Michigan Hunting Season Details for 2025 – Units, Permits & Species
Welcome to your complete guide for the Michigan hunting season! Whether you’re a seasoned backwoods veteran or just getting your feet wet in the Great Lakes State’s rich hunting tradition, this resource covers everything you need for a successful 2025 season. We’ve gathered all the essential information about dates, top species, hunting zones, and licensing requirements to help you plan your outdoor adventures.
What’s Inside This Michigan Hunting Guide
Michigan offers some of the most diverse and abundant game hunting opportunities in the Midwest. From the expansive northern forests to the fertile southern farmlands, hunters have access to over 10 million acres of public land. This guide will walk you through the season dates for deer, turkey, small game, waterfowl, and more – plus provide valuable information on licenses, hunting zones, and regulations.
Michigan Hunting Season Dates 2025
Below is a summary of key hunting season dates for Michigan’s most popular game species. Always check the Michigan DNR website or Hunt Fish app for any last-minute changes before heading out.
| Species | Season | 2025 Dates | Hunting Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer | Liberty Hunt | Sept. 14-15, 2024 | Firearm |
| Deer | Early Antlerless | Sept. 21-22, 2024 | Firearm |
| Deer | Independence Hunt | Oct. 17-20, 2024 | Firearm |
| Deer | Archery | Oct. 1-Nov. 14, 2024 & Dec. 1, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025 | Bow |
| Deer | Extended Archery | Through Jan. 31, 2025 (select counties) | Bow |
| Deer | Regular Firearm | Nov. 15-30, 2024 | Firearm |
| Deer | Muzzleloader | Dec. 6-15, 2024 | Muzzleloader |
| Deer | Late Antlerless | Dec. 16, 2024-Jan. 1, 2025 | Firearm |
| Deer | Extended Late Antlerless | Jan. 2-12, 2025 (select counties) | Firearm |
| Turkey (Spring) | Various Hunts | Apr. 19-Jun. 7, 2025 | Various |
| Turkey (Fall) | Statewide | Sept. 15-Nov. 14, 2024 | Various |
| Small Game | Various | Sept. 15, 2024-Mar. 31, 2025 | Various |
| Bear | Various | Check Bear Hunting Digest | Various |
| Elk | Various | Check Elk Hunting Digest | Various |
🦌 Big Game: Deer Hunting in Michigan
Michigan’s deer hunting tradition runs deep, with opportunities spanning from early September through January. The 2025 season offers several distinct hunting periods to accommodate different preferences and skill levels.
Archery Season
- Early Archery: October 1-November 14, 2024
- Late Archery: December 1, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Extended Archery: Through January 31, 2025 (limited to Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair (except DMU 174), Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties to help manage human-deer conflicts)
Firearm Seasons
- Liberty Hunt: September 14-15, 2024 (youth and hunters with disabilities)
- Early Antlerless Firearm: September 21-22, 2024
- Independence Hunt: October 17-20, 2024 (hunters with disabilities)
- Regular Firearm: November 15-30, 2024 (Michigan’s traditional “rifle season”)
- Muzzleloader: December 6-15, 2024 (all zones)
- Late Antlerless Firearm: December 16, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Extended Late Antlerless: January 2-12, 2025 (select counties including Allegan, Barry, Bay, and many others)
Deer Hunting Zones & Tag Information
Michigan is divided into three primary deer management zones:
- Zone 1: Upper Peninsula
- Zone 2: Northern Lower Peninsula
- Zone 3: Southern Lower Peninsula
Most hunters need either a deer license or a deer combo license. The deer license allows for one antlered deer, while the combo license provides tags for two antlered deer (with restrictions on the second deer). Antlerless deer licenses are sold separately for specific Deer Management Units (DMUs).
For the new extended late antlerless season (Jan. 2-12, 2025), a discounted $5 antlerless license will be available in December. The season bag limit is 10 deer.
🦃 Turkey Season in Michigan
Turkey hunting in Michigan continues to grow in popularity, with plentiful birds and accessible hunting areas.
Spring Turkey Season (2025)
- Season Dates: April 19-June 7, 2025
- Application Period: January 1-February 1, 2025
- Drawing Results Available: March 3, 2025
The spring season is divided into multiple hunt periods across different hunt units. One bearded turkey may be taken per spring turkey hunting license.
Fall Turkey Season (2024)
- Season Dates: September 15-November 14, 2024
- Bag Limit: One turkey of either sex per fall turkey license
Fall turkey hunting is available in select units. Check the Fall Turkey Hunting Digest for specific management unit information.
🐾 Furbearer Hunting & Trapping
Michigan offers year-round opportunities for certain furbearers, with specific seasons for others:
- Year-round (with valid license): Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeon, starling, house sparrow
- Raccoon, Fox, Coyote: Check the Michigan Fur Harvester Digest for specific dates
- Bobcat, Badger, Fisher/Marten, Beaver, Otter: Season varies by zone; refer to the Michigan Fur Harvester Digest
🐇 Small Game Hunting
Small game hunting provides some of the best opportunities for new hunters to learn field skills and experienced hunters to enjoy extended seasons.
- Cottontail Rabbit & Snowshoe Hare: September 15, 2024-March 31, 2025
- Fox & Gray Squirrel: September 15, 2024-March 31, 2025
- Ruffed Grouse: September 15-November 14, 2024 and December 1, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Pheasant (male only):
- Zone 1: October 10-31, 2024
- Zone 2: October 20-November 14, 2024
- Zone 3: October 20-November 14, 2024 and December 1, 2024-January 1, 2025
- Quail: October 20-November 14, 2024
- Crow: August 1-September 30, 2024 and February 1-March 31, 2025
- Woodcock: September 15-October 29, 2024
🔍 Note: A $25 pheasant license is required for all pheasant hunters 18 years and older planning to hunt pheasants on any public land in the Lower Peninsula.
🦆 Waterfowl Hunting
Michigan’s extensive coastline, marshes, and inland waters make it a waterfowl hunter’s paradise. Seasons vary by zone and species.
Waterfowl seasons are typically divided into:
- North Zone: Upper Peninsula
- Middle Zone: Northern Lower Peninsula
- South Zone: Southern Lower Peninsula
For specific waterfowl season dates, bag limits, and special regulations, refer to the Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest, as these can change annually based on migratory patterns and conservation needs.
🎯 More Game Species
Bear Hunting
Bear hunting in Michigan is regulated through a drawing system with specific management units. Refer to the Michigan Bear Hunting Digest for detailed information on application periods, season dates, and unit specifics.
Elk Hunting
Michigan’s limited elk hunting opportunities are highly sought after and managed through a lottery system. Applications are typically accepted in May, with hunt periods in September and December. Check the Michigan Elk Hunting Digest for exact dates and requirements.
🗺️ Michigan Hunting Zone Maps
Michigan provides excellent resources for hunters looking to explore public lands:
- Mi-HUNT: An interactive mapping application showing lands open to public hunting. Access it at Michigan.gov/mi-hunt
- DNR Hunting Land Maps: County-by-county PDF maps showing public hunting lands are available on the Michigan DNR website
- Wildlife/Game Areas: Michigan maintains numerous dedicated wildlife and game areas specifically managed for hunting
These resources allow hunters to identify state forests, state game areas, commercial forest lands, and other public hunting areas throughout Michigan.
🎟️ License Information
Resident License Costs (2025)
- Base License: $17 (required for all hunters)
- Deer License: $30
- Deer Combo License: $65
- Antlerless Deer License: $20
- Spring Turkey: $15
- Fall Turkey: $15
- Fur Harvester: $15
- Waterfowl License: $12 (in addition to base license and federal duck stamp)
- Pheasant License: $25 (required for public land pheasant hunting)
Non-Resident License Costs (2025)
- Base License: $161
- Deer License: $170
- Deer Combo License: $270
- Spring Turkey: $80
- Fall Turkey: $80
Note: License fees are subject to change as there are proposed increases for the 2025 hunting season.
Special Hunting Programs
- Mentored Youth Hunting Program: For children under 10
- Apprentice Hunting License: For new hunters without hunter safety certification
- Pure Michigan Hunt: Enter for $5 for a chance to win hunting licenses for elk, bear, antlerless deer, and spring and fall turkey
- Hunters Feeding Michigan: Program that allows hunters to donate venison to food banks
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many deer tags can I get in Michigan?
The standard combo license provides two tags for antlered deer (with restrictions on the second deer). Additional antlerless tags can be purchased for specific DMUs. During the extended late antlerless season, the bag limit is 10 deer.
Where can I find public hunting land in Michigan?
Michigan offers approximately 10 million acres of public hunting land. Use Mi-HUNT (Michigan.gov/mi-hunt) to locate state forests, state game areas, and other public hunting opportunities.
Is night hunting allowed in Michigan?
Night hunting is permitted for certain species like raccoon, opossum, and coyote under specific regulations. Always check the current hunting digest for permitted species, methods, and timeframes.
Do I need to wear hunter orange in Michigan?
Yes, hunter orange is required during all firearm deer seasons and is highly recommended during other seasons. Consult the appropriate hunting digest for specific requirements.
Can I hunt on Sundays in Michigan?
Yes, Sunday hunting is permitted throughout Michigan, unlike some neighboring states that have restrictions.
Related Resources
- Turkey Hunting Guide
- Hunting Seasons in Ohio
- Hunting Seasons in Wisconsin
Final Thoughts for Michigan Hunters
Michigan’s abundant wildlife, diverse habitats, and extensive public lands offer something for every outdoors enthusiast. As you prepare for the 2025 hunting season, remember to check specific zone regulations, secure your licenses well in advance, and always prioritize safety in the field.
The Department of Natural Resources works diligently to maintain healthy wildlife populations while providing excellent recreational opportunities. By following regulations and practicing ethical hunting, you help ensure these traditions continue for generations to come.
Don’t forget to download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app for easy access to licenses, regulations, and wildlife identification in the field. Happy hunting in the Great Lakes State!
