The Guide to Michigan Hunting Seasons 2025

img-5321-copy-small.jpg

By Teri Williams on March 4, 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.  

Updated May 20, 2025

Image

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. 

Image

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.

Dates have been updated for 2025. As the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) sets future season schedules, we'll update this resource, too.

Michigan Deer Hunting 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 (Youth) Hunt: September 14 – 15, 2025

  • Early Antlerless (Firearm): September 21 – 22, 2025

  • Independence Hunt: October 16 – 19, 2025

  • Archery: October 1 – November 14, 2025 and December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026

  • Regular Firearm: November 15 – 30, 2025

  • Michigan Muzzleloader Season: December 5 – 14, 2025

  • Late Antlerless (Firearm): December 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026

  • Extended Urban Archery: December 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026 (select counties)

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

Michigan Turkey Season

Check the state's guide for turkey hunting regulations for specifics about licensing, where you can hunt, and more details. Note that the Spring Hunt 0234 does not require an application for a drawing. 

  • Spring: April 19 – June 7, 2025 

  • Hunt 0234 (Statewide): May 3 – 31

  • Fall 2025: TBD

Elk

Michigan uses a drawing system for elk hunts. The application period is May 1 – June 1.  

  • Hunt Period: August 26 – 29, 2025, September 12 – 15, 2025, and September 26 – 29, 2025

  • Hunt Period 2: December 13 – 21, 2025

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

Black Bear

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

  • Amasa (Period 1), Baraga (Period 1), Bergland (Period 1), Carney (Period 1), Gwinn (Period 1), Newberry (Period 1): September 10 – October 21, 2025

  • Amasa (Period 2), Baraga (Period 2), Bergland (Period 2), Carney (Period 2), Gwinn (Period 2), Newberry (Period 2): September 15 – October 26, 2025

  • Amasa (Period 3), Baraga (Period 3), Bergland (Period 3), Carney (Period 3), Gwinn (Period 3), Newberry (Period 3): September 25 – October 26, 2025

  • Baldwin and Gladwin: September 13 – 23, 2025

  • Drummond Island: September 10 – October 21, 2025

  • Red Oak: September 13 – 23 and October 3 – 9, 2025

Small Game

  • Quail: October 20 –  November 14, 2025

  • Rabbit: September 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026

  • Snowshoe Hare: September 15 – March 31

  • Squirrel: 

    • Ground: Year-round

    • Fox and Gray: September 15, 2025 – March 31, 2026

  • Pheasant:

    • Zone 1: October 10 – 31, 2025

    • Zone 2: October 20 – November 14, 2025

    • Zone 3: October 20 – November 14, 2025 and December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026

  • Grouse: 

    • Ruffed Grouse: September 15 – November 14, 2025 and December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026

    • Sharp-tailed Grouse (Zone 1): October 10 – 31, 2025

  • Woodchuck: Year-round

  • Woodcock: September 15 – October 29, 2025

Waterfowl

  • Early Teal: September 1 – 9, 2025

  • Wilson’s Snipe: September 1 – November 9, 2025

  • Virginia and Sora Rail: September 1 – November 9, 2025

  • Gallinule: September 1 – November 9, 2025

  • Ducks: 

    • North Zone: September 27 – November 30, 2025 and December 13 – 14, 2025

    • Middle Zone: October 4 – November 30, 2025 and December 13 – 14, 2025

    • South Zone: October 18 – December 14, 2025 and December 27 – 28, 2025

  • Coot:

    • North Zone: September 27 – November 23, 2025 and November 29 – 30, 2025

    • Middle Zone: Octobe 4 – November 30, 2025 and December 13 – 14, 2025

    • South Zone: October 18 – December 14, 2025 and December 27 – 28, 2025

  • Merganser:

    • North Zone: September 27 – November 23, 2025 and November 29 – 30, 2025

    • Middle Zone: Octobe 4 – November 30, 2025 and December 13 – 14, 2025

    • South Zone: October 12 – December 8 and December 28 – 29

  • Dark Goose (Canada Brant, and White-fronted): 

    • North Zone: September 1 – December 16, 2025

    • Middle Zone: September 1– 30, 2025, and October 4 – December 19, 2025

    • South Zone: September 1 – 30, 2025, October 18 – December 14, 2025, December 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026, and January 31 – February 9, 2026

    • Allegan County GMU: September 1 – 30, 2025, October 18 – November 5, 2025, and December 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026

    • Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU: October 21 – December 20, 2025

  • Light Goose (Snow, Blue, and Ross’s):

    • North Zone: September 1 – December 16, 2025

    • Middle Zone: September 1– 30, 2025 and October 4 – December 19, 2025

    • South Zone: September 1 – 30, 2025, October 18 – December 14, 2025, December 27, 2025 – January 4, 2026, and January 31 – Februry 9, 2026

    • Allegan County GMU: September 1 – 30, 2025, October 18 – November 5, 2025, and December 20, 2025 – February 15, 2026

    • Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU: October 21 – December 20, 2025

Youth Waterfowl Weekend: September 20 –21, 2025

Additional Year-Round Species

Hunters may take the following species with a valid Michigan hunting license year round. 

  • Porcupine

  • Opossum

  • Red Squirrel

  • Weasel

  • Russian Boar

  • Starling

  • House Sparrow

  • Pigeon

 

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

Image

What Do I Need to Know About Michigan DNR Hunting Regulations and 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. 

Deer

1 per tag

Duck

6 per day (18 in possession)

Elk

1 per license

Merganser

5 per day (15 in possession)

Turkey

1 bearded per license (spring), 1 any sex (fall)

Coot

15 per day (45 in possession)

Ruffed Grouse

5 per day, 10 in possession (Zones 1 & 2)

3 per day, 6 in possession (Zone 3)

Dark Goose

5 in possession (15 in possession)

Sharp-Tailed Grouse

2 per day, 4 in possession (season limit of 6)

Light Goose

20 per day (60 in possession)

Woodcock

3 per day (9 in possession)

Snipe

8 per day (24 in possession)

Squirrel (Fox & Gray)

5 per day (10 in possession)

Virginia & Sora Rail

25 per day (75 in possession)

Quail

5 per day, 10 in possession

Gallinule

1 per day (3 in possession)

Pheasant (male only)

2 per day (4 in possession)

Cottontail Rabbit

5 per day (10 in possession)

Bear

1 per license

Ground Squirrel

No limit

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 (including tree saddles and accessories) to comply with regulations and increase your chances of success in the field. 

As a HuntWise Pro or Elite 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.

Image

HuntWise Helps You Tag Out for the Michigan Hunting Seasons

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 explore free for a week.

Content and season dates reviewed and updated May 20, 2025.