Michigan offers diverse hunting opportunities throughout the year. Knowing the specific season dates and regulations for each game animal is crucial for a successful and legal hunt. This guide breaks down the main hunting seasons in Michigan.
Michigan Deer Hunting Seasons
Deer hunting is a major draw in Michigan. Regulations vary by zone and weapon. Always confirm the exact dates for the current year as they can shift slightly.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | October 1, 2026 | November 14, 2026 | Early archery segment, statewide. Late archery segment runs Dec. 1, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027. Bows and crossbows. |
| Archery Late | December 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Late archery segment, statewide. |
| General Firearm | November 15, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | Regular firearm season, statewide. The limited firearms deer zone has been eliminated for 2026. |
| Firearms | November 15, 2026 | November 30, 2026 | Regular firearm season, statewide (same season as general_firearm). |
| Muzzleloader | December 4, 2026 | December 6, 2026 | Muzzleloader season is Upper Peninsula DMUs only in 2026. Lower Peninsula DMUs have a December firearm season on the same dates (Dec. 4-6). |
| December Firearm | December 4, 2026 | December 6, 2026 | December firearm season, Lower Peninsula DMUs. Any legal firearm; see equipment restrictions. |
| Early Antlerless Firearm | September 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 | Early antlerless firearm season, Lower Peninsula DMUs excluding 145 and 245. Open on public and private lands. |
| Late Antlerless Firearm | December 7, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | Late antlerless firearm season, Lower Peninsula DMUs excluding 145 and 245. Open on public and private lands. |
| Youth | September 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 | Liberty Hunt: statewide firearm deer season for youth 16 and younger and hunters with qualifying disabilities. Antler point restrictions do not apply; hunter orange required. |
| Liberty Hunt | September 12, 2026 | September 13, 2026 | Liberty Hunt for qualified youth and hunters with disabilities, statewide, public and private lands open to firearm deer hunting. |
| Independence Hunt | October 15, 2026 | October 18, 2026 | Independence Hunt for hunters with qualifying disabilities. Private lands and participating public lands by access permit. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026 Hunting Season Calendar and Regulations Summaries on September 5, 2026.Source: michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/deer Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Archery Deer Season
Michigan’s archery deer season is generally long. It allows hunters to pursue deer before and during the rut. This provides good opportunities for both bucks and does.
- Dates: October 1, 2026 through November 14, 2026
- Special Notes: An archery license allows you to hunt deer with a bow or crossbow. Restrictions apply to some public lands or antlerless deer depending on the Deer Management Unit (DMU).
Regular Firearm Deer Season
This is the most popular deer season. Millions of hunters participate across the state.
- Dates: November 15, 2026 through November 30, 2026
- Special Notes: This season is for firearms, including rifles, shotguns, and muzzleloaders depending on the zone. Hunter orange is required.
Muzzleloader Deer Season
Muzzleloader season follows the firearm season. In 2026 it is open in Upper Peninsula DMUs only; Lower Peninsula DMUs have a December firearm season on the same dates (December 4, 2026 through December 6, 2026). It offers a chance to hunt in colder conditions when deer patterns may change.
- Dates: December 4, 2026 through December 6, 2026
- Special Notes: Muzzleloaders must meet specific caliber requirements. Some areas may have antler point restrictions.
Late Antlerless Firearm Season
This season targets antlerless deer for population management. It helps ensure herd health.
- Dates: December 7, 2026 through January 1, 2027 (Lower Peninsula DMUs).
- Special Notes: Only antlerless deer may be harvested. A valid antlerless deer license for the specific DMU is required.
Michigan Turkey Hunting Seasons
Michigan offers spring and fall turkey hunting. Both require specific licenses and draw periods for certain hunts.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring est. | April 18, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Spring 2026 dates shown; 2027 spring turkey dates were not yet published as of 2026-09-05. 2026 hunts: TMU M April 18 - May 31; TMU NN April 18 - May 1; statewide Hunt 0234 May 2-31; TMU ZZ private land Hunt 0301 April 18 - May 31; ZZ Hunt 0302 April 18 - May 1; ZZ Hunt 0303 May 2-31. One bearded turkey per license. |
| Fall | September 15, 2026 | November 14, 2026 | Fall turkey season in TMU I (Hunt 0401, unlimited licenses) and TMU M (Hunt 0402, quota 2,200). Licenses on sale Aug. 15. One turkey of any sex per license. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026 Hunting Season Calendar and Regulations Summaries on September 5, 2026.Sources: michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/spring- …, michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/fall-tu … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Spring Turkey Season
Spring turkey hunting is popular. Hunters pursue gobblers during the breeding season.
- Dates: approximately April 18, 2026 through May 31, 2026 (2026 dates; 2027 spring dates not yet announced)
- Special Notes: You must apply for a specific hunt unit and hunt period. Leftover licenses may be available after the draw.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall turkey season offers different hunting challenges. Turkeys are often in larger flocks and behavior differs from spring.
- Dates: September 15, 2026 through November 14, 2026
- Special Notes: Regulations vary by management zone.
Michigan Bear Hunting Seasons
Bear hunting is regulated through a limited permit system. Hunters must apply for a specific unit and season.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | September 9, 2026 | October 21, 2026 | Bear season by license quota per bear management unit. Upper Peninsula hunt period 1 runs Sept. 9 - Oct. 21; period 2 Sept. 14 - Oct. 26; period 3 Sept. 25 - Oct. 26. Lower Peninsula units (Baldwin, Gladwin, Red Oak) run Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8. Drummond Island Sept. 9 - Oct. 21. |
| Fall | September 9, 2026 | October 21, 2026 | Same season as general: first Upper Peninsula hunt period. See general record notes for all hunt periods and Lower Peninsula dates. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026 Hunting Season Calendar and Regulations Summaries on September 5, 2026.Source: michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/bear Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
- Dates: September 9, 2026 through October 21, 2026
- Special Notes: Permits are awarded through a lottery system. Baiting and hound hunting are permitted under specific rules. Check the current year’s regulations for changes.
Michigan Small Game and Furbearer Seasons
Michigan has many small game and furbearer species. These include rabbits, squirrels, grouse, pheasants, coyotes, and bobcats.
- Dates: Seasons vary widely by species and zone. Many small game seasons open in September or October and run through March.
- Special Notes: Bag limits and methods of take vary. Some furbearers have specific trapping or hunting seasons.
Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Seasons
Waterfowl hunting in Michigan includes ducks, geese, and other migratory birds. Seasons are set in coordination with federal guidelines.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | September 26, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | Regular duck, coot and merganser season; North Zone shown (plus Nov. 28-29). Middle Zone Oct. 3 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-13. South Zone Oct. 17 - Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-27. Early teal statewide Sept. 1-9. Youth and Veterans waterfowl days Sept. 19-20. |
| North Zone | September 26, 2026 | November 22, 2026 | North Zone (Upper Peninsula) coot, duck and merganser; second segment Nov. 28-29. Dark and light goose Sept. 1 - Dec. 16. |
| Middle Zone | October 3, 2026 | November 29, 2026 | Middle Zone coot, duck and merganser; second segment Dec. 12-13. Geese Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 3 - Dec. 18. |
| South Zone | October 17, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | South Zone coot, duck and merganser; second segment Dec. 26-27. Geese Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Dec. 13, Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 and Feb. 6-15 (excluding Allegan County and Muskegon County Wastewater GMUs). |
| Early Teal | September 1, 2026 | September 9, 2026 | Statewide early teal season, blue-winged and green-winged teal only. Hunting hours begin at sunrise. |
| Youth | September 19, 2026 | September 20, 2026 | Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend (16 and younger) and Veterans and Active-Duty Military Waterfowl Hunting Days, statewide. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026 Hunting Season Calendar and Regulations Summaries on September 5, 2026.Source: michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/waterfo … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
- Dates: September 26, 2026 through November 22, 2026
- Special Notes: Hunters need a Michigan waterfowl license, a federal duck stamp, and HIP registration. Specific bag limits and shooting hours apply.
Michigan Upland Bird Seasons
Upland birds like grouse, woodcock, and pheasants are popular targets.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | October 20, 2026 | November 14, 2026 | Ring-necked pheasant, Zones 2 and 3. Zone 1 (Menominee County and portions of Delta, Dickinson, Iron and Marquette counties) runs Oct. 10-31. Male pheasants only. |
| Zone 1 | October 10, 2026 | October 31, 2026 | Zone 1 pheasant management unit (Upper Peninsula portion). Male pheasants only. |
| Late | December 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 | December pheasant season in the December pheasant management unit (all of Zone 3). Male pheasants only. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 2026 Hunting Season Calendar and Regulations Summaries on September 5, 2026.Source: michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/small-g … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
- Dates:
- Grouse and Woodcock: Mid-September through mid-November, then December through early January.
- Pheasant: Mid-October through mid-November, with a December season in Zone 3.
- Special Notes: Hunting dogs are often used for upland birds.
Important Considerations for Hunting in Michigan
| License/Permit | Residency | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base License (Resident age 17-64) | Resident | $11.00 | small game hunting |
| Base License (Resident age 17-64) | Resident | $11.00 | small game hunting |
| Base License (Resident senior age 65+) | Resident | $5.00 | small game hunting |
| Base License (Youth age 10-16) | Any | $6.00 | small game hunting |
| Base License (Nonresident age 17+) | Nonresident | $151.00 | small game hunting |
| Base License (Nonresident age 17+) | Nonresident | $151.00 | small game hunting |
| Deer Combo License (Resident) | Resident | $40.00 | two deer kill tags (regular and restricted) |
| Deer Combo License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $190.00 | two deer kill tags (regular and restricted) |
| Single Deer License (Resident) | Resident | $20.00 | one deer kill tag |
| Single Deer License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $20.00 | one deer kill tag |
| Universal Antlerless Deer License | Any | $20.00 | one antlerless deer kill tag |
| Bear License | Resident | $25.00 | one bear kill tag |
| Bear License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $25.00 | one bear kill tag |
| Spring Turkey License (Resident) | Resident | $15.00 | one bearded turkey kill tag |
| Spring Turkey License (Nonresident) | Nonresident | $15.00 | one bearded turkey kill tag |
| Fall Turkey License | Any | $15.00 | one any-sex turkey kill tag |
| Waterfowl License (includes HIP) | Any | $12.00 | state waterfowl hunting privilege, HIP endorsement |
| Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp | Any | $25.00 | federal waterfowl hunting privilege |
| Pheasant License | Any | $25.00 | pheasant hunting on public and HAP lands |
| Elk Application | Resident | $5.00 | elk drawing entry |
| Hunt/Fish Combo License (Resident) | Resident | $76.00 | base license, all-species fishing license |
| Small Game 3-Day Nonresident License | Nonresident | $50.00 | small game hunting for 3 days |
- Licenses and Stamps: Always purchase the correct licenses and stamps for the species you plan to hunt.
- Regulations Handbook: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes a complete hunting and trapping digest each year. This is your primary source for up-to-date regulations, season dates, and bag limits. Always consult the current year’s digest before hunting 1.
- Public vs. Private Land: Understand rules for hunting on public lands (state forests, game areas) and private land. Always get permission before hunting on private property.
- Hunter Safety: Complete a hunter safety course if required. Follow all safety guidelines.
- Zone Information: Michigan is divided into various hunting zones (e.g., Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula, Southern Lower Peninsula) and Deer Management Units (DMUs). Regulations often differ by zone.
Start planning your Michigan hunt early. Check the latest state regulations.
Last verified: September 5, 2026 — Official sourceMore Michigan Hunting Resources
- Michigan hunting regulations
- How to get a Michigan hunting license
- Public and private land access in Michigan
- Hunting locations in Michigan
Michigan DNR Hunting & Trapping Digest: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations ↩︎
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.