Michigan 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Michigan's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 15-30, 2026.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Jan 1, 2027.
Firearm Black Bear opens Sep 9, 2026 and closes Oct 21, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Michigan DNR.
- firearm deer
- Nov 15-30, 2026
- archery deer
- Oct 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
- bear
- Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
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Michigan 2026-27
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Key seasons by species
What changed for 2026-27
Regular firearm deer remains the anchor date
Michigan has several special deer opportunities before and after the regular firearm window, but most hunters still build plans around the November firearm season. We call that row out separately so it does not get buried under youth, antlerless, or late-season entries.
Bear, turkey, and waterfowl dates are more zone-sensitive, so use the DNR source link before making a final plan.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Michigan DNR before hunting.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Michigan
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 4 stations in Michigan. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
- MI · IWR
Detroit River IWR
MichiganMIGRATORY BIRD: OPEN + EXPANDUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDBIG GAME: EXPANSION - MI · NFH
Jordan River NFH
MichiganUPLAND GAME: OPENINGBIG GAME: OPENING - MI · NFH
Pendills Creek NFH
MichiganMIGRATORY BIRD: NEW STATIONUPLAND GAME: NEW STATIONBIG GAME: NEW STATIONFISHING: NEW STATION - MI · NWR
Shiawassee NWR
MichiganMIGRATORY BIRD: EXPANSIONUPLAND GAME: OPEN + EXPANDBIG GAME: EXPANSION
Deer
White-tailed Deer
Liberty Hunt (Youth/Disability)
Sep 12-13, 2026
Open to youth and those with qualifying disabilities
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Early Antlerless Firearm
Sep 19-20, 2026
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 1, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
Oct. 1 - Nov. 14, 2026 and Dec. 1, 2026 - Jan. 1, 2027
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Independence Hunt (Disability)
Oct 15-18, 2026
Open to hunters with qualifying disabilities
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearm
Nov 15-30, 2026
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader
Dec 4-13, 2026
Zones 1, 2 and 3
Zone: Zones 1, 2 and 3
White-tailed Deer
Late Antlerless Firearm
Dec 14, 2026-Jan 1, 2027
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Extended Late Antlerless Firearm
Jan 2-10, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall
Sep 15-Nov 14, 2025
2025 fall season
Zone: TMU I
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearm
Sep 15-Nov 14, 2025
2025 fall season
Zone: TMU I
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearm
Sep 15-Nov 14, 2025
2025 fall season
Zone: TMU M
Wild Turkey
Fall
Sep 15-Nov 14, 2025
2025 fall season
Zone: TMU M
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 18-May 31, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0110
Zone: TMU M
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 18-May 31, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0301
Zone: TMU ZZ (private land)
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 18-May 1, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0302
Zone: TMU ZZ
Wild Turkey
Spring
Apr 18-May 1, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0134
Zone: TMU NN
Wild Turkey
Spring
May 2-31, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0303
Zone: TMU ZZ May
Wild Turkey
Spring
May 2-31, 2026
2026 spring season; Hunt 0234
Zone: Statewide TMU
Bear
44 listed rowsBlack Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0013
Zone: Gwinn 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0010
Zone: Carney 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0016
Zone: Newberry 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0007
Zone: Amasa 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0004
Zone: Baraga 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0019
Zone: Drummond Island 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0001
Zone: Bergland 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0010
Zone: Carney 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0007
Zone: Amasa 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0016
Zone: Newberry 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0001
Zone: Bergland 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0019
Zone: Drummond Island 1
Show 32 more bear rows
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0004
Zone: Baraga 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 9-Oct 21, 2026
Hunt 0013
Zone: Gwinn 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0021; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Baldwin 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0022; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Gladwin 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0022; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Gladwin 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0021; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Baldwin 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0020; Season runs Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Red Oak 1
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 12-Oct 8, 2026
Hunt 0020; dates Sept. 12-22 and Oct. 2-8
Zone: Red Oak 1
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0011
Zone: Carney 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0017
Zone: Newberry 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0014
Zone: Gwinn 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0017
Zone: Newberry 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0002
Zone: Bergland 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0008
Zone: Amasa 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0008
Zone: Amasa 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0005
Zone: Baraga 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0011
Zone: Carney 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0002
Zone: Bergland 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0014
Zone: Gwinn 2
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 14-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0005
Zone: Baraga 2
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0006
Zone: Baraga 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0012
Zone: Carney 3
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0018
Zone: Newberry 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0018
Zone: Newberry 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0003
Zone: Bergland 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0015
Zone: Gwinn 3
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0003
Zone: Bergland 3
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0015
Zone: Gwinn 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0009
Zone: Amasa 3
Black Bear
Firearm/Archery
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0006
Zone: Baraga 3
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0012
Zone: Carney 3
Black Bear
Firearm
Sep 25-Oct 26, 2026
Hunt 0009
Zone: Amasa 3
Elk
Elk
Archery/Firearm
Sep 23-Oct 4, 2026
Hunt period 1
Zone: EMU X
Elk
Archery (EMU X)
Sep 23-Oct 4, 2026
Hunt period 1
Zone: EMU X
Elk
Firearm (EMU H and X)
Dec 1-15, 2026
Hunt period 2
Zone: EMU H and X
Elk
Firearm (EMU I and X)
Dec 1-15, 2026
Hunt period 1
Zone: EMU I and X
Elk
Firearm
Dec 1-15, 2026
Hunt period 1
Zone: EMU I and X
Elk
Firearm
Dec 1-15, 2026
Hunt period 2
Zone: EMU H and X
Waterfowl
32 listed rowsCommon Gallinule, Virginia Rail, Sora Rail, Wilson's Snipe
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Statewide season
Zone: Statewide
Common Gallinule, Virginia Rail, Sora Rail, Wilson's Snipe
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Statewide
Coot, Duck and Merganser
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Oct. 3 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-13
Zone: Middle Zone
Coot, Duck and Merganser
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Oct. 3 - Nov. 29 and Dec. 12-13
Zone: Middle Zone
Coot, Duck and Merganser
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Oct. 17 - Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-27
Zone: South Zone
Coot, Duck and Merganser
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Oct. 17 - Dec. 13 and Dec. 26-27
Zone: South Zone
Coot, Duck and Merganser
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 26 - Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29
Zone: North Zone
Coot, Duck and Merganser
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 26 - Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29
Zone: North Zone
Dark Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 - Feb. 14
Zone: Allegan County GMU
Dark Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 3 - Dec. 18
Zone: Middle Zone
Dark Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Muskegon County WS GMU
Dark Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 3 - Dec. 18
Zone: Middle Zone
Show 20 more waterfowl rows
Dark Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Dec. 13, Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 and Feb. 6-15
Zone: South Zone
Dark Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct 17 - Dec. 13, Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 and Feb. 6-15
Zone: South Zone
Dark Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Dark Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Dark Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 - Feb. 14
Zone: Allegan County GMU
Dark Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Muskegon County WS GMU
Light Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Muskegon County WS GMU
Light Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct 17 - Dec. 13, Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 and Feb. 6-15
Zone: South Zone
Light Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Dec. 13, Dec. 26 - Jan. 3 and Feb. 6-15
Zone: South Zone
Light Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Muskegon County WS GMU
Light Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 3 - Dec. 18
Zone: Middle Zone
Light Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Light Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: North Zone
Light Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 3 - Dec. 18
Zone: Middle Zone
Light Goose
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 - Feb. 14
Zone: Allegan County GMU
Light Goose
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Sept. 1-30, Oct. 17 - Nov. 4 and Dec. 19 - Feb. 14
Zone: Allegan County GMU
Teal
Early Teal
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Statewide
Teal
Early Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Early teal season
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
Veterans and Active-Duty Military
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Veterans and Active-Duty U.S. Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
Youth
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
Firearm
Oct 10-31, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Zone 1
Pheasant
General
Oct 10-31, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Zone 1
Pheasant
General
Oct 20, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
2025 season; Oct. 20 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1
Zone: Zone 3
Pheasant
Firearm
Oct 20, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
2025 season; Oct. 20 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1
Zone: Zone 3
Pheasant
General
Oct 20-Nov 14, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Zone 2
Pheasant
Firearm
Oct 20-Nov 14, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Zone 2
Quail
Quail
Firearm
Oct 20-Nov 14, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Statewide
Quail
General
Oct 20-Nov 14, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Early Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual early season Sept. 15 - Nov. 14
Zone: Statewide
Ruffed Grouse
Late Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual late season Dec. 1 - Jan. 1
Zone: Statewide
Sharp-tailed Grouse
General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone: Zone 1
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Firearm
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Zone 1 only
Zone: Zone 1
Rabbit
Rabbit and Hare
Firearm
Sep 15, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
2025/26 season
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit and Hare
General
Sep 15, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
2025/26 season
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Fox and Gray Squirrel
Firearm
Sep 15, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
2025/26 season
Zone: Statewide
Fox and Gray Squirrel
General
Sep 15, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
2025/26 season
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Coyote
Trapping
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual trapping season Oct. 15 - Mar. 1
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
American Woodcock
Firearm
Sep 15-Oct 29, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
General
Sep 15-Oct 29, 2025
2025 season
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
Management
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual management season Mar. 2 - Oct. 14
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual season Oct. 15 - Mar. 1
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Trapping
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annually Oct. 15 - Mar. 1
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
Late Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual late season Aug. 1 - Sept. 30
Zone: Statewide
Crow
Early Season
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Annual early season Feb. 1 - Mar. 31
Zone: Statewide
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Michigan Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Michigan?
September 12, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Michigan; it is liberty hunt (youth/disability) white-tailed deer Sep 12-13, 2026.
When is Michigan's firearm deer season?
Nov 15-30, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Michigan. Check zone and permit details with Michigan DNR before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Michigan?
A current spring turkey opener is not listed for Michigan yet. Check Michigan DNR for the latest turkey dates.
Do I need a license to hunt in Michigan?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Michigan hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Michigan DNR.