Michigan Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Michigan hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
Wildlife Agency
Michigan DNR
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Michigan Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Oct 1 | Nov 14 |
| Rifle | Nov 15 | Nov 30 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec 1 | Dec 17 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 antlered, 1 antlerless with combo license)
Antler point restrictions in some Deer Management Units. Liberty and Independence hunts available for disabled hunters.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 17 | May 31 |
| Archery | Sep 15 | Nov 14 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (1 spring, 1 fall)
Spring season uses hunt period system. Fall season open statewide. Private and public land permits available.
Bear
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 10 | Oct 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Bear license required through lottery system. Bait stations allowed with registration. Dogs may be used in designated areas.
Duck/Waterfowl
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 7 | Dec 3 |
Bag limits: daily: 6, season: No season limit
Federal and state waterfowl stamps required. Zones: North, Middle, South with varying dates.
Planning Tools
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
