entire goose season, the dark goose aggregate daily bag limit for Canada geese, white-fronted geese and brant is five in any combination, only one of which can be a brant. The possession limit for dark geese is three times the daily bag limit. For dark geese, the possession limit is 15.
For the entire goose season, the light goose aggregate daily bag limit for snow geese, blue-phase snow geese and Ross’s geese is 20 in any combination. The possession limit for light geese is three times the daily bag limit. For light geese, the possession limit is 60.
The daily bag limits and possession limits for common gallinules, coots, rails and snipes are listed below.
| Species | Daily bag limit | Possession limit |
|---|---|---|
| Common gallinule | 1 | 3 |
| Coot | 15 | 45 |
| Virginia rail and sora rail | 25 | 75 |
| Wilson’s snipe | 8 | 24 |
No. You cannot take or attempt to take in any one day more than one daily limit. You cannot kill or wound any migratory game bird without making a reasonable attempt to retrieve it and include it in your daily bag limit. Wounded birds reduced to possession should be immediately killed and included in the daily bag limit.
Identification skills for duck species in flight are important. Several duck species have special daily limit restrictions, and the early teal season allows only teal to be harvested. Hunters are advised to practice waterfowl identification before the season begins to build identification skills. Visit Michigan.gov/Waterfowl for duck identification aids.
| License type: | Youth age 9 and under | Youth age 10–15 | Resident age 16–64 | Resident senior age 65+ | Nonresident age: 16+1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base license*2 — valid through March 31, 2027. | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| DNR Sportcard3 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Federal migratory bird hunting stamp** | N/A | N/A | $25 | $25 | $25 |
| Harvest Information Program endorsement | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Inclusive mentored license4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Migratory bird youth endorsement (includes HIP) | $0 | $0 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Reserved waterfowl application | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Small game 3-day nonresident license5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $50 |
| Small game 7-day nonresident license5 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | $80 |
| Waterfowl license (includes HIP) | N/A | N/A | $12 | $12 | $12 |
*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.
**A service fee of $5 will apply to federal migratory bird hunting stamps purchased at all license agents, online or through the DNR Hunt Fish app.
1Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
2Hunters 16 years old (including nonresidents) may purchase a base license for $6.
3The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
4The 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.
5The small game 3-day nonresident license ($50) and the small game 7-day nonresident license ($80) allows the purchase of a waterfowl license without the purchase of a base license.
If you are 9 years old or younger, you will need to be licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program and obtain a migratory bird youth endorsement (which includes the HIP endorsement) to hunt waterfowl. You do not need a federal migratory bird hunting stamp or a Michigan waterfowl license.
If you are 10–15 years old, you will need a base license, base apprentice license or an inclusive mentored license. A migratory bird youth endorsement (which includes the HIP endorsement) is also required to hunt waterfowl. You do not need a federal migratory bird hunting stamp or a Michigan waterfowl license.
If you are a Michigan resident and 16 years old or older, you will need a base license, base apprentice license or an inclusive mentored license. A HIP endorsement, a federal migratory bird hunting stamp and a Michigan waterfowl license are also required to hunt waterfowl.
If you are 16 years old or older and not a resident of Michigan, you will need a base license, base apprentice license or an inclusive mentored license. A HIP endorsement, a federal migratory bird hunting stamp and a Michigan waterfowl license are also required to hunt waterfowl. Nonresidents may choose to purchase a small game three-day nonresident license or a small game seven-day nonresident license instead of a base license.
Yes. If you are 10–16 years old, you must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or someone 18 years old or older designated by your parent or guardian. If you are under 10 years old, you must be accompanied by an adult 21 years old or older, and the adult must meet all the provisions of the Mentored Hunting Program.
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter education requirement (go to the Mentored hunting section for more information). A valid hunter education certificate from another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. For a replacement Michigan hunter education certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.
A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package.
A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:
The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year.
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.
The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. Individuals 16 years old and older must purchase a Michigan waterfowl license (includes HIP) and a federal migratory bird hunting stamp in addition to their inclusive mentored license.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl.
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.
No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular base license and a current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10–16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory contact.
To qualify as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
Yes. Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to obtain any hunting license that does not require a separate application free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:
Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the above conditions should be in the possession of a veteran when obtaining free licenses and while afield.
Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.
No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military.
Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must still follow all applicable state waterfowl hunting regulations.
A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. A base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting and trapping practices are followed. A base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base licenses when hunting.
Armadillos, porcupines and Russian boars may be taken year-round, statewide with a valid base license.
The 2026 base license is currently available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. A 2026 base license is valid through March 31, 2027.
No. A base license is not required to purchase a nonresident small game three-day or seven-day license. Nonresidents may choose to purchase the three-day or seven-day small game license instead of an annual base license. You can purchase multiple three-day or seven-day small game licenses throughout the license year.
Yes. A nonresident three-day or seven-day small game license allows the purchase of a waterfowl license without the purchase of a base license.
The Harvest Information Program is a cooperative effort between state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was implemented to improve knowledge about the harvest of migratory game birds. Any person who hunts migratory game birds (ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, etc.) in Michigan is required to register with the HIP. The HIP provides the USFWS with a national registry of potential migratory bird hunters from which they could select participants for federal harvest surveys.
When you purchase a qualifying hunting license, you will be asked HIP survey questions about your migratory bird harvest during the previous year. The HIP endorsement, “Migratory Bird Hunter,” will be printed on your hunting license. A current-year HIP endorsement must be carried when hunting migratory birds.
In Michigan, a waterfowl license is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years old and older, including those hunting on their own enclosed farmland. The waterfowl license is not a kill tag and includes registration with the HIP.
Yes. A waterfowl license is not required for hunting coot, rail, Wilson’s snipe or woodcock.
Yes. When you purchase a Michigan waterfowl license, you are also contributing to wetland conservation in Michigan. Nine dollars from each Michigan waterfowl license goes directly toward protection, restoration and enhancement of wetlands and other lands to be managed for the benefit of waterfowl. An additional $1.93 from each Michigan waterfowl license is used to operate, maintain and develop managed waterfowl areas in Michigan.
A federal migratory bird hunting and conservation stamp (commonly referred to as a federal duck stamp) is a pictorial stamp produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually. A federal duck stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 years old and older. Money generated by the sale of federal duck stamps goes directly into protecting wetland habitat in the National Wildlife Refuge System. The federal duck stamp is considered one of the most successful conservation programs ever. For more information, visit FWS.gov/DuckStamps.
A 2026 electronic federal duck stamp purchased after July 1, 2026, will remain valid until June 30, 2027. Hunters are no longer required to receive a physical federal duck stamp within 45 days of purchase. All sales of the electronic federal duck stamp are final and nonrefundable.
A physical federal duck stamp will be sent to your designated mailing address after March 10, 2027. A physical duck stamp may be purchased at a post office while supplies last.
Yes. A federal duck stamp is not required for hunting coot, rail, Wilson’s snipe or woodcock.
Michigan’s Waterfowl Stamp Program is coordinated by the Michigan Duck Hunters Association in partnership with the DNR.
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetland conservation.
Proceeds from Michigan waterfowl stamp sales will be used to fund MDHA projects, with 10% used to match DNR funding for purchasing wetlands.
Adam Oswald created the artwork for the 2026 Michigan waterfowl stamp and print. The stamp features a pair of canvasbacks.
No. Purchase of this stamp is voluntary, and you do not need it to hunt in Michigan. MDHA will mail waterfowl hunters a free copy of the standard-edition stamp (subject to availability) if they send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with a copy of their Michigan waterfowl hunting license to MDHA Waterfowl Stamp Program, P.O. Box 626, Frankfort, MI 49635.
First, go to Michigan.gov/Waterfowl and scroll down to “Additional resources,” then click on “MI waterfowl stamp” to visit the online store and purchase. You can also print and mail an order form with a check to MDHA Waterfowl Stamp Program, P.O. Box 626, Frankfort, MI 49635.
You should receive your stamp or print in four to six weeks.
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners will receive one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at no cost. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2027 species hunting season and in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2027 hunting regulations.
Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.
The application period is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2026.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice hunting license to apply in the 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 2027, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results are posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic federal duck stamp, you must be able to present the electronic federal duck stamp on your mobile device.
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
You can purchase a federal duck stamp at post offices, at license agents, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. A service fee of $5 will apply to federal migratory bird hunting stamps purchased at all license agents, online or through the DNR Hunt Fish app. You will be issued an electronic federal duck stamp (unless purchased at a post office), which serves as a valid federal duck stamp until June 30, 2027. Amplex will send the physical federal duck stamp to your mailing address after March 10, 2027. If you do not receive your duck stamp in the mail, contact Amplex at 1-800-852-4897.
You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
If you originally purchased your hunting license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license(s) reprinted ($3 for non-kill tag replacement and full price for kill tag replacement). You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license.
If you originally purchased your hunting license online, you received an email containing a PDF file of printable licenses (those without kill tags), including your base license. Save your PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced. If you have an eLicense account, you may log in at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses to reprint your non-kill tag items. Access your purchase history to reprint current licenses. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.
If you lose your electronic federal duck stamp receipt, you can reprint it by accessing your purchase history on your eLicense account. Lost or destroyed federal duck stamps (electronic or physical) will not be refunded.
Managed waterfowl areas, or Wetland Wonders, offer first-class waterfowl hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. These areas are managed to provide waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. The areas have always been funded by hunting license fees and area use fees, but they are open for anyone to visit, use and enjoy most of the year.
Yes. Special rules are enforced, including shell limits, shot size limits, hunting party size, etc. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
Use of waders, decoys and calls is highly recommended. While there are walk-in sites, small boats and motors are recommended at many areas. Call ahead of your trip if you have questions about equipment or accessibility.
Drawings are conducted locally for free hunting-zone permits throughout the season (go to the Michigan’s Wetland Wonders section for more information on drawing dates and times).
Yes. Several areas offer opening-day afternoon youth hunts, as well as other youth priority draws during the season. Opening weekend hunts are by reservation only at several areas.
Normal managed-area drawings may be canceled late in the season if extreme weather results in low hunter participation. Area managers will post amended check-station hunting rules a minimum of two days prior to any changes. Late in the season, hunters may wish to call area headquarters to verify that drawings will be held.
Yes. Some hunts during the opening weekend of duck season are by reservation. Go to the Reserved waterfowl drawing section for application information.
There are seven premier managed waterfowl areas located in southern Michigan.
| Area (county, nearest town): | Phone: | Youth hunting dates: | Drawing dates and times: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fennville Farm (Allegan County, Fennville) | 269-561-2258 | Oct. 17 (a.m.) nonreserved; Dec. 26 (a.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from Oct. 17–18 and Dec. 19 – Feb. 14. Drawing at 5:30 a.m. Leftover zones will be reissued until 11 a.m. Permits valid until 4:30 p.m. Afternoon hunts: No afternoon draws. No drawings on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from Dec. 19 – Feb. 14. Self-registration available for goose hunting outside of drawing dates from Sept. 1–30 and Oct. 17 – Nov. 4 at the Fennville Farm Unit office. Self-registration available for duck hunting outside of drawing dates at the Fennville Farm Unit office during South Zone duck season. |
| Fish Point (Tuscola County, Unionville) | 989-674-2511 | Oct. 3 (p.m.) reserved; Oct. 24 (p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Daily at 5:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Afternoon hunts: Daily at 11 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) |
| Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center (Muskegon County, Twin Lake) | 231-788-5055 | Oct. 24 (a.m. and p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Tuesdays and Saturdays at 5:30 a.m. Afternoon hunts: Thursdays and Saturdays at 11 a.m. Open to hunting Oct. 20 – Dec. 19. Closed to hunting Thanksgiving Day. Permits for Tuesday morning drawings are valid until close of shooting hours. Note: Dry field hunting only, no water impoundments. |
| Nayanquing Point (Bay County, Linwood) | 989-697-5101 | Oct. 3 (p.m.) reserved; Oct. 24 (p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Daily at 5:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Afternoon hunts: Daily at 11 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) |
| Pointe Mouillee (Wayne County, Rockwood) | 734-379-9692 | Oct. 17 (p.m.) reserved; Nov. 1 (p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Sundays, Thursdays and Oct. 17 at 5:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Afternoon hunts: Sundays, Tuesdays and Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Permits for Thursday morning drawings are valid until close of shooting hours. |
| Shiawassee River (Saginaw County, St. Charles) | 989-865-6211 | Oct. 17 (p.m.) reserved; Nov. 7 (p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Daily at 5:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Afternoon hunts: Daily at 11 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) |
| St. Clair Flats (Harsens Island, St. Clair County, Algonac) | 810-748-9504 | Oct. 17 (p.m.) reserved; Nov. 7 (p.m.) nonreserved | Morning hunts: Daily at 5:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) Afternoon hunts: Daily at 11:30 a.m. (Reserved hunt opening weekend of duck season.) |
| Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (Saginaw County, Saginaw) | 989-777-5930 | N/A | New for the 2026 season, hunters are no longer required to apply for the weekly drawing. Waterfowl hunting will be allowed within the designated waterfowl hunting unit. Morning hunts are available on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from the beginning of legal hunting hours (a.m.) to 12 p.m. Afternoon hunts are available on Thursdays from 12 p.m. to the end of legal hunting hours (p.m.). Hunters should review all current refuge-specific regulations and any updated information prior to their hunt by visiting https://www.fws.gov/refuge/shiawassee/visit-us/activities/hunting. |
Veterans preference drawings at the following managed waterfowl areas will take place Nov. 11, for properly licensed, resident, active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans. There will not be a veterans preference drawing at Fennville Farm or Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
The following documentation, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card, will be accepted as proof of status: military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders, copy of DD Form 214, enhanced driver’s license or documentation from the Veterans Administration regarding disability status. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may provide a copy of NGB Form 22 or NGB Form 23.
To be eligible for the veterans preference drawings, single hunters must be active-duty military personnel or veterans; party hunters must have at least one member in their party who is active-duty military or a veteran.
Successful applicants must be accompanied by one to three appropriately licensed hunters. Maximum party size is four hunters, but no more than two adults per party during youth hunts. Hunt parties do not need to be determined at the time of application. You cannot change your hunt choice once you are selected. Cash refunds are not permitted. The number of available hunts in 2026 is subject to change.
| Location | Hunt date | Hunt hours | Hunts available | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fish Point | Oct. 3 | a.m. | 35 | 0017 |
| Fish Point | Oct. 3 | p.m., youth* | 35 | 0018 |
| Fish Point | Oct. 4 | a.m. | 35 | 0019 |
| Fish Point | Oct. 4 | p.m. | 35 | 0020 |
| Harsens Island | Oct. 17 | a.m. | 35 | 0001 |
| Harsens Island | Oct. 17 | p.m., youth* | 35 | 0002 |
| Harsens Island | Oct. 18 | a.m. | 35 | 0003 |
| Harsens Island | Oct. 18 | p.m. | 35 | 0004 |
| Nayanquing Point | Oct. 3 | a.m. | 25 | 0025 |
| Nayanquing Point | Oct. 3 | p.m., youth* | 25 | 0026 |
| Nayanquing Point | Oct. 4 | a.m. | 25 | 0027 |
| Nayanquing Point | Oct. 4 | p.m. | 25 | 0028 |
| Pointe Mouillee | Oct. 17 | a.m. | 21 | 0033 |
| Pointe Mouillee | Oct. 17 | p.m., youth* | 21 | 0034 |
| Pointe Mouillee | Oct. 18 | a.m. | 21 | 0035 |
| Pointe Mouillee | Oct. 18 | p.m. | 21 | 0036 |
| Shiawassee River | Oct. 17 | a.m. | 40 | 0009 |
| Shiawassee River | Oct. 17 | p.m., youth* | 40 | 0010 |
| Shiawassee River | Oct. 18 | a.m. | 40 | 0011 |
| Shiawassee River | Oct. 18 | p.m. | 40 | 0012 |
*Rules for reserved p.m. youth hunts: Anyone may apply. Hunt parties do not need to be determined at the time of application. Maximum party size is four hunters, with no more than two adults per party. On the day of the hunt, the hunting parties must have at least one licensed youth 16 years old or younger. A parent or legal guardian may not allow a youth hunter 10–16 years old to participate unless accompanied by a licensed adult meeting all other reserved hunt requirements. Youth hunters under 10 must be accompanied by a qualified Mentored Hunting Program mentor.
Hunters are selected for a reserved waterfowl hunt using a random drawing system. In the annual drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection. For more information on the reserved waterfowl hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/Waterfowl.
The application period is Aug. 1–28, 2026.
An application is $5.
You can only purchase one reserved waterfowl hunt application per year. You can apply for a specific reserved waterfowl hunt during specific season dates.
No. You can apply prior to obtaining your licenses. To avoid delays at check stations, hunters are urged to purchase all licenses in advance of their reserved hunt.
To purchase a reserved waterfowl hunt 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 on 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.
The following people are eligible to apply for a reserved waterfowl hunt (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):
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 for any hunt number.
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 it 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 Sept. 14, 2026.
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.
If you are selected for a hunt in the drawing, you will be eligible to participate in a “day-of” drawing at the location, date and time assigned to you. You are not required to provide proof of a successful application in the reserved waterfowl hunting drawing. Local staff will verify your eligibility on location. Hunting conditions (e.g., water levels, crop conditions) may vary, and hunters are encouraged to call area headquarters for the most up-to-date conditions. Managed waterfowl areas enforce special rules (e.g., shell limits, shot sizes, use of motion-winged decoys). Consult area maps or contact area headquarters for more information.
During the reserved waterfowl hunt, you can harvest common gallinules, coots, dark geese (Canada, white-fronted and brant), ducks, light geese (snow, blue, Ross’s), mergansers, Virginia rails, sora rails and Wilson’s snipes. Species-specific bag limits must be followed (go to the Bag limits section for more information).
Legal hunting hours for waterfowl (one half-hour before sunrise to sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. Hunting hours for the early teal season differ, go to the Zone A early teal season hunting hours 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. 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.
Hunting hours listed for the early teal season are sunrise to sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | 6:58 | 8:05 |
| Sept. 2 | 6:59 | 8:03 |
| Sept. 3 | 7:00 | 8:02 |
| Sept. 4 | 7:01 | 8:00 |
| Sept. 5 | 7:02 | 7:59 |
| Sept. 6 | 7:03 | 7:57 |
| Sept. 7 | 7:04 | 7:55 |
| Sept. 8 | 7:05 | 7:54 |
| Sept. 9 | 7:06 | 7:52 |
Hunting hours listed are one half-hour before sunrise to sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 1 | 6:28 | 8:05 |
| Sept. 2 | 6:29 | 8:03 |
| Sept. 3 | 6:30 | 8:02 |
| Sept. 4 | 6:31 | 8:00 |
| Sept. 5 | 6:32 | 7:59 |
| Sept. 6 | 6:33 | 7:57 |
| Sept. 7 | 6:34 | 7:55 |
| Sept. 8 | 6:35 | 7:54 |
| Sept. 9 | 6:36 | 7:52 |
| Sept. 10 | 6:37 | 7:51 |
| Sept. 11 | 6:38 | 7:49 |
| Sept. 12 | 6:39 | 7:47 |
| Sept. 13 | 6:40 | 7:46 |
| Sept. 14 | 6:41 | 7:44 |
| Sept. 15 | 6:42 | 7:42 |
| Sept. 16 | 6:43 | 7:41 |
| Sept. 17 | 6:44 | 7:39 |
| Sept. 18 | 6:45 | 7:37 |
| Sept. 19 | 6:46 | 7:36 |
| Sept. 20 | 6:48 | 7:34 |
| Sept. 21 | 6:49 | 7:32 |
| Sept. 22 | 6:50 | 7:31 |
| Sept. 23 | 6:51 | 7:29 |
| Sept. 24 | 6:52 | 7:27 |
| Sept. 25 | 6:53 | 7:26 |
| Sept. 26 | 6:54 | 7:24 |
| Sept. 27 | 6:55 | 7:23 |
| Sept. 28 | 6:56 | 7:21 |
| Sept. 29 | 6:57 | 7:19 |
| Sept. 30 | 6:58 | 7:18 |
| Oct. 1 | 6:59 | 7:16 |
| Oct. 2 | 7:00 | 7:14 |
| Oct. 3 | 7:02 | 7:13 |
| Oct. 4 | 7:03 | 7:11 |
| Oct. 5 | 7:04 | 7:10 |
| Oct. 6 | 7:05 | 7:08 |
| Oct. 7 | 7:06 | 7:07 |
| Oct. 8 | 7:07 | 7:05 |
| Oct. 9 | 7:08 | 7:03 |
| Oct. 10 | 7:09 | 7:02 |
| Oct. 11 | 7:11 | 7:00 |
| Oct. 12 | 7:12 | 6:59 |
| Oct. 13 | 7:13 | 6:57 |
| Oct. 14 | 7:14 | 6:56 |
| Oct. 15 | 7:15 | 6:54 |
| Oct. 16 | 7:16 | 6:53 |
| Oct. 17 | 7:17 | 6:51 |
| Oct. 18 | 7:19 | 6:50 |
| Oct. 19 | 7:20 | 6:49 |
| Oct. 20 | 7:21 | 6:47 |
| Oct. 21 | 7:22 | 6:46 |
| Oct. 22 | 7:23 | 6:44 |
| Oct. 23 | 7:25 | 6:43 |
| Oct. 24 | 7:26 | 6:42 |
| Oct. 25 | 7:27 | 6:40 |
| Oct. 26 | 7:28 | 6:39 |
| Oct. 27 | 7:29 | 6:38 |
| Oct. 28 | 7:31 | 6:36 |
| Oct. 29 | 7:32 | 6:35 |
| Oct. 30 | 7:33 | 6:34 |
| Oct. 31 | 7:34 | 6:33 |
Hunting hours listed are one half-hour before sunrise to sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1 | 6:36 | 6:32 |
| Nov. 2 | 6:37 | 5:31 |
| Nov. 3 | 6:38 | 5:29 |
| Nov. 4 | 6:39 | 5:28 |
| Nov. 5 | 6:41 | 5:27 |
| Nov. 6 | 6:42 | 5:26 |
| Nov. 7 | 6:43 | 5:25 |
| Nov. 8 | 6:44 | 5:24 |
| Nov. 9 | 6:46 | 5:23 |
| Nov. 10 | 6:47 | 5:22 |
| Nov. 11 | 6:48 | 5:21 |
| Nov. 12 | 6:49 | 5:20 |
| Nov. 13 | 6:51 | 5:20 |
| Nov. 14 | 6:52 | 5:19 |
| Nov. 15 | 6:53 | 5:18 |
| Nov. 16 | 6:54 | 5:17 |
| Nov. 17 | 6:55 | 5:17 |
| Nov. 18 | 6:57 | 5:16 |
| Nov. 19 | 6:58 | 5:15 |
| Nov. 20 | 6:59 | 5:15 |
| Nov. 21 | 7:00 | 5:14 |
| Nov. 22 | 7:02 | 5:13 |
| Nov. 23 | 7:03 | 5:13 |
| Nov. 24 | 7:04 | 5:12 |
| Nov. 25 | 7:05 | 5:12 |
| Nov. 26 | 7:06 | 5:12 |
| Nov. 27 | 7:07 | 5:11 |
| Nov. 28 | 7:08 | 5:11 |
| Nov. 29 | 7:10 | 5:10 |
| Nov. 30 | 7:11 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 1 | 7:12 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 2 | 7:13 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 3 | 7:14 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 4 | 7:15 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 5 | 7:16 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 6 | 7:17 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 7 | 7:18 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 8 | 7:19 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 9 | 7:20 | 5:09 |
| Dec. 10 | 7:20 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 11 | 7:21 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 12 | 7:22 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 13 | 7:23 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 14 | 7:24 | 5:10 |
| Dec. 15 | 7:24 | 5:11 |
| Dec. 16 | 7:25 | 5:11 |
| Dec. 17 | 7:26 | 5:11 |
| Dec. 18 | 7:26 | 5:12 |
| Dec. 19 | 7:27 | 5:12 |
| Dec. 20 | 7:27 | 5:13 |
| Dec. 21 | 7:28 | 5:13 |
| Dec. 22 | 7:28 | 5:14 |
| Dec. 23 | 7:29 | 5:14 |
| Dec. 24 | 7:29 | 5:15 |
| Dec. 25 | 7:30 | 5:15 |
| Dec. 26 | 7:30 | 5:16 |
| Dec. 27 | 7:30 | 5:17 |
| Dec. 28 | 7:31 | 5:17 |
| Dec. 29 | 7:31 | 5:18 |
| Dec. 30 | 7:31 | 5:19 |
| Dec. 31 | 7:31 | 5:20 |
Hunting hours listed are one half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 1 | 7:31 | 5:10 |
| Jan. 2 | 7:31 | 5:11 |
| Jan. 3 | 7:31 | 5:12 |
| Jan. 4 | 7:31 | 5:13 |
| Jan. 5 | 7:31 | 5:14 |
| Jan. 6 | 7:31 | 5:15 |
| Jan. 7 | 7:31 | 5:16 |
| Jan. 8 | 7:31 | 5:17 |
| Jan. 9 | 7:31 | 5:18 |
| Jan. 10 | 7:31 | 5:19 |
| Jan. 11 | 7:30 | 5:20 |
| Jan. 12 | 7:30 | 5:21 |
| Jan. 13 | 7:30 | 5:22 |
| Jan. 14 | 7:29 | 5:24 |
| Jan. 15 | 7:29 | 5:25 |
| Jan. 16 | 7:28 | 5:26 |
| Jan. 17 | 7:28 | 5:27 |
| Jan. 18 | 7:27 | 5:28 |
| Jan. 19 | 7:27 | 5:30 |
| Jan. 20 | 7:26 | 5:31 |
| Jan. 21 | 7:25 | 5:32 |
| Jan. 22 | 7:25 | 5:33 |
| Jan. 23 | 7:24 | 5:35 |
| Jan. 24 | 7:23 | 5:36 |
| Jan. 25 | 7:22 | 5:37 |
| Jan. 26 | 7:21 | 5:38 |
| Jan. 27 | 7:21 | 5:40 |
| Jan. 28 | 7:20 | 5:41 |
| Jan. 29 | 7:19 | 5:42 |
| Jan. 30 | 7:18 | 5:44 |
| Jan. 31 | 7:17 | 5:45 |
| Feb. 1 | 7:16 | 5:46 |
| Feb. 2 | 7:15 | 5:47 |
| Feb. 3 | 7:14 | 5:49 |
| Feb. 4 | 7:13 | 5:50 |
| Feb. 5 | 7:11 | 5:51 |
| Feb. 6 | 7:10 | 5:53 |
| Feb. 7 | 7:09 | 5:54 |
| Feb. 8 | 7:08 | 5:55 |
| Feb. 9 | 7:07 | 5:57 |
| Feb. 10 | 7:05 | 5:58 |
| Feb. 11 | 7:04 | 5:59 |
| Feb. 12 | 7:03 | 6:01 |
| Feb. 13 | 7:02 | 6:02 |
| Feb. 14 | 7:00 | 6:03 |
| Feb. 15 | 6:59 | 6:04 |
Michigan is divided into waterfowl (duck, coot, common gallinule and goose) hunting zones: North, Middle and South. The North Zone includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between the Middle Zone and South Zone is a line beginning at the Wisconsin border in Lake Michigan, due west of the mouth of Stony Creek in Oceana County; then due east to, and southeasterly along the south shore of Stony Creek to Scenic Drive, southeasterly along Scenic Drive to Stony Lake Road, easterly along Stony Lake and Garfield Roads to M-20, east along M-20 to U.S. 10 Business Route (BR) in the city of Midland, east along U.S. 10 BR to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 then crossing U.S. 75 to state highway M-25 (west of the town of Bay City), easterly along M-25 into Tuscola County then northeasterly and easterly on M-25 through Tuscola County into Huron County, turning southeasterly on M-25 (near the town of Huron City; also locally named North Shore Road) to the centerline of Willow Creek in Section 4, T18N R14E, Huron County, then northerly along the centerline of Willow Creek to the mouth of Willow Creek into Lake Huron, then directly due east along a line from the mouth of Willow Creek heading east into Lake Huron to a point due east and on the Michigan/USA-Canadian border.
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.
Federal waterfowl production areas are open to public hunting except where prohibited. National wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. All state laws apply to national wildlife refuge lands. Additional federal regulations also apply and can be found in 50 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) at FWS.gov. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting. Please note that Mi-HUNT may be unavailable due to maintenance.
You can find the DNR-managed public land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting. 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. Contact your local DNR Parks and Recreation or Wildlife office for more information.
Portions of the following state parks and scenic sites are open to waterfowl hunting during established seasons.
The following state parks and recreation areas are closed entirely to waterfowl hunting from Sept. 1–7. The locations or portions of them are open after Labor Day.
Portions of the following state parks and recreation areas are closed to waterfowl hunting from Sept. 5–7. Portions are open after Labor Day.
Portions of the following state parks and recreation areas are closed to waterfowl hunting from Sept. 1–7. Portions are open after Labor Day.
Portions of the following state recreation areas are closed to waterfowl hunting from Sept. 1–15. Portions are open beginning Sept. 16.
Portions of the following state recreation areas are closed to waterfowl hunting.
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. Areas are posted to alert hunters that they are off-limits to hunting:
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.
Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass.
No. Utility rights of way, such as underground gas lines and overhead power lines, on private property are closed to public access. You must have written permission from the utility company to be exempt from trespass.
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder before you hunt on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters are required to produce their hunting licenses for landowners upon request. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a firearm may enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
If you wound a game animal and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission from the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Yes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt migratory birds in Michigan:
Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
No. If you are hunting waterfowl, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
You may only hunt migratory birds from an elevated platform over submerged bottomlands. Elevated platforms constructed over public waters must meet marking and removal requirements.
Yes. You can hunt waterfowl from a ground blind. However, you may not erect or use a hunting blind on any public waters without permanently affixing to the exterior, in waterproof letters not less than 3 inches high, the name and address of the person who placed it there. You also cannot leave any hunting blind or part thereof anchored or affixed to the bottomlands of any public waters within the state of Michigan prior to Aug. 15 or later than Jan. 16. Any unoccupied blind on the Great Lakes or Lake St. Clair may be used by the first person to occupy it each day. Contact the Plainwell DNR office (269-685-6851) regarding blind rules for Allegan County.
No. You cannot hunt from a sinkbox. A sinkbox is a low, floating device with a depression, affording the hunter a means of concealment beneath the surface of the water.
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 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
You can use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun 10-gauge or smaller.
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, bow or crossbow) in the field while mentoring, and the mentored hunter must always be within arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of the mentored hunter while in the field.
A licensed mentored hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun 10-gauge or smaller. Any hunting device possessed by a mentored hunter must be sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the mentored hunter.
Yes. You can use a pneumatic gun to hunt migratory birds if it meets the firearm requirements for the season, species hunted and zone you are hunting in.
You can only use or possess one firearm while hunting migratory birds.
Each licensed person in the hunting party can use or possess one firearm.
Yes. You cannot hunt migratory birds with a shotgun that can hold more than three shells. Shotguns capable of holding more than three shells should be plugged with a one-piece filler incapable of removal without disassembling the gun, so that the total capacity of the shotgun does not exceed three shells.
Yes. The use of lead-free shot is required statewide for all waterfowl hunting. If you are hunting ducks, geese, mergansers, coots, common gallinules, rails or Wilson’s snipe anywhere in Michigan, you cannot possess or use shotshells loaded with a material other than lead-free steel, bismuth, tungsten-iron, tungsten-polymer, tungsten matrix or other shot determined by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to be lead-free. Waterfowl hunters using muzzleloaders must also use USFWS-approved lead-free shot.
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 and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for waterfowl hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot hunt or pursue waterfowl from a car, snowmobile, aircraft, drone, off-road vehicle or other motorized vehicle. Certain regulations apply while hunting waterfowl from a watercraft. Special permits may apply. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility for more information for hunters with disabilities.
No. You cannot hunt from or by means of any motorboat, power boat or other craft having a motor attached, any sailboat or any floating craft or device of any kind propelled or towed by power or sail, unless the motor has been completely shut off and/or the sails furled and its progress ceased. A craft under power can be used to retrieve dead or crippled birds. However, crippled birds cannot be shot from such craft while under power or until forward progress has ceased.
No. You cannot drive, rally or chase birds with any motorized conveyance or any sailboat to put them in the range of hunters.
No. You cannot hunt waterfowl while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
No. You cannot use live decoys to hunt migratory birds. All live, tame or captive ducks and geese should be removed for a period of 10 consecutive days prior to hunting and confined within an enclosure which substantially reduces the audibility of their calls and totally conceals such tame birds from the sight of migratory waterfowl.
Yes. You can use mechanical or electronic decoys to hunt migratory birds during the respective hunting seasons. You cannot use mechanical or electronic decoys that produce bird sounds or calls.
Yes. You cannot leave decoys set out between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. in waters of the Great Lakes and connecting waters and lakes wholly enclosed by publicly owned lands.
No. You cannot use electronic devices that imitate migratory bird calls while hunting migratory birds. This includes recorded or electronically amplified bird calls, imitations of bird calls, bird sounds and imitations of bird sounds.
No. You cannot use bait to aid in the taking of migratory birds. Hunters should be aware that a baited area is considered to be baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables.
Yes. You can use nonfood imitations to aid in the taking of migratory birds. Nonfood imitations may include plastic corncobs.
Yes. If you are a licensed falconer, you can hunt migratory game birds with the use of falconry. Migratory game birds that can be taken using falconry include common gallinules, coots, ducks, geese, mergansers, rails, Wilson’s snipe and woodcock.
The open seasons for hunting common gallinules, coots, ducks, geese, mergansers, rails, Wilson’s snipe and woodcock with the use of falconry are the same dates as the regular seasons in the respective zones and goose management units for each species (go to the Waterfowl hunting season dates for more information). In addition, common gallinules, coots, ducks and mergansers may be taken statewide with the use of falconry from Dec. 28, 2026, through Jan. 10, 2027, and Feb. 20 – March 10, 2027.
The daily bag limit is three birds of a single or combined species. The possession limit is nine birds.
No. If you are engaged in the sport of falconry, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
Yes. You can hunt migratory birds, including waterfowl, with a dog.
Yes. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, you can enter on foot the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. You cannot be in possession of a firearm when retrieving a dog from private property. You should not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
Before leaving the hunting location, remove plant debris, dirt and mud from your dog to protect its health and habitat quality.
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 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.
The risk of hunting dogs acquiring bird flu is likely low since they are not consuming the bird, but exposure to the virus may occur when mouthing or biting the bird. If you want to share game meat with your dog, thoroughly cook it first.
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 waterfowl:
More information on wild game guidelines for the Saginaw and Tittabawassee River floodplains, including a map of the area covered by these guidelines, can be found at Michigan.gov/EatSafeFish under “Eat Safe Wild Game.” For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, go to Michigan.gov/Dioxin.
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.
Although nutria have not yet been detected in Michigan, they could cause damage to wetlands if they become established. You are encouraged to report nutria that you have seen or trapped, especially pictures of the teeth and tail, at MISIN.MSU.edu/Report.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the landowner’s permission. You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at Michigan.gov/RussianBoar or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants, including for use in blinds. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Invasive plants and animals can cause significant harm to wildlife habitat, reduce hunting opportunities and damage equipment.
Invasive species are often spread unintentionally. Microscopic organisms and aquatic vegetation readily attach to equipment, and they are unknowingly transported from one waterbody 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:
Yes. Michigan law requires that you remove all aquatic plants from watercraft, watercraft equipment and trailers before placing these into Michigan waters. Prior to transporting any watercraft over land, boaters are required to do all of the following:
This means that after trailering boats, and before getting on the road, boaters must pull plugs, drain water and remove plants and debris. Violation of the law is a state civil infraction, and violators may be subject to fines up to $100. For more information on this law, see Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994) Part 413.
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of any bird. If you are transporting migratory birds, one fully feathered wing must be left on the bird. If transporting another person’s migratory birds, they must be tagged with the person’s name, signature and home address, and the number of birds by species, dates of kill and hunting license number.
No person or business may receive or have in custody any migratory game birds belonging to another person unless such birds are properly tagged. If you are leaving your migratory birds in the custody of another person, you must tag the birds with the following information:
You cannot possess or transport more than the daily limit of migratory birds at or between the place where the birds were taken and whichever one of the following locations you arrive at first:
Yes. You can ship migratory game birds. The package must be marked on the outside with: (1) the name and address of the person sending the birds, (2) the name and address of the person to whom the birds are being sent and (3) the number of birds, by species, contained in the package.
For information regarding the importation of migratory birds killed in another country, you should consult 50 CFR 20.61 - 20.66 or contact Senior Resident Law Enforcement Agent, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 3800 Packard Road, Suite 160, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. One fully feathered wing must remain attached to all migratory game birds being transported between a port of entry and one’s home or to a migratory bird preservation facility. No person may import migratory game birds killed in any foreign country, except Canada, unless such birds are dressed (except as required above), drawn, and the head and feet removed. No person may import migratory game birds belonging to another person.
Yes. You can promote sound waterfowl management by promptly reporting all banded birds harvested, including date and location taken. This information is used to determine annual survival, migration routes and contribution to the state harvest from different breeding grounds. To report bands, go online to ReportBand.gov. Please note that even if the band you recover is inscribed with a 1-800 telephone number, you can only report it at ReportBand.gov.
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.
Yes. Some hunters are randomly selected each year to participate in state or federal harvest surveys, including collection of birds’ wings, tails and other body parts. Accurate and complete reporting is essential for biologists to estimate the annual harvest and impact of hunting. Please do your part to help manage waterfowl by responding to surveys. The knowledge gained permits selection of annual regulations that maximize hunting opportunities while perpetuating healthy waterfowl populations for future hunters.
Violations of state migratory bird regulations are also violations of federal regulations.
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 waterfowl hunting regulations are misdemeanors and may be punishable by up to $500 in fines per animal.
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.
