Michigan Hunting

Michigan is a great hunting location in the USA, attracting numerous outdoor enthusiasts each year. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, this state offers exciting hunting opportunities for various games, including elks, turkeys, deer, and small game animals.

Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a novice, Michigan’s hunting experiences are second to none. In this article, we will explore the rich hunting opportunities, regulations, license requirements, and tips for an unforgettable hunting adventure in the Great Lakes State.

Michigan Hunting Regulations

Just like in almost every region of the US, Michigan has hunting laws, requirements, and regulations for hunters to abide by before taking wildlife and games. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is responsible for enforcing these regulations to ensure the conservation of the state’s wildlife and promote ethical hunting practices.

Hunting License Regulation

Before embarking on a hunting expedition in Michigan, hunters need to obtain a valid Michigan hunting license. This requirement applies to both residents and non-resident hunters. However, some exceptions may exist for hunting certain games without a license, but only the Michigan Department of Natural Resources can determine these exceptions.

Tagging Regulations

Certain animals in Michigan must be tagged after they are harvested. These animals include big game such as bears, elks, turkeys, and deer. Hunters must be familiar with the tagging and taking requirements for the specific games they intend to hunt. Proper tagging is crucial to avoid violations of regulations and preserve wildlife populations.

Tagging Requirement

For a big game that requires tagging, hunters must validate the game tag before attaching it to the carcass. In the case of animals like bears, wolves, or lions, tags should be attached to their hides. The tagging process must be done immediately after harvesting the game. Hunters should remove the triangles around the tag that indicate the month and date when taking the game.

Hunters Dress Requirements in Michigan

Michigan requires hunters to meet specific dress requirements while hunting certain games. For hunting pheasants and upland games, the accepted dress color is orange, covering at least 36 square inches and located above the hunter’s waistline.

This dress code is applicable in state fish and game properties WMA and during sponsored hunts in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Fish and Wildlife encourages all hunters to wear orange, regardless of the game they are pursuing.

Michigan Hunting Bag Limits

Michigan implements bag limits to restrict the number of specific games that hunters can harvest during a particular season. Bag limits can be daily or seasonal, depending on the game and the region. Daily bag limits restrict hunters to a specific number of games they can take in a single day, while seasonal bag limits limit the total number of games harvested during a specific hunting season.

The Michigan Department of Fish and Wildlife determines bag limits annually, based on the game population and conservation needs. Hunters need to adhere to these bag limits and regulations to avoid fines and potential revocation of hunting licenses.

Hunting Prohibitions in Michigan

Michigan imposes various hunting prohibitions to ensure ethical and responsible hunting practices. Violating these prohibitions can lead to severe penalties. Some common hunting violations in Michigan include:

Removing evidence of game sex: Hunters must leave all evidence of sex naturally attached to the game carcass or the largest portion of meat if the game is boned. Exceptions exist for games like bears, wolves, and lions, where evidence of sex must be left on their hide.
Improper or missing tagging: It is unlawful to take games that require tagging without proper tagging or to tag them incorrectly. Proper tagging involves removing the month and date notches completely and attaching the tag immediately after harvesting the game.
Refusing to stop at Wildlife Management Areas check stations: Hunters must submit themselves and their hunting equipment for inspection at check stations when traveling to and from hunting locations in designated Wildlife Management Areas.
Transporting games without a proxy statement: For games taken by another hunter, a proxy statement is required for transportation. Hunters receive one form for proxy statements per tag purchased.
Discharging firearms from across a highway while hunting: Hunting across a highway is prohibited for safety reasons.
Hunting outside of the designated season: It is the responsibility of the hunter to know the opening and closing dates of game seasons, species restrictions, and hunting boundaries. Ignorance of these regulations will not excuse violations.
Using the wrong hunting license: Hunters must possess the appropriate license for the game they are pursuing. Non-resident hunters should ensure they purchase the correct Michigan license valid for non-residents.

Open Carry While Hunting

Michigan allows open carry for hunting activities. However, during bow hunting, hunters can only carry concealed firearms and are not permitted to use them for hunting. It is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations surrounding open carry in Michigan while engaging in hunting activities.

Michigan Hunter Harassment Laws

Michigan has specific laws to protect hunters from harassment while engaged in legal hunting activities. The state prohibits interference with legal hunting activities, pursuing or disturbing wildlife or fish to prevent hunting, and using stimuli or devices to hinder hunting activities.

Hunters are also prohibited from restricting the movement of wildlife or fish and from impeding hunting through erecting barriers. Additionally, individuals cannot put themselves in the line of live fire to prevent lawful hunting activities.

Michigan Hunting License, Permits, and Tags

Michigan issues a variety of licenses, permits, and tags for residents and non-residents, categorized based on age, grade, and the type of games being hunted. Let’s explore some of the available options:

Youth Licenses

Residents Youth Consolidated License for Hunting and Trapping: This license allows Michigan youth residents to hunt and trap in the state and offers an apprentice option. The cost is $7.
Non-Residents Annual Youth Hunting License: Non-resident youths can obtain this license to hunt in Michigan. It is valid for one year and offers an apprentice option. The cost is $17.
Non-Residents Youth Deer Hunting License: This license is available for non-residents and allows deer hunting only in Michigan. It includes an apprentice option and costs $25.
Non-Residents Deer License Bundle: Similar to the Youth Deer Hunting License, this option is for non-residents and allows deer hunting. It includes an apprentice option and costs $65.
Non-Residents Youth Spring Turkey Hunting: Non-resident youths can obtain this license for spring turkey hunting in Michigan. It includes an apprentice option and costs $25.
Non-Residents Youth Fall Turkey Hunting: For non-resident youths interested in fall turkey hunting in Michigan, this license is available. It includes an apprentice option and costs $25.
Non-Residents Annual Youth Trapping: This license allows non-resident youths to set traps for game animals in Michigan. It is valid for one year and offers an apprentice option at $17.

Turkey Hunting Licenses

Spring Turkey Hunting License: This license allows hunters to pursue turkeys during the spring season. It is available to both residents and non-residents at costs of $25 and $120, respectively. Apprentice options are available at the same cost.
Fall Turkey Hunting Licenses: Similar to the Spring Turkey Hunting License, this option allows turkey hunting during the fall season. It is available to both residents and non-residents at costs of $25 and $120, respectively. Apprentice options are available at the same cost.

Hunting Stamps

Game Bird Habitat Stamp: Holders of this stamp can take game birds in Michigan. It is available to both residents and non-residents at $6.75. Apprentice options are not available.
Waterfowl Stamp: This stamp allows holders to take waterfowl in Michigan and is available to both residents and non-residents at $6.75. Apprentice options are not available.

Annual Hunting and Fishing License

This comprehensive license allows holders to hunt and fish in Michigan. It is available to residents only, costs $25, and includes an apprentice option.

Small Games Hunting License

The Small Games Hunting License is valid for one year and includes an apprentice option. It is available to both residents and non-residents at costs of $17 and $80, respectively.

Michigan Hunting License Online

The Michigan DNR offers the option to purchase hunting licenses and apply for limited quota hunts online through their eLicense system. Both resident and non-resident licenses can be obtained digitally.

Michigan Fishing Licenses and Tags

Michigan also offers a range of fishing licenses, permits, and tags for both residents and non-residents.

Annual Fishing License: This license allows fishing activities in Michigan for one year and is available to both residents and non-residents at costs of $17 and $35, respectively. Apprentice options are not available.
One-Day Fishing License: For short-term fishing enthusiasts, this license is valid for one day and allows the harvesting of species like salmon and trout within 24 hours. It is available to both residents and non-residents at $9. Apprentice options are not available.
Seven Days Fishing License: This license is valid for seven days and is available only to non-residents of Michigan. It costs $20, and apprentice options are not available.
Annual Fishing License for Seniors: Exclusive to senior residents of Michigan aged 65 or older, this license permits the harvest of trout and salmon species and is valid for one year. It costs $3, and apprentice options are not available.
Lifetime Annual Fishing License for Seniors: This license is also available to senior residents aged 65 or older and permits the harvest of trout and salmon species throughout the holder’s lifetime. It costs $17, and apprentice options are not available.
Trout and Salmon Fishing Stamps: Holders of this stamp can harvest species like salmon and trout. It is available to both residents and non-residents at $11. Apprentice options are not available.

Michigan Hunting Season

Michigan’s hunting season is characterized by the type of games and the weapons used for hunting. Here are some of the 2020/21 hunting seasons for various wildlife in Michigan:

Michigan Deer Hunting Season

Reduction Zone Hunting Season: September 15 to January 31
Youth Hunting Season: September 26 to September 27
Archery Season: October 1 to January 3
Firearms Season: November 14 to November 29
Muzzleloader Season: December 5 to December 20
Antlerless Season: December 16 to January 3

Hunters need to be aware that bag limits for deer hunting may vary in different regions of the state. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand the specific deer limits for the hunting zone in which they are operating.

Michigan Turkey Hunting Season

Fall Firearms Season: October 21 to November 1
Fall Archery Season: October 1 to November 1 and December 5 to January 3
Spring General Hunting Season: April 21 to May 9
Spring Youth Season: April 17 to April 18

Michigan Small Games Hunting Season

Gray Squirrel and Fox Squirrel Hunting Season: August 15 to January 31
Pheasant Hunting Season: November 1 to November 15
Quail Hunting Season: November 1 to January 10
Rabbit Hunting Season: November 1 to February 28
Crow Hunting Season: July 1 to August 15 and December 13 to March 1
Green Frog and Bullfrog Hunting Season: June 15 to April 30
Eastern Snapping Turtle Season: July 1 to March 31

For hunting in Michigan, licensed hunters need to be aware of bag limits, special hunting seasons, and other hunting requirements, laws, and regulations specific to the game animals they are pursuing.

Michigan Hunting Zones

Michigan has different hunting zones across the state that regulate seasons, restrictions, and quotas based on regional wildlife populations and management objectives. Key zones include 1, 2, 3, and commonly hunted southern zones.

Michigan Wildlife, Games, and Fish

Michigan offers a diverse range of wildlife, games, and fish for hunters to pursue. Here are some of the prominent game species available for hunting:

Michigan Deer Hunting

Deer hunting in Michigan is highly popular due to the state’s vast acres of land and forests. The state boasts both national and state land areas that provide ample opportunities for deer hunting. Deer can be found distributed throughout most counties in the state, making them accessible for hunters in various regions.

Michigan Turkey Hunting

Turkey hunting in Michigan is widespread, and the state is abundant with turkeys. Spring is a particularly ideal time for turkey hunting when these birds become more plentiful. The southern part of Michigan generally experiences higher wild turkey harvests.

Michigan Fox Hunting

Michigan is home to the red fox, which is prevalent in scrublands and woodlands. These foxes can be found in agricultural lands, forested areas, bushlands, and even in urban and suburban parts of the state.

Michigan Coyote Hunting

Coyote hunting is popular in Michigan, especially during the winter months when coyotes are most active. These creatures are evenly distributed throughout the state, including urbanized areas.

Michigan Quail Hunting

The Northern Bobwhite Quail is the common quail species found in Michigan, and they inhabit agricultural landscapes in the state.

Michigan Duck Hunting

Duck hunting in Michigan takes place in wetland areas, typically away from human habitation. Waterfowl can be found in the state’s wildlife refuges, as well as shallow parts of water bodies such as ponds and lakes.

Michigan Hunting Shooting Ranges

Michigan offers numerous shooting ranges for the general public to practice their shooting skills and improve marksmanship. Some popular shooting ranges in Michigan include:

Allegan County Conservation League
Bald Mountain Gun Range
Bay County Conservation
Birmingham Gun Club
Black Duck Sporting Clays
Blue Water Sportsman’s Association
Brule Sporting Clays
Top Gun Shooting Sports
Caledonia Sportsmans Club
Capital Area Sportsmen’s
Carleton Sportsmen’s Club
West Walker Sportsman’s Club

Michigan Hunting Lands for Sale and Lease

For those interested in owning or leasing hunting lands in Michigan, there are various options available:

Hunting Lands for Sale

Concord, Michigan (Jackson County): 125 acres.
Branch, Michigan (Mason County): 60 acres.
Cadillac, Michigan (Wexford County): 120 acres.
Fennville, Michigan (Allegan County): 120 acres.
Tustin, Michigan (Osceola County): 80 acres.

Hunting Lands for Lease

Deer lease in Tuscola County: 118 acres.
Beautiful hunting property near Cedar River in Menominee County: 37 acres.
Beautiful Deer Hunting Land 260 Acres in Lake County: 260 acres.
Executive Hunting Lease Beside State Park Newberry in Luce County: 250 acres.
Excellent black bear hunting in the Berglund District, private land surrounded by state and federal land in Ontonagon County: 78 acres.

Michigan offers a wide array of hunting opportunities and experiences for enthusiasts of all levels. Whether it’s deer hunting in the forests, turkey hunting in the open fields, or waterfowl hunting in the wetlands, Michigan’s diverse wildlife and landscapes make it a great hunting location in the USA.

The state’s rich hunting heritage, along with its well-regulated hunting and gun laws, ensures that hunters can enjoy a safe and rewarding experience in Michigan’s great outdoors.

Conclusion

Michigan stands out as a fantastic hunting location in the USA due to its varied wildlife, expansive hunting lands, and well-regulated hunting regulations. Hunters can enjoy pursuing a range of game species, including deer, turkeys, foxes, coyotes, quails, ducks, and more. To ensure a safe and enjoyable hunting experience, hunters must adhere to the state’s hunting regulations, including obtaining the appropriate licenses and following bag limits.

Michigan’s hunting season offers ample opportunities for enthusiasts to take part in their favorite hunting activities, and the state’s shooting ranges provide a platform for hunters to sharpen their skills. Additionally, those interested in owning or leasing hunting lands can explore various options to access prime hunting locations.

FAQs;

Q1. Can non-residents hunt in Michigan?

Yes, non-residents can hunt in Michigan. They are required to obtain the appropriate hunting licenses and permits, depending on the game they wish to pursue.

Q2. What are the hunting seasons in Michigan?

Michigan has different hunting seasons for various game species, including deer, turkey, and small game animals. The hunting seasons may vary each year, so hunters need to check the regulations annually.

Q3. Are there shooting ranges available for hunters in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan offers several shooting ranges for hunters and shooting enthusiasts to practice their shooting skills and marksmanship.

Q4. Can hunters lease hunting lands in Michigan?

Yes, hunters have the option to lease hunting lands in Michigan. There are various lands available for lease, providing opportunities for exciting hunting experiences.

.Q5. What counties are in Zone 3 in Michigan?

The primary counties comprising Deer Management Unit 3 in Michigan include Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Iosco, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, Roscommon, and Saginaw.

Q6. What kind of hunting is in Michigan?

Major game species for hunting in Michigan include whitetail deer, black bear, elk, turkey, waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, and various furbearers. The state offers varied habitats for forest, marshland, and field hunting pursuits.

Q7. Are there bag limits for hunting in Michigan?

Yes, Michigan has bag limits for hunting, which are used to restrict the number of specific games that can be hunted within a particular season. Hunters must adhere to these limits to ensure the conservation of wildlife.