DNR License/Season Reminder: lake sturgeon, fall turkey, antlerless deer

Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 07/03/2018 09:30 AM EDT
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DNR License/Season Reminder - July 2018

group of antlerless deer in field

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

Lake sturgeon seasons opening soon

Angler holding lake sturgeon

Fishing for lake sturgeon is a rare and unique opportunity in Michigan. The month of July brings several season openers.

Detroit River

Fishing season: July 16 - March 15

Catch and release only. All lake sturgeon must be released immediately.

Lake St. Clair, St. Clair River

Fishing season: July 16 - March 15
Possession season: July 16 - Sept. 30

Fish must be between 42 and 50 inches. Lake sturgeon less than 42 inches and greater than 50 inches must be released immediately.

Otsego Lake (Otsego County)

Fishing/possession season: July 16 - March 15

Fish must be a minimum of 50 inches. Lake sturgeon less than 50 inches must be released immediately.

Anglers are limited to catching and keeping one lake sturgeon per year (April 1 - March 31) and are required to report, within 24 hours, any lake sturgeon they take. Reporting can be done online at michigan.gov/registerfish, by calling toll-free 844-345-FISH or in person at any DNR Customer Service Center during normal state business hours with advance notice of arrival.

It’s fall turkey application time

male and female wild turkeys

Fall turkey license application period: July 1 to Aug. 1

Portions of Michigan are open to fall turkey hunting – a great way to put a turkey on your Thanksgiving table! The season runs Sept. 15 to Nov. 14. 

Fall turkey hunting allows the DNR to stabilize or reduce wild turkey numbers in certain areas of the state to meet local goals based on habitat conditions and public feedback.

Find more information and buy an application online at michigan.gov/turkey.

Apply for antlerless deer licenses starting July 15

antlerless deer in forest

Antlerless deer license application period: July 15 to Aug. 15

Some areas of the state have a limited number of antlerless deer license applications available, making applying for that deer management unit important for some. Private-land applications do require a landowner phone number, so have it ready.

Young hunters, 16 and under, can buy antlerless deer licenses over the counter July 15- Aug. 15. Don't miss out!

Any leftover licenses that remain will go on sale Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. 

For more details about antlerless deer hunting and to buy an application online, visit michigan.gov/deer. 

New hunters, sign up now for safety classes

If you need to take a hunter safety class before hunting season, now’s the time to sign up – courses are offered year-round and tend to fill up in the fall. Options include classroom-based, home-study and online courses, all of which require a field day class. 

Another chance for bear and elk licenses

Not successful in the recent bear or elk license drawing? You can still apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt for chances at 2019 hunting licenses, including bear and elk. And each $5 application helps fund Michigan's wildlife habitat restoration and management.