SMALL GAME HUNTING
66
2023 Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary
What species can I hunt with my base license?
A base hunting license entitles you to hunt rabbit, hare, squirrel (fox and gray,
(black phase included), pheasant (a pheasant license may be required; see
page 67), ruffed grouse, sharp-tailed grouse (a free sharp-tailed grouse stamp
is required), woodchuck, woodcock (a free woodcock stamp is required), snipe
(a free HIP endorsement is required), coot (a free HIP endorsement is required),
rail (a free HIP endorsement is required), quail, crow, coyote (see current-year
Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary) and waterfowl (with a federal waterfowl
stamp and Michigan waterfowl hunting license, if 16 years old or older) during
the open season for each species. A base license is required to hunt small game
on your own enclosed farmlands where you live (see page 65 for damage control
exemptions). Nonresidents may choose to purchase the three-day or seven-day
small game license instead of an annual base license.
Do I need a Michigan waterfowl hunting license?
All waterfowl hunters 16 years old and older must purchase a Michigan waterfowl
hunting license in addition to a valid base license, including those hunting on their
own enclosed farmlands. Purchase of a waterfowl license includes registration
with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP). Youth waterfowl
hunters under 16 years old do not need a waterfowl license but must still register
with HIP. For all waterfowl hunting information, see the current-year Waterfowl
Hunting Regulations Summary.
Where can I hunt for quail?
Quail may be hunted in Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot,
Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston,
Macomb, Monroe, Montcalm, Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac,
Shiawassee, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. All other counties are
closed to quail hunting. See the “State parks and recreation areas” section, page
18, for the restrictions at Highland and Ionia recreation areas.
Do I need a woodcock stamp?
Yes, all woodcock hunters must have a valid base license and a free woodcock
stamp, available from all license agents, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
or on the DNR Hunt Fish app.The woodcock stamp includes registration with the
federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program.
What is the HIP endorsement?
The Harvest Information Program (HIP) is a cooperative effort between state
wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It was implemented to
improve knowledge about the harvest of migratory game birds. Any person who
hunts migratory game birds in Michigan is required to register with the HIP and