License types and fees

License types and fees by age

*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 and online.
¹Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
²The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
³Hunters 16 years old (including nonresidents) may purchase a base license for $6.
⁴The small game 3-day nonresident license ($50) and the small game 7-day nonresident license ($80) allow 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 base license, base apprentice license or an inclusive mentored license. A HIP endorsement, a federal migratory bird hunting stamp and 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 (or base apprentice license), a HIP endorsement, a federal migratory bird hunting stamp, and a Michigan 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 are also required to hunt waterfowl.

I am a youth waterfowl hunter under 16 years old. Do I have to hunt with an adult?

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.

Hunter education

Is hunter safety required for purchasing a license?
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter safety certificate or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt with inclusive mentored licenses are exempt from the hunter safety requirement (see mentored hunting section for more details). A valid hunter education safety 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 safety certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.

What are the rules for a youth hunter 10-16 years old who has taken hunter safety?
Youth 10-16 years old, and who are hunter safety-certified, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older to hunt, unless:

• The youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
• AND the license is not an apprentice license.

Mentored hunting

What is the Mentored Hunting Program?
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package. Complete program details can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/mentoredhunting.

What are the rules for a mentor participating in the Mentored Hunting Program?
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:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have previous hunting experience.
• Possess a current-year Michigan base license that is not an apprentice license.

What is the mentored youth license?
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, elk and fall turkey. 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. To qualify for the Inclusive Mentored Hunting Program, one of the following must apply:

• The mentored individual is a minor child over 10 years old with a developmental disability and is unable to complete hunter safety.
• The mentored individual is an adult with a developmental disability, has a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code (1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1600 to 330.1644) and is unable to complete hunter safety. 

I am a mentored youth hunter. What can I do with the fall turkey license I received in my MYH package?
As a mentored youth hunter, you get one fall turkey license, which is valid for one turkey (any sex) in any open fall turkey hunt unit and period.

I am 9 years old or younger and not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a mentored youth license?
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.

What is the inclusive mentored license?
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 purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey.

• 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.

Who qualifies for the inclusive mentored license?
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:

• The mentored individual is a minor child with a developmental disability and is unable to complete hunter safety.
• The mentored individual is an adult with a developmental disability, has a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code (1974 PA 258, MCL 330.1600 to 330.1644) and is unable to complete hunter safety.

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Apprentice hunting

What is the Apprentice Hunting Program?
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter safety certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a mentor who is at least 21 years old. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl. Complete program details can be found online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a base apprentice license?
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter safety certificate.

How many times can I purchase a base apprentice license?
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter safety course and purchase a regular base license.

Can I hunt by myself with a base apprentice license, or do I need to hunt with someone else?
When hunting as an apprentice hunter, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular, 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.

How close do I need to be to my accompanying mentor during the hunt?
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.

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Michigan residents

• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state. Resident status can only be claimed in one state.
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university and reside in the state during the school year.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and be officially stationed in Michigan.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and maintain residency in Michigan.

If I own land in Michigan but live in a different state, can I buy a resident hunting license?
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.

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Michigan veterans with disabilities

• You have been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate, for disabilities other than blindness.
• You have been rated by United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.

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.

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U.S. military personnel

I am a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?
Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting licenses 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 member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.

I am not a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?
No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, federal, active-duty U.S. military personnel.

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Treaty-authorized hunters

Can I hunt with a tribal member?
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.

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DNR Sportcard

What is a DNR Sportcard?
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.

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Base license

What is a base license?
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. The 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 practices are followed. The 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.

When can I purchase a 2024 base license?
The 2024 base license is currently available for purchase. A 2024 base license is valid through March 31, 2025.

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.

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.

Harvest Information Program

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.

Waterfowl license

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 will be used to operate, maintain and develop managed waterfowl areas in Michigan.

Federal migratory bird hunting stamp

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 2024 electronic federal duck stamp purchased after July 1, 2024 will remain valid until June 30, 2025. 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 non-refundable.

A physical federal duck stamp will be sent to your designated mailing address after March 10, 2025. 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 Waterfowl Stamp Program

Who coordinates the Michigan Waterfowl Stamp Program?

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 percent used to match DNR funding for purchasing wetlands.

Christopher Smith created the artwork for the 2024 Michigan waterfowl stamp and print. The stamp features a pair of greater scaup.

Do I have to purchase a Michigan waterfowl stamp?
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 186, Kawkawlin, MI 48631.

How do I purchase a Michigan waterfowl stamp or print?
First, go to Michigan.gov/Waterfowl and scroll down to “Additional resources,” then click on “MI waterfowl stamp” to print an order form. You can mail your order form to MDHA Waterfowl Stamp Program, P.O. Box 186, Kawkawlin, MI 48631.

How long will it take to receive my stamp or print?
You should receive your stamp or print in four to six weeks.

Pure Michigan Hunt

The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners may purchase one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey, and base hunting license at a total cost of $3. 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 Pure Michigan Hunt license will be valid for the applicable 2025 species hunting season is able to be used in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2025 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, 2024.

You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2024.

No. You must be eligible to purchase regular, nonapprentice hunting licenses 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, but will be allowed to transfer the license to a Michigan resident.

Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2025, 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.

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