Michigan Whitetail Hunting
Plan your Michigan whitetail hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land whitetail hunts across Michigan, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Michigan Whitetail Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Liberty Hunt
–
Youth hunters
Special hunting season for youth and hunters with disabilities
Early Firearm
–
Rifle
Archery
–
First period of archery season
Independence Hunt
–
Veteran
Exclusive hunting day for veterans
Regular Firearm
–
Rifle
Archery Season Late
–
Second period of archery season
Extended Urban Archery
–
Select counties only
Michigan Muzzleloader
–
Late Firearm
–
Rifle
Michigan Whitetail Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Combo - Resident | OTC | — | $40.00 |
Two deer licenses: $20 regular, $20 restricted. | |||
| Deer Combo - Senior | OTC | Ages 65+; Senior hunters | $28.00 |
For Michigan residents 65+. Two deer licenses: $8 regular, $20 restricted. | |||
| Deer License - Resident | OTC | — | $20.00 |
| Deer License - Senior | OTC | Ages 65+; Senior hunters | $8.00 |
For Michigan residents 65+. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Combo - Nonresident | OTC | — | $190.00 |
Two deer licenses: $20 regular, $170 restricted. | |||
| Deer License - Nonresident | OTC | — | $20.00 |
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless Deer License | OTC | — | $20.00 |
Same price for resident and nonresident. | |||
| Junior Antlerless Deer License | OTC | Youth hunters | $20.00 |
| Antlerless Deer Managed Area Hunt License | OTC | — | $20.00 |
| Deer Management Assistance Permit | OTC | — | $10.00 |
Does not require base license. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Michigan whitetail season includes several phases with different methods and eligibility requirements. Liberty Hunt for youth and hunters with disabilities runs September 14 to 15, 2025. Early Firearm season runs September 21 to 22, 2025. Archery season runs October 1 to November 14, 2025. Independence Hunt for veterans runs October 16 to 19, 2025. Regular Firearm season runs November 15 to 30, 2025. Archery Season Late runs December 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Extended Urban Archery in select counties runs December 1, 2025 to January 31, 2026. Michigan Muzzleloader season runs December 5 to 14, 2025. Late Firearm season runs December 15, 2025 to January 1, 2026.
