March hunting and trapping opportunities in Michigan

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March hunting and trapping opportunities in Michigan


Small game hunting

  • Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare: open through March 31.
  • Fox and gray squirrel (black phase included): open through March 31.

Season dates, bag limits and small game hunting regulations are available in the Hunting Digest and at Michigan.gov/SmallGame.


Fur harvesting

Hunting seasons:

  • Coyote hunting: open year-round.

Trapping seasons:

  • Raccoon trapping: open through March 31.
  • Beaver and otter trapping opportunities are available; see the Fur Harvester Digest (link below) for open units, season dates and bag limits.

Fur harvesting regulations, bag limits and season dates are available in the Fur Harvester Digest and at Michigan.gov/Trapping.


Spring turkey licenses available soon

Spring turkey drawing results will be available online Monday, March 7 or by calling the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (WILD). Successful applicants may purchase their license through the DNR eLicense store or over the counter at any license agent. Any licenses purchased online will be shipped to you in seven to 10 business days. 

Hunters who were unsuccessful in the drawing can purchase a leftover license starting Monday, March 14 at 10 a.m. 

If licenses remain, hunters who did not apply in the drawing may purchase a leftover license starting Monday, March 21 at 10 a.m. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit. 

Hunters may purchase one spring turkey license. A 2022 base license is required to purchase a spring turkey license. For additional license options and hunt information, see the 2022 Spring Turkey Digest. 


Get involved

NRC ►

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission meets March 10.

Support ►

Sponsor habitat projects on state lands through Adopt-a-Game-Area.

Hunting land ►

Find lands open to public hunting near you.

Download DNR digests for on-the-go access

For on-demand access that travels where you do, without the need for an internet connection, download DNR hunting and fishing digests right to your phone. Find the current digests and downloading instructions at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.


Questions? Contact us

Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-WILD (9453).