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Thinking of heading into the forests, fields or marshes of Michigan this fall to begin your new hobby of hunting? We’ve got all the tools you need. Hunting is a great way to get outdoors during one of Michigan’s loveliest seasons to provide locally sourced food for you and your family.
Start small
Many new hunters begin with small game. Rabbits, squirrels or upland game birds like grouse, woodcock and pheasants provide an exciting hunting challenge and have long seasons to offer a longer window of opportunity. Get comfortable with your firearm skills while you provide food for yourself and your family. Then, consider working your way up to big game like white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bear and elk.
Gear up
If you don’t have someone to borrow equipment from, you’ll need to invest in a firearm and ammunition, or archery equipment, as well as clothing and other items. Some things you may already have lying around, like a flashlight, compass, water bottle and backpack. Find a list of items you might need for your upcoming hunt.
Buy your license
You can buy ahead of time at MDNR-eLicense.com (but make sure to give yourself seven to 10 days for the license and kill tags to arrive in the mail). Or you can buy and have your licenses immediately in hand from almost any local hunting supply store around the state.
Still figuring out whether hunting is your thing? Maybe you haven’t gotten your hunter safety certificate yet? Don’t worry. We’ve got your back. The apprentice base hunting license allows new hunters to try the sport for up to two years without the commitment of taking hunter safety classes. An experienced hunter 21 or older must be with you while you’re hunting, which is a great chance for you to learn safe firearm handling – and other hunting skills – from a mentor.
Practice, practice, practice
Before you hunt, make sure you’re comfortable using your firearm or bow. The Department of Natural Resources’ seven staffed shooting ranges in southern Michigan – in Clinton, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer, Livingston and Oakland counties – offer a fun, safe shooting environment for you and your friends and family. Staffed by customer-friendly and highly trained employees, the DNR’s shooting ranges feature amenities like handgun, rifle, shotgun and archery ranges and restroom facilities. You also can search for a shooting range near you.
Find a place to hunt
No matter where you are in Michigan, you can find public hunting land, with millions of acres available to the public for hunting. Head to a state game area or state recreation area for public land hunting opportunities.
The Mi-HUNT mapping application can help you navigate, with the most up-to-date information to help you plan your hunting trip.
Finally, while you’re out enjoying the woods, be mindful of other recreationists who may be there and who also may be new to the area or to their chosen sport. Give each other lots of room to be safe and to enjoy a day afield.
Ready to hunt? Visit Michigan.gov/LearntoHunt for videos, tutorials, resources and links to help you prepare for your first Michigan hunting season. Good luck and be safe!
Questions? Contact DNR Wildlife at 517-284-WILD (9453).
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