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Michigan Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against MI Dept of Natural Resources (MIDNR) before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $15 · nonresident $200. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (early segment)Oct 1, 2026Nov 14, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License
Archery (late segment)Dec 1, 2026Jan 1, 2027Deer or Deer Combo License
Regular firearmNov 15, 2026Nov 30, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License
December firearm - Lower PeninsulaDec 4, 2026Dec 6, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License
Muzzleloader - Upper PeninsulaDec 4, 2026Dec 6, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License
Early antlerless firearm: Lower Peninsula DMUs open to early/late antlerless firearmSep 12, 2026Sep 13, 2026Deer, Deer Combo or Universal Antlerless License
Late antlerless firearm: Lower Peninsula DMUs open to early/late antlerless firearmDec 7, 2026Jan 1, 2027Deer, Deer Combo or Universal Antlerless License
Liberty Hunt (qualified youth and hunters with disabilities)Sep 12, 2026Sep 13, 2026Single Deer, Deer Combo or Antlerless Deer License
Independence Hunt (qualified hunters with disabilities)Oct 15, 2026Oct 18, 2026Single Deer or Deer Combo License
South Fox Island archery: South Fox Island (DMU 245)Oct 1, 2026Oct 28, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License
South Fox Island firearm: South Fox Island (DMU 245)Oct 29, 2026Nov 26, 2026Deer or Deer Combo License

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall - TMU I: Fall Turkey Management Unit ISep 15, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fall Turkey License (hunt 0401, unlimited)
Fall - TMU M: Fall Turkey Management Unit MSep 15, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fall Turkey License (hunt 0402, quota 2,200)

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Amasa hunt period 1: Amasa BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 120
Amasa hunt period 2: Amasa BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 110
Amasa hunt period 3: Amasa BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 280
Baraga hunt period 1: Baraga BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 305
Baraga hunt period 2: Baraga BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 435
Baraga hunt period 3: Baraga BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 830
Bergland hunt period 1: Bergland BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 170
Bergland hunt period 2: Bergland BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 230
Bergland hunt period 3: Bergland BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 435
Carney hunt period 1: Carney BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 90
Carney hunt period 2: Carney BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 155
Carney hunt period 3: Carney BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 320
Drummond Island hunt period 1: Drummond Island BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 8, no nonresident licenses
Gwinn hunt period 1: Gwinn BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 140
Gwinn hunt period 2: Gwinn BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 155
Gwinn hunt period 3: Gwinn BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 440
Newberry hunt period 1: Newberry BMUSep 9, 2026Oct 21, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 200
Newberry hunt period 2: Newberry BMUSep 14, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 200
Newberry hunt period 3: Newberry BMUSep 25, 2026Oct 26, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 480
Baldwin hunt period 1 (first segment): Baldwin BMUSep 12, 2026Sep 22, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 395
Baldwin hunt period 1 (second segment): Baldwin BMUOct 2, 2026Oct 8, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 395
Gladwin hunt period 1 (first segment): Gladwin BMUSep 12, 2026Sep 22, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 95
Gladwin hunt period 1 (second segment): Gladwin BMUOct 2, 2026Oct 8, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 95
Red Oak hunt period 1 (first segment): Red Oak BMUSep 12, 2026Sep 22, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 685
Red Oak hunt period 1 (second segment): Red Oak BMUOct 2, 2026Oct 8, 2026Bear License (drawing) - quota 685

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunt period 1 - EMU X: Elk Management Unit XSep 23, 2026Oct 4, 2026Elk License (drawing) - 40 any-elk, 60 antlerless-only
Hunt period 2 - EMUs H and X: Elk Management Units H and XDec 1, 2026Dec 15, 2026Elk License (drawing) - 10 any-elk, 30 antlerless-only
Hunt period 2 - EMUs I and X: Elk Management Units I and XDec 1, 2026Dec 15, 2026Elk License (drawing) - 20 any-elk, 40 antlerless-only

Badger Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - Zone 1: Furbearer Zone 1Oct 15, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 2: Furbearer Zone 2Oct 15, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 3: Furbearer Zone 3Nov 1, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - Units A, B and C: Furbearer Unit ANov 1, 2026Apr 23, 2027Fur Harvester License
Furbearer management season (trapping only)Apr 25, 2026Oct 31, 2026Fur Harvester License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - Units A, B and C: Furbearer Unit AJan 1, 2027Mar 1, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Hunting - Unit D: Furbearer Unit DJan 1, 2027Feb 1, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Hunting - Unit G: Furbearer Unit GJan 1, 2027Jan 20, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Hunting - Unit H: Furbearer Unit HJan 1, 2027Jan 11, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit A (first segment): Furbearer Unit ANov 1, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit A (second segment): Furbearer Unit ADec 1, 2026Jan 18, 2027Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit B (first segment): Furbearer Unit BNov 1, 2026Nov 14, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit B (second segment): Furbearer Unit BDec 1, 2026Jan 18, 2027Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit C: Furbearer Unit CDec 10, 2026Dec 29, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit D: Furbearer Unit DDec 10, 2026Dec 29, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit G: Furbearer Unit GDec 10, 2026Dec 29, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit H: Furbearer Unit HDec 10, 2026Dec 20, 2026Fur Harvester License + Bobcat Kill Tag

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HuntingOct 15, 2026Mar 1, 2027Base License (resident) / Base + Fur Harvester (nonresident)
TrappingOct 15, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License
Furbearer management seasonMar 2, 2026Oct 14, 2026Base License

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Aug 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License
Regular (second segment)Feb 1, 2027Mar 31, 2027Base License

Fisher Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping: Fisher and marten management unitDec 4, 2026Dec 13, 2026Fur Harvester License + Fisher Kill Tag

Fox (Gray and Red) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HuntingOct 15, 2026Mar 1, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License
TrappingOct 15, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License

Common Gallinule Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026Base License + HIP Registration

Ground Squirrel (chipmunk included) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 15, 2026Nov 14, 2026Base License
Regular (second segment)Dec 1, 2026Jan 1, 2027Base License

American Marten Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping: Fisher and marten management unitDec 4, 2026Dec 13, 2026Fur Harvester License + Marten Kill Tag

Mink Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - Zone 1: Furbearer Zone 1Oct 25, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 2: Furbearer Zone 2Nov 1, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 3: Furbearer Zone 3Nov 10, 2026Mar 1, 2027Fur Harvester License

Muskrat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - Zone 1: Furbearer Zone 1Oct 25, 2026Apr 23, 2027Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 2: Furbearer Zone 2Nov 1, 2026Apr 23, 2027Fur Harvester License
Trapping - Zone 3: Furbearer Zone 3Nov 10, 2026Apr 23, 2027Fur Harvester License
Management season - Zone 1: Furbearer Zone 1Apr 25, 2026Oct 24, 2026Fur Harvester License (permit required on public land)
Management season - Zone 2: Furbearer Zone 2Apr 25, 2026Oct 31, 2026Fur Harvester License (permit required on public land)
Management season - Zone 3: Furbearer Zone 3Apr 25, 2026Nov 9, 2026Fur Harvester License (permit required on public land)

Opossum Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping - Unit A: Furbearer Unit AOct 25, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License + Otter Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit B: Furbearer Unit BNov 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License + Otter Kill Tag
Trapping - Unit C: Furbearer Unit CNov 10, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License + Otter Kill Tag

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Zone 1: Pheasant Zone 1 management unitOct 10, 2026Oct 31, 2026Base License (+ Pheasant License on public land / HAP land)
Zone 2: Pheasant Zone 2Oct 20, 2026Nov 14, 2026Base License (+ Pheasant License on public land / HAP land)
Zone 3: Pheasant Zone 3Oct 20, 2026Nov 14, 2026Base License (+ Pheasant License on public land / HAP land)
December pheasant management unitDec 1, 2026Jan 1, 2027Base License (+ Pheasant License on public land / HAP land)

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: Bobwhite quail open countiesOct 20, 2026Nov 14, 2026Base License

Rabbit & Hare Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 15, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License
Small game management season (private lands only)Apr 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026Base License
Snowshoe Hare: RegularSep 15, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HuntingOct 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License
TrappingOct 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License
Furbearer management seasonApr 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License

Rails (Virginia and Sora) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026Base License + HIP Registration

Sharp-tailed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular: Sharp-tailed grouse Zone 1 management unitOct 10, 2026Oct 31, 2026Base License + Sharp-tailed Grouse Stamp

Skunk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 9, 2026Base License + HIP Registration

Squirrel (Fox and Gray, black phase included) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular - fox and gray squirrelSep 15, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License
Small game management season - fox and gray squirrel (private lands only)Apr 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026Base License
Red squirrel - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License

Duck, Goose & Waterfowl Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Early teal (blue-winged and green-winged only)Sep 1, 2026Sep 9, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Youth Waterfowl Hunting WeekendSep 19, 2026Sep 20, 2026Licensed youth hunter 16 or younger
Veterans and Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting DaysSep 19, 2026Sep 20, 2026Veterans and active-duty military only
North Zone (first segment): Waterfowl North ZoneSep 26, 2026Nov 22, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
North Zone (second segment): Waterfowl North ZoneNov 28, 2026Nov 29, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Middle Zone (first segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneOct 3, 2026Nov 29, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Middle Zone (second segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneDec 12, 2026Dec 13, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
South Zone (first segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 13, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
South Zone (second segment): Waterfowl South ZoneDec 26, 2026Dec 27, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): North Zone: Waterfowl North ZoneSep 1, 2026Dec 16, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Middle Zone (September segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Middle Zone (regular segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneOct 3, 2026Dec 18, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): South Zone (September segment): Waterfowl South ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): South Zone (regular segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 13, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): South Zone (late December segment): Waterfowl South ZoneDec 26, 2026Jan 3, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): South Zone (February segment): Waterfowl South ZoneFeb 6, 2027Feb 15, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Allegan County GMU (September segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Allegan County GMU (regular segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitOct 17, 2026Nov 4, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Allegan County GMU (late segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitDec 19, 2026Feb 14, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Dark Goose (Canada, white-fronted and brant): Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU: Muskegon County Wastewater System Goose Management UnitOct 20, 2026Dec 19, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): North Zone: Waterfowl North ZoneSep 1, 2026Dec 16, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Middle Zone (September segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Middle Zone (regular segment): Waterfowl Middle ZoneOct 3, 2026Dec 18, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): South Zone (September segment): Waterfowl South ZoneSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): South Zone (regular segment): Waterfowl South ZoneOct 17, 2026Dec 13, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): South Zone (late December segment): Waterfowl South ZoneDec 26, 2026Jan 3, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): South Zone (February segment): Waterfowl South ZoneFeb 6, 2027Feb 15, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Allegan County GMU (September segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitSep 1, 2026Sep 30, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Allegan County GMU (regular segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitOct 17, 2026Nov 4, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Allegan County GMU (late segment): Allegan County Goose Management UnitDec 19, 2026Feb 14, 2027Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP
Light Goose (snow, blue and Ross's): Muskegon County Wastewater System GMU: Muskegon County Wastewater System Goose Management UnitOct 20, 2026Dec 19, 2026Base License + Waterfowl Licence + Federal Duck Stamp + HIP

Weasel (least, short-tailed/ermine and long-tailed) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License + Fur Harvester License
Trapping - no closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Fur Harvester License

Woodchuck Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season (license year)Apr 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Base License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 15, 2026Oct 29, 2026Base License + Woodcock Stamp + HIP Registration
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with MI Dept of Natural Resources (MIDNR) before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
Licenses, CWD zones & official links → Build a hunt plan

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