The Guide to Michigan Hunting Seasons 2024

If you live in Michigan, you know there’s plenty of game for you to bring it home. You’re also probably anxious to get out this season! If you haven’t hunted Michigan before, this should be your year to plan a trip and hunt the lakes and forests. 

Before you head out, make sure you know the open season dates for the game you’re after. You’ll also need information about hunting licenses and bag limits to hunt legally in Michigan. 

Good news: you’re in the right place for the information you need! In this resource, you’ll find details you need to hunt Michigan, whether you’re after an elk, buck, or turkey. We also recommend downloading the HuntWise app to find the best spots to hunt and help you get the most out of your days afield! 

Here’s what hunters need to know about Michigan hunting seasons.  

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Pure Michigan?

We already mentioned that Michigan is steeped in the tradition of hunting. From deer to turkey and elk, hunters can spend plenty of quality time in the field, targeting their favorite game. 

Michigan is also known for excellent woodcock hunting, along with waterfowl, quail, and grouse. So, if you prefer smaller game birds to fill your freezer, Michigan is the place to hunt. 

Where Should I Hunt?

Depending on the game you’re after, you’ll find yourself in thick forests, flatlands, or rolling hills while stalking your prey. Michigan is also home to Lake Michigan, where you’ll find plenty of waterfowl. 

The state offers access to a significant network of private and public land, which draws many hunters from out-of-state. So, when planning your hunt, you’ll need to pinpoint specific hunting areas to improve your chances of success. 

HuntWise can help you gain an advantage over other hunters. The app allows you to use real-time animal behavioral information, weather forecasting, and other features to find the best areas to hunt. 

When Can I Hunt?

While the fall can be the busiest time of year to hunt in Michigan, it’s also the best time to tag out based on season open dates. However, hunters have the opportunity to get out in the spring to hunt turkeys.  

Knowing when and where to hunt in Michigan starts with thorough research, especially if you hunt different species throughout the year – and we’ve done much of the work for you in this guide! We’ve compiled the latest information to help you get out in the field faster (and more often) this year.

However, because information can always change, we also recommend checking the state’s latest information as you plan your hunts. 

Deer Season

Michigan offers special hunting seasons for youth and hunters with disabilities. This is the Liberty Hunt. Veterans also have an exclusive hunting day known as the Independence Hunt. 

• Liberty Hunt: September 14 – 15
• Early Antlerless (Firearm): September 21 – 22
• Independence Hunt: October 17 – 20
• Archery: October 1 – November 14 and December 1 – January 1
• Regular Firearm: November 15 – 30
• Michigan Muzzleloader Season (Zones 1, 2, 3): December 6 – 15
• Late Antlerless (Firearm): December 16 – January 1
• Extended Urban Archery: December 1 – January 31

For more information about Michigan deer season 2024, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). 

Turkey Seasons

When planning your turkey hunt, check the latest information for information on drawings, hunt units, and regulations. 

• Spring: April 20 – June 7 
• Fall: September 15 – October 29

Grouse

• Ruffed Grouse: September 15 – November 14 and December 1 – January 1
• Sharp-Tailed Grouse (Zone 1): October 10 – 31

Quail

October 20 – November 14

Woodcock

September 15 – October 29

Pheasant (Male Only)

Check the Michigan DNR hunting regulations summary for open areas within each zone and dates for pheasant hunting. 

• Zone 1: October 10- 31
• Zones 2 & 3: October 20 – November 14
• Zone 3: December 1 – January 1

Black Bear

Make sure your bear license is valid for the specific hunt period, bear management areas (BMUs), and dates you plan to hunt. 

Berglund, Baraga, Amasa, Carney, Gwinn, Newberry

• Hunt Period 1: September 11 – October 21
• Hunt Period 2: September 16 – October 26
• Hunt Period 3: September 25 – October 26

Other BMUs

• Drummond Island (Hunt Period 1): September 11 – October 21
• Red Oak (Hunt Period 1): September 11 – 24 and October 4 – 10
• Baldwin (Hunt Period 1): September 11 – 24 and October 4 – 10
• Gladwin (Hunt Period 1): September 11 – 24 and October 4 – 10

Waterfowl

North Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: September 30 – November 26 and December 2 – 3
• Dark Goose (Canada) Brant, and White-fronted): September 1 – December 16
• Light Goose (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s: September 1 – December 16

Middle Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 7 – December 3 and December 30 – 31
• Dark Goose (Canada) Brant, and White-fronted): September 1 – 30 and October 7 – December 22
• Light Goose (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s: September 1 – 30 and October 7 – December 22

South Zone

• Ducks, Coots, Mergansers: October 14 – December 10 and December 16 – 17
• Dark Goose (Canada) Brant, and White-fronted): September 1 – 30, October 14 –December 10, and December. 20 – January 7 (excluding some GMUs)
• Light Goose (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s: September 1 – 30, October 14 – December 10, and December. 20 – January 7 (excluding some GMUs)

Statewide

• Early Teal: September 1 – 15
• Wilson’s Snipe, Virginia and Sora Rail, Common Gallinules: September 1 – November 9

Elk

Michigan uses a drawing system and offers 260 elk licenses for the 2024 season. Each license is valid for an elk management unit (EMU) and specific dates. 

• EMU X (Hunt Period 1): August 27 – 30, September 13 – 16, and September 27 – 30
• EMU H and X (Hunt Period 2): December 14 – 22
• EMU I and X (Hunt Period 2): December 14 – 22

Visit the Michigan DNR Elk Hunting site for more information about dates, the drawing, and regulations. 

Small Game 

The following species can be hunted year-round with a hunting license:

• Weasel
• Red squirrel
• Ground Squirrel
• Opossum
• Porcupine
• Russian Boar
• Skunk
• Woodchuck
• Feral pigeon
• Starling
• House Sparrow

For more details about season dates and bag limits, visit the Michigan DNR webpage for regulation summaries and handbooks. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

All hunters in Michigan need a license, permit, or stamp, either as a resident or a non-resident. Pricing varies by the age of the hunter using the license. Michigan offers various hunting combination licenses, including hunting and fishing. 

Hunters can purchase a license online or in person at official retailers.  

What Are the Bag Limits for Hunting in Michigan?

How many deer, turkeys, or woodcocks can you bring home this season? To comply with Michigan hunting regulations, follow the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For more information about bag limits, check the Michigan DNR website. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

In Michigan, all hunters born or after January 1, 1960, need a hunter safety certification before purchasing a license and hunting. Michigan also has specific requirements for wearing blaze orange, depending on the species you hunt. 

You’ll also want the right gear to comply with regulations and increase your chances of success in the field. As a HuntWise subscriber, you benefit from discounts on gear from our partners with the potential to save hundreds on gear like calls, binoculars, clothing, hunting knives, scopes, and more.

Tag Out for the Michigan Hunting Season with HuntWise

We want every hunter to bring home the game they’re after every season, so we hope you find this information helpful as you plan your year. 

You’ll also want to utilize the best tool for hunting any species this season, helping you gain an advantage over other hunters. Download the HuntWise app for immediate access to current information on hunting in Michigan, including season dates and regulations. 

The app gives you access to hundreds of map layers, landowner boundaries and contact information, real-time animal behavior predictors, wind and weather forecasting (including the ability to set your ideal wind), and more. 

Get ready for opening day! Download the app and enjoy access to every feature – free for a week.