Michigan Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Complete guide to Michigan hunting licenses — a top deer hunting state with new 2025-2026 fee structure.
Michigan Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $15.00 — Non-Resident: from $200.00
- Managed by: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
- License year: 2025-2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://mdnr-elicense.com/
Michigan Hunting License Fees (2025-2026)
Michigan is one of America's premier hunting states, with a deep tradition of deer hunting in the Great Lakes region. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages hunting licenses, which underwent significant fee restructuring for the 2025-2026 season. Michigan offers a unique Complete License package that bundles base hunting, deer, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant, and fur harvester licenses. The state's diverse landscape spans two peninsulas, offering everything from white-tailed deer in the Lower Peninsula's farmland to black bear in the Upper Peninsula's vast forests. Michigan uses a combination of over-the-counter and draw-based licensing, with elk and bear requiring applications. A $5 surcharge is applied to most licenses to fund Hunters Feeding Michigan and the Michigan Wildlife Council. Seniors (65+) receive a 60% discount on base, deer, turkey, and fur harvester licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Base License | $15.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident Base License | — | $200.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Deer License | $25.00 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Deer License | — | $150.00 | Season | |
| Resident Deer Combo (2 tags) | $50.00 | — | Season | |
| Non-Resident Deer Combo (2 tags) | — | $225.00 | Season | |
| Antlerless Deer License | $5.00 | $5.00 | Season | |
| Bear Participation | $30.00 | $30.00 | Season | Draw required |
| Turkey | $18.00 | $18.00 | Season | |
| Elk | $125.00 | $125.00 | Season | Draw required, very limited tags |
| Waterfowl | $18.00 | $18.00 | Season | |
| Mentored Hunting | $10.00 | $10.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Complete License | $150.00 | — | 1 year | Includes base, 2 deer, antlerless, fishing, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant, fur harvester |
| Non-Resident Complete License | — | $450.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident Hunt/Fish Combo | $100.00 | — | 1 year | |
| Non-Resident Hunt/Fish Combo | — | $355.00 | 1 year |
Prices from Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Last verified: 2026-04-01. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Michigan license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for first-time buyers
How to Buy a Michigan Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Michigan Department of Natural Resources or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Michigan.
Need help? Call Michigan Department of Natural Resources at 517-284-9453
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Michigan Hunting Seasons (2025-2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery | October 1 | January 1 | Closed during firearms season |
| White-tailed Deer | Firearms | November 15 | November 30 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Muzzleloader | December 4 | December 13 | |
| White-tailed Deer | Late Archery | December 1 | January 1 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 18 | May 31 | Proposed units |
| Turkey | Fall | September 15 | November 14 | |
| Black Bear | General | September 9 | October 26 | Draw required |
| Small Game | General | September 1 | March 31 |
View full Michigan season regulations on MDNR
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Compare turkey license costs and season dates across all states →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | 60% discount + $5 surcharge waived | Age 16 and younger |
| Senior | 60% discount on base/deer/turkey/fur + $5 surcharge waived | Michigan resident aged 65 or older |
| Disabled Veteran | Free base license | Michigan resident with 100% VA disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty with Michigan as home of record |
Michigan Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Michigan official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- Hunter orange cap or vest required during firearm deer season — 50% visible from all sides.
- Baiting is prohibited in the Lower Peninsula and restricted in the Upper Peninsula.
- A $5 surcharge on base licenses funds Hunters Feeding Michigan and Wildlife Council.
- Chronic Wasting Disease surveillance zones have additional carcass transport restrictions.
Read full Michigan regulations on MDNR
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Michigan Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Michigan Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Michigan?
Resident base license costs $15, with a single deer tag at $25 and deer combo (2 tags) at $50. Non-residents pay $200 for base and $150+ for deer. A Complete License bundles everything for $150 (resident).
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Michigan?
Yes, hunter education is required for first-time license buyers. Michigan accepts certificates from other states and offers both online and in-person courses.
Can non-residents hunt in Michigan?
Yes. Non-residents need a base license ($200) plus species-specific tags. Deer tags are $150 single or $225 combo. Turkey and waterfowl are $18 each.
What is the deer season in Michigan?
Archery opens October 1 through mid-November, regular firearms runs November 15-30, muzzleloader in December, and late archery extends into January.
Are there free hunting licenses in Michigan?
Veterans with 100% VA disability qualify for a free base license. Seniors (65+) and youth receive 60% discounts with surcharge waivers.
Can I hunt elk in Michigan?
Yes, but elk tags are extremely limited and require a draw application. Both residents and non-residents pay $125 if selected.