How to Get Your Michigan Hunting License
A Michigan hunting license starts with a base license, which every resident and non-resident hunter needs before adding species-specific tags. Residents pay $11 for the base license, while non-residents pay $151. Hunters born on or after January 1, 1960 must complete an approved hunter safety course before their first license purchase, though the course itself isn't required to purchase a license.
Licenses are sold through the Michigan DNR's eLicense system, the DNR Hunt Fish app, and authorized retailers statewide. A Michigan base license expires March 31 each year, regardless of when you buy it.
This guide walks you through how to get your Michigan hunting license and Hunter Education Certificate, step by step.
What Is a Hunting License in Michigan?
A Michigan hunting license works differently than in most states. Instead of one license covering everything, Michigan uses a base-license-first system: you buy a base license to hunt small game and to unlock the ability to purchase species-specific licenses for deer, turkey, bear, waterfowl, and more. The Michigan DNR also offers a Hunt/Fish Combo that bundles the base license, two deer licenses, and an all-species fishing license for a flat rate.
The license itself is separate from your Hunter Education Certificate. The certificate proves you completed an approved safety course, and once you earn it, it's valid for life. The base license, on the other hand, expires every March 31 and must be purchased again for the next license year.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Michigan?
Michigan requires a hunting license for any person, of any age, who hunts in the state, but the state has built flexible on-ramps for younger and first-time hunters. There's no minimum age to hunt in Michigan. Instead, age determines which license path applies.
Hunter education works on a separate track from the license itself. Anyone born on or after January 1, 1960 must complete an approved hunter education course before buying a standard license, unless they use one of Michigan's supervised alternatives instead:
- Under 10: hunt through the Mentored Youth Hunting License ($7.50), which bundles base, deer, turkey, and fishing privileges. A mentor must be 21 or older, hold a valid non-apprentice license, and have prior hunting experience.
- Age 10 and older, no hunter education yet: purchase an Apprentice Base License at the standard rate and hunt for up to two license years under the same mentor requirements above.
- Born on or after January 1, 1960, ready for a standard license: complete an approved hunter education course, which has no minimum age to take.
- Born before January 1, 1960: exempt from hunter education, but still needs a base license to hunt.
Whichever path applies to you, keep proof of your license type and certification on hand while hunting.
How to Get Your Michigan Hunting License (Step-by-Step)
Getting licensed in Michigan means working through the base-license-first system, so it helps to know your species plans before you start. Here's the full process from start to finish.
- Complete an approved hunter safety course if you were born on or after January 1, 1960 and aren't using an apprentice or mentored option.
- Purchase your base license through the DNR eLicense system, the Hunt Fish app, or an authorized retailer.
- Select your base license type: resident ($11), non-resident ($151), junior ($6), or senior resident ($5).
- Add species-specific licenses as needed: deer ($20 single or $40 combo resident), turkey ($15), bear ($25 plus a $5 application), or waterfowl ($12 plus the $28 federal Duck Stamp).
- Carry your digital license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or your printed license and Hunter Education Certificate, any time you hunt.
Once you've completed these steps, you're fully licensed and ready for the field. The sections below cover the hunter education course and license purchase in more detail.
Step 1: Complete an Approved Hunter Safety Course
Michigan's hunter education requirement includes an in-person Field Day, which sets it apart from a handful of neighboring states that allow fully online certification.
- Online course plus Field Day: The Hunter-Ed Michigan course costs $29.95 and is self-paced. Most students finish in a few hours, then attend a Field Day, typically several hours, with a class fee that's often free or up to $10.
- Take-home study plus Field Day: Students can also pick up a printed study guide, complete the chapter review questions, and present them at the Field Day instead of taking the course online.
- Traditional classroom course: A fully in-person option taught by certified volunteer instructors and conservation officers covers the requirement in one sitting, including the hands-on skills portion.
Your online completion voucher is valid for 12 months, so register for a Field Day soon after finishing the online portion rather than letting it lapse.
Step 2: Purchase Your Base License
Once you have your Hunter Education Certificate, if it applies to you, you can buy your license through the Michigan DNR website, through the DNR Hunt Fish app, or at an authorized retailer.
You'll need a government-issued photo ID or Michigan DNR Sportcard, proof of hunter education if required, and payment.
Step 3: Add Species Licenses and Go Hunting
A Michigan base license only covers small game. Taking deer, turkey, bear, elk, or waterfowl each requires its own separate license, purchased after your base license, along with any required federal stamps or registrations.
Once your base license and any species licenses are in hand, you're ready to hunt. Before you head out, review general hunting safety practices to make sure you're field-ready.
Michigan Hunting License Requirements by Age
Let's take a look at the requirements for hunting licenses in Michigan by age.
Michigan Hunting License Requirements (by Age) | ||
| Age | Requirement | Supervision/Hunter Education |
| Under 10 | Mentored Youth Hunting License ($7.50 bundle) | Must hunt with a mentor 21 or older with a valid license and experience |
| 10 and older, no hunter education | Apprentice Base License (standard base license rate) | Valid for up to 2 license years under the same mentor requirements |
| 10 and older, born on or after January 1, 1960 | Standard resident ($11) or non-resident ($151) base license | Must complete hunter education, including a Field Day |
| Born before January 1, 1960 | Standard resident or non-resident base license | Exempt from hunter education |
Species licenses: Deer, turkey, bear, elk, and waterfowl each require a separate license in addition to the base license, regardless of age.
Season dates and bag limits vary by species and zone, so check before you plan a hunt.
Hunter Safety Course: Format and Cost
Michigan's hunter education path always includes a hands-on component, whether that's a Field Day after online study or a fully in-person class. The chart below offers a quick overview of those formats and costs.
Michigan Hunter Safety Course Formats Comparisons | ||||
| Format | Provider | Cost | Time | Exam |
Online + Field Day | Hunter-Ed plus DNR instructor | $29.95 online course | A few hours online + Field Day | Final exam and skills check at Field Day |
Take-Home Study + Field Day | DNR volunteer instructors | Free study guide | Self-paced + Field Day | Chapter review presented at Field Day |
Traditional Classroom | DNR volunteer instructors | Typically low or no cost | One sitting, several hours | Exam included |
Once you earn your certificate through any of these formats, it's good for the rest of your hunting life. The base license is the only part you'll renew, and that happens every March 31.
What to Bring When Buying Your License
Make sure you have the right documentation handy to purchase your Michigan hunting license. You'll need:
- Government-issued photo ID or Michigan DNR Sportcard
- Hunter Education Certificate, if required for your age and birth year
- Payment (credit or debit card online or in the app, or check or card in person)
- Proof of Michigan residency, if applying for resident rates
Michigan Hunting Laws and Penalties
Hunting without a required license in Michigan is a state civil infraction for a first offense, carrying a fine of up to $150. A second or subsequent offense within the statute's window becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
Make sure you review Michigan's hunting laws and regulations for the full requirements.
What About Reciprocity?
Michigan accepts hunter education certificates from any U.S. state or Canadian province, since the state's own program is built to IHEA-USA standards. Other IHEA-USA-compliant states and provinces return the favor and accept a Michigan Hunter Education Certificate.
The hunting license itself, however, is not transferable. Hunters visiting from out of state still need to purchase a Michigan non-resident base license.
Out-of-State Visitors
Non-residents can hunt in Michigan with a non-resident base license ($151), plus species-specific licenses like deer ($20 single, $190 for the two-tag combo) or the full Hunt/Fish Combo ($266). Non-resident hunters have access to the same license types as residents, aside from resident-only extras like the elk lottery.
Start Your Michigan Hunter Safety Course Today
The Hunter-Ed Michigan course is approved by the DNR, self-paced, and available on any device. Complete the online portion, attend your Field Day, and get your lifetime Michigan Hunter Education Certificate.
Approved by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MI DNR) | Last verified August 7, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a hunting license in Michigan?
A: Yes, for any age. Hunters under 10 use the Mentored Youth Hunting License, and hunters 10 and older use either an Apprentice or standard base license depending on hunter education status.
Q: How old do you have to be to get a Michigan hunting license?
A: There's no minimum age. Kids under 10 hunt through the Mentored Youth program, and hunters 10 and older can start with an Apprentice Base License before completing hunter education.
Q: How much does a Michigan hunting license cost?
A: A resident base license costs $11. A non-resident base license costs $151. Species licenses like deer ($20) and turkey ($15) are purchased separately. Prices reflect Michigan's current fee schedule.
Q: Does a Michigan hunting license expire?
A: Yes. The base license expires March 31 every year, regardless of your purchase date, so it must be renewed each license year.
Q: Can I complete Michigan hunter education entirely online?
A: Not entirely. Michigan requires an in-person Field Day after the online course, or a fully in-person classroom option. There's no online-only path with no field component.
Q: Do I need hunter education in Michigan?
A: Yes, if you were born on or after January 1, 1960. Younger hunters can use the Mentored Youth or Apprentice license paths to hunt under supervision before completing the course.
Q: What if I'm visiting Michigan to hunt?
A: Non-residents need a non-resident base license ($151), plus any species-specific licenses. The Hunt/Fish Combo ($266) is available to non-residents too.
Q: What's the penalty for hunting without a license in Michigan?
A: A first offense is a state civil infraction with a fine of up to $150. A second or subsequent offense becomes a misdemeanor, punishable by up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail.
