How to Get a Hunting License in Michigan

Michigan is one of the top hunting states in the country, with a deeply rooted tradition that spans both the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. The state’s mix of hardwood forests, agricultural land, wetlands, cedar swamps, and Great Lakes shoreline supports strong populations of white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, elk, waterfowl, small game, and upland birds. Michigan consistently ranks among the top states in the nation for deer harvest and hunting license sales.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) manages all hunting regulations, licensing, wildlife conservation, and public land access in the state. MDNR administers a licensing system built around a base license and species-specific kill tags, giving hunters flexibility to pursue multiple species throughout the year.

Whether you grew up hunting the big woods of the Upper Peninsula or you are planning your first trip to Michigan, understanding the state’s license structure, application deadlines, and tag system is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know to get licensed and into the field.

Hunter Education Requirements

Michigan requires hunter education for all first-time hunting license buyers. If you have never held a hunting license in any state, you must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a Michigan hunting license. There is no birth date cutoff; the requirement applies to all first-time buyers.

Course Options

MDNR offers several pathways to complete hunter education:

• Online course with field day: Complete the study material online at your own pace, then attend a mandatory in-person field day for skills evaluation and a written exam. The field day includes live-fire exercises in most locations.
• Traditional classroom course: A multi-session instructor-led course offered at locations throughout the state. Includes classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written exam. These courses are free.
• Home study with field day: Study the workbook independently and attend a field day for evaluation.

Bowhunter Education

Michigan requires bowhunter education for anyone who wants to purchase a deer or turkey archery license and has not previously held a Michigan archery license. The course can be completed online or in person.

Minimum Age

There is no minimum age to complete hunter education in Michigan. However, children under 10 cannot hunt in Michigan unless they are participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting program (covered in Special Considerations below).

Reciprocity

Michigan accepts hunter education certifications from all other U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Bring proof of your certification when purchasing a license.

Types of Hunting Licenses

Michigan uses a base license system. You first purchase a base license, then add species-specific kill tags for the animals you intend to hunt. This modular approach lets you customize your license to match your hunting plans.

A resident base hunting license costs $11.00, while non-residents pay $151.00. The resident deer combo license, which carries two kill tags and allows up to two antlered deer, is $40.00. Non-residents pay $190.00 for the same deer combo. Seniors 65 and older can get a base license for just $5.00.

The Michigan Sportsman’s License is the best value for residents who hunt and fish. It bundles the base license with deer tags (one antlered and one antlerless for select areas), two turkey tags, small game, and fishing privileges.

Tags, Stamps, and Permits

Kill Tags

After purchasing your base license, you add kill tags for each species you plan to hunt. Kill tags are species-specific and must be purchased before you begin hunting that species.

Key kill tags include:

• Deer Kill Tag (Antlered): Allows harvest of one antlered deer. Included with the Sportsman’s License.
• Deer Kill Tag (Antlerless): Allows harvest of one antlerless deer. Availability and rules vary by Deer Management Unit (DMU).
• Turkey Kill Tag: Required for each turkey you intend to harvest. Spring and fall tags are separate.
• Bear Kill Tag: Required for black bear hunting. Issued through a draw system.
• Elk Kill Tag: Extremely limited; issued through a draw with very few tags available statewide.
• Small Game: Covered by the base license itself; no separate kill tag is needed for rabbits, squirrels, grouse, or pheasants.
• Fur Harvester License: Required for trapping; separate from the base hunting license.

Antlerless Deer Licenses

Michigan manages antlerless deer harvest by Deer Management Unit. In some DMUs, an antlerless license is included with your deer tag purchase. In others, additional antlerless licenses are available through an application process. Some DMUs also offer bonus antlerless tags. The rules change annually based on deer population data, so check the current MDNR regulations each year.

Migratory Bird Stamps and HIP

• Michigan Waterfowl License: Required for hunters 16 and older to hunt ducks, geese, mergansers, and coots; it includes HIP registration. Proceeds fund wetland conservation.
• Federal Duck Stamp: Required for all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older.
• HIP Registration: Required for all migratory bird hunters. Complete this when purchasing your license.
• Pheasant License: Required for pheasant hunters 18 and older on public lands and Hunting Access Program lands. Proceeds support pheasant habitat programs.

Turkey

Turkey tags are purchased as kill tags added to your base license. Spring turkey hunting uses a separate tag from fall turkey hunting. Michigan offers multiple spring turkey hunt periods, and hunters apply for their preferred period.

How to Buy Your License

Online Through MDNR

MDNR’s online licensing system (eLicense) is the primary way to purchase licenses, kill tags, and stamps.

Steps:

1. Visit the MDNR online licensing portal.
2. Create an account or log in with your existing MDNR customer ID.
3. Provide your driver’s license or state ID number, date of birth, and Social Security number.
4. Purchase your base license.
5. Add kill tags for each species you plan to hunt.
6. Add stamps (waterfowl, pheasant) as needed.
7. Complete HIP registration if hunting migratory birds.
8. Complete payment with a credit or debit card.
9. Print your license and tags or save a digital copy. Michigan allows digital proof of license on a mobile device.

In Person

Licenses and kill tags are available at authorized retail agents throughout Michigan, including sporting goods stores, hardware stores, gas stations, and Walmart locations. Bring a valid photo ID and your hunter education certificate number.

By Phone

MDNR accepts license purchases by phone. Call during business hours with your personal information and payment method ready.

MDNR Offices

You can also purchase licenses in person at MDNR regional offices and operations service centers.

Application Deadlines and Important Dates

Michigan’s licensing calendar includes several key dates for drawn hunts and special seasons:

• License year begins: Licenses are valid for the current calendar year in most cases. Specific dates vary by species.
• Spring turkey applications: Open in early winter for the upcoming spring season. Hunters select their preferred hunt period.
• Bear applications: Open in the spring. Bear hunting is by draw only, and Michigan uses a preference point system for bears. Preference points accumulate with each unsuccessful application, giving priority to long-term applicants.
• Elk applications: Open in the spring alongside bear. Elk tags are extremely limited. Michigan uses a preference point system for elk as well.
• Antlerless deer applications: Where required, applications open in late summer. Check the MDNR website for the current year’s DMU-specific rules and deadlines.
• Pure Michigan Hunt: This special lottery offers a chance to win an all-species hunting license package that includes deer, bear, elk, turkey, small game, and more. Purchase entries through the MDNR system. Proceeds support wildlife management and habitat projects.

Preference Point System

Michigan uses preference points for bear and elk draws. Each year you apply unsuccessfully, you earn one preference point. Hunters with more preference points are drawn first. Bear preference points can take several years to accumulate enough for a guaranteed draw in popular units. Elk preference points can require even longer wait times due to the extremely limited number of tags.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Hunters

Non-residents can purchase a Michigan hunting license at a higher fee than residents. All base license types, kill tags, and stamps are available to non-residents.

Michigan accepts hunter education certifications from all other states and Canadian provinces. Non-residents do not need to hire a guide, and Michigan’s extensive public land (state forests, state game areas, national forests, and federal land) is accessible to all licensed hunters.

To qualify as a Michigan resident for licensing purposes, you must have been domiciled in Michigan for at least six consecutive months immediately before purchasing a license. A valid Michigan driver’s license or state ID is required.

Non-residents can apply for bear and elk draws, though resident applicants receive priority in the draw. Non-resident deer tags are available over the counter with the base license.

Special Considerations

Mentored Youth Hunting

Michigan’s Mentored Youth Hunting program allows children under 10 to hunt deer and turkey under the direct supervision of a licensed adult mentor. The mentor must be at least 21 years old and maintain close contact at all times. Only one firearm may be carried between the mentor and the youth. This program does not require the youth to have completed hunter education.

Youth ages 10 and older must complete hunter education and purchase their own license and kill tags.

Apprentice Hunting License

Michigan offers an apprentice hunting license that allows first-time hunters to hunt for up to two years without completing hunter education. The apprentice must be accompanied by a licensed hunter who is at least 21 years old. After two years with an apprentice license, the hunter must complete hunter education to continue hunting. This program is available to both youth and adults.

Disabled Hunter Permits

MDNR provides accommodations for hunters with permanent disabilities, including permits to hunt from a standing vehicle, use a crossbow during archery season, or access restricted areas. Contact MDNR for eligibility and application details.

Pure Michigan Hunt

The Pure Michigan Hunt is a unique lottery that awards winners an all-species hunting license package. Each entry is a small fee, and proceeds go to wildlife management. Winners receive tags for deer (antlered and antlerless), bear, elk, spring turkey, fall turkey, and more. It is one of the most comprehensive hunting packages offered by any state.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Michigan has CWD management zones in several areas of the state. Hunters who harvest deer in these zones may be required to submit heads for CWD testing. Check the MDNR website for current CWD zone boundaries and testing requirements before your hunt.

Public Land Access

Michigan has over 4 million acres of state forest land, more than 300 state game areas, and extensive national forest land in both peninsulas. Public land hunting is a major part of Michigan’s hunting culture. No additional permits are required to hunt on most state and federal public land beyond your standard license and kill tags.

Planning Your Hunt

Once you have your Michigan hunting license and kill tags, use these resources to plan your season:

• Michigan hunting seasons — Season dates, DMU information, and bag limits for all game species.
• Michigan hunting regulations — Legal methods, CWD requirements, antler restrictions, and reporting rules.
• Michigan land access — State game areas, state forests, national forests, and public access maps.
• General hunting guides — Gear checklists, field care tips, and planning guides for all experience levels.

Michigan’s hunting opportunities are among the most diverse in the Midwest. Start with your base license and Sportsman’s package, apply for drawn hunts early, and take advantage of the state’s extensive public land. Check CWD zone requirements and DMU-specific antlerless rules before each season.

For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.