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Mentored youth and apprentice hunting

Mentored youth hunting, ages 9 and under

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program is designed to introduce youth under the age of 10 to hunting and fishing, offering a "package" license for just $7.50. This enables youth hunters under the age of 10 to hunt turkey (spring and fall on private or public land), deer (one tag, any deer) and small game, trap furbearers and fish for all species.

The program is an easy way to introduce children to Michigan's rich outdoor heritage, teach them about the importance of conserving our state's natural resources and help ensure that our hunting tradition continues to thrive.

Mentored youth hunting FAQ Mentor guidelines


Apprentice hunting, ages 10 and over

Anyone ages 10 and older can be a part of the hunting experience by purchasing a base apprentice (APC) license. The base apprentice license, which can be purchased for two license years before needing to successfully complete a hunter safety course, allows you to hunt small game and purchase licenses to hunt other species like deer and turkey.  

As an apprentice hunter, you must:

  • Be 10 years of age or older.
  • Be accompanied by someone 21 years of age or older who possesses a regular current-year hunting license for the same game you will be hunting.
  • Have the accompanying hunter be your parent, guardian, or someone designated by your parent or guardian if you are 10-16 years of age.

As an accompanying hunter, you must:

  • Be able to come to the immediate aid of the apprentice and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.
  • Accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
  • How to purchase the apprentice license

Residents can purchase one of the following apprentice license types:

  • *Base JR APC (ages 10-16), $6.
  • *Base RES APC (ages 17+), $11.
  • Hunt/Fish Combo RES APC (ages 17+), $76.

Non residents can purchase one of the following apprentice license types:

  • *Base JR APC (ages 10-16), $6.
  • *Base NR APC (ages 17+), $151.
  • Hunt/Fish Combo NR APC (ages 17+), $266.

*The base license enables you to hunt small game - if you want to hunt other species you will also need to purchase a license for that species.