Hunting in Michigan: 5 Animals To Hunt in the Summer

The Great Lakes State is primarily known for fishing in the summer months, but hunters can enjoy a few sparse opportunities in the woods. Here are five game options available to hunters during the Michigan summer.

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1. Elk

Elk hunting in Michigan takes place during three periods, with the first one falling in late August. According to the state’s Elk Hunting Digest, this hunt is a lottery style hunt, limited to those who have been drawn by the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources for a license. The elk quota also applies, which means the hunt ends as soon as the quota is met, regardless if that is the first day of the season.

This first elk hunting period is primarily in the counties of Oscoda, Charlevoix, Otsego, Antrim, Presque Isle, Cheboygan, and Alpena. The hunt only has three days of a season. Elk hunt lottery license applications are taken from May 1 to June 1 each year, with the results of winning hunters posted online by the end of June.

2. Crow

Crow season starts in early August and runs until early fall each year. There is no bag limit on crows and the season is open to the entire state, not a specific zone. Hunters are required to have a small game license to hunt crow. Per federal regulations, if the animal is being a nuisance or poses a public health hazard, it can be taken outside of regular hunting season.

3. Raccoon

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Raccoon may be hunted on private lands during the summer months, from mid-July to the end of September, if they are being destructive. The animal may also be hunted at night with the use of dogs during this time, but only on private property. During night hunt firearms must be unloaded until the raccoon is treed. A firearm is then permitted to take the animal.

4. Feral Swine

Feral swine are considered an invasive species in Michigan and can be hunted at any time throughout the year. Hunters who hunt on private property are exempt from the hunting license requirement when they are taking swine.

5. Small Game

Small Game species, including porcupine, opossum, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, feral pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows can be hunted year-round in Michigan with a valid hunting license. No bag limit applies to any of these animals.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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