Michigan Fishing & Hunting

Fishing License Requirements

Michigan: Valid fishing license required for residents and non-residents. Buy online or at retailers.

FISHING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

WHO NEEDS A LICENSE
• All anglers 16+ (age varies by state)
• Residents and non-residents
• Both freshwater and saltwater (some states separate)

LICENSE TYPES
• Resident: Must prove residency (6-12 months typical)
• Non-Resident: Higher cost, same validity
• Tourist/Short-term: 1-day to 14-day options
• Lifetime: One-time purchase, significant savings

HOW TO GET A LICENSE
1. Online: State fish & wildlife website
2. Retailers: Sporting goods, bait shops, Walmart
3. Phone: Some states offer phone purchases
4. In-Person: Fish & game office

WHAT'S INCLUDED
• Basic fishing license covers most public waters
• Trout stamps/endorsements may be extra
• Saltwater endorsements may be required
• Some species require special tags (salmon, sturgeon)

RECIPROCITY
• Most states have NO reciprocity
• Must buy license for each state you fish
• Some border waters have agreements
• Check specific shared waters

CARRYING YOUR LICENSE
• Must carry while fishing
• Digital licenses accepted in most states
• Be prepared to show to game wardens

Hunting License & Hunter Education

Michigan: Hunter education certificate required. License + tags for specific species. Seasons strictly enforced.

HUNTING LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

HUNTER EDUCATION
Required for all first-time hunters (any age):
• Classroom or online course
• Live-fire component in most states
• One-time requirement (valid nationwide)
• Takes 8-12 hours typically

LICENSE TYPES
• Base hunting license: Required for all hunting
• Species tags: Deer, elk, turkey, etc.
• Stamps: Waterfowl (federal + state)
• Permits: Special hunts, limited entry

FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
• Federal Duck Stamp: Required for waterfowl
• HIP Registration: For migratory birds
• Both available with state license purchase

SEASON DATES
Strictly enforced - hunting outside season is poaching:
• Deer: Fall (varies by weapon type)
• Turkey: Spring and fall
• Waterfowl: Fall/winter
• Small game: Varies

BAG LIMITS
Daily and season limits for each species:
• Exceeding limits is a serious offense
• Must tag game immediately
• Report harvest as required

WHERE TO HUNT
• Public land: National forests, BLM, state lands
• Private land: Written permission required
• Posted land: Stay out without permission
• Safety zones: Near buildings, roads

CARRYING REQUIREMENTS
• License on person while hunting
• Tags attached to harvested game
• Hunter orange required (big game)

Michigan Fishing & Hunting License

Michigan requires license (all-species for fish). Base license needed for hunting with deer/turkey combos. UP different season than LP.

FISHING: All-species license required age 17+ ($26 resident, $76 non-resident). Salmon/trout stamp for Great Lakes. HUNTING: Base license required ($11 resident, $151 non-resident). Deer license ($20) and turkey license separate. UP (Upper Peninsula) has different seasons than LP (Lower Peninsula). Bear permits by lottery. Antlerless deer permits by lottery for some areas. Hunter education required. MCL 324.43532.