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 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deer License (1 tag, archery & firearm) | $20 | Same price for residents and nonresidents. Antler point restrictions may apply. |
| Deer Combo (2 tags: regular + restricted) | $40 | |
| Deer Combo (2 tags: regular + restricted) | $190 | |
| Deer Antlerless Universal (any open DMU) | $20 | Same price for residents and nonresidents. No application required. In UP DMUs 351/352 an Antlerless Access Permit is also required. |
03 — Turkey permits
| Permit | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey License (1 bearded turkey) | $15 | Same price for residents and nonresidents. Requires a successful spring turkey hunt application for your unit first. |
| Fall Turkey License (unit-specific, either sex) | $15 | Same price for residents and nonresidents. Requires a successful fall turkey hunt application for your unit first. |
04 — Waterfowl & migratory bird permits
| Stamp | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Waterfowl License | $12 | Same price for residents and nonresidents. Required with a Federal Duck Stamp for hunters 16 and older. |
| Migratory Bird Hunter (HIP) Endorsement | Free | Free federal Harvest Information Program registration, required to hunt ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe or rails. |
| Federal Duck Stamp (eStamp) | $30 | Also valid for nonresidents. Temporary e-stamp is valid 45 days; the physical stamp is mailed. |
Waterfowl hunters 16 and older also need 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.
Michigan hunter safety course — options, costs and where to register →
06 — Where to buy
Licenses and permits are sold through Michigan DNR eLicense, the state's official portal.
Where to hunt public land in Michigan — WMAs by county & access rules →
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.
FAQ
Can I hunt on my own land in Michigan without a license?
A Michigan resident, their spouse, and their children may hunt small game without a license on farmland they're actually domiciled on. Deer and turkey aren't covered, and owning land you don't live on doesn't qualify.
How much is a hunting license in Michigan?
A resident annual Michigan hunting license costs $11, and the nonresident annual license costs $151. Species permits for deer, turkey and waterfowl are charged on top — see the tables above. Prices are set by Michigan Department of Natural Resources and were read from their own license document on Aug 6, 2026.
How much is a nonresident hunting license in Michigan?
$151 for the annual nonresident license. Species permits come on top of the base license.
How much is a deer permit in Michigan?
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. A deer permit is charged on top of the base hunting license.
What do I need to get a hunting license in Michigan?
Michigan requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. Licenses 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.
Do I need a hunter safety course to buy a Michigan hunting license?
Yes, for most first-time buyers. Required for anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1960. Nonresidents may substitute a valid hunter education certificate from another state.
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.