Michigan Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Michigan offers 2026 hunting seasons for whitetail across firearm, archery, and muzzleloader methods. Seasons run from September 12, 2026 through January 1, 2027. A base license (required) costs $11 for residents and $151 for nonresidents.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
Whitetail
| Season | Method | Opens | Closes | Notes | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Hunt (youth & disabled) | Firearm | Sep 12, 2026 | Sep 13, 2026 | 🔔 | |
| Archery | Archery | Oct 1, 2026 | Nov 14, 2026 | 🔔 | |
| Regular Firearm | Firearm | Nov 15, 2026 | Nov 30, 2026 | 🔔 | |
| Late Archery | Archery | Dec 1, 2026 | Jan 1, 2027 | 🔔 | |
| Muzzleloader | Muzzleloader | Dec 4, 2026 | Dec 6, 2026 | Statewide muzzleloader reduced to 3 days for 2026 | 🔔 |
License & tag prices
| License | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base License (required) | $11 | $151 | |
| Deer License (single tag) | $20 | $20 | |
| Deer Combo License (two tags) | $40 | $40 | |
| Universal Antlerless Deer License | $20 | $20 |
An annual base license is required before buying deer licenses (it also covers small game). Deer tags cost the same for residents and nonresidents — the big difference is the base license. A deer combo provides two tags.
Source: Michigan DNR Hunting License Fees (michigan.gov/dnr)
Michigan hunt units
Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.
Michigan hunting FAQ
- When does whitetail season open in Michigan in 2026?
- Michigan's 2026 whitetail firearm season opens September 12 and runs through September 13. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Michigan?
- In 2026, Michigan has hunting seasons for whitetail.
- How much is a Michigan hunting license for nonresidents?
- A base license (required) in Michigan is $151 for nonresidents and $11 for residents.
📊 Michigan harvest trends
How Michigan's harvest has moved season to season, from official state reports.
- Whitetail295,845 in 2025-1.2%