Michigan Hunting Opportunities and Calender.

Hunting in Michigan is an incredible opportunity for all ages. From coyote tournaments to buck poles, you have access to diverse hunting opportunities, and you can enjoy these activities nearly all year round. Taking kids hunting is not only an excellent way for them to explore their skills and interests, but a great excuse for parents to enjoy some much needed quality time outdoors with their kids.

All in all, if you’re looking to take part in any kind of hunting activity throughout the year in Michigan and beyond, there are plenty of options to choose from that will make your experience unforgettable. Make sure to check out the calendar here and don’t forget to gear up before hitting the field! Get out there and start enjoying the outdoor experiences that Michigan has to offer today!There is an open hunting season at all times on public and private land from Aug. 1 through March 31 every year. Hunters could be encountered in the woods on public lands during these months.

Fur harvester information (includes muskrat, mink, raccoon, fox, bobcat, badger, fisher/marten, beaver, otter and coyote): See the Michigan Fur Harvester Digest.

Bear: See season dates in the Michigan Bear Hunting Digest.

Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare: Sept. 15 - March 31, statewide.

Crow: Aug. 1 - Sept. 30 and Feb. 1 - March 31.

Deer (Hunting Digest):

• Liberty Hunt: Sept. 9-10, 2023
  • Youth and hunters with disabilities hunt
• Early antlerless firearm: Sept. 16-17, 2023
• Independence Hunt: Oct. 19-22, 2023
  • Hunters with disabilities hunt
• Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1, 2023
• Regular firearm: Nov. 15-30
• Muzzleloading:
  • Zone 1: Dec. 2-11, 2022
  • Zone 2: Dec. 2-11, 2022
  • Zone 3: Dec. 2-11, 2022
• Late antlerless firearm:
  • Dec. 12, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023

Elk: See season dates in the Michigan Elk Hunting Digest.

Pheasant (male only):

• Zone 1 (See Hunting Digest for open areas)
  • Oct. 10 - Oct. 31
• Zones 2 and 3
  • Oct. 20 - Nov. 14
• Zone 3 (see Hunting Digest for open areas)
  • Dec. 1 - Jan. 1

Quail: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14

Ruffed grouse: Sept. 15 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1

Sharp-tailed grouse: Zone 1: Oct. 10-31 (see Hunting Digest for open areas)

Squirrel - fox and gray (black phase included): Sept. 15 - March 31

Waterfowl: See season dates section in the Waterfowl Hunting Digest.

Wild turkey

• Fall season: Sept. 15 through Nov. 14, 2022 (see Fall Turkey Digest for applicable units)

Woodcock: Sept. 15 - Oct. 29

Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeon, starling and house sparrow may be taken year-round with a valid Michigan hunting license.