What Can You Hunt in Michigan Right Now?

Michigan is a hunter's paradise, with a wide variety of game animals available to hunt throughout the year. From August 1 to March 31, hunting is open on both public and private land. During this time, hunters can be found in the forests of public lands, searching for small game animals such as red squirrels. The Department of Conservation's first objective was to grow the deer herd, which had been suppressed by years of market hunting.

To do this, they passed a “money only” law in 1921 to prohibit the capture of antlerless deer and reduced the season to November 15-30. In order to hunt in Michigan, you must have a basic license. This license allows you to take small game animals and is available for young hunters, residents, non-residents and seniors. The basic apprentice license allows the hunter to participate in the sport under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian, a person designated by a parent or guardian, or a certified hunter who is 21 years of age or older.

Michigan offers more than 10 million acres of public hunting land, so there is plenty of opportunity for hunters. Once you have successfully completed the hunter safety test, you will receive your hunter safety certificate and be eligible to purchase a hunting license. The state also offers special two-day firearms seasons for youth 16 and younger and hunters with qualified disabilities. In addition to deer, Michigan game animals include dozens of other species such as rabbits, pheasants, grouse, woodcock, ducks, geese and turkeys.

Hunters must wear hunter orange when hunting within the established daytime shooting hours of August 15 through April 30. The state also offers a New Universal Antlerless License which allows hunters to use their antlerless license on any open unit. To learn more about mentored youth hunting programs, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Mentored Youth and Apprentice Hunting Program webpage. As opening day approaches for hunters here in Michigan, it's important to remember that hunting must be done safely and ethically.

Holly Vaughn, manager of the public outreach and engagement unit of the DNR Wildlife Division said that the Freedom Hunt held in September was an example of how hunting can be done safely and ethically. Hunting is an important part of Michigan's economy and culture, with millions of people participating each year. It's an opportunity to renew friendships, join family and continue a tradition that goes back more than 100 years. So if you're looking for an opportunity to lose yourself in sportsman's paradise, Michigan is the place to be!.

Dorothy Magni
Dorothy Magni

Hipster-friendly food buff. Award-winning coffee trailblazer. Devoted food enthusiast. Devoted writer. Unapologetic music expert. Evil web ninja.