REGION: Whether you’re an experienced hunter or new to the sport, you can enjoy Michigan’s abundant small game hunting opportunities this fall; all you need is a basic license.
Several seasons start in September, and it’s the perfect time to spend some time outdoors looking for small game, and perhaps exploring a deer hunting spot later this fall. Fox and gray squirrel, rabbit, hare, grouse and woodcock hunting will be open on Thursday 15 September.
If woodcock is your goal, you’ll need a free woodcock stamp, which includes your Harvest Information Program registration, in addition to your small game license.
Not sure where to go? Michigan’s Grouse Enhanced Management Sites are excellent for hunting grouse and other small game. Learn about these premier bird hunting locations at Michigan.gov/GEMS. To learn more places to hunt, visit Michigan.gov/MIHunt. Mi-HUNT is an interactive map that shows land open to public hunting throughout the state, as well as cover types, nearby recreational amenities, and other features.
The fall turkey hunt also starts on September 15, and even if you didn’t enter the drawing for a limited quota license, you could still get a turkey tag. Leftover fall turkey licenses will be sold until quotas are met, and hunters may purchase up to one license per day. Hunters may harvest one turkey per license. Check the availability of surplus turkey licenses and find additional fall turkey hunting information at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
You can find more information about small game hunting opportunities in Michigan at Michigan.gov/SmallGame. See the 2022 Hunting Digest, available at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests, for season dates, bag limits and other regulations.
Do you still need to get your 2022 base license? Shop online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or anywhere DNR licenses are sold.
Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.