📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Michigan: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Michigan Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)1960
Exemption applies toJan 1, 1960
Online-only course accepted?Hybrid only — field day required
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Limited — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationmichigan.gov/dnr ↗

Michigan Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $15 resident / $151 nonresident
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$15$151
Hunter Education Course$24.95$24.95
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Michigan Hunting License

  • Online: michigan.gov/dnr — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Michigan Department of Natural Resources regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Michigan Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before 1960, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at michigan.gov/dnr. Course: Hybrid only — field day required. Cost: $24.95.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to michigan.gov/dnr, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $15.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Michigan hunting regulations digest at michigan.gov/dnr for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Michigan game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Michigan Insider Note Michigan offers one of the most mentored hunting programs in the country. The Youth Apprentice program allows supervised youth hunting from age 10.

Frequently Asked Questions — Michigan

Yes. Michigan recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Michigan license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Michigan licenses are available online at michigan.gov/dnr. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Michigan game wardens.
Michigan's Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth to hunt annually under adult supervision. Adults use the standard deferral. See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit michigan.gov/dnr and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Michigan Department of Natural Resources directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Always verify current rules at michigan.gov/dnr before purchasing a license.