How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Hunting License in Michigan?
In Michigan, you can get a hunting license at age 10 or older, but children under 10 can hunt with a Mentored Youth License and a qualified mentor. Those ages 10–16 need a Junior Base License. Anyone born after January 1, 1960, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license.
If you're new to hunting or want to help a young hunter get started, you'll need to know the age guidelines for hunting licenses. Fortunately, if you want to get a youth hunting license, Michigan provides clear pathways for young hunters and their parents.
Below, we'll break down Michigan hunting age requirements, the benefits of mentored hunting programs, and hunter education courses.
What Is the Youngest Age to Start Hunting in Michigan?
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) has structured its hunting laws to emphasize safety, education, and mentorship for youth hunters. Accordingly, the state uses a tiered age system that gradually introduces children to hunting.
Michigan's Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows children under 10 to legally hunt in the state, provided they are under constant adult supervision in the field. The child must have a Mentored Youth License, and the mentor must be at least 21 years old and have a current Michigan hunting license. The adult mentor must be within arm's reach of the youth hunter at all times and is responsible for the child's firearm or bow.
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program does not require the child to take a hunter education course. Instead, it provides hands-on learning, safety, and weapons handling under the close guidance and supervision of an experienced adult hunter.
Note that a mentor can only supervise one youth hunter at a time. Each youth hunter must accompany a licensed adult hunter so the pair hunts as a team.
Michigan Hunting Age Requirements
Michigan has built its hunting licensing around age-based requirements to provide a structured, safe start for an inexperienced person's journey into the exciting world of hunting.
Hunters Under 10 Years Old
As we discussed earlier, youth under 10 can hunt through the Mentored Youth Hunting Program if accompanied by a qualified mentor (age 21 or older with a valid Michigan hunting license). No formal hunter education program is required, as the focus is on the mentor's guidance.
Ages 10–16
When a child turns 10, they are eligible to get a Junior Base License. The Base License is the mandatory license every hunter must have in Michigan, and it only allows hunting small game.
The Junior Base License is available at a reduced fee. It allows the purchase of species-specific licenses, such as the Junior Deer License. In Michigan, a junior hunter can hunt independently from an adult only if they have completed a hunter education course.
Under an apprentice hunting license, Michigan youth can still hunt without having completed a hunter education program, but a licensed adult must directly supervise them.
Age 17 and Older
Hunters age 17 and older are required to purchase the standard Base License. Those born on or after January 1, 1960, must have completed a hunter education course before being eligible to buy a hunting license.
This hunter education requirement applies to every hunter, new or experienced.
Does a 13-Year-Old Need a Youth Hunting License, Michigan?
Yes. Michigan hunting age requirements state that a 13-year-old must have a Junior Base License to hunt legally in the state without an adult.
For a junior hunting license, Michigan youth must complete a hunter education program. If they don't, they must hunt with an apprentice license under the direct supervision of a licensed adult mentor.
These requirements help young hunters adequately prepare before hunting on their own. On the pathway to a youth hunting license, Michigan's newest hunters learn about critical firearm handling, safety, hunting laws, and ethical practices such as fair chase.
What Are the Requirements to Get a Michigan Hunting License?
Aside from hunters aged 10 and younger and those with a Mentored Youth License, Michigan has universal requirements for acquiring a hunting license.
Hunter Education Requirement
MDNR requires that anyone born on or after January 1, 1960, have a hunter education certificate or proof of completing a valid hunter education course.
Finding a hunter education course is essential and easy. MDNR offers courses that cover the fundamentals of safety, conservation, basic field skills, and a thorough review of the current rules and regulations.
You can take a hunter education course in a traditional classroom setting or through an online program like ours at ilearntohunt. If you go the online route, you must also participate in an in-person field day with an MDNR instructor to receive a valid certification.
Proof of Completion
After you've completed the approved education course (and in-person field day, if you've taken an online course), you'll receive a hunter education certificate. This certificate will serve as a permanent credential and is required to purchase a hunting license.
When you purchase your Base Hunting License, enter your hunter education certificate number, and the MDNR system will verify you've completed the proper requirements before issuing the license.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Own a Hunting Rifle in Michigan?
Once they've acquired a youth hunting license, Michigan hunters will need to learn to safely and legally use firearms in the field. State and federal laws govern firearms ownership.
Generally, an individual must be 18 years or older to own a firearm, including a hunting rifle. Hunting rifles are considered "long guns" by the law.
Federal law prohibits the purchase of a long gun from a licensed gun dealer by anyone under the age of 18. However, Michigan law allows individuals under 18 to possess a firearm while participating in a lawful hunt under the supervision of an adult.
Parents and hunting mentors should always ensure firearms are handled responsibly and safely in the field. When not in use, store firearms in a secure location.
ilearntohunt Helps You Get Your Michigan Hunting License
If you or your child is ready to start hunting in Michigan, knowing how age affects licensing and hunter education requirements is a critical first step. Fortunately, Michigan has established an age-based licensing system that provides clear pathways for hunting from early childhood to adulthood.
If you or your young hunter still needs to complete the hunter education requirement for Michigan, ilearntohunt is here to help! Our Michigan-approved online course teaches basic fieldcraft, safety, ethics, and conservation fundamentals. It also helps first-time hunters participate in their first hunts with confidence, setting the stage for a lifetime of successful hunting.
After completing your ilearntohunt course and the required Field Day, you're ready to get your hunting license and hunt!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to your questions about how old do you have to be to get a hunting license in Michigan!
Q: Does a 13-year-old need a hunting license in Michigan?
A: Yes, if a 13-year-old wants to hunt in Michigan, they must have a valid hunting license appropriate to what they’re hunting (e.g., base license, deer license). Youth ages 10–16 are eligible to get licenses like other hunters, including through the Apprentice or regular programs.
Q: What is the youngest age to start hunting in Michigan?
A: In Michigan, kids can participate in hunting programs as young as 10 years old by obtaining a base apprentice license and hunting with a qualified adult or mentor. There is also a mentored youth program for children younger than 10 with stricter supervision requirements.
Q: How old do you have to be to own a hunting rifle in Michigan?
A: Michigan does not specifically set a minimum age to “own” a rifle for hunting, but state law generally bars anyone under 18 from possessing a firearm in public except in limited circumstances (like while hunting with a license and under adult supervision).
