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, 2025	November 14, 2025	First segment of archery season. Bows, crossbows permitted statewide.
Archery Late	December 1, 2025	January 1, 2026	Late archery season. Resumes after firearms season.
General Firearm	November 15, 2025	November 30, 2025	Regular firearms season. All legal firearms permitted. Michigan's most popular deer season.
Muzzleloader	December 6, 2025	December 21, 2025	Muzzleloader season. Zone 3 (southern Lower Peninsula) only. Muzzleloading firearms only.
Early Antlerless Firearm	September 20, 2025	September 21, 2025	Early antlerless firearms season on private land in select southern Lower Peninsula DMUs.
Youth	September 20, 2025	September 21, 2025	Youth deer hunt. Hunters 16 and younger with licensed adult mentor. Either sex.
Liberty Hunt	August 23, 2025	August 24, 2025	Liberty Hunt for youth, veterans, and hunters with disabilities. Special regulations apply.

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, 2025 through November 14, 2025
• 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:
• 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. It offers a chance to hunt in colder conditions when deer patterns may change.

• Dates: December 6, 2025 through December 21, 2025
• 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: Typically December 11 to January 1.
• 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	April 21, 2026	June 7, 2026	Spring turkey season with multiple hunt periods. Bearded turkeys only. Shotgun and archery.
Fall	October 6, 2025	November 14, 2025	Fall turkey season. Either sex. Available in select units.

Spring Turkey Season

Spring turkey hunting is popular. Hunters pursue gobblers during the breeding season.

• Dates: April 21, 2026 through June 7, 2026
• 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: approximately October 6, 2025 through November 14, 2025
• 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 7, 2025	October 26, 2025	Bear season by permit only. Units in Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula. Three hunt periods.

• Dates:
• 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
North Zone	October 4, 2025	December 2, 2025	Duck season north zone (Upper Peninsula). Follows federal frameworks.
Middle Zone	October 11, 2025	December 9, 2025	Duck season middle zone (northern Lower Peninsula).
South Zone	October 18, 2025	January 4, 2026	Duck season south zone (southern Lower Peninsula). Typically split into two segments.

• Dates:
• 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, 2025	November 14, 2025	Pheasant season in designated pheasant counties. Roosters only. Shotgun only.
Late	December 1, 2025	January 1, 2026	Late pheasant season. Continues in designated counties.

• Dates:
  • Grouse and Woodcock: Mid-September through mid-November, then December through early January.
  • Pheasant: Late October through November.
• Special Notes: Hunting dogs are often used for upland birds.

Important Considerations for Hunting in Michigan

License/Permit	Residency	Fee	Includes
Resident Base Hunting License	Resident	$11.00	small game hunting
Non-Resident Base Hunting License	Nonresident	$151.00	small game hunting
Resident Deer Combo License	Resident	$20.00	deer hunting
Non-Resident Deer Combo License	Nonresident	$200.00	deer hunting
Resident Antlerless Deer License	Resident	$15.00	antlerless deer
Resident Bear Permit	Resident	$15.00	bear hunting
Non-Resident Bear Permit	Nonresident	$200.00	bear hunting
Resident Turkey License	Resident	$15.00	turkey hunting
Non-Resident Turkey License	Nonresident	$80.00	turkey hunting
Youth Base Hunting License	Resident	$7.50	small game hunting
Senior Hunting License	Resident	$6.00	small game hunting
Michigan Waterfowl Stamp	All	$5.00	waterfowl hunting
Federal Duck Stamp	All	$25.00	waterfowl hunting

• 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: February 13, 2026 — Official source

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