What Are the Requirements for a Michigan Hunting License?
Michigan has a well-deserved history as one of the most diverse hunting states in the country. Known for its remarkable white deer, turkey, and waterfowl populations, the Great Lakes State is a favorite destination for both resident and nonresident hunters.
Having a solid understanding of Michigan hunting laws is critical to legally and successfully hunting anywhere in the state. Knowing how hunter education requirements, licensing, and species-specific seasons and rules work will help you avoid costly mistakes.
Before you enjoy your first Michigan hunting season, let's take a look at the key requirements for getting a hunting license and why each step is vital to your success in the field.
What Do Michigan Hunting Laws Require to Get a Hunting License?
To hunt legally in Michigan, you must have a valid hunting license issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This license is required for residents and nonresidents, whether or not you're hunting on public or private land.
According to the state's hunting age requirements, hunters must be at least 10 years old to get a Michigan DNR hunting license. Michigan residents 65 and older qualify for a discounted senior base license.
Those born on or after January 1, 1960, must complete an approved hunter education course before purchasing the base hunting license.
This education requirement helps hunters understand Michigan hunting laws and wildlife conservation, ensuring hunting remains a safe, ethical outdoor activity.
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license in person at an authorized retailer in the state or through the Michigan DNR's eLicense system. Regardless of which option you choose, you'll need a valid form of identification and proof that you've completed a hunter education course or have a previous season's license.
Hunter Education Requirements
Michigan hunter safety requirements are the cornerstone of the state's hunter education program. Again, if you were born on or after January 1, 1960, you must complete a hunter education course to purchase a Michigan DNR hunting license.
However, there are exemptions for youth and new hunters who are hunting with a mentored youth license or an apprentice license. These exemptions are valid for two years, after which the hunter must pass a certified hunter education course.
Fortunately, meeting Michigan's hunter education requirement is easy! Choose one of three instructional options to suit your learning style.
- Attend a traditional in-person course taught by a state-certified instructor.
- Participate in a home study course with an in-person field day.
- Participate in an online course, such as the one offered by ilearntohunt, and attend an in-person field day.
After you've completed the course and any field day requirements, you'll have met Michigan hunter safety requirements. You'll then receive a hunter education certificate, which you can present when you purchase your base hunting license. Other states recognize your certification, allowing you to buy nonresident hunting licenses nationwide.
License Purchase and Types
Per Michigan hunting laws, all hunters in the state must purchase a base license. By itself, the base license allows you to hunt only small game.
Residents and nonresidents aged 17–64 can purchase a base license, and hunters 65 and older can buy a discounted senior base license. Note that nonresidents will pay a higher fee than Michigan residents.
For hunters aged 10–16, Michigan requires the junior base license, available at a reduced fee. Youth aged 9 and younger may hunt only if they have a mentored youth license and a licensed adult (21 or older) accompanies them.
Then, you must have a current base license before purchasing other licenses for deer, turkey, bear, and waterfowl. Note that Michigan uses the term "license" rather than "tag" for these species-specific permits.
You may purchase the base license and any necessary tags through the Michigan DNR online eLicense system or at an authorized vendor such as a sporting goods store.
Can You Get a Hunting License Without Hunter Safety in Michigan?
In most cases, no. Michigan hunter safety requirements do not allow you to purchase a base license without completing a certified hunter safety program.
Exceptions apply to individuals born on or before January 1, 1960, and to first-time hunters 10 years of age or older who hold an apprentice license. The apprentice license program allows young hunters to hunt under the direct supervision of a licensed, experienced adult who has held a hunting license for at least three years.
The apprentice opportunity is only a temporary pathway to a junior or base license, and completing a hunter safety program is still required after two years.
Can You Hunt Deer on Your Own Property Without a License in Michigan?
Michigan hunting laws require landowners to have a valid base license to hunt on their own property. Whether you're hunting on a family farm or a friend's small woodlot, you still fall under the purview of Michigan hunting laws (though there are limited exceptions for landowner permits and nuisance animal control).
For hunting whitetail deer (or any species other than small game), you must also have a current species license. Michigan strictly regulates deer hunting, and hunting whitetails without a valid license can result in fines and the loss of hunting privileges.
What Are the New Regulations for Deer Hunting in Michigan?
The Michigan DNR updates hunting regulations each year to reflect changes in wildlife habitat, populations, and disease management. Be sure to check the regulations each year as you plan your hunt.
Michigan confirmed its first case of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in 2015, and the state has actively tried to keep it from spreading. Michigan now has CWD management areas, which include increased surveillance, restrictions on the transportation of carcasses, and bans on baiting and feeding. Hunters who want to have their deer tested for CWD can do so at any of the state's free CWD testing sites and dropboxes.
Michigan's DNR has also expanded opportunities for crossbow hunters. Hunters can now use crossbows during statewide archery seasons (with some limits in the Upper Peninsula) and during any firearms season.
Bag and possession limits, as well as tagging rules, vary by region and are based on previous harvest pressure and current population densities.
Before planning your season or heading out to the field, always check the current Michigan Hunting Digest to ensure you know the current regulations.
Meet the Michigan Hunter Safety Requiremets with ilearntohunt
Knowing Michigan hunting laws and completing the state's hunter safety and license requirements is an important first step on your hunting journey. From choosing your hunter safety course to selecting the proper licenses, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of your role in maintaining conservation and sustainable hunting opportunities.
To complete your hunter education requirement quickly and through an online game-like format, start by taking the course through ilearntohunt. Our online course is tailored to Michigan's specific requirements while also teaching important safety, field skills, and ethics that will help you become a better hunter for many seasons to come.
Then, complete your certification through the required in-person Field Day.
Hunt safely and legally in Michigan this season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We have answers to questions about the requirements for a Michigan hunting license!
Q: What is required to get a hunting license in Michigan?
A: The requirements for a Michigan hunting license include a base hunting license and any required species tags (like a deer tag). To buy one, you must show a valid ID (driver’s license, state ID, or DNR Sportcard). If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must show a hunter education certificate or a previous hunting license when purchasing.
Q: Can you get a hunting license without hunter safety in Michigan?
A: You can only get a hunting license without hunter safety in special cases. A mentored hunter or someone using an apprentice hunting license can hunt without hunter ed, but the apprentice must be hunted with by a qualified mentor. Otherwise, hunter safety is required to buy a regular license.
Q: Can you hunt deer on your own property without a license in Michigan?
A: No, you can't hunt deer on your own property without a license in Michigan. You must have a valid deer license (tag) to hunt deer anywhere, even on your own land, and you must carry your license when hunting.
Q: What are the new regulations for deer hunting in Michigan?
A: For the 2025 season, major changes included: extended archery and antlerless firearm seasons, a Liberty (youth) hunt and Independence hunt, expanded use of legal firearms during muzzleloader season in some zones, and mandatory harvest reporting within 72 hours. Hunter orange and baiting rules are emphasized, and some deer management unit (DMU) tag requirements have been updated.
