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Common Ground News

How much is a duck hunting license in Michigan?

Author

James Craig

Updated on February 16, 2026

How much is a duck hunting license in Michigan?

Waterfowl Hunting License and Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp Requirements. In addition to a base license, all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase a Michigan waterfowl hunting license ($12) and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp* ($25).

Also to know is, how much is a hunting license in Michigan?

LANSING, MI – Hunters in select Michigan counties can purchase antlerless deer licenses for the reduced price of $5. The offer, a deal compared to the regular $20 cost, is for hunters in DNR deer management units 452 and 487 which includes all of Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle counties.

Subsequently, question is, where can I duck hunt in Michigan? However, some of the best public hunting areas are Michigan's Wetland Wonders: seven managed waterfowl hunting areas totaling almost 29,000 acres, all in lower Michigan. These include Nayanquing Point, Fish Point, Shiawassee River, Harsens Island, Pointe Mouillee, Muskegon County Wastewater and Fennville Farm Unit.

Keeping this in view, how many ducks can you shoot in Michigan?

Hunting hours are from sunrise to sunset, and the bag limit is six teal.

How long is duck season in Michigan?

Duck seasons

Waterfowl hunting regulations and bag limits can be found in the 2018-19 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest. Duck seasons are in north zone from Sept. 29 to Nov. 25 and Dec.

Do you need a hunting license to hunt on your own property in Michigan?

A resident is a person whose permanent home is in Michigan. All Michigan residents must have the Base License. This license allows hunters to hunt small game. Additional licenses are required for other game species.

Can you carry a pistol while bow hunting in Michigan?

If you have a Concealed Pistol License in Michigan, you can carry concealed or open. You may not take any game with a handgun while bow hunting. A rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, or bow may be of limited use when in an defense situation.

Does Michigan have a lifetime hunting license?

(e) The fee for a comprehensive lifetime hunting and fishing license is $1,025.00 and shall include all of the following: (i) Resident small game license. (ii) Resident firearm deer license.

How many deer tags can I get in Michigan?

The statewide limit for private-land antlerless license purchase is 10 per hunter. This limit offers maximum opportunity for those who wish to manage abundant deer on their property.

How much is a Michigan non resident hunting license?

The cost for a nonresident base license is $151. The hunter can then add a deer tag, good for an antlered deer, for an additional $20. If you want to get the combo license, it is an additional $190. This will let you hunt both archery and firearm seasons and take up to two deer.

How much is a Michigan fishing license?

Resident annual - $26. Nonresident annual - $76. Senior annual (resident 65 or older or residents who are legally blind) - $11. 24-hour (resident or nonresident) - $10.

How much does a small game license cost in Michigan?

You can purchase either the annual base license OR a short-term small game license: Nonresident 3-day small game: $50. Nonresident 7-day small game: $80. Nonresident base annual license: $151.
Hunting of ducks for sport is not permitted in the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland and Western Australia. However, in some of these states ducks can be shot under licence when they are considered to be causing damage to crops, dams or waterways. The Northern Territory also permits recreational hunting of magpie geese.

Can you shoot ducks on the water in Michigan?

You may not hunt waterfowl with a firearm from a raised platform except over submerged bottomlands. Blinds or platforms constructed over public waters must meet marking and removal requirements. You may not use or occupy a blind on the waters of the state that does not comply with marking and placement requirements.

How many geese can you kill a day?

The possession limit is three times the daily bag limit for all waterfowl species except snow geese.

Waterfowl Bag Limits.

SpeciesDaily LimitPossession Limit
Coot1545
Canada geese#see map
Snow geese25no limit
Brant26

Why do ducks fly at night?

On migration and wintering areas, the daily activity of ducks and geese is influenced by the birds' energy demands, weather and habitat conditions, and disturbance from hunters or natural predators. And ducks and geese often make these local shifts in distribution at night.

How many shells can you have while duck hunting?

Question: Is it legal for one person to have two shotguns in a duck blind? (Bob G.) Answer: Yes, but while it's legal to have more than one shotgun in your blind, keep in mind there is a 25 shell limit on most public shooting areas (state and federal refuges).

Can you shoot geese on the ground?

generally geese are shot with a shotgun while they are flying. you probably can't get within shotgun range while they are on the ground. most people set up a blind and shoot the geese as they come in to feed.

What kind of ammo do you use for duck hunting?

Common shot sizes used for waterfowl (from smallest to largest) are No. 4, 3, 2, 1, BB, BBB and T shot. Naturally, smaller shot sizes are best suited for ducks, while the larger shot is better for geese and swans.

What is needed to hunt ducks in Michigan?

In addition to a base license, all waterfowl hunters age 16 and older are required to purchase a Michigan waterfowl hunting license ($12) and a Federal Migratory Bird Hunting Stamp* ($25). The Harvest Information Program (HIP) endorsement is required for all those hunting migratory birds.

What are shooting hours in Michigan?

Hunting-Hour Time Zones

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).

Is Michigan Good for hunting?

Michigan is the best deer hunting state because license fees for non-residents are low compared to other states and Michigan is home to some noticeably larger whitetail deer.” Many hunters across the country know that Michigan is perfect for deer hunting, but what exactly makes it so great?

Can you shoot geese on the ground in Michigan?

YES it is legal but not too sportsmen like unless its a cripple.

What does Michigan base license cover?

An annual base license is required for every resident or nonresident who hunts in Michigan, unless otherwise noted. The base license allows hunters to hunt small game and to purchase additional hunting licenses.

Are geese protected in Michigan?

Canada geese are an important natural resource and are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They can be legally hunted during the hunting seasons with the proper licenses. The frightening and repellants described in this brochure are methods sanctioned by the DNR.

Can you hunt squirrels in Michigan?

Michigan's public lands offer no end of outdoor activities for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts alike — including squirrel hunting. The squirrel hunting season is one of the longest hunting seasons, spanning from Sept. 15 to March 31 for fox and grey squirrel species.

When can you hunt rabbits in Michigan?

The season for hunting rabbits in Michigan runs from Sept. 15 to March 31, and you are allowed five per day and 10 combined possession statewide. Rabbit can be hunted with any gun, pistol or bow and hunters are required to wear blaze orange hat or gloves while hunting.

What can you hunt in Michigan?

In Michigan, you can hunt the following animals any time of year:
  • Woodchuck.
  • Feral swine.
  • Opossum.
  • House sparrows.
  • Feral pigeons.
  • Skunk.
  • Red and ground squirrels.
  • Starling.

Do you need a tag to hunt geese?

Tagging is one of those things you only hear about once a year and is hardly ever followed by the average duck or goose hunter. However, the federal law is clear, and tagging of killed waterfowl is an absolute necessity for you and your hunting party to be legal under federal law.