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Small Game
Season information
See each of the species below for season information and bag limits.
License requirements to hunt small game:
- Base License
- All woodcock hunters must obtain a free woodcock stamp which includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP)
- Sharp-tailed grouse requires a free sharp-tailed grouse stamp
- A $25 pheasant license is required for all pheasant hunters 18 years of age and older planning to hunt pheasants on any public land in the Lower Peninsula or on lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program.
- Exempt from purchasing the license: Private land pheasant hunters statewide, public land pheasant hunters in the Upper Peninsula, lifetime license holders, hunters 17 years of age and younger, and individuals only hunting pheasant at a game bird hunting preserve.
Buy a License Online
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Find a Place to HuntSurveys and Reports
Surveys and reportsHunting regulations
Hunting Digest
Complete rules and regulations notice
Please see the Hunting Digest for information, and rules and regulations pertaining to small game hunting. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions see the Wildlife Conservation Order.
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Coyote
Season Dates:
Coyote hunting is open year-round. Coyote may be taken on private property by a property owner or designee all year if they are doing or about to do damage on private property - a license or written permit is not needed.
Note: The use of .269 caliber or smaller for the take of coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and opossums at night is permitted. Nighttime take with centerfire rifles is prohibited on all state parks and recreation areas statewide, and all state game areas within the limited firearm deer zone.
See Hunting Digest and Fur Harvester Digest for more information.
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limits: No limit
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Crow
Season Dates:
Aug 1 - Sept 30 and Feb 1 - Mar 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: No Limit
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Grouse - Ruffed
Season Dates:
Sept 15 - Nov 14 and Dec 1 - Jan 1
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession) Zones 1 and 2 and 3 (daily), 6 (possession) Zone 3
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Grouse - Sharp-tailed
Season Dates:
- About Sharp-tailed Grouse
Oct 10 - Oct 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 2 (daily), 4 (possession), 6 (season)
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Pheasant (Male only)
Season Dates:
- Zone 1 (UP) Pheasant Unit: Oct. 10-31
- Zone 2 and 3 (LP) Pheasant Units: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14
- Zone 3 (partial) Pheasant Unit: Dec. 1 - Jan. 1
Pheasant unit boundaries can be found in the Michigan Hunting Digest.
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 2 (daily), 4 (possession)
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Quail
Season Dates:
Oct. 20 - Nov. 14
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession)
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Rabbit and hare
Season dates:
Sept 15 - Mar 31
Bag limits and additional info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession, combined)
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Squirrel
Gray squirrel and fox squirrel
Season Dates:
Sept. 15 - Mar. 31
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 5 (daily), 10 (possession)
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Woodcock
Season Dates:
Sept. 15 - Oct. 29, 2021
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: 3 (daily), 9 (possession)
Notes: Shotguns must be plugged so they are capable of holding no more than three shells. All woodcock hunters must obtain a free woodcock stamp in addition to a valid base license, available from all license agents or online. The woodcock stamp includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). A current-year HIP endorsement must be carried when hunting migratory birds. Hunters can promote sound woodcock management by promptly reporting all banded birds harvested, including date and location taken. To report bands, go online to www.reportband.gov, or call 800-327-BAND.
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Year Round with No Limit
Coyote, Opossum, Porcupine, Weasel, Red Squirrel, Skunk, Ground Squirrel, Woodchuck, Russian boar, Feral Pigeons, Starlings, and House Sparrows
Season Dates:
Year-round
Bag Limits and Additional Info:
Bag Limit: No Limit
Notes: Please see Chapter VII of the Wildlife Conservation Order for more information on hunting State Parks and Recreation Areas.