DNR License/Season Reminder: fishing, boating, turkey hunting, new eLicense

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 04/13/2018 02:00 PM EDT
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dad and kids fishing in a boat on a lake

Here are a few reminders about upcoming seasons and available licenses. Find more information about licenses and reservations on our Buy and Apply page. To learn more about hunting, fishing, boating and other activities, visit our Things to Do page.

2018 spring fishing season openers

2018 Fishing Guide and a fishing license

It’s time to dust of your fishing poles and make sure your license is up to date as two fishing seasons open Saturday, April 28. The statewide trout season (Type 1 and 2 streams and Type A and D lakes) and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons all open that day. 

For more information, refer to the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests. 

Spring turkey season starts soon

young male hunter with wild turkey he shot

The 2018 spring turkey season officially starts on April 23. Didn't get a license? You still have time.

Several options are available for anyone looking to harvest a turkey anywhere in Michigan. Staggered seasons mean you have different “openers” to choose from. Hunt ZZ and Hunt 234 can be bought over the counter and give you more hunt days.

Videos and additional information can be found at mi.gov/turkey.  Or call us at 517-284-WILD – we'd love to help. 

Don’t forget to register your watercraft

large boat at a dock with sailboat in background

Boat the longest U.S. freshwater coastline, thousands of miles of rivers and streams and 11,000 inland lakes – all in the Great Lakes State.

All watercraft, unless exempt, must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State. Registrations expire March 31 in the third year of issuance. 

Visit michigan.gov/boating to register your boat, make a slip reservation or explore Michigan boating.

Buying DNR licenses and permits easier with new eLicense

eLicense video thumbnail

We’ve made some changes to the DNR’s eLicense website to make it easier to use and more secure.

The biggest change is that all eLicense customers will now set up an ID and password to create your personal account, and once your account is created you’ll no longer need to enter your name and address every time you make a purchase. This new account feature also allows you to:

  • See three years of your license purchase history as well as bear preference points and elk weighted lottery chances.
  • Never lose your fishing or base license again – you can reprint them or save them to your mobile device.

Our video will walk you through the site and how to use some of its new features.

If you have questions about the new eLicense and how to use it, please see the eLicense FAQ and Help pages.

Check out the new eLicense.