Hunting in Michigan: 6 Animals To Hunt in the Winter

Michigan is known for its cold winters and record-breaking temps, but is still a haven for hunters in the winter months. Snow makes tracking game easier and the cold weather keeps their movements limited. If you are a hunter looking for a unique hunting experience, here are six game animals you should consider hunting during Michigan’s winter:

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1. Deer

Regular firearm season takes place annually from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30, regardless of what day it falls on. Archery season takes place twice, once in the fall and once in the winter months, from early December to early January. All muzzleloader season takes place during the month of December.

2. Bear

Bear hunting in Michigan is limited to those hunters who win the lottery draw each year. Limits are imposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and changed each year to meet wildlife management goals. But if you happen to be one of the lucky individuals to get a bear tag, the Michigan hunt for black bear takes place three times in the winter months, depending on what kind of tag you are drawn for and where you are located. Lottery applications are typically taken in early May and drawn in the middle of summer.

3. Turkey

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Fall turkey season starts in the middle of fall (early September) and has a brief presence in the winter months, running into mid-November, depending upon your location in the state.

4. Squirrel (Fox and Gray)

Fox and Gray Squirrel season begins in late fall (mid-September) and runs through the winter, ending in early March.

5. Ruffed Grouse

Ruffed Grouse has two seasons, one in the fall and one in the winter. The winter season begins in early December and runs until early January.

6. Pheasant

Pheasant hunting is offered during the winter in the state’s Zone 3 (primarily lower Michigan) and opens in early December and runs until early January each year.

Hunters should keep in mind that dates, seasons, and game species are subject to change based upon the goals of the Dept. of Natural Resources. To see current dates, visit www. Michigan.gov/dnr and click on the Hunting Season Calendar link provided.

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

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