Michigan · License · 2026 Edition
Michigan Hunting License Cost 2026: Fees, Deer & Turkey Permits
A year costs $11 for residents and $151 for nonresidents.
Michigan requires a Base License before any species tag can be purchased, and it carries the entire residency premium ($11 resident vs $151 nonresident). Deer, turkey and waterfowl tags themselves are priced the same for residents and nonresidents once the base license is bought.
01 — Base hunting license
| Type | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Base License | $11 | Required before purchasing any species tag; also covers small game. |
| Resident Apprentice Base License | $11 | Age 10+, no hunter safety certificate yet; must be accompanied by a licensed hunter 21+. |
| Hunt/Fish Combo (base + all-species fishing + 2 deer tags) | $76 | |
| Nonresident Base License | $151 | Required before purchasing any species tag; also covers small game. |
| Nonresident Apprentice Base License | $151 | Age 10+, no hunter safety certificate yet; must be accompanied by a licensed hunter 21+. |
| Hunt/Fish Combo (base + all-species fishing + 2 deer tags) | $266 |
02 — Deer permits
| Permit | Total |
|---|---|
| Deer License (1 tag, archery & firearm) | $20 |
| Deer Combo (2 tags: regular + restricted) | $40 |
| Deer Combo (2 tags: regular + restricted) | $190 |
| Deer Antlerless Universal (any open DMU) | $20 |
03 — Turkey permits
| Permit | Total |
|---|---|
| Spring Turkey License (1 bearded turkey) | $15 |
| Fall Turkey License (unit-specific, either sex) | $15 |
04 — Waterfowl stamp
| Stamp | Total |
|---|---|
| State Waterfowl License | $12 |
| Migratory Bird Hunter (HIP) Endorsement | Free |
| Federal Duck Stamp (eStamp) | $30 |
Waterfowl hunters 16+ also need the free federal HIP registration and a Federal Duck Stamp. Michigan duck season dates →
05 — Hunter education
Michigan requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. Required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960. Nonresidents may substitute a valid hunter education certificate from another state.
06 — Where to buy
Licenses and permits are sold through Michigan DNR eLicense, the state's official portal.
Michigan hunting licenses are valid March 1, 2026 through February 28, 2027. Species-specific licenses (spring/fall turkey, bear, elk) follow their own sale windows within that year.
Verified · Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-06
Publisher's note. Prices read from the MDNR license offerings document, retrieved 2026-08-06. Review due 2027-01-15. Fees are set by the state and change without notice — confirm current prices before purchase.