Every year in Michigan, people go hunting on both public and private lands from August 1 to March 31. Hunting season peak may see a lot of hunters in the woods. Wildlife includes the following: bears, fox and grey squirrels, waterfowl, wild turkeys, woodcocks, cottontail rabbits, snowshoe hares, deer, elk, pheasants, quail, and Ruffed and Sharp-tailed grouses.
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The hunting season in Michigan is distinct in a few respects. First off, there is an extended hunting season in the state for a variety of animals, such as small game, deer, and ducks. This provides hunters with many of chances to bring down a deer. Second, there are many other kinds of hunting in Michigan, including small game, waterfowl, and deer and elk. Because of this, Michigan is a fantastic place for hunters of all stripes to go hunting.
Michigan Hunting Seasons 2023 – 2024
- Archery season: The longest hunting season in Michigan is the archery season, which lasts from October 1 to November 14 and from December 1 to January 1. Because it gives hunters the best chance of actually harvesting a buck deer, it is a popular choice.
- Firearm season: In Michigan, the most popular hunting season is known as firearm season, which lasts from November 15 to November 30. Although rifle season is the shortest, it is also the most fruitful, with hunters harvesting more deer than in any other season.
- Muzzleloading season: A special hunting season known as muzzleloading season occurs from December 1 to December 10. For hunters who relish the challenge of using a traditional weapon, it is a well-liked option.
Species which are hunted with their hunting season:
Bear: Although there aren’t many bears in Michigan, bear hunting is nevertheless a common pastime there. Ammunition without lead must be used by bear hunters. For the Lower Peninsula, the hunting season first opens on the second Saturday in September and lasts for ten days. It then reopens on the first Friday of October and lasts for six days. and in BMUs in the Upper Peninsula from September 11 to October 26.
Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare: The state’s hunting season for snowshoe hares and cottontail rabbits runs from September 15, 2024, until March 31, 2024.
Crow: August 1 through September 30 is the early crow season, and February 1 through March 31, 2024 is the late crow season.
Deer:
Liberty Hunt: Hunting can start from Sept 14 – 15, 2024 by youth and hunters with disabilities hunt.
For Early antlerless firearm hunting starts from Sept 21 – 22, 2024
Independence Hunt: Hunting has started from Oct 19 – 22, 2023 for hunters with disabilities hunt.
Archery: Oct 1 till Nov 14 and Dec 1 till Jan 1, 2024
Regular firearm: Nov 15 – 30
Muzzleloading: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3 are eligible to hunt from Dec. 1 – 10, 2023
Late antlerless firearm: Dec. 11, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024
Elk:
Elk numbers in Michigan are tiny, and elk hunting is restricted to a select group of hunters chosen by lottery. Ammunition free of lead must be used by elk hunters. The season for hunting elks in 2023 will run from September 15 to October 1.
Pheasant (male only):
Zone 1: Oct. 10 – Oct. 31
Zones 2 and 3: Oct. 20 – Nov. 14
Zone 3: Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
Quail: Oct. 20 till Nov. 14
Ruffed grouse: Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
Sharp-tailed grouse: For Zone 1: Oct. 10 – 31
Squirrel: Fox and gray (black phase included): Sept. 15 – Mar. 31
Waterfowl: Hunting ducks is a favorite autumn and winter hobby, and Michigan is a significant migration path. Waterfowl hunters are required to use ammunition free of lead. 23 September till 31 January 2024.
Wild turkey: Due to the abundance of turkeys in Michigan, going turkey hunting is a common spring and autumn activity. Shotguns or archery gear must be used by the turkey hunters. The hunting season runs from 15 September to 14 November in the autumn.
Woodcock: For Woodcock hunting starts from Sept 15 till Oct 29 2023
Tips for hunting in Michigan
- Become familiar with the hunting laws pertaining to the species you intend to hunt.
- Show consideration for landowners and other hunters.
- Pay attention to your surroundings and exercise all due caution.
To hunt in Michigan, you need a hunting license. A deer kill tag is required if a hunter intends to pursue deer. Licenses can be obtained online, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or at any license agent. Kill tags are available for purchase via the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, at any license agent, or online.
All hunting laws and regulations must be followed by hunters. You can obtain a copy of the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest from any license agent or online. The Michigan hunting season of 2023 provides hunters with numerous chances to take down a wide range of wildlife. Hunters may have a productive and pleasurable hunting season with a little forethought and preparation.
With a current Michigan hunting license, you can hunt opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeon, starling and house sparrow all year round. Coyotes, foxes, and wolves are just a few of the wildlife species that can be hunted in Michigan in addition to those already mentioned. See the website of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for further details on certain hunting seasons and laws.