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Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

Michigan Hunting Season Dates

Complete hunting calendar for Michigan including deer, elk, turkey, and more.

Michigan Hunting Season Calendar

Find all hunting season dates for Michigan including deer, elk, turkey, and waterfowl. Filter by species and hunting method.

MI regulations 4 species Split seasons shown Zone info included
MI

Coming Up in Michigan

Seasons opening in the next 60 days

Turkey Any Legal Method

Apr 20 - May 31, 2026

Opens in 48 days

Complete Season Calendar

All Michigan hunting seasons organized by species

Deer 4 seasons

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Archery Oct 1 - Nov 14, 2025 Statewide Closed Early archery
Archery Dec 1, 2025 - Jan 1, 2026 Statewide Closed Late archery
Rifle/Firearm Nov 15-30, 2025 Statewide Closed Firearm season
Muzzleloader Dec 6-22, 2025 Lower Peninsula Closed Muzzleloader - south

Turkey 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method Apr 20 - May 31, 2026 Statewide Upcoming Spring season - multiple periods

Bear 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method Sep 15 - Oct 26, 2025 Statewide Closed Hunt period 1-3

Elk 1 season

Method Dates Zone Status Notes Add to Calendar
Any Legal Method Sep 7 - Oct 4, 2025 Statewide Closed Limited permit

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MI

Michigan Hunting Regulations

License year, species, and agency information

License Year
Mar 1, 2025 - Feb 28, 2026
Available Species
  • Bear
  • Deer
  • Elk
  • Turkey
Hunting Methods
  • Archery
  • Rifle/Firearm
  • Muzzleloader
  • Any Legal Method
Official Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Visit Website

This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.

Last verified: January 2026

Important Note for Michigan

Michigan has separate regulations for Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Hunting Method Legend

Archery Bow & Crossbow
Rifle/Firearm Modern rifles
Muzzleloader Black powder
Shotgun Shotguns only
Any Legal All methods

Michigan Hunting FAQ

Common questions about hunting seasons in Michigan

What are the hunting season dates for Michigan?

Michigan offers hunting seasons for Bear, Deer, Elk, Turkey. The license year runs from Mar 1, 2025 to Feb 28, 2026. Check our complete calendar above for specific dates by species and method.

When does deer season start in Michigan?

Deer season in Michigan typically begins with archery season starting Oct 1, 2025, followed by firearms/rifle season starting Nov 15, 2025.

Does Michigan require a draw for hunting?

Michigan offers general season licenses for some species and may require draws for others like elk, moose, or pronghorn. Check specific requirements for your target species.

What hunting seasons are open now in Michigan?

The next season to open is Turkey starting Apr 20, 2026.

What should I know about hunting in Michigan?

Michigan has separate regulations for Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

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Michigan License Info

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