Michigan archery season offers hunters amazing opportunities for bagging a range of wildlife during their hunting trip. You have options for deer, elk, small game like turkeys, and predators like bears and wolves.
Michigan (MI) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Michigan offers access to public and private land, with the Hunters Helping Landowners Program and the Hunting Access Program (HAP) turning private land into easily accessible regions for hunting.
Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources offers Mi-HUNT, providing hunters with mapping tools to find public hunting regions across the state.
When does Archery Season Start in MI?
Michigan Deer Seasons
- Early Antlerless Liberty Hunt September 10-11
- Independence Hunt October 13-16
- Archery October 1-November 14 / December 1-January 1
- Late Antlerless December 12-January 1
Michigan Elk Seasons
- General Season August 30-December 18*
*A lottery permit system restricts Elk hunting. Hunters are randomly assigned specific hunting regions and hunt times, ranging from August to December.
Michigan Wild Turkey Seasons
- Fall General Season September 15-November 14
- Spring General Season TBD
Michigan Small Game Seasons
- Cottontail Rabbit September 15-March 31
- Snowshoe Hare September 15-March 31
- Pheasant (males only) October 10-January 1*
- Grouse Ruffed Sept. 15-November 14 / December 1-January 1
- Sharp-tailed October 10-31
- Squirrel (Gray and Fox) September 15-March 31
- Opossum, Weasel, Porcupine, Red Squirrel Open Season
- Ground Squirrel, Skunk, Woodchuck Open Season
- Feral Swine Open Season
- Feral Pigeons, House Sparrows, and Starling Open Season
*Season dates vary by region. Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on season and animal.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Michigan?
Hunting in Michigan is allowed from 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in MI
For more information on securing permits, licenses, and regulations, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website.
Michigan Residents
A resident must have a permanent home (rented or owned) in Michigan. Active-duty military personnel and full-time students are considered residents. All Michigan residents must have a “Base License.” A base license permits hunters to bag small game species.
Non-Residents
Non-resident hunters must secure a Base License to hunt small game. Additional licenses may be required for hunting other species.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Michigan residents and non-residents aged 10 to 16 must buy a reduced-fee Junior Base License. Michigan residents and non-residents aged nine and younger can hunt using a “Mentored Youth License.” These youths must hunt alongside a licensed adult.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Michigan residents aged 65 or older can buy a “Senior Base License” at a reduced fee.
Disability Licenses
Michigan doesn’t offer specific hunting licenses for disabled persons.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Michigan can buy a resident hunting license. Active-duty personnel stationed elsewhere can apply for a free hunting license while they take leave.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Federal Duck Stamp and Michigan Waterfowl Hunting License when hunting migratory waterfowl. Purchase of a state hunting license includes registration for the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Base Licenses expire on March 31 each year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
