Last checked: Oct 28, 2026. Official sources are listed at the bottom of this page. Things change, so check the official page before you go.
2026 season dates from the Michigan DNR. Rules apply statewide unless a zone is noted. Check the DNR regulations before you go.
Free weekends
- Free Fishing Weekend 2026: February 14 to 15 and June 13 to 14. No fishing license is needed for residents or visitors. All other fishing rules still apply.
- A Recreation Passport is not required at state parks and boating access sites during Free Fishing Weekends.
- The June weekend was also the "Three Free" Weekend, with Free ORV Weekend. The second Free ORV Weekend was August 15 to 16, 2026.
- Future dates follow a set rule: the winter weekend is the Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend, and the summer weekend is the Saturday and Sunday after the first full week of June.
Deer seasons 2026
- Archery: October 1 to November 14, and December 1, 2026 to January 1, 2027.
- Regular firearm: November 15 to 30.
- December firearm (Lower Peninsula): December 4 to 6. All legal firearms may be used in the Lower Peninsula.
- Late antlerless firearm (most Lower Peninsula units): December 7, 2026 to January 1, 2027.
- The limited firearms deer zone is gone. Since September 12, 2026, all legal firearms may be used across the Lower Peninsula.
- Deer harvest reporting is mandatory. Help line: 517-284-9453.
Small game and turkey 2026
- Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare: September 15 to March 31.
- Fox and gray squirrel: September 15 to March 31.
- Ruffed grouse: September 15 to November 14, and December 1 to January 1.
- Pheasant: Zones 2 and 3, October 20 to November 14 (check the DNR zone map). December pheasant management unit, December 1 to January 1.
- Coyote: hunting and trapping October 15 to March 1.
- Fall turkey (TMU M): September 15 to November 14. Spring 2027 statewide TMU: May 1 to 31. Check the DNR unit maps for your area.
Waterfowl, South Zone 2026
- Duck, coot and merganser: October 17 to December 13, and December 26 to 27.
- Dark and light goose: September 1 to 30, October 17 to December 13, December 26 to January 3, and February 6 to 15.
- Allegan County GMU goose: September 1 to 30, October 17 to November 4, and December 19 to February 14.
- Check the DNR waterfowl digest for zone boundaries.
Fishing basics
- Anglers 17 and older need a license. 2026 licenses are valid April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
- Catch-and-immediate-release bass and muskie fishing is open all year on nearly all waters.
- More fishing season dates, launches and campgrounds: see our Fishing and camping page.
Common questions
When is Michigan firearm deer season in 2026?
Regular firearm deer season is November 15 to 30, 2026. The December firearm season in the Lower Peninsula is December 4 to 6.
When is Michigan Free Fishing Weekend?
In 2026 it was February 14 to 15 and June 13 to 14. The winter weekend is always the Saturday and Sunday of Presidents Day weekend, and the summer weekend is the Saturday and Sunday after the first full week of June.
When is duck season in southern Michigan in 2026?
In the South Zone: October 17 to December 13, and December 26 to 27, 2026.
Who needs a fishing license in Michigan?
Anyone 17 or older, except on Free Fishing Weekend.