Michigan
2024
Important:
• The coyote hunting season is July 15 - April
15, 2025.
• The bobcat trapping seasons in Units A and
B are Nov. 1-14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 18, 2025.
• The second bobcat kill tag in Units A and B
is valid for public and private lands.
• The combined bag limit for sher and
marten is two per resident fur harvester.
• Centerre rearms can be used at night
on public and private lands in the limited
rearms deer zone.
• Bobcat kill tags only available through Oct.
31, 2024.
Rules apply from May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Includes badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, sher, fox (gray and red), marten,
mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk and weasel (least,
short-tailed/ermine and long-tailed)
RAP (Report All Poaching): Call or text 800-292-7800
Stay on top of the latest news from the Michigan DNR!
Visit Michigan.gov/DNREmail to sign up for email updates!
Furbearer management .................... 3
Managing furbearers in Michigan
..... 3
Season dates and bag limits
............. 5
Year-round furbearer harvest
............ 5
Mitigating damage caused by
furbearers
........................................... 5
Furbearer hunting season dates
....... 5
Furbearer trapping season dates
....... 6
Furbearer management units
............ 7
Bag limits
........................................... 11
License types and fees .................... 12
License types and fees by age
.........12
Hunter education
..............................13
Trapper education ............................. 13
Mentored youth hunting and
trapping ..............................................13
Apprentice hunting and trapping
..... 14
Michigan residents............................15
Michigan veterans with disabilities
.. 15
U.S. military personnel ...................... 15
Treaty-authorized hunters and
trappers
............................................. 16
DNR Sportcard
.................................. 16
Base license
...................................... 16
Fur harvester license
........................ 17
Furbearer kill tags .............................18
Incidental seals .................................18
Purchasing licenses and kill tags ... 20
Identication requirements
..............20
Where to buy licenses and kill tags
. 21
Lost licenses and kill tags ................ 21
When and where to hunt/trap ......... 22
Hunting hours ....................................22
Hunting and trapping zones ............ 25
Limited rearms deer zone ...............25
Safety zones
......................................26
Public lands
.......................................26
State lands ........................................ 27
State parks and recreation areas ....28
National forest lands .......................28
Commercial Forest lands
..................29
Hunting Access Program...................29
Local municipalities
..........................30
Waterways
.........................................30
Rights of way ..................................... 31
Trespassing ........................................ 31
Equipment regulations ..................... 32
Hunter orange
...................................32
Elevated platforms and ground
blinds .................................................32
Bows, crossbows and rearms during
daytime hours
....................................34
Bows, crossbows and rearms during
nighttime hours ................................. 36
Articial lights ................................... 37
Transporting bows, crossbows and
rearms ..............................................38
Trap regulations
...............................39
Hunting and trapping methods
........ 44
Animal structures and beaver
dams ..................................................44
Decoys and calls ..............................45
Baiting
................................................45
Training dogs on furbearers
.............45
Hunting with dogs
.............................45
Wolf-dog conicts
.............................. 46
Commercial hunting guides .............48
Incidental catch ................................ 49
Wildlife diseases ............................... 52
Canine distemper .............................. 52
Rabies ................................................ 52
Sarcoptic mange
..............................52
Invasive species
................................ 54
Nutria .................................................55
Russian boar .....................................55
After the harvest ............................... 56
Validating harvest
.............................56
Transporting game animals
..............56
Furbearer registration stations
........56
Buying and selling game animals
....58
Report all poaching .......................... 59
Glossary ............................................. 60
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
3
FURBEARER MANAGEMENT
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
is committed to the conservation, protection,
management, use and enjoyment of the state’s
natural and cultural resources for current and
future generations.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission is
a seven-member public body whose members
are appointed by the governor and subject to
the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC
has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of
game and sportsh. The commission conducts
monthly, public meetings in locations throughout
Michigan. Citizens are encouraged to become
actively involved in these public forums. For more
information, visit Michigan.gov/NRC.
This program receives federal nancial assistance
from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under
Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, Section
504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II
of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990,
the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,
the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits
discrimination on the basis of race, color, national
origin, age, sex or disability. If you believe that you
have been discriminated against in any program,
activity or facility, or if you need more information,
please write to: Oce of Diversity, Inclusion and
Civil Rights, Department of the Interior, 1849 C
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20240.
NOTICE: This document is not a legal notice or
a complete collection of hunting regulations
and laws. It is a summary of regulations issued
for hunters’ convenience. Copies of wildlife
conservation orders, which contain complete
listings of regulations and legal descriptions, are
available at
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Michigan has 17 species of furbearers
that can be harvested using hunting
or trapping methods. The term
“furbearer” generally applies to
those species that historically have
been harvested for their fur. Most
of Michigan’s furbearer species
are carnivores, with a few notable
exceptions such as beaver and
muskrat.
Given the large number of furbearer
species that can be harvested in
Michigan, there are many different
types of furbearer-related recreational
opportunities throughout the state. Fur
harvesting has played an important
role in the lives of many Michigan
residents since long before statehood
and has continued to the present day.
Continued on page 4
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
FURBEARER MANAGEMENT
4
The DNR monitors furbearer populations and regularly reviews regulations to
ensure that furbearers are managed to sustain populations, maintain recreational
opportunities, and allow for mitigation of nuisance issues and damage control.
Regulations are in place to ensure populations are not harvested in a way that
may be unsustainable and to provide biologists information on species to aid in
management (such as through mandatory registration).
For more information on furbearer management in Michigan, visit
Michigan.gov/Trapping.
5
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Opossum, skunk and weasel can be harvested year-round, using all legal hunting
and trapping methods for those species, statewide with a valid Michigan fur
harvesting license. There is no bag limit for these species.
Beaver, coyote, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel can be harvested
year-round, using all legal hunting and trapping methods for those species, on
private property when doing or physically present where they could imminently
cause damage. Damage means physical harm to forest products, roads, dams,
buildings, orchards, apiaries, livestock and horticultural or agricultural crops.
Beaver or muskrat are only considered to be doing damage if their activities result
in ooding or culvert blockages that cause damage. A license or written permit is
not needed.
Season Area Season dates Notes
Bobcat*
hunting
Unit A
Unit B
Unit C
Unit D
Unit G
Unit H
Jan. 1 – March 1
Jan. 1 – March 1
Jan. 1 – March 1
Jan. 1 – Feb. 1
Jan. 1-20
Jan. 1–11
Kill tags available May 1 – Oct. 31, 2024
Coyote
hunting
Statewide July 15 – April 15 Nighttime hunting allowed
Fox (gray and
red) hunting
Statewide Oct. 15 – March 1 Nighttime hunting allowed
Opossum
hunting
Statewide Year-round Nighttime hunting allowed
Raccoon
hunting
Statewide Oct. 1 – March 31 Nighttime hunting allowed
Skunk
hunting
Statewide Year-round N/A
SEASON DATES AND BAG LIMITS
Table Continued
SEASON DATES AND BAG LIMITS
6
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Season Area Season dates Notes
Weasel (least,
short-tailed/
ermine and
long-tailed)
hunting
Statewide Year-round N/A
*Mandatory registration required for harvested furbearer.
Season Area Season dates Notes
Badger
trapping
Zone 1
1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Oct. 15 – Nov. 14
Oct. 15 – Nov. 14
Nov. 1 – March 1
N/A
Beaver
trapping
(resident)
Unit A
Unit B
Unit C
Oct. 25 – April 30
Nov. 1 – April 25
Nov. 10 – April 25
N/A
Beaver
trapping
(nonresident)
Unit A
Unit B
Unit C
Nov. 15 – April 30
Nov. 24 – April 25
Dec. 15 – April 25
N/A
Bobcat*
trapping
Unit A
Unit B
Unit C
Unit D
Unit G
Unit H
Nov. 1-14 and
Dec. 1 – Jan. 18
Nov. 1-14 and
Dec. 1 – Jan. 18
Dec. 10-29
Dec. 10-29
Dec. 10-29
Dec. 10-20
Kill tags available May 1 – Oct. 31,
2024
Coyote
trapping
Statewide Oct. 15 – March 1 Nonlethal cable restraints can be used
Jan. 1 – March 1
Fox (gray and
red) trapping
Statewide Oct. 15 – March 1 Nonlethal cable restraints can be used
Jan. 1 – March 1
Fisher*
trapping
Zone 1
2
Dec. 6-15 Kill tags available May 1 – Dec. 15
Marten*
trapping
Zone 1
2
Dec. 6-15 Kill tags available May 1 – Dec. 15
Muskrat
trapping
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Oct. 25 – March 1
Nov. 1 – March 1
Nov. 10 – March 1
N/A
Table Continued
7
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Season Area Season dates Notes
Mink trapping Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Oct. 25 – March 1
Nov. 1 – March 1
Nov. 10 – March 1
N/A
Opossum
trapping
Statewide Year-round N/A
Otter*
trapping
Unit A
Unit B
Unit C
Oct. 25 – March 31
Nov. 1 – March 31
Nov. 10 – March 31
Kill tags available May 1 – March 31,
2025
Raccoon
trapping
Statewide Oct. 1 – March 31 N/A
Skunk
trapping
Statewide Year-round N/A
Weasel (least,
short-tailed/
ermine and
long-tailed)
trapping
Statewide Year-round N/A
*Mandatory registration required for harvested furbearer.
1
Zone 1 badger management unit includes Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron,
Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee and Ontonagon counties and that area of Alger and Delta
counties west of a line beginning at the point on the Lake Superior shoreline due north of
where Federal Forest Highway 13 and H-58 intersect, then southerly upon Federal Forest
Highway 13 to where it intersects with U.S. 2, then due south of the intersection of Federal
Forest Highway 13 and U.S. 2 to the point of intersection with the Lake Michigan shoreline.
2
Zone 1 for sher and marten trapping excludes Drummond Island.
Where can I nd detailed descriptions of furbearer management unit
boundaries?
For detailed descriptions of furbearer management unit boundaries, visit
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at
Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
What are the badger management units and boundaries?
The badger management units for trapping are dened in the Wildlife Conservation
Order.
• Zone 1 is Baraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette,
Menominee and Ontonagon counties and that area of Alger and Delta counties
west of a line beginning at the point on the Lake Superior shoreline due north
Continued on page 8
SEASON DATES AND BAG LIMITS
8
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
of where Federal Forest Highway 13 and H-58 intersect, then southerly upon
Federal Forest Highway 13 to where it intersects with U.S. 2, then due south
of the intersection of Federal Forest Highway 13 and U.S. 2 to the point of
intersection with the Lake Michigan shoreline.
• Zone 2 and Zone 3 correspond with the Michigan hunting zones.
What are the beaver and otter management units and boundaries?
The beaver and otter management units for trapping correspond with the three
Michigan hunting zones.
• Unit A is Zone 1.
• Unit B is Zone 2.
• Unit C is Zone 3.
Are there locations closed to beaver and otter trapping?
Yes. Beaver and otter trapping are closed in the following areas:
• Benzie County: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
• Leelanau County: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
9
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
• Schoolcraft County: Seney National Wildlife Refuge closed to otter trapping;
contact the refuge about possible beaver trapping
See page 18 for a listing of public-land trapping areas where a permit is required.
What are the bobcat management units and boundaries?
The bobcat management units for hunting and trapping are dened in the Wildlife
Conservation Order.
• Unit A is the Upper Peninsula, except Drummond Island.
• Unit B is Drummond Island.
• Unit C is Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency,
Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.
• Unit D is Arenac, Clare, Crawford, Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee,
Ogemaw, Osceola, Roscommon and Wexford counties.
• Unit G is Bay, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Isabella, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee,
Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Newaygo and Oceana counties.
• Unit H is Clinton, Gratiot, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa, Saginaw
and Shiawassee counties.
SEASON DATES AND BAG LIMITS
10
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
What are the sher and marten management units and boundaries?
The sher and marten management units for trapping are dened in the Wildlife
Conservation Order and correspond with the Michigan hunting and trapping
zones. Fisher and marten trapping is open in all of Zone 1, except Drummond
Island.
Can I set my traps out before the season opens?
No. You can only stake, put out or set a catching device when the open season for
the targeted species begins.
Why are beaver and otter trapping season dates different?
Since 2020, the Michigan beaver and otter trapping seasons have ended
at different times. This change was made to allow for more beaver harvest
opportunities without increasing the spring harvest of otters. We are asking
beaver trappers in April to make every effort to target only beaver and to make
sets that are most likely to avoid otters. Reducing the April take of otters will help
ensure the extended beaver season can remain in place and that we can offer
expanded otter bag limits for the open season. However, if a trapper has otter kill
tags, they can be used to tag otters taken in April if caught incidentally in beaver
sets.
11
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Species Resident bag limit Nonresident bag limit
Badger 1 N/A
Beaver No limit No limit
Bobcat 2
1
N/A
Coyote No limit No limit
Fisher 2* N/A
Fox (gray and red) No limit No limit
Marten 2* N/A
Muskrat No limit No limit
Mink No limit No limit
Opossum No limit No limit
Otter 4
2
N/A
Raccoon No limit No limit
Skunk No limit No limit
Weasel (least, short-
tailed/ermine and long-
tailed)
No limit No limit
1
One bobcat kill tag is valid for all lands and for all units combined. The second
bobcat kill tag is valid for public and private lands in Unit A ONLY.
2
Combined bag limit is four otters per resident fur harvester. Only three otters in a
bag limit can be taken from Unit B. Only two otters in a bag limit can be taken from
Unit C.
*Fisher and marten have a combined bag limit of two animals.
12
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
LICENSE TYPES AND FEES
*One dollar from each of these licenses will be used to educate the public on the benets of hunting,
shing and trapping in Michigan and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation
and management of the state’s natural resources.
1
Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
2
The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
3
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
4
Must purchase 2024 base license by Feb. 28, 2025, in order to purchase a fur harvester license in
March or April 2025.
5
Must be a resident, 8 years old or older, to obtain kill tags for bobcat, sher, marten or otter.
License type Youth age:
9 and under
Youth age:
10-16
Resident
age: 17-64
Resident
senior
age: 65+
Nonresident
age: 17+
1
DNR
Sportcard*
2
$1 $1 $1 $1 $1
Mentored
youth license
$7.50 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Pure
Michigan
Hunt
application
3
N/A $5 $5 $5 $5
Base license*
- valid through
March 31,
2025
N/A $6 $11 $5 $151
Fur harvester
license*
4
-
valid through
April 30, 2025
N/A $15 $15 $15 $15
Bobcat kill
tag
$0
5
$0 $0 $0 N/A
Fisher/
marten kill
tag
$0
5
$0 $0 $0 N/A
Otter kill tag $0
5
$0 $0 $0 N/A
13
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Is hunter safety required for purchasing a license?
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter
safety certicate or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license)
to purchase your license. A valid hunter education safety certicate from
another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are
of fered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at
Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. For a replacement Michigan hunter safety
certicate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.
What are the rules for a youth hunter 10–16 years old who has taken hunter
safety?
Youth 10-16 years old who are hunter safety-certied must be accompanied by an
adult at least 18 years old to hunt, unless:
• The youth is hunting on land on which a parent or guardian regularly resides;
AND
• The license is not an apprentice license.
Youth 10-16 years old who are NOT hunter safety-certied may hunt as an
apprentice hunter. Nonresidents up to 16 years old may purchase resident and
junior licenses but are not eligible to obtain kill tags for sher, otter, marten and
bobcat.
Do I need to take a trapper education course?
No. Michigan’s trapper education course is voluntary but strongly recommended
for those who are new to trapping. Safe hunting and trapping begin with education.
The trapper education course helps individuals acquire the knowledge, skill,
attitude and judgment to selectively and responsibly trap furbearing animals.
Topics include understanding wildlife management, wildlife identication, various
trapping techniques, ethics, laws and regulations. For more information on classes
currently offered in your area, please visit Michigan.gov/HunterEducation.
What is the Mentored Youth Hunting Program?
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger
to hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years old, has hunting experience and has
a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice license.
I am 9 years old or younger and not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a
mentored youth license?
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents
who are 9 years old or younger.
LICENSE TYPES AND FEES
14
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
What species can mentored youth harvest with their license?
The mentored youth license is a “package” license to hunt small game, waterfowl,
turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and sh for all species. It also
allows hunters to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless
deer, bear, elk and fall turkey. Mentored youth can harvest furbearers on public
lands and private or Commercial Forest lands. Additional restrictions apply;
complete program details can be found online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
As a mentored youth hunter, can I obtain furbearer kill tags?
Yes. If you are a Michigan resident and licensed under the Mentored Youth
Hunting Program, you can obtain kill tags for bobcat, sher, marten or otter. You
must be at least 8 years old to obtain furbearer kill tags.
What happens if a mentored youth turns 10 years old during the license year?
The mentored license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license
year, even if the mentored youth turns 10 years old during the license year.
What is the Apprentice Hunting Program?
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter
safety certicate and is 10 years old or older to hunt or trap during the current
hunting and trapping seasons with a mentor who is at least 21 years old. An
apprentice hunter or trapper will need to purchase a base apprentice license to
participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and
waterfowl. Apprentice hunters and trappers can harvest furbearers on public
lands and private or Commercial Forest lands. Complete program details can be
found at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a base apprentice license?
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who
do not have a hunter safety certicate.
How many times can I purchase a base apprentice license?
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you
must successfully complete a hunter safety course and purchase a regular base
license.
Can I hunt by myself with a base apprentice license, or do I need to hunt with
someone else?
When hunting as an apprentice hunter, you must be accompanied by someone
21 years old or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same
game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10-16 years old,
your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated
by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany
no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
15
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
How close do I need to be to my accompanying mentor during the hunt?
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay
within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.
Do I qualify as a Michigan resident?
To qualify as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this
state with the intention of remaining in this state. Resident status can only be
claimed in one state.
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university and reside in the state
during the school year.
• Serve full time in the U.S. military and be ofcially stationed in Michigan.
• Serve full time in the U.S. military and maintain residency in Michigan.
If I own land in Michigan but live in a different state, can I buy a resident fur
harvester license or furbearer kill tags?
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualication for a resident
license. You would be considered a nonresident.
I am a Michigan veteran with a disability. Do I get a discount?
Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to obtain
any hunting and fur harvester license that does not require a separate application
free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:
• You have been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and
entitled to veterans’ benets at the 100-percent rate, for disabilities other than
blindness.
• You have been rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as
individually unemployable.
Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the
above conditions must be in the possession of the veteran when obtaining free
licenses and while aeld. For more information on hunters with disabilities, visit
Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.
I am in the military. Do I get a discount?
Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have
maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting and fur harvester license fees
LICENSE TYPES AND FEES
16
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must
present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence
verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid
Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.
Can I hunt with a tribal member?
Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you
possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for
which you are hunting. You must still follow all applicable state furbearer hunting
regulations.
Can I trap with a tribal member?
Yes. You can trap with a tribal member who is present and actively trapping if you
possess a state-issued fur harvest license and kill tag(s) for the applicable species
and season for which you are trapping. You must still follow all applicable state
furbearer trapping regulations.
What is a DNR Sportcard?
A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identication for people without a
driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for
purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s
license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from
year to year.
What is a base license?
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. The base license
provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private
land and supports the work of conservation ofcers and eld staff to ensure safe,
legal hunting and trapping practices are followed. The base license is not a kill tag
and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and
trap other species. A valid base license is required to purchase a fur harvester
license. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base license when hunting
or trapping.
I am a resident of Michigan. Can I hunt coyotes with just a base license?
Yes. Michigan residents can HUNT coyotes with a base license. However, if you
are hunting coyotes Nov. 10-14, you must have a fur harvester license. Residents
trapping coyotes must have a fur harvester license.
17
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
When does the base license become available for purchase?
The annual base license becomes available for purchase March 1 and is valid
through March 31 of the following year. Anyone who plans to purchase a 2024 fur
harvester license in March or April 2025 must purchase their 2024 base license
PRIOR to Feb. 28, 2025.
What is a fur harvester license?
A fur harvester license is valid for hunting and trapping furbearing animals.
Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap bobcat, sher, marten and otter.
The fur harvester license is not a kill tag.
I am a resident of Michigan. What species can I harvest with my fur harvester
license?
If you are a Michigan resident with a valid fur harvester license, you can hunt
bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel. Michigan residents
with a valid fur harvester license can trap badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, sher,
fox, marten, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk and weasel. Resident
youth licensed through the Mentored Youth Hunting Program can trap furbearers
without a fur harvester license. A free kill tag is required for bobcat, sher, marten
and otter.
I am not a resident of Michigan. What species can I harvest with my fur
harvester license?
If you are a nonresident or a nonresident youth with a valid fur harvester license,
you can hunt coyote, fox, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel and trap beaver,
coyote, fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, raccoon, skunk and weasel. Nonresidents
cannot harvest badger, bobcat, sher, marten or otter in Michigan.
I want to accompany a bobcat hunter during a hunt. Do I need a fur harvester
license?
If you are in possession of a bow, crossbow or rearm and accompanying a
licensed bobcat hunter during the hunt, you must have a fur harvester license. A
fur harvester license is also required if you are the owner of any dog chasing or
locating bobcat on a hunt.
When is my fur harvester license valid?
Fur harvester licenses become available for purchase May 1, 2024, and are valid
through April 30, 2025. HOWEVER, to purchase a 2024 fur harvester license
AFTER Feb. 28, 2025, you must have purchased a 2024 base license. If you do
not purchase a 2024 base license by Feb. 28, 2025, you cannot purchase a fur
harvester license in March or April 2025.
LICENSE TYPES AND FEES
18
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
Which furbearer species do I need a kill tag for?
Michigan residents with a fur harvester license who intend to harvest a bobcat,
sher, marten or otter must request free kill tags for these species. The
appropriate physical kill tag must be in the fur harvester’s possession prior to
harvesting a bobcat, sher, marten or otter.
What is the age requirement for obtaining furbearer kill tags?
Michigan residents must be at least 8 years old to obtain furbearer kill tags.
Can I let someone else use my furbearer kill tag?
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your
kill tag.
Can I use the same kill tag on more than one furbearer?
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
Can I put my kill tag on a furbearer someone else harvested?
No. You cannot put your kill tag on a furbearer you did not harvest.
When do furbearer kill tags become available?
All furbearer kill tags become available May 1, 2024.
How long do furbearer kill tags remain available?
Kill tags for sher, marten and otter remain available through the last day of the
trapping season. Bobcat kill tags are only available through Oct. 31.
What are incidental seals?
Incidental seals are provided by the DNR free of charge. An incidental seal must
be afxed to a bobcat, otter, sher, marten or any nongame protected species
found dead or that dies while attempting to release the animal alive from a trap.
Trappers should obtain incidental seals from a DNR ofce prior to trapping activity.
All incidental seals remain the property of the DNR and must be returned by
May 1 each year.
19
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
20
PURCHASING LICENSES AND KILL TAGS
What identication do I need to purchase a license?
To purchase a hunting or trapping license (including free furbearer kill tags) in
Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identication:
• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Valid nonresident driver’s license.
• State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State).
• DNR Sportcard (issued through license agents, at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. If the information on your DNR
Sportcard from the previous year is still accurate, you should continue to use
it).
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
21
Do I have to carry my license(s) when hunting or trapping?
Yes. When hunting or trapping, you must carry your license(s) and the identication
used to purchase that license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan
conservation ofcer, a tribal conservation ofcer or any law enforcement ofcer.
Where can I purchase a Michigan hunting/trapping license or kill tag?
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license, fur harvester license or kill tag from
any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan
DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or
the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
I purchased my fur harvester license online. When will I get my license?
Non-kill-tag licenses purchased online will be sent as a PDF le in an email. Save
the PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced.
I purchased my furbearer kill tag online. When will I get my kill tag?
If you purchased your furbearer kill tag online, your kill tag will be mailed to you
seven to 10 business days after your purchase. You cannot go hunting or trapping
for the designated species without the proper kill tag(s) in your possession.
What do I do if I lost my license?
If you originally purchased your license at a license agent or online, you can
visit a license agent and have your license reprinted ($3 for non-kill-tag license
replacement and full price for kill-tag license replacement). You must provide the
identication number used to purchase the original license.
If you originally purchased your license online, you received an email at the time
of purchase containing a PDF le of printable licenses (those without kill tags),
including your base license. If you no longer have your PDF le, you can log in to
your eLicense account and access your purchase history to reprint any non-kill-tag
license free of charge. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
22
WHEN AND WHERE TO HUNT/TRAP
When is it legal for me to hunt furbearers?
Actual legal hunting hours for furbearers (one-half hour before sunrise to one-
half hour after sunset) for Time Zone A are printed in the table. To determine the
opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another time zone, add the minutes shown
on the map for that zone to the time from the Time Zone A hunting hours table.
The hunting hours listed in the table reect Eastern Time, adjusted for daylight
saving time. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee
counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the
printed time by subtracting one hour.
For hunt dates not listed in the table, please consult your local newspaper or
NOAA.gov.
Can I hunt furbearing species at night?
Yes. Coyote, fox (gray and red), opossum and raccoon can be hunted at night
when following the regulations outlined in the Bows, crossbows and rearms
during nighttime hours section on page 36. Nighttime hunting seasons are the
same as regular daylight hunting seasons.
Hunting time zones map
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
23
Continued
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
Oct. 1 7:00 7:43
Oct. 2 7:01 7:41
Oct. 3 7:02 7:39
Oct. 4 7:03 7:37
Oct. 5 7:04 7:36
Oct. 6 7:05 7:34
Oct. 7 7:07 7:32
Oct. 8 7:08 7:31
Oct. 9 7:09 7:29
Oct. 10 7:10 7:27
Oct. 11 7:11 7:26
Oct. 12 7:12 7:24
Oct. 13 7:13 7:22
Oct. 14 7:14 7:21
Oct. 15 7:16 7:19
Oct. 16 7:17 7:18
Oct. 17 7:18 7:16
Oct. 18 7:19 7:15
Oct. 19 7:20 7:13
Oct. 20 7:22 7:11
Oct. 21 7:23 7:10
Oct. 22 7:24 7:09
Oct. 23 7:25 7:07
Oct. 24 7:26 7:06
Oct. 25 7:28 7:04
Oct. 26 7:29 7:03
Oct. 27 7:30 7:01
Oct. 28 7:31 7:00
Oct. 29 7:32 6:59
Oct. 30 7:34 6:57
Oct. 31 7:35 6:56
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
Nov. 1 7:36 6:55
Nov. 2 7:37 6:53
Nov. 3 6:39 5:52
Nov. 4 6:40 5:51
Nov. 5 6:41 5:50
Nov. 6 6:42 5:49
Nov. 7 6:44 5:48
Nov. 8 6:45 5:47
Nov. 9 6:46 5:45
Nov. 10 6:47 5:44
Nov. 11 6:49 5:43
Nov. 12 6:50 5:42
Nov. 13 6:51 5:41
Nov. 14 6:52 5:41
Nov. 15 6:54 5:40
Nov. 16 6:55 5:39
Nov. 17 6:56 5:38
Nov. 18 6:57 5:37
Nov. 19 6:59 5:37
Nov. 20 7:00 5:36
Nov. 21 7:01 5:35
Nov. 22 7:02 5:35
Nov. 23 7:03 5:34
Nov. 24 7:04 5:33
Nov. 25 7:06 5:33
Nov. 26 7:07 5:32
Nov. 27 7:08 5:32
Nov. 28 7:09 5:31
Nov. 29 7:10 5:31
Nov. 30 7:11 5:31
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
Dec. 1 7:12 5:30
Dec. 2 7:13 5:30
Dec. 3 7:14 5:30
Dec. 4 7:15 5:30
Dec. 5 7:16 5:30
Dec. 6 7:17 5:30
Dec. 7 7:18 5:30
Dec. 8 7:19 5:30
Dec. 9 7:20 5:30
Dec. 10 7:21 5:30
Dec. 11 7:22 5:30
Dec. 12 7:22 5:30
Dec. 13 7:23 5:30
Dec. 14 7:24 5:30
Dec. 15 7:25 5:31
Dec. 16 7:25 5:31
Dec. 17 7:26 5:31
Dec. 18 7:27 5:32
Dec. 19 7:27 5:32
Dec. 20 7:28 5:32
Dec. 21 7:28 5:33
Dec. 22 7:29 5:34
Dec. 23 7:29 5:34
Dec. 24 7:30 5:35
Dec. 25 7:30 5:35
Dec. 26 7:30 5:36
Dec. 27 7:31 5:37
Dec. 28 7:31 5:37
Dec. 29 7:31 5:38
Dec. 30 7:31 5:39
Dec. 31 7:31 5:40
Zone A hunting hours table (October – December 2024)
Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
(adjusted for daylight saving time).
WHEN AND WHERE TO HUNT/TRAP
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
24
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
Jan. 1 7:31 5:40
Jan. 2 7:31 5:41
Jan. 3 7:31 5:42
Jan. 4 7:31 5:43
Jan. 5 7:31 5:44
Jan. 6 7:31 5:45
Jan. 7 7:31 5:46
Jan. 8 7:31 5:47
Jan. 9 7:31 5:48
Jan. 10 7:31 5:49
Jan. 11 7:30 5:50
Jan. 12 7:30 5:51
Jan. 13 7:30 5:52
Jan. 14 7:29 5:53
Jan. 15 7:29 5:54
Jan. 16 7:28 5:56
Jan. 17 7:28 5:57
Jan. 18 7:27 5:58
Jan. 19 7:27 5:59
Jan. 20 7:26 6:00
Jan. 21 7:25 6:02
Jan. 22 7:25 6:03
Jan. 23 7:24 6:04
Jan. 24 7:23 6:05
Jan. 25 7:23 6:07
Jan. 26 7:22 6:08
Jan. 27 7:21 6:09
Jan. 28 7:20 6:11
Jan. 29 7:19 6:12
Jan. 30 7:18 6:13
Jan. 31 7:17 6:15
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
Feb. 1 7:16 6:16
Feb. 2 7:15 6:17
Feb. 3 7:14 6:18
Feb. 4 7:13 6:20
Feb. 5 7:12 6:21
Feb. 6 7:11 6:22
Feb. 7 7:09 6:24
Feb. 8 7:08 6:25
Feb. 9 7:07 6:26
Feb. 10 7:06 6:28
Feb. 11 7:05 6:29
Feb. 12 7:03 6:30
Feb. 13 7:02 6:31
Feb. 14 7:01 6:33
Feb. 15 6:59 6:34
Feb. 16 6:58 6:35
Feb. 17 6:56 6:37
Feb. 18 6:55 6:38
Feb. 19 6:54 6:39
Feb. 20 6:52 6:40
Feb. 21 6:51 6:42
Feb. 22 6:49 6:43
Feb. 23 6:48 6:44
Feb. 24 6:46 6:45
Feb. 25 6:45 6:47
Feb. 26 6:43 6:48
Feb. 27 6:41 6:49
Feb. 28 6:40 6:50
Date Time
Zone
A
a.m.
Time
Zone
A
p.m.
March 1 6:37 6:53
March 2 6:35 6:54
March 3 6:33 6:55
March 4 6:32 6:56
March 5 6:30 6:58
March 6 6:28 6:59
March 7 6:27 7:00
March 8 6:25 7:01
March 9 6:23 7:02
March 10 7:22 8:04
March 11 7:20 8:05
March 12 7:18 8:06
March 13 7:17 8:07
March 14 7:15 8:08
March 15 7:13 8:09
March 16 7:11 8:10
March 17 7:10 8:12
March 18 7:08 8:13
March 19 7:06 8:14
March 20 7:04 8:15
March 21 7:03 8:16
March 22 7:01 8:17
March 23 6:59 8:18
March 24 6:58 8:20
March 25 6:56 8:21
March 26 6:54 8:22
March 27 6:52 8:23
March 28 6:51 8:24
March 29 6:49 8:25
March 30 6:47 8:26
March 31 6:45 8:28
Zone A hunting hours table (January – March 2025)
Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
(adjusted for daylight saving time).
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
25
What are the hunting and trapping zone boundaries?
Michigan is divided into three hunting and trapping zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone
3. For detailed descriptions of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at
Michigan.gov/ContactDNR. Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing
line between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is from the Lake Michigan shoreline north of
Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue,
easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120
to M-20, easterly on M-20 to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 to Gareld Road in Bay
County, northerly on Gareld Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road
to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County
Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on
M-61 to U.S. 23, easterly on U.S. 23 to center line of AuGres River, southerly along
center line of AuGres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into
Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.
What is the limited rearms deer zone?
Michigan is divided into a northern zone and a southern limited rearms deer zone,
where only shotguns, certain rearms and certain handguns can be used before and
during the rearm deer season. See the Equipment regulations sections for impacts
to fur harvesting.
What are the limited rearms deer zone boundaries?
The dividing line between the northern zone and the southern limited rearms deer
zone is as follows: starting at a point on the Lake Michigan shoreline directly west of
M-46, then easterly to M-46, then easterly along M-46 to U.S. 131 at Cedar Springs,
southerly on U.S. 131 to M-57, easterly on M-57 to Montcalm Road on the Kent-
Montcalm county line, southerly on Montcalm Road and the Kent-Ionia county line
to M-44, easterly on M-44 to M-66, northerly on M-66 to M-57, easterly on M-57
to M-52 near Chesaning, northerly on M-52 to M-46, easterly on M-46 to M-47,
northerly on M-47 to U.S. 10 west of Bay City, easterly on U.S. 10 to I-75, northerly
on I-75 and U.S. 23 to Beaver Road (about 1 mile north of Kawkawlin), easterly to
Saginaw Bay, north 50 degrees east to the International Boundary.
WHEN AND WHERE TO HUNT/TRAP
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
26
Hunting and trapping zone boundary map
What are the safety zones around buildings when hunting with a rearm?
Safety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building,
dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm
operation. No person may hunt or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird with
a rearm within a safety zone without the written permission of the owner or
occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It does not apply
to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, law enforcement activities
or the lawful discharge of rearms for any nonhunting purpose.
Where can I nd places open to public hunting and trapping?
You can nd places to hunt and trap by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The
interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting,
trapping and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the
users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting and
trapping activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the
lands open to public hunting and trapping.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
27
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to
hunting and trapping!
Where do I nd the rules for state lands?
You can nd the state land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in
mind that you cannot:
• Cut branches, limbs, trees or other vegetation for shooting lanes on public
lands.
• Block any gate, road or trail on public lands.
• Camp on public lands without a permit. Permits are free and are available
online at Michigan.gov/Camping or at any DNR ofce. They must be posted at
your campsite. A fee is charged for camping at designated campsites in state
parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and some state game areas.
Are there any public lands where a special permit is required for trapping?
Yes. A special permit is required to trap in the management areas listed below.
Trapping season closure dates may vary. Contact area headquarters for details.
• Muskegon State Game Area: Trapping permits are required for beaver and
otter and are available at the game area headquarters.
• Grand Haven State Game Area (Poel Island Waterfowl Refuge): Trapping
permits are available at the Muskegon State Game Area headquarters.
• Fish Point State Wildlife Area: Trapping permits are available at the wildlife
area headquarters.
• Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area: Trapping permits are available at the
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area headquarters.
• Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Area: Trapping permits are available at the
Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area headquarters.
• Shiawassee River State Game Area: Trapping permits are available at the St.
Charles DNR eld ofce. Trapping permits for the Shiawassee National Wildlife
Refuge may be obtained from the refuge manager.
• Pte. Mouillee State Game Area: Trapping permits are available at the game
area headquarters.
• Bay City State Park (Tobico Marsh Unit): Trapping permits are available at the
headquarters.
• Crow Island State Game Area: Trapping permits are available at the DNR Bay
City Customer Service Center.
• St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area (Harsens Island): Trapping permits are
available at the wildlife area headquarters.
WHEN AND WHERE TO HUNT/TRAP
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
28
Can I hunt and trap in state parks and recreation areas?
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting and trapping.
Approximately 92 percent of state park and state recreation area lands are
open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting unless opened by law (see
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws). State recreation areas are open to hunting unless
closed by law.
Are there restrictions on hunting and trapping in state parks and recreation
areas?
Yes. Contact individual parks or recreation areas for current hunting and trapping
regulations and any restrictions for those areas prior to hunting/trapping.
• You cannot use a centerre rie or centerre pistol to take an animal during
nighttime hours in any state park or state recreation area.
• You cannot target shoot in a state park or recreation area, except on
designated shooting ranges located at Algonac State Park and Bald Mountain,
Island Lake, Ortonville and Pontiac Lake recreation areas.
• You cannot trap within 50 feet of the mowed portions of developed areas
within state recreation areas.
Can I camp at a state park or recreation area while hunting and trapping?
Yes. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. To make camping
reservations, go to MiDNRReservations.com.
Do I need a Recreation Passport to use state parks and recreation areas?
Yes. If you are hunting, trapping or camping in state parks or recreation areas, you
must have a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport gives you access to
all 103 state parks and recreation areas as well as all state forest campgrounds
and DNR-administered boat launches in Michigan. Camping fees remain in effect.
For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport or call 517-284-
7275. Michigan residents have the opportunity to buy a Recreation Passport for
$14 when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. Vehicles
registered in other states will require a daily ($11) or annual ($40) fee to enter any
state park or DNR-administered boat launch site. State forests and state game
areas do not require a Recreation Passport.
Can I hunt and trap on national forest lands?
Yes. Opportunities to hunt and trap on national forest lands may be available for
the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa national forests. All state laws apply
to national forest lands. Additional federal regulations also apply. For a complete
listing of regulations, see 36 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations) at
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
29
FS.USDA.gov. Please be aware, it is unlawful to trap any species within Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Where can I use a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle on national forest lands?
A motor vehicle use map that shows designated roads and trails open for motorized
travel, including off-road vehicles, is available at U.S. Forest Service ofces or
online at FS.USDA.org. Both state and federal laws governing ORV use must be
followed.
What are Commercial Forest lands?
Commercial Forest lands are privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial
Forest Program. CF landowners are not required to identify the property as CF, and
CF land may be fenced and/or gated. The presence of a fence or gate does not
prohibit public access to CF lands for shing, hunting or trapping. The landowner
may restrict public access during periods of active commercial logging to ensure
public safety. Descriptions of land in the CF program and a GIS map are available
on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/CommercialForest. CF parcels can also be
found using Mi-HUNT at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Contact the DNR Forest Resources
Division at 517-284-5900 or visit Michigan.gov/Forestry for more information
about CF lands.
Can I hunt and trap on Commercial Forest lands?
Yes. Over 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial
Forest program are accessible by foot to the public for shing, hunting and
trapping. To hunt or trap all species, you must possess licenses that are valid for
private-land hunting or trapping. Use of motorized vehicles for shing, hunting
or trapping access is at the landowner’s discretion. Any activities other than
the acts of shing, hunting and trapping require landowner permission. Leaving
anything unattended, other than traps, also requires landowner permission. In
addition, hunters may not build structures or construct blinds other than with
natural materials found on-site. The use of nails, bolts or tree steps is not allowed.
The cutting of shooting lanes or destruction of brush, trees or other vegetation is
prohibited. Commercial activity on CF lands is not allowed for any purpose other
than forestry or oil and gas extraction.
What is the Hunting Access Program?
The Hunting Access Program provides public hunting opportunities on private
hunting lands. The DNR leases lands from private landowners to allow public
hunting. Private landowners determine if all hunters or youth and apprentice
hunters only may hunt on their property. They also determine if hunters may
Continued on page 30
WHEN AND WHERE TO HUNT/TRAP
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
30
harvest deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, all legal
species or a combination of any of these options. Property owners specify the
maximum number of hunters allowed on the land at any one time. Members of
the public can use HAP lands only for hunting purposes; no other activities or
recreation are permissible.
How do I hunt on HAP lands?
If you utilize a HAP property, you are a guest of the landowner. Respect for
the landowner and landowner’s privacy is vital. You should use the types of
registration service provided. Appropriate conduct is expected and helps ensure
a good experience for both you and the landowner. All rules and regulations
enforced by the DNR apply while hunting on HAP lands. Lands enrolled in HAP
are available each day on a rst-come, rst-served basis. Hunters must register
at each property headquarters to hunt for that day. To help hunters locate
and scout HAP lands, aerial photographs of HAP properties are available at
Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
Where can I nd more information on HAP?
For more information on HAP, including a current listing of enrolled lands,
property details, registration details, HAP rules and enrollment applications, visit
Michigan.gov/HAP.
Are there any local municipalities with hunting or trapping restrictions?
Yes. Some local municipalities may be closed to hunting, trapping or the discharge
of rearms. Please contact the local municipality ofce or local law enforcement
agency to nd out about restrictions.
Can I oat hunt or set traps along waterways?
Hunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landowners bordering the waterway
and their invited guests. You must secure permission from the landowners before
oat hunting or setting traps along those waterways that are protected by the
recreational trespass law. You can oat hunt or set traps on and along waterways
that are surrounded by public lands and open to hunting.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
31
Can I hunt or set traps within a road right of way?
You can hunt or set traps within a road right of way where the adjoining property
is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privately owned, you must have
permission from the landowner.
Can I hunt or set traps within a railroad right of way?
Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a
misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be
exempt from trespass.
Do I need permission to hunt or trap on someone’s private land?
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting
and trapping. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or
leaseholder before you hunt or trap on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private
land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters and fur harvesters are required
to show their hunting or trapping licenses to landowners upon request. Unless
previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a rearm may
enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving
a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable
time necessary to retrieve the dog.
What if the furbearer I wounded goes onto private land?
If you wound a furbearing animal and it goes onto private property, you have no
legal right to pursue it without permission of the landowner and would be subject to
prosecution for trespassing.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
32
EQUIPMENT REGULATIONS
Are there any types of equipment I cannot use to hunt or trap a furbearer?
Yes. Except as provided by the trapping rules outlined in this regulation summary
or by special permit, you cannot use any of the following types of equipment to
hunt or trap furbearers in Michigan:
• Snares, traps, cages, nets, pitfalls or deadfalls.
• Spears, fully automatic rearms, airbows or mechanical devices other than
bows, crossbows, rearms or slingshots.
• Cartridges containing tracer or explosive bullets.
• Drugs, poisons, anticoagulants, stupefying substances, smoke, gas or
explosives.
Do I need to wear hunter orange while hunting furbearers?
Yes. If you are hunting furbearers during the established daylight hunting hours
from Aug. 15 through April 30, you must wear a cap, hat, vest, jacket or rain gear
of hunter orange. The hunter orange garments must be your outermost layer and
be visible from all sides. Hunter orange includes camouage that is not less than
50 percent hunter orange.
Do I need to wear hunter orange while hunting furbearers at night?
No. If you are hunting furbearers during the established nighttime hunting hours,
you do not need to wear hunter orange.
Do I need to wear hunter orange while stationary and hunting bobcat, coyote
or fox?
No. If you are hunting bobcat, coyote or fox and are stationary, you do not need to
wear hunter orange.
Can I hunt furbearers from an elevated platform?
Yes. You can hunt the following furbearers from an elevated platform if you are:
• A bow or crossbow hunter (all furbearer species).
• A coyote, fox, raccoon or opossum hunter (day or night).
• A bobcat hunter (day only).
A fall arrest system is recommended.
All other fur harvesters using a rearm are prohibited from using an elevated
platform.
When can I put an elevated platform up on public lands?
You can place an elevated platform on public lands beginning Sept. 1. You must
remove your elevated platform(s) from public lands by March 1.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
33
Are there other restrictions for elevated platforms placed on public lands?
Yes. If you hunt on public land, your elevated platform must be portable. Elevated
platforms on public lands cannot be afxed or attached to any tree by nails,
screws or bolts. However, a “T” bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand
manufacturer can be used. Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It
is unlawful to use any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in the
construction or afxing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.
Can I use a ground blind on public lands during the furbearer hunting seasons?
Yes, but there are restrictions on the types of ground blinds that are legal on
public lands.
What type of ground blinds are legal on public lands?
Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed
at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see
Type 3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate
the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identication is required.
These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, including all state
game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed
exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of
the blind, except that a hunter can add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials
for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not
permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s
hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued
or fastened in any permanent manner. No identication is required. Fasteners
(nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for
legal hunting on public land, including all state game areas, state parks and state
recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting
the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds,
if not removed daily. Identication is required. Fasteners, if used to anchor or
attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed
with the blind. These blinds are not legal in state game areas, state parks and
state recreation areas in Zone 3. Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has
been permitted to be placed on land administered by a local public agency (city,
township, county), the local agency will establish the length of time that a blind
may be placed on its property.
For detailed descriptions of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at
Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
What information must I tag my elevated platform or ground blind with?
In legible English, you must permanently afx your name and address or Michigan
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driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the elevated platform or
Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
Can someone else use my elevated platform or ground blind that is on public
lands?
No. However, placing an elevated platform or ground blind on public lands does
not guarantee exclusive use of the area. You cannot use an illegal elevated
platform or ground blind regardless of who placed it on public lands.
What equipment can I use to harvest furbearers?
You can use a bow, a crossbow, a rearm (per regulations explained in this
section) or traps (per regulations explained in the Trap regulations section; see
page 39).
What are the centerre rearm restrictions I must follow when hunting
furbearers during the daytime hunting hours?
Centerre rearms can be used to hunt furbearers during regular daytime hunting
hours statewide when following all applicable regulations, except during the quiet
period (Nov. 10-14). Centerre rearms of any caliber can be used north of the
limited rearms deer zone while hunting or trapping furbearers from Nov. 15-30.
See page 36 for additional restrictions during the rearm deer season.
What equipment can a mentored youth hunter use?
Mentored youth hunters can use a bow, a crossbow or a rearm. Any hunting
device possessed by a mentored youth must be sized appropriately to t the
physical abilities of the youth.
What equipment can a mentor carry in the eld when mentoring?
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, rie, bow or crossbow) in
the eld while mentoring, and the mentored youth hunter must always be within
arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of
the youth hunter while in the eld.
Can I use a crossbow to hunt furbearers?
Yes. You can use a crossbow during any season in which a rearm is allowed to
hunt furbearers.
Is there a shell capacity for centerre ries?
Yes. You cannot hunt with a semi-automatic centerre rie that can hold more
than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined.
What are the rimre rearm restrictions I must follow when hunting furbearers
during the daytime hunting hours?
Rimre rearms can be used to hunt furbearers during regular daytime hunting
hours statewide when following all applicable regulations, except during the
quiet period (Nov. 10-14). Fur harvesters may carry a rimre rearm .22-caliber
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
35
or smaller while actively hunting or checking trap lines during Nov. 10-14. Rimre
rearms of any caliber can be used north of the limited rearms deer zone while
hunting or trapping furbearers during the rearm deer season (Nov. 15-30). Rimre
rearms .22 caliber or smaller can be used in the limited rearms deer zone to kill
a badger, bobcat, coyote, fox or raccoon in a trap from Nov. 15-30 (rearm must be
loaded at the point of kill only). See page 36 for additional restrictions during the
rearm deer season.
Is there a shell capacity for rimre rearms?
Yes. You cannot hunt furbearers with a semi-automatic rimre rearm that can hold
more than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined, unless it is a .22-caliber
or smaller rimre.
What are the shotgun restrictions I must follow when hunting or trapping
furbearers during the daytime hunting hours?
Shotguns can be used to hunt furbearers during regular daytime hunting hours
statewide when following all applicable regulations. During the quiet period (Nov.
10-14), fur harvesters may carry a shotgun with shotshells for hunting small game,
but cannot possess buckshot, slugs, ball loads or cut shells.
Is there a shell capacity for shotguns?
Yes. You cannot hunt with a semi-automatic shotgun that can hold more than six
shells in the barrel and magazine combined.
What are the handgun restrictions I must follow when hunting or trapping
furbearers during the daytime hunting hours?
A handgun can be used to hunt furbearers during any season in which a rearm
is allowed if following the rules listed below. The rules listed below may not apply
to those having a concealed pistol license or specically exempt by law from a CPL
and carrying their handgun in accordance with their license or exemption.
• A person must be at least 18 years of age to hunt with or possess a handgun.
• Handguns cannot be borrowed or loaned to another person other than provided
for under the CPL.
• While in the eld, handguns must be carried in plain view.
• Carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view is permitted.
• It is a crime for certain felons to possess ammunition and rearms, including
ries and shotguns, in Michigan.
I have a concealed pistol license. Can I carry my pistol while hunting?
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of rearm does not apply to pistols
carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specic exception
from the CPL requirement.
I am not a resident of Michigan. What documentation do I need to carry a
handgun in Michigan?
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license or
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a license to purchase, carry or transport issued by your home state to legally
carry or transport a handgun in Michigan. For more information about statewide
handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL or concealed weapons and rearms laws,
contact your local police department.
Are there additional rearm restrictions I must follow during the rearm
deer season (Nov. 15–30) when hunting or trapping furbearers in the limited
rearms deer zone?
Yes. If you are hunting or trapping in the limited rearms deer zone between Nov.
15-30 and are not killing a coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat or badger in a trap or
hunting with dogs between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m., you must abide by the
following rearm restrictions or use a crossbow or a bow. Legal rearms are as
follows:
• A shotgun with a smooth or ried barrel of any gauge.
• A muzzleloading rie or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a
commercially manufactured black powder substitute.
• A conventional (smokeless powder) handgun .35-caliber or larger and loaded
with straight-walled cartridges. It may be single- or multiple-shot but cannot
exceed a maximum capacity of nine rounds in the barrel and magazine
combined.
• A .35-caliber or larger rie loaded with straight-walled cartridges with a
minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.8
inches.
• A .35-caliber or larger air rie or pistol charged only from an external, high-
compression power source.
What equipment can I use when hunting furbearers at night?
If you are a licensed fur harvester hunting furbearers at night, you can travel afoot
with: a bow; a crossbow; a pneumatic gun; a rimre rearm .22-caliber or smaller;
a shotgun with loads other than buckshot larger than size 3, slug or cut shell; or a
centerre rie or centerre pistol .269-caliber or smaller. See below for additional
restrictions during Nov. 10-30. A fur harvester hunting furbearers at night must
use a game call, predator call or the aid of dogs. Dogs cannot be used April 16
through July 7. When hunting with dogs at night, a fur harvester can only possess
a loaded rearm, a cocked crossbow or a bow with a nocked arrow at the point of
kill.
Are there areas where centerre rearms cannot be used to hunt furbearers at
night?
Yes. It is unlawful to use a centerre rie or centerre pistol to take an animal
during nighttime hours in any state park or state recreation area.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
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Are there additional rearm restrictions I must follow during the quiet period
(Nov. 10–14) when hunting or trapping furbearers at night?
Yes. If you are fur harvesting at night during the quiet period (Nov. 10-14), you
can carry a shotgun with shotshells for hunting small game, but cannot possess
buckshot, slugs, ball loads or cut shells during this time. Fur harvesters can also
carry a rimre rearm .22-caliber or smaller while actively hunting or checking trap
lines.
Are there additional rearm restrictions I must follow during the rearm
deer season (Nov. 15–30) when hunting or trapping furbearers in the limited
rearms deer zone at night?
Yes. The restrictions listed below must be followed if you are hunting or trapping
furbearers in the limited rearms deer zone at night during the rearm deer
season (Nov. 15-30):
• A .22-caliber or smaller rimre rearm can be used to kill a badger, bobcat,
coyote, fox or raccoon in a trap. Firearms must be loaded at the point of kill
only.
• A .22-caliber or smaller rimre rearm can be used to kill a raccoon while
hunting with dogs between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Firearms must be
loaded at the point of kill only.
• Fur harvesters not killing a badger, bobcat, coyote, fox or raccoon in a trap or a
raccoon while hunting with dogs between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. must
use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun of any gauge with a smooth or ried barrel.
Can I use articial lights when hunting for furbearers at night?
Yes. If you are in compliance with the nighttime regulations outlined in the Bows,
crossbows and rearms during nighttime hours section, you can use articial light
of the type ordinarily held in the hand or on the person.
Can I use optics such as scopes or laser sights when hunting furbearers at
night?
Yes. If you are in compliance with the nighttime regulations outlined in the Bows,
crossbows and rearms during nighttime hours section, you can use scopes, open
sights, thermal sights, infrared sights or laser sights.
What are the restrictions on using articial lights when I am not hunting
furbearers at night?
These restrictions do not apply to pistols carried under the authority of a concealed
pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specic exemption from the
requirement of a concealed pistol license. This does not authorize the individual to
use the pistol to take game except as provided by law.
• It is unlawful to use an articial light (including vehicle headlights) to locate wild
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animals at any time during November and all other days of the year between
11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• It is unlawful to use an articial light on a highway or in a eld, wetland,
woodland or forest while having in your possession or control a bow, rearm or
other device capable of shooting a projectile.
• An articial light may be used from Nov. 1-30 on property you own or property
owned by a member of your immediate family if you do not have in your
possession or control a bow, rearm or other device capable of shooting a
projectile.
• It is a violation of federal law to shine at any time on any national wildlife
refuge.
• If you do not have a rearm or bow while traveling on foot, you may use lights
during dog training or eld trials to follow dogs chasing raccoon, opossum or
fox.
• A lighted pin sight on a bow or a scope with illuminated crosshairs may be used
to hunt game during legal hunting hours.
How should I transport my bow, crossbow or rearm when aeld outside the
legal hunting hours?
Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when
you are aeld outside the legal hunting hours.
How should I transport my bow, crossbow or rearm while in or on a motor
vehicle?
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times
when carried in or on a motor vehicle:
• Ries, shotguns, muzzleloaders and other rearms must be unloaded in both
barrel and magazine and enclosed in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle
on private or public property.
• Crossbows, slingshots and bows must be unloaded and uncocked or enclosed
in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle while that vehicle is operated on
public land or on a highway, road or street.
• A person holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle may transport
or possess an uncased rearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive
mobility device if the action is open.
How should I transport my bow, crossbow or rearm while in or on an off-road
vehicle?
These rules apply whether your off-road vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At
all times, when carried in or on an off-road vehicle:
• Ries, shotguns, muzzleloaders and other rearms must be unloaded in both
barrel and magazine or enclosed in a case or unloaded and equipped with and
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
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made inoperative by a manufactured, key-locked, trigger-housing mechanism.
• Crossbows, slingshots and bows must be unloaded and uncocked or enclosed
in a case or carried in the trunk of a vehicle while that vehicle is operated on
public land or on a highway, road or street.
• A person holding a valid permit to hunt from a standing vehicle may transport
or possess an uncased rearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive
mobility device if the action is open.
How should I transport my rearm while in or on a boat?
These rules apply when the vessel is under power and until forward motion has
ceased. Once the vessel is no longer under power and forward motion has ceased,
rearms can be loaded. When carried in or on a motor-propelled boat or sailboat,
while the vessel is under power or forward motion is occurring:
• Ries, shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other rearms must be unloaded in both
barrel and magazine.
Are there additional restrictions for transporting a handgun?
Yes. You can transport your registered handguns while en route to and from your
hunting or target shooting area. However, handguns, including BB guns larger than
.177 caliber and all pellet guns, must be unloaded in the barrel and magazines
and in a closed case designed for the storage of rearms and cannot be readily
accessible to any occupant of the vehicle. These rules do not apply to a pistol
carried under authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under
authority of a specic exception from the requirement of a concealed pistol license.
How often must I check my traps?
You are legally required to check live-restraining cage traps daily in all zones.
In Zone 1, all other traps set in a manner to hold game animals alive must be
checked at least once within each 48-hour period. It is highly recommended
that trappers in Zone 1 check traps daily. In Zone 2 and Zone 3, traps set in a
manner to hold game animals alive must be checked at least once each day. Using
electronic trap monitors does not satisfy trap checking requirements. You are
required to release or remove the game animal from the trap upon checking it.
Do I need to have my name on my traps?
Yes. In legible English, you must permanently afx your name and address or
Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to any trap while using,
possessing or transporting the trap in an area frequented by wild animals. If one or
more beaver snares are attached to a pole, both the snare(s) and the uppermost
end of the pole need a metal tag with the user’s information.
Can I use a rearm to dispatch an animal in a trap?
Yes. If you are a licensed fur harvester using a .22-caliber or smaller rimre rearm,
you can dispatch a badger, bobcat, coyote, fox or raccoon in your trap. From Nov.
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15-30, .22-caliber or smaller rimre rearms must be loaded at the point of kill
only.
Which types of traps can I use?
Foothold, body-gripping or conibear, and live-restraining cage traps and snares/
cable restraints can be used as outlined in this regulations summary for the
species specied. Traps with teeth or serrations are illegal.
Species Foothold
traps
Body-
gripping and
conibear
traps
Live-
restraining
cage traps
Multi-catch
and colony
traps
Snares Nonlethal
cable
restraints
Badger Yes Yes Yes No No No
Beaver Yes Yes Yes No Yes No
Bobcat Yes Yes* Yes No No No
Coyote Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Fisher Yes Yes Yes No No No
Fox Yes Yes Yes No No Yes
Marten Yes Yes Yes No No No
Mink Yes Yes Yes No No No
Muskrat Yes Yes Yes Yes No No
Opossum Yes Yes Yes No No No
Otter Yes Yes Yes No No No
Raccoon Yes Yes Yes No No No
Skunk Yes Yes Yes No No No
Weasel Yes Yes Yes No No No
*Body-gripping and conibear traps can be used to trap bobcats in the Upper Peninsula only.
Are there restrictions to the types of traps I can use for bobcat?
Yes. In addition to the trapping restrictions outlined in the trapping equipment
regulations section, bobcat units C, D, G and H are limited to foothold traps or
live-restraining cage traps only.
Are there size restrictions for foothold traps used for mink or muskrat?
Yes. Foothold traps used for trapping mink or muskrat cannot exceed a jaw
spread of a number 2 foothold trap.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
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Can I use a colony trap?
Multiple-catch or colony traps can be used for taking muskrats only. Colony traps
must be completely submerged. Colony traps must be constructed of steel and be
no larger than 8 inches high, 8 inches wide and 36 inches deep.
Can I use a live trap?
Yes. You can use live-restraining cage traps capable of taking only one animal at
a time. Live-restraining cage traps must be checked daily statewide. Any animal
captured in a live trap must be immediately killed or released.
Are there any restrictions on setting traps near the water?
Yes. Prior to Oct. 25 in Zone 1, Nov. 1 in Zone 2 and Nov. 10 in Zone 3, a trap
can only be set within 50 feet of water if the trap meets one of the following
requirements:
• The trap is a duffer-type, egg-type or similarly designed foothold trap set for
raccoons.
• The trap is a body-gripping or conibear trap set 4 feet or more above the ground.
Can I use a body-gripping trap in water?
Yes. You can use a body-gripping trap in water. For a trap greater than 5.5 inches
between the jaw hinges, the trap must be at least half submerged to qualify as
being in the water.
Can I use a body-gripping trap on land?
Yes. You can use a body-gripping trap on dry land. Body-gripping traps on dry land
must meet the requirements outlined below.
Are there size or set restrictions for body-gripping traps used on land or on ice?
Yes. The following regulations were developed to help improve the selectivity of dry-
land, body-gripping traps in an effort to reduce the take of nontarget animals. Find
information on safely removing animals from traps at Michigan.gov/Trapping under
Additional resources.
• Dry-land and surface-ice body-gripping traps on private land.
◊ A body-gripping or conibear-type trap larger than 7.5 inches in width
(as measured inside the jaw hinges) cannot be set on dry land that is
privately owned or over frozen submerged privately owned bottomlands
unless the trap is 4 or more feet above dry ground or the frozen surface
of ice.
• Dry-land and surface-ice body-gripping traps on public land.
◊ A body-gripping trap less than 5.5 inches in width (as measured inside
the jaw hinges) can be set on dry land or ice that is publicly owned
without restrictions if used according to other regulations. All legal body-
gripping traps of any size may be used if they are 4 or more feet off the
ground without set restriction.
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◊ A body-gripping trap set without the use of bait, lure or other attractant
on dry land or on ice that is publicly owned must be no greater than
6.5 inches in width (as measured inside the jaw hinges; 160s) and can
only be set so that no part of the body-gripping surface is more than 8
inches above the ground (see gure).
◊ A body-gripping trap 5.5 inches to 7.5 inches in width (as measured
inside the jaw hinges; 160s and 220s) set with the use of bait, lure or
other attractant on dry land or ice that is publicly owned can only be
used in the following manner:
■ In a container that has an opening height 6 inches or less, an
8-inch minimum spring trap placement slot and a trap trigger
recessed a minimum of 6 inches.
■ In a container that has only one
entrance facing the ground, set so the
entrance is no more than 6 inches from
the ground and a trap trigger recessed a
minimum of 4 inches.
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Can I use snares?
Snares can be used for taking beaver in water or under ice, statewide. Snares
must be made of 1/16-inch or larger cable. Snares not under ice must have a loop
that is at least half submerged and must be set in a fashion to hold the beaver
completely submerged. Snares should be removed and made inoperative within 24
hours after the close of the beaver season.
Can I use nonlethal cable restraints?
Nonlethal cable restraints can be used from Jan. 1 – March 1 to take coyote and
fox only, provided:
• Cable restraints are not placed on publicly owned lands or Commercial Forest
lands.
• All cable restraints in possession or carried aeld have a metallic identication
tag afxed with the owner or user’s name and address or Michigan driver’s
license number or DNR Sportcard number.
• Cable restraints are made of steel cable 1/16 inch or larger.
• The cable restraint loop does not exceed 15 inches in diameter.
• The top of the loop is not placed more than 24 inches above the ground. In
snow, 24 inches is measured from the compacted snow in a trapper’s footprint
established by the full body weight of the trapper.
• Cable restraints are equipped with a relaxing lock. A relaxing lock is dened
as a lock that allows the loop to loosen slightly to reduce the possibility of
strangulation. Cable restraints also must be equipped with a stop to prevent the
loop from closing to a diameter less than 4.25 inches.
• Cable restraints are equipped with a breakaway locking system with a breaking
point not greater than 285 pounds. The breakaway device must be attached to
the relaxing lock.
• Cable restraints are afxed to a stake or object sufcient to hold a fox or coyote.
It is unlawful to use any type of drag.
• Cable restraints are equipped with two swivels, including one swivel at the
anchor point.
• Spring poles, counterbalanced weights, springs or other similar devices are not
used to close the cable restraint.
• Cable restraints can be up to 60 inches in length, not including a cable anchor
extension. A cable anchor extension can be up to 36 inches in length.
• Cable restraints are not attached to a fence or set in a manner that would allow
an animal to become entangled in a fence.
• Cable restraints can be anchored to woody vegetation provided that the stem is
free of branches and stubs to a height of 5 feet above the ground or compacted
snow. Branches and stubs must be cut ush with the outer bark of the stem.
• Cable restraints cannot be set so that a restrained animal is suspended with
two or more feet off the ground.
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HUNTING AND TRAPPING METHODS
Can I hunt from a vehicle?
No. You cannot hunt or pursue wild animals from a car, snowmobile, aircraft,
drone, motorboat, personal watercraft, off-road vehicle or other motorized vehicle
or a sailboat. Special permits may apply; see Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility for
more information for hunters with disabilities.
Can I set res to drive out furbearers?
No. You cannot set res to drive out game animals, including furbearers.
Can I hunt furbearers while under the inuence of intoxicating alcohol or
controlled substances?
No. You cannot hunt furbearers while under the inuence of intoxicating alcohol
or controlled substances.
Can I use ferrets or weasels to hunt furbearers?
No. You cannot use ferrets or weasels to take game animals, including furbearers.
Can I set a trap inside an animal burrow or structure?
No. You cannot molest or set a trap in the internal compartment of any structure
such as a lodge, hut, push-up, house, hole, nest, burrow or den of a badger,
beaver, mink, muskrat or raccoon, whether occupied or not. However, you can set
a trap in the internal compartment of a structure such as a burrow or den of a
bobcat, coyote, sher, fox, marten, opossum, otter, skunk or weasel.
Can I destroy a beaver dam?
No. You cannot molest or destroy a beaver dam, except under a DNR wildlife
damage and nuisance animal control permit.
Can I set a trap on a beaver dam?
Yes. You can set traps on a beaver dam or lodge if the trap meets one of the
following requirements:
• The trap is completely submerged below the water.
• The trap is a duffer-type, egg-type or similarly designed foothold trap that, by
construction, will selectively capture raccoon.
• The trap is a body-gripping trap 5 inches or less in width as measured inside
the jaw hinges.
• The trap is a body-gripping trap that is less than 8 inches above the ground
at the highest point, set in a way that does not use bait, lure or attractant to
entice an animal and is between 5 and 6.5 inches as measured inside the jaw
hinges.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
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Can I use a game call or decoys for hunting furbearers?
Yes. You can use mechanical or electronic decoys to hunt bobcat, coyote, fox,
opossum and raccoon. You can use electronic calls, mouth calls, predator calls or
other types of game calls when hunting bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum and raccoon.
Can I use game animals as bait when hunting and trapping furbearers?
Yes. You can use the parts of game animals as bait if the game animal used as bait
was lawfully trapped or hunted during the open season for that game animal. Some
game animals killed as the result of a motor vehicle collision may be used as bait.
Visit Michigan.gov/RoadKillPermit for roadkill salvage permit information.
Can I use foothold traps near exposed bait?
No. You cannot use foothold traps to trap furbearers within 20 feet of bait that is
visible from more than 4 feet above the bait. Completely submerged foothold traps
are exempt from this regulation.
• For the purposes of this regulation, bait is dened as any animal or animal
parts, including dead sh.
• Dried hide, fur, feathers or bones that are less than 36 square inches in size
and entirely free of meat can be used as a visual attractant above foothold
traps.
When can I train my dogs on furbearers?
You can train your dogs on game animals that can be lawfully taken with dogs
from July 8 through April 15 of the following year. The following exceptions
apply: Michigan residents can train dogs on fox on state lands in Zone
3 under special permit. For additional information on dog permits, visit
Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
Can I hunt furbearers with dogs?
Yes. You can hunt bobcat, coyote, fox, opossum and raccoon with dogs during their
respective open seasons. It is unlawful to hunt with the aid of dogs from April 16
through July 7. Owners of a dog chasing or locating bobcat who are present during
a hunt must have the valid hunting licenses for harvesting bobcat.
Can I retrieve my hunting dog if it runs on to private property?
Yes. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, you can enter on foot the
property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. You
HUNTING AND TRAPPING METHODS
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
46
cannot be in possession of a rearm when retrieving a dog from private property.
You should not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to
retrieve the dog.
I hunt in the Upper Peninsula. Should I be concerned that my hunting dogs
might be attacked by wolves?
Yes. Wolves will defend their territories and may attack other wolves, coyotes
and domestic dogs that are in their territory. Wolf attacks on domestic dogs are
relatively rare. Most wolf-dog conicts occur where dogs are trained or used for
bear hunting. These dogs are more at risk because they traverse large areas,
which increases their chances of encountering wolves; may be released at bear
bait sites that also may be used by wolves; bark while tracking, which may be
viewed as a territorial challenge by wolves; and are some distance from hunters
and therefore not protected by the presence of humans.
How can I avoid potential problems with wolves and my dogs?
To minimize the conict between wolves and dogs, it is best to avoid areas of
recent wolf activity. Wolves will concentrate much of their activity around the den
and rendezvous sites. Rendezvous sites, where pups are raised, usually include
forest openings or edge areas and often are near water. These sites may vary from
year to year and can change throughout the summer. They can be identied by
a concentration of wolf tracks, droppings and matted vegetation. It is best to do
some scouting and look for wolf sign before releasing dogs. Be especially vigilant
when starting dogs from a bait site, and make sure wolves have not been using
the bait. If wolf sign, particularly the sign of wolf pups, is evident, move to another
area before releasing dogs. Become familiar with coyote and dog tracks, so they
can be correctly distinguished from wolf tracks. Consider adding bells or beepers
to dog collars, which may reduce wolf attacks.
What should I do if I suspect my dog has had a conict with a wolf?
Report all suspected wolf-dog conicts to the DNR immediately to allow a timely
investigation. To report a dog depredation, call the Report All Poaching hotline
at 800-292-7800. Your reports help other hunters by allowing the DNR to provide
updated dog depredation locations.
• At this time, the use of lethal control of wolves in the act of depredation is
not authorized. Because the federal status of wolves has changed, and may
continue to change, please contact a DNR ofce to ask about current rules
regarding lethal take of wolves if in the act of killing or wounding a dog.
Where can I nd more information on hunting dog conicts with wolves?
For more information, including locations where hunting dog conicts with wolves
have occurred, visit Michigan.gov/Wolves or contact the DNR Marquette Customer
Service Center at 906-228-6561.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
47
HUNTING AND TRAPPING METHODS
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48
Can I hire a hunting guide for furbearer hunting?
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for furbearer hunting in
Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at
Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
49
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
What do I do with an incidental catch or nontarget species in my trap?
Trappers occasionally trap nontarget species. It is unlawful to possess game
animals out of season or game animals over the bag limit, or to trap nongame
protected species. The following procedure is required for nongame protected
species and those furbearers with a bag limit (bobcat, badger, sher, marten,
otter) if over the bag limit or outside of the season. Trappers must:
• Immediately release live protected animals from the trap.
• If the animal is dead or dies in the attempt to release it, attach a Michigan
incidental seal to the animal before removing it from the trap. Then transport
the carcass in an open manner to the nearest DNR ofce. The carcass must be
surrendered.
How can I avoid otters while trapping for beavers?
• Avoid trapping areas with a lot of otter sign.
• Avoid trapping streams, ditches or narrow connecting bodies of water between
ponds, wetlands, lakes, etc. These are frequently used by otters for travel.
• Avoid sets near abandoned beaver lodges and bank dens.
• Avoid setting traps on crossovers, especially those near culverts, berms, dikes
and narrow portions of streams. Crossovers near the inow or dam of beaver
ponds also should be avoided.
• When using body-gripping traps, moving triggers to the side of the trap may
reduce the chance an otter will trigger the trap while beavers will still trigger
the trap (see sketch).
• Use a dive stick above the
body-gripping trap. Place the
body-gripping trap on the
bottom, below the dive stick.
Beavers tend to dive to the
bottom when going under
dive sticks, while otters
remain close to the surface
(see sketch).
INCIDENTAL CATCH
50
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
INCIDENTAL CATCH
• Make trap sets outside of high animal movement areas in combination
with castor sets or baited sets (such as aspen branches) to allow for good
opportunities to catch beaver but reducing the chances of otter catch.
• Gang-set active areas to catch the beaver as fast as possible and leave. Setting
fewer traps and scattering large numbers of traps at every possible beaver
travelway or trying to catch that “last beaver” will substantially increase the
likelihood of catching an incidental otter.
Are there any incidentally taken furbearer species I can lawfully possess?
Yes. The following furbearer species can be lawfully possessed if you are a licensed
fur harvester:
• Otters incidentally taken while trapping for beaver in April can be lawfully
possessed if included within your otter bag limit and a valid otter kill tag is used.
An incidental seal is not required if tagged with a valid otter kill tag in April.
All rules and regulations for taking otters apply. See page 58 for registration
deadlines.
• Otters incidentally taken above an individual’s bag limit cannot be kept and must
be submitted to the DNR following existing incidental catch regulations.
• You can keep up to 10 muskrats incidentally taken in beaver or otter sets.
• You can keep mink incidentally taken in a muskrat colony trap.
How do I release a dog caught in a trap?
Dogs and other domestic animals caught in cable restraints,
body-gripping or conibear-type traps should be reported to
the DNR Report All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800. Find
information on safely removing dogs and other animals from traps
at Michigan.gov/Trapping under Additional resources.
51
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
WILDLIFE DISEASES
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
52
What if I see a sick-looking animal while scouting, hunting or trapping?
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife, including
furbearers, at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about
the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR
Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
What is canine distemper?
Canine distemper is a highly contagious disease of carnivores. The virus is
widespread. Impacted species include badger, coyote, domestic dog, sher, fox,
marten, mink, otter, raccoon, skunk and wolf. The canine distemper virus is very
resistant to cold. In wild animals, the majority of cases are seen in the spring and
summer, but cases are observed year-round. Die-offs of raccoons due to canine
distemper occur yearly. The impact of this disease on other wildlife populations
is not known at this time. Typical signs of canine distemper in wild carnivores
may include lack of fear, nasal and eye discharge, disorientation, convulsive
movements of the head and paws, and aimless wandering. Affected animals
should be handled with caution until a diagnosis is conrmed.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a disease of the central nervous system caused by a virus. The virus is
usually transmitted in the saliva from animal to animal and from animal to human
by a bite. All mammals are susceptible. It is important to understand that there
are no typical or characteristic signs for this disease, and many signs associated
with rabies overlap with symptoms of other wildlife diseases. However, some
behaviors to watch for include aggressive biting, paralysis, restlessness, tremors
and convulsions. Once signs of illness appear, rabies is 100% fatal; however,
proper postexposure treatment is nearly 100% effective. Contact your local state
health department regarding any sample submissions.
What is sarcoptic mange?
Sarcoptic mange is caused by a mite, which lives and burrows into the layers of
the skin. The mites cause an irritation, resulting in the animal scratching and
biting the affected area and spreading the mite on its body. Commonly impacted
species include coyote, red fox and wolf. Occasionally impacted species include
black bear and raccoon. Hair loss, thickening and wrinkling of the skin, and scab
and crust formation on the skin are the result of the infestation. Feeding behavior
WILDLIFE DISEASES
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
53
may be altered due to the intense irritation, resulting in malnutrition. In severe
cases, the animals can die due to exposure from losing the insulating layer that
the hair provides. In most cases, mange will resolve itself. Mange-infested animals
should only be handled while wearing gloves. Freezing the carcass will kill the mites
for safer handling. The mite can live on humans for a period of time, causing severe
irritation at the exposure site. Consult your physician or veterinarian, respectively, if
you or your pet may have been in contact with an infected animal.
INVASIVE SPECIES
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54
INVASIVE SPECIES
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
55
What are nutria?
Nutria are approximately twice the size of a muskrat. They have heavy, scaly,
round, rat-like tails; long, white whiskers; and large, orange teeth.
What should I do If I see a nutria?
Although nutria have not yet been discovered in Michigan, they could cause
damage to wetlands if they become established. You are encouraged to report
nutria that you have seen or trapped to the Midwest Invasive Species Information
Network at MISIN.MSU.edu/Report.
What are Russian boar?
Russian boar, also known as feral swine, wild boar or wild hogs, have dark-colored
coats with light-tipped bristles. They have long, straight and narrow snouts relative
to domestic pigs. For more information on how to identify Russian boar sign, visit
Michigan.gov/FeralSwine.
Can I harvest Russian boar?
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid
base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing
a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the
landowner’s permission. Anyone who harvests a Russian boar is asked to submit
parts of the animal to the DNR for disease testing.
What should I do if I see a Russian boar?
You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at
Michigan.gov/FeralSwine or by calling 517-284-4725.
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56
AFTER THE HARVEST
Can I tag my bobcat, sher, marten or otter after I take some photos with it
rst?
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a bobcat, sher, marten or
otter, you must validate your kill tag and securely attach the kill tag to the hide
from the upper jaw through the eye socket or through the lower jaw.
How do I validate my kill tag?
To validate your kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as
instructed on the kill tag.
How should I tag my harvested bobcat, sher, marten or otter?
You must securely and permanently attach the entire kill tag to the hide from
the upper jaw through the eye socket or through the lower jaw of the furbearer.
The best way to attach a kill tag is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across the
back of it (after removing backing), so the tag can be folded in half, and to tape
it in place as needed. Tie the wire or cord to the furbearer in such a manner that
the kill tag remains securely attached. Do not stick or wrap the kill tag directly
onto the furbearer. Make sure the kill tag is completely legible and visible for
inspection. The kill tag must remain attached until the furbearer is sealed at a
DNR registration station. The kill tag will be replaced by an ofcial DNR seal at
registration.
What are the rules for transporting game animals?
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. You cannot
destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of any furbearer while in the eld or
when transported in a motor vehicle.
Which species do I need to bring to a furbearer registration station?
If you harvest a bobcat, sher, marten or otter, you must present the animal at a
DNR registration station for registration.
Can I take my furbearer to a taxidermist before registration to have it skinned?
Yes. If you intend to have a taxidermist skin your animal, you can take it to the
taxidermist prior to registration if the furbearer has a completed and legal kill
tag attached and it is within the registration period. Taxidermists cannot register
furbearers. After the furbearer has been skinned, you must bring the skull, pelt
and kill tag to a DNR registration station for registration. After registration, the
sealed pelt can be returned to the taxidermist if additional work will be done on
the pelt. An unsealed animal/pelt cannot be at a taxidermist after the registration
deadline for that species/season.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
57
How do I register my furbearer?
Within the deadlines described in the table below, you must take the furbearer
skull and pelt to a DNR registration station to be examined, sealed and registered.
Animals should be skinned prior to registration. A list of furbearer registration
locations and hours is available at Michigan.gov/Trapping. You are encouraged to
call the DNR ofce or DNR registration station to schedule an appointment and
determine DNR personnel availability before arriving.
What will DNR staff do to register my furbearer?
The DNR will attach an ofcial seal to the pelt of each furbearer. This seal replaces
the furbearer kill tag. The location of take (town, range and section), date of
harvest and manner of harvest will be recorded when the animal is sealed. The
skull will be collected to determine the sex and age of the specimen. Collected
skulls will be retained by DNR staff and will not be returned to you. New
population estimation techniques require precise sex and age information, which
will be obtained from skulls. Mandatory skull collection ensures tooth samples are
undamaged for aging and adequate material is available for DNA analysis.
Where can I nd the age of my registered furbearer?
The age of your registered bobcat, sher, marten or otter will be available at
Michigan.gov/DNRLab after June 1.
What are the deadlines to register furbearers?
Furbearers must be registered on or before the listed deadline below:
Species Season Unit/Zone Deadline
Bobcat Trapping Units A and B Jan. 28, 2025
Bobcat Trapping Units C, D and G Jan. 8, 2025
Bobcat Trapping Unit H Dec. 30, 2024
Bobcat Hunting Units A, B and C Mar. 11, 2025
Bobcat Hunting Unit D Feb. 11, 2025
Bobcat Hunting Unit G Jan. 30, 2025
Bobcat Hunting Unit H Jan. 21, 2025
Fisher Trapping Zone 1* Dec. 18, 2024
Marten Trapping Zone 1* Dec. 18, 2024
Otter Trapping Units A, B and C April 10, 2025
Otter Incidental
1
Units A, B and C May 5, 2025
*Zone 1, excluding Drummond Island.
1
For otters incidentally taken while trapping for beavers through April 30 and included in the
otter season bag limit, the registration deadline is May 5, 2025. Otters incidentally taken above
the individual’s bag limit may NOT be kept but should be submitted to the DNR following existing
incidental catch regulations.
AFTER THE HARVEST
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
58
Can someone else take my harvested furbearer to a DNR registration station
for me?
No. You must be present while registering the furbearer and should provide
identication upon request as the person who harvested the furbearer. It is
unlawful to register the take of another person.
Where can I register my furbearer?
A list of furbearer registration locations, hours of operation and contact
information can be found at Michigan.gov/Trapping. You are encouraged to call
the DNR ofce or DNR registration station to schedule an appointment before
arriving.
After registration, can the seal be removed from my furbearer pelt?
The seal should remain attached to the furbearer until the carcass is accepted for
processing and recorded by a licensed taxidermist. Otherwise, the seal should not
be removed until the pelt is processed or tanned, nor should a person possess
or transport a raw, unsealed hide after the required registration date for each
animal. You may not buy or sell a bobcat, sher, marten or otter pelt without a
DNR seal unless the pelt has been processed or tanned.
Can I buy or sell furbearers?
Yes. The carcasses and parts of furbearing animals lawfully taken during their
open season, or lawfully imported from another state, territory or country, can
be bought or sold, as provided by Wildlife Conservation Order 4.3, available at
Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Additional requirements for fur dealer’s licenses may
apply.
Can I ship hides and furs out of state?
All out-of-state shipments of raw hides or furs must be plainly marked on the
outside of the package as to their contents. To export bobcat, otter or wolf hides
from the U.S., you need federal approval. For details, contact the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service at 800-358-2104 or ManagementA[email protected].
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
59
REPORT ALL POACHING
What is the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact?
Michigan is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement
where participating states share information about sh and game violators and
honor each other’s decision to deny licenses and permits. If your hunting, shing
or trapping license is revoked in Michigan, you may lose your privileges in the
other 45 participating states as well. And, if your license is revoked in any of those
states, it also may be revoked in Michigan.
What are the penalties for furbearer harvest violations?
The ne for an illegally harvested furbearer is up to $500 per animal with jail
time between ve and 90 days. Revocation of licenses will be for the current year
plus three years. The rst offense includes an additional two years of license
revocation. The second offense includes an additional seven years of license
revocation.
How do I report suspected poaching?
If you witness a natural resource violation or have information on the illegal killing
of furbearers in Michigan, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or
calling 800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
Can I possess a live wild animal?
No. It is unlawful to possess live game or protected animals taken from the wild
except under a permit issued by the DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for
more information.
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60
GLOSSARY
Accompany - to go along with another individual under circumstances that allow
one to come to the immediate aid of the other individual while staying within a
distance from the other individual that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and
auditory communication.
Apprentice hunter - a person 10 years old or older without a hunter safety
certicate who is licensed under the apprentice program.
Bag limit - the number of animals that may be taken and possessed as
determined by the DNR.
Bow - a device for propelling an arrow from a string drawn, held and released by
hand if the force used to hold the string in the drawn position is provided by the
archer’s muscles.
Buy/sell - an exchange or attempt or offer to exchange for money, barter or
anything of value.
Centerre rearm - a rearm that uses ammunition in which the primer is located
in the center of the casing base.
Chase - to follow animals with dogs or other wild or domestic animals trained for
that purpose.
Crossbow - a weapon consisting of a bow, with a draw weight of 100 pounds or
more, mounted transversely on a stock or frame and designed to re an arrow,
bolt or quarrel by the release of a bow string controlled by a mechanical or electric
trigger with a working safety.
Damage (caused by furbearers) - physical harm to forest products, roads, dams,
buildings, orchards, apiaries, livestock and horticultural or agricultural crops.
Beaver or muskrat are only considered to be doing damage if their activities result
in ooding or culvert blockages that cause damage.
Elevated platform - any horizontal surface, constructed or manufactured by a
person, that increases the eld of vision of a person using it beyond the eld of
vision that normally would be attained by that person standing on the ground.
Elevated platforms include scaffolds, raised platforms, ladders, steps and any
other device that is used to assist in climbing a tree.
Firearm - any weapon which will, is designed to or may readily be converted to
expel a projectile by action of an explosive.
Furbearer - badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, sher, fox (gray and red), marten,
mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, skunk and weasel (least, short-tailed/
ermine and long-tailed).
Fur harvester - an individual pursuing furbearer species through hunting or
trapping methods.
Fur harvesting - the act of pursuing or taking furbearer species through hunting
or trapping methods.
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
61
Game animal - any species of wildlife designated by the Legislature or the Natural
Resources Commission as game under Section 40110 of the Michigan Natural
Resources and Environmental Protection Act and any of the following animals:
badger, bear, beaver, bobcat, brant, coot, coyote, crow, deer, duck, elk, sher,
Florida gallinule, fox, goose, hare, Hungarian partridge, marten, mink, muskrat,
opossum, otter, pheasant, quail, rabbit, raccoon, ruffed grouse, sharptailed grouse,
skunk, snipe, sora rail, squirrel, Virginia rail, weasel, wild turkey, woodchuck and
woodcock.
Game call - a device used to mimic animal sounds for the purpose of attracting
game animals, including electronic calls and mouth calls.
Ground blind - a structure, enclosure or any material, natural or manufactured,
placed on the ground to assist in concealing or disguising a person for the purpose
of harvesting an animal.
Hunter orange - the highly visible color commonly referred to as hunter orange that
includes blaze orange, ame orange and uorescent blaze orange.
Hunt or hunting - to pursue, capture, shoot, kill, chase, follow, harass, harm, rob or
trap a wild animal, or to attempt to engage in such an activity.
Identication - a driver license issued by Michigan, another state or a Canadian
province as accepted by the DNR, a State of Michigan identication card issued by
the Secretary of State or a Sportcard issued by the DNR.
Invasive species - a species that is not native and whose introduction causes harm
or is likely to cause harm to Michigan’s economy, environment or human health.
Kill tag - a license that is afxed to a harvested deer, turkey, bear, elk, otter, sher,
marten or bobcat.
License - a document or a tag, stamp, plastic card or other device that may include
a stamp or a tag that authorizes the licensee to hunt, sh, trap or possess wild
animals or aquatic species and other identication required by the DNR.
Mechanical decoy - any device that by design or construction uses motion as a
visual stimulus to attract an animal. A windsock or similar decoy body anchored at
a xed point into the ground and whose only motion is derived exclusively by power
of the natural wind is not a mechanical decoy.
Mentor - a person at least 21 years old who has a valid license to hunt or previous
hunting experience and is participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program.
Nonresident - a person who is not a resident of Michigan.
Poaching - the illegal shooting, trapping or taking of game, sh or other natural
resources from private or public property.
Protected wildlife - bear cubs, bear sows accompanied by cubs, cougars, eagles,
ying squirrels, hawks, lynx, moose, nongame birds (except starlings, house
sparrows and feral pigeons), owls, spruce grouse and wolverines. Protected wildlife
cannot be taken at any time.
GLOSSARY
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
62
Residence - a permanent building serving as a temporary or permanent home.
Residence may include a cottage, cabin or mobile home, but does not include a
structure designed primarily for taking game, a tree blind, a tent, a recreational or
other vehicle, or a camper.
Resident - a person who resides in a settled or permanent home or domicile
within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this
state; a student who is enrolled in a full-time course at a college or university
within this state and who resides in the state during the school year; a person
regularly enlisted or commissioned as an ofcer in the armed forces of the
United States and ofcially stationed in this state; or a person regularly enlisted
or commissioned as an ofcer in the armed forces of the United States who,
at the time of enlistment, was a resident of this state and has maintained his
or her residence in this state for purposes of obtaining a driver license or voter
registration, or both.
Rimre rearm - a rearm that uses ammunition that has the primer contained in
the rim of the ammunition casing.
Safety zone - all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building,
dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm
operation.
Season dates - the legal dates that may be hunted or trapped.
Shotgun - a rearm designed to be red from the shoulder that uses the energy
of the explosive in a xed shotgun shell to re through a smooth bore either a
number of ball shot or a single projectile for each single function of the trigger.
Take - to hunt with any weapon, dog, raptor or other wild or domestic animal
trained for that purpose; kill; chase; follow; harass; harm; pursue; shoot; rob; trap;
capture or collect animals, or to attempt to engage in such an activity.
Transport - to carry or ship animals within this state or to points outside this state.
Trapping - taking or attempting to take animals by means of a trap or other device
designed to kill or capture animals.
Uncocked bow - a bow that is not in the drawn position.
Uncocked crossbow - a crossbow that is not in the cocked position.
Unloaded bow - a bow that does not have an arrow nocked.
Unloaded crossbow - a crossbow that does not have a bolt is not in the ight
groove.
Unloaded rearm - a rearm that does not have ammunition in the barrel,
chamber, cylinder, clip or magazine when the barrel, chamber, cylinder, clip
or magazine is part of or attached to the rearm. Muzzleloading rearms are
2024 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary
63
considered unloaded when the cap is removed or priming powder is removed
from the pan, or when the battery is removed on electronic systems. The ball and
powder can remain in the barrel.
Wild animal - a mammal, bird, sh, reptile, amphibian or crustacean of a wild
nature indigenous to this state or introduced to this state by the DNR or a species
determined by the DNR to be of public benet.
Contact a DNR ofce listed below or visit us online.
Customer service center (CSC) hours of operation can be found at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Baraga CSC
427 U.S. 41 N.
Baraga, MI 49908
906-353-6651
Bay City CSC
3580 State Park Drive
Bay City, MI 48706
989-684-9141
Cadillac CSC
8015 Mackinaw Trail
Cadillac, MI 49601
231-775-9727
Crystal Falls Field Ofce
1420 W. U.S. 2
Crystal Falls, MI 49920
906-875-6622
Detroit Metro CSC
1801 Atwater St.
Detroit, MI 48207
313-396-6890
Escanaba CSC
6833 U.S. 2, U.S. 41 and M-35
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-786-2351
Gaylord CSC
1732 W. M-32
Gaylord, MI 49735
989-732-3541
Lansing CSC
4166 Legacy Parkway
Lansing, MI 48911
517-284-4720
Marquette CSC
1990 U.S. 41 S.
Marquette, MI 49855
906-228-6561
Naubinway Field Ofce
P.O. Box 287
W11569 U.S. 2 E.
Naubinway, MI 49762
906-477-6048
Newberry CSC
5100 M-123
Newberry, MI 49868
906-293-5131
Norway Field Ofce
520 W. U.S. 2
Norway, MI 49870
906-563-9247
Plainwell CSC
621 N. 10th St.
Plainwell, MI 49080
269-685-6851
Roscommon CSC
I-75 and M-18 S.
8717 N. Roscommon Road
Roscommon, MI 48653
989-275-5151
Sault Ste. Marie CSC
4131 S. M-129
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
906-635-6161
Traverse City CSC
2122 S. M-37
Traverse City, MI 49685
231-922-5280
Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MichiganDNR
Follow us on X at Twitter.com/MichiganDNR
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/MichiganDNR
Direct DNR website URLs:
DNR hunting and trapping regulations: Michigan.gov/DNRRegs
Wildlife diseases: Michigan.gov/WildlifeDisease
Hunter education: Michigan.gov/HunterEducation
Hunting: Michigan.gov/Hunting
Trapping/fur harvesting: Michigan.gov/Trapping
Invasive species: Michigan.gov/InvasiveSpecies
Mi-HUNT: Michigan.gov/MiHunt
Pure Michigan Hunt: Michigan.gov/PMH
Shooting ranges: Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Division
525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48933
517-284-9453
Contact hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
