Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide - Michigan Department of ...

2008Michigan Huntingand Trapping GuideRegulations apply August 1, 2008 through July 31, 2009,unless otherwise notedGreat Lakes, Great Times, Great OutdoorsVisit us on the Web at:www.michigan.gov/dnr

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The MichiganDepartment ofNatural Resourcesis committed tothe conservation,protection,management, useand enjoyment ofthe State’s naturalresources for currentand future generations.The Natural ResourcesCommission is thegoverning body for theMichigan Departmentof Natural Resources.In providing a strategicframework for theDNR to effectivelymanage the state’sresources, the NRCworks closely with abroad cross-sectionof constituenciesto establish andcontinuously improvenatural resourcesmanagement policy.Hunter HarassmentHunters in Michigan have theright to enjoy their sport free fromdeliberate interference. Individualswhose hunting is being obstructedshould promptly report the violationto a local conservation offi cer, thenearest DNR Operations ServiceCenter or by calling 800-292-7800.Complaints also can be submittedonline at www.michigan.gov/dnr.4Table of ContentsAdditional Hunting Rules ........................................................................... 28Artifi cial Lights and Shining ....................................................................... 27Baiting and Feeding Regulations............................................................... 21Beaver and Otter Trapping .................................................................. 31, 33Bobcat Hunting and Trapping .............................................................. 31, 33Deer Hunting .................................................................................. 11, 19-21Dog Training .............................................................................................. 21Early September Canada Goose Hunting ................................................. 22Firearm and Bow and Arrow Rules .............................................................11Fisher and Marten Trapping ................................................................ 31, 33Fur Harvester Regulations.................................................................... 30-34Furbearer Registration............................................................................... 34Game Species .......................................................................... 19-25, 28, 32Ground Blinds on Public Lands ........................................................... 14, 28Handgun Regulations ................................................................................ 12Hunter Orange Clothing Requirements ..................................................... 12Hunters with Disabilities ............................................................................ 14Hunting and Trapping Zones and Hours........................................... 9, 14-15Hunting License Information ..................................................................... 6-8Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits ......................................................... 24-25Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact .......................................................... 12Live Animal Restrictions ............................................................................ 27Migratory Game Birds (HIP) ...................................................................... 23Nighttime Raccoon and Predator Hunting ................................................. 32Off-Road Vehicles and Snowmobiles ........................................................ 21Private Lands Open to Public Hunting....................................................... 23Raised Platforms and Tree Stands ............................................................ 27Recreational Trespass and Float Hunting ................................................. 23Safety Zones Around Buildings ................................................................... 9State Parks and Recreation Areas ...................................................... 22, 27Tagging Big Game and Furbearers ..................................................... 12, 30Townships with Hunting Restrictions ........................................................... 9Transportation of Game ....................................................................... 12, 16Wildlife Diseases .................................................................................. 16-17Youth Hunting Opportunities ........................................................................ 9Zone Boundaries ......................................................................................... 9A complete listing of regulations and legal descriptions are availableon our Web site: www.michigan.gov/dnr.This guide was printed at zero cost to the state of Michigan, which resultedin a savings of more than $100,000 to the Game and Fish Protection Fund.The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides equal opportunities for employment and access to Michigan’s natural resources. Bothstate and federal laws prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, sex, height, weight or maritalstatus under the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 as amended (MI PA 453 and MI PA 220, Title V of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended, andthe Americans with Disabilities Act). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility, or if you desireadditional information, please write: Human Resources, Michigan Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, MI 48909-7528or the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Cadillac Place, Suite 3-600, 3054 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, MI 48202 or the Division of FederalAssistance, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop MBSP-4020, Arlington, VA 22203.For information or assistance on this publication, contact the MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, WILDLIFE,PO BOX 30444, LANSING MI 48909. This publication is available in alternative formats upon request.IC 2000 (07/15/2008)REPORT ALL POACHINGCall: 800-292-7800

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Hunting License FeesNote: Apprentice hunting licenses cost the same as the corresponding regular hunting license shown below. Check with your license agent.LicenseNumberLicenseTypeMinimumAge000 DNR Sportcard $1.00Deer*140 Resident Firearm Deer 12 $15.00141 Senior Firearm Deer (residents only) 65 $6.00142 Nonresident Firearm Deer 17 1 $138.00145 Resident Archery Deer 17 $15.00146 Senior Archery Deer (residents only) 65 $6.00147 Junior Archery Deer 10-16 $7.50148 Nonresident Archery Deer 17 1 $138.00340 Combination Deer Resident 17 $30.00341 Combination Deer Senior 65 $12.00342 Combination Deer Junior 10-16 2 $15.00343 Combination Deer Nonresident 17 1 $276.00Fur Harvester-Valid through March 31, 2009190 Resident Fur Harvester 17 3 $15.00191 Senior Fur Harvester (residents only) 65 $6.00192 Junior Fur Harvester 10-16 $7.50195 Junior Fur Harvester (trap only) up to 16 $7.50193 Nonresident Fur Harvester 17 1 $150.00Small Game-Valid through March 31, 2009 except 3-day licenses130 Resident Small Game 17 $15.00131 Senior Small Game (residents only) 65 $6.00132 Junior Small Game 10-16 $1.00133 Nonresident Small Game 17 1 $69.00134 3-Day Nonresident Small Game 17 $30.00Gamebird Hunting Preserve-Valid through March 31, 2009139 Gamebird Hunting Preserve 10 $15.00*These hunting licenses expire at the end of the season for which they are issued.1Nonresidents under age 17 may purchase resident licenses.2Not valid for 10- and 11-year-olds unless archery only hunting.3Residents and nonresidents under age 17 may purchase the junior fur harvester license. See page 30 for exceptions.FeeSportsperson DiscountA 15 percent discount is provided when four or more hunting orfishing licenses are purchased at one time for the same person.These licenses must be purchased in the same transaction. Thewaterfowl hunting license, 24-hour fishing license and all-speciesupgrade license are not eligible for this discount.Lost Licenses and Hunter Safety CertificatesIf you lose your Michigan fishing, hunting or fur harvester license,you may purchase a replacement at any license agent. You mustprovide the ID number used to purchase the original license. The fullprice will be charged to replace any license with a kill tag. All otherlicenses cost $3 to be replaced.If you lose a private land antlerless deer license, contact a DNROperations Service Center.For a replacement Michigan hunter safety certificate, contact aDNR Operations Service Center or call 517-373-3292.Restricted Hunting ApplicationsApplications for restricted hunt drawings (bear, elk, antlerlessdeer, turkey and waterfowl) may be purchased during the designatedapplication period from licensed agents or online atwww.michigan.gov/dnr.Application PeriodSpring Wild Turkey Hunting January 1-February 1Bear Hunting May 1-June 1Elk Hunting May 1-June 1Fall Wild Turkey Hunting July 1-August 1Antlerless Deer Hunting July 15-August 15Reserved Waterfowl Hunts August 1-286

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Major Changes for 2008• Upper Peninsula buck hunting regulations have changed.See page 19.• An early firearm antlerless deer hunting season on private land insome DMUs will be held Sept. 18-22. See page 19.• Hunters with 100% disability as documented by the Dept. of VeteranAffairs may participate in the youth firearm season. See page 14.• There is no acreage requirement to acquire a private land antlerlessdeer license.• Hunters are limited to fi ve private land antlerless deer licenses,of which no more than two may be purchased for Zones 1 and 2combined.• The area open to pheasant hunting Oct. 10-31 in the UpperPeninsula has been expanded. See page 22.• There is no trapping within 50 feet of the mowed portions of specificareas within state recreation areas.• Areas previously closed to beaver and otter trapping in Mecostaand Newaygo counties have been opened.Reminders for 2008• During the youth firearm deer season a hunter may take anantlerless deer on a firearm or combination license.• Report your hunting activity online at www.michigan.gov/dnr.• A landowner’s telephone number is required to acquire a privateland antlerless license.• Out-of-state deer and elk hunters – see import restriction onpage 16.• You may purchase one archery deer license AND one fi rearmdeer license OR one combination license. It is unlawful topurchase additional archery, fi rearm or combination licenses.• A free kill tag is required for bobcat, otter, fi sher and marten.• Hunting fox and coyotes from elevated platforms is permitted fromone-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.License InformationRegular hunting or fur harvester licenseTo purchase a regular hunting or fur harvester license, you musthave one of the following:• A valid Michigan Driver License.• A valid Michigan ID Card (issued by the Secretary of State).• A Michigan DNR Sportcard (issued through license agents orDNR Web site). If the information on your DNR Sportcard froma previous year is still accurate, you should continue to use it.In order to purchase a regular hunting license, all huntersborn on or after January 1, 1960, also must present their huntersafety certificate, previous hunting license or sign their license inthe presence of the license agent. This also applies to hunterswho intend to hunt furbearers under a fur harvester license.• All licenses must be signed to be valid. Your signature certifi esthat you meet the residency and hunter safety requirements topurchase the license.• When hunting or trapping, you must carry your license and theidentifi cation used to purchase that license.• It is illegal to use another person’s hunting license.• A junior fur harvester-trap only license is available for youngsterswho do not satisfy the training requirements for purchasing ahunting license.• To qualify for any adult resident hunting or fur harvester license,you must meet one of the following criteria:• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within theboundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in thisstate. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not aqualification for a resident license.• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university.• Serve full time in the U.S. Military and be offi cially stationed inMichigan.8U.S. Military PersonnelU.S. Military personnel who are stationed outside of Michigan,and who, at the time of enlistment, were residents of Michigan andwho have maintained resident status for the purposes of obtaininga driver license or voting, may purchase any hunting license thatdoes not require a separate application for $1. The individualmust present leave papers, duty papers, military orders or otherevidence verifying that he or she is stationed outside the state, anda Michigan Driver License or voter registration. These licenses,available at all license agents and DNR Operations ServiceCenters, are valid for up to two weeks during the establishedseason. The license buyer can designate the exact hunting period.Apprentice Hunting LicenseA person who does not have a hunter safety certifi cate maypurchase an apprentice hunting license. To purchase this licenseyou must have, in your own name, a valid Michigan Driver License,state of Michigan ID card or DNR Sportcard. An apprentice huntermay purchase this license for two license years before he or shemust successfully complete a hunter safety course. The apprenticehunting license is available to residents and nonresidents.Apprentice hunters under age 17, when afi eld, must beaccompanied by a parent, guardian or someone 21 or olderdesignated by their parent or guardian. This individual mustpossess a valid, regular hunting license to hunt the same game asthe apprentice hunter. “Accompanied by” requires the adult to beable to come to the immediate aid of the apprentice and stay withina distance from the apprentice that permits uninterrupted, unaidedvisual and verbal contact.Apprentice hunters 17 and older, when afi eld, must beaccompanied by someone 21 or older, who possesses a valid,regular hunting license to hunt the same game as the apprenticehunter.A person may accompany no more than two apprenticehunters while hunting.Rules for Young Hunters (10-16 Years of Age)Hunters can be licensed at age 10. A hunter must be at least12 years old to hunt deer, bear or elk with a fi rearm. Hunters age12-13 may hunt deer, bear or elk with a fi rearm only on privateland, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program.Exception: Everyone 10 or older is required to have a licenseto hunt when participating in a bear or bobcat hunt with dogs. Seepage 33.To obtain a regular hunting license, your parent or guardian mustaccompany you to a license agent. You must fi ll out an applicationand present your Michigan hunter safety certifi cate at this time.For information on hunter safety classes, check the DNR Web siteat www.michigan.gov/dnr, or contact the nearest DNR OperationsService Center (see page 43).Hunters under age 17, when afi eld, other than on land wheretheir parent or guardian lives, must be accompanied by a parent,guardian or someone 18 or older designated by their parent orguardian. “Accompanied by” requires the adult to be able to cometo the immediate aid of the other person and staying within adistance from the other person that permits uninterrupted, unaidedvisual and verbal contact.The minimum age requirements for all licenses are listed onpage 6. Nonresidents under the age of 17 may purchase residentand junior licenses.Junior archery deer hunting, junior combination deer, juniorsmall game, and junior fur harvester licenses are available toresident and nonresident hunters, ages 10-16, and grant the sameprivileges as the adult licenses.

Youth Hunting OpportunitiesYouth and 100% Disabled Veteran FirearmDeer Hunting DaysThere will be a youth and 100% disabled veteran firearm deerseason Sept. 27-28, 2008, on all lands in Michigan. A youth 10-16years of age with a combination license or a youth 12-16 years ofage with a firearm license or a qualified veteran with disabilitiesmay take an antlered or antlerless deer during this special two-dayseason. An antlerless license or a Deer Management Assistancepermit, if issued for the area/land upon which hunting, is valid for onlyantlerless deer. Archery and junior archery deer licenses are not validfor this hunt. The bag limit for this season is one deer. A firearm orcombination license is valid for any deer in this season.Youths 10 and 11 years of age are restricted to archery-onlyhunting. Youths 12 and 13 may hunt with a firearm on private landonly, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program. Theyouth must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age orolder. An adult accompanying a youth firearm deer hunter cannotpossess or carry a firearm or bow and arrow and does not need adeer hunting license. Hunters may not use bait during this season. Allhunters are required to wear hunter orange.2008 Youth Waterfowl WeekendYouth waterfowl hunting weekend will be Sept. 20-21 statewide forproperly licensed youth (ages 10-15). The daily limit includes ducks,mergansers, geese and coots. Youths must be accompanied by aparent, guardian or someone 18 or older designated by the parentor guardian. The adult is not allowed to carry a firearm or shoot, andis not required to have a waterfowl hunting license. For more detailson daily shooting hours, daily limits and species restrictions, see the2008-2009 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Guide.Youth Waterfowl Hunting on Managed Waterfowl AreasFor a list of hunting opportunities available for youth (ages 10-16)on managed waterfowl areas during the regular waterfowl season,see the 2008 Waterfowl Reserved Hunt Application Guide.Hunting and Trapping and Rifle/Shotgun ZonesMichigan is divided into Hunting and Trapping Zones 1-2-3. Zone 1includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between Zones2 and 3 is: From the Lake Michigan shoreline north of MuskegonLake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue,easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterlyon M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to US-10, easterly on US-10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road toPinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road,northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (CountyRoad 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road toM-61, easterly on M-61 to US-23, easterly on US-23 to center lineof AuGres River, southerly along center line of AuGres River toSaginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay,then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.Exception: The waterfowl hunting zone lines differ from thoseabove. Refer to the 2008-2009 Waterfowl Hunting Guide forwaterfowl zone descriptions.Michigan also is divided into a northern rifle zone where rifles mayused for firearm deer hunting and a southern shotgun zone whereonly shotguns, muzzleloading firearms and certain handguns may beused for deer hunting (see page 11). The dividing line between thenorthern rifle deer hunting zone and the southern shotgun zone is asfollows: Starting at a point on the Lake Michigan shoreline directlywest of M-46, then easterly to M-46, then easterly along M-46 toUS-131 at Cedar Springs, southerly on US-131 to M-57, easterly onM-57 to Montcalm Road on the Kent-Montcalm county line, southerlyon Montcalm Road and the Kent-Ionia county line to M-44, easterlyon M-44 to M-66, northerly on M-66 to M-57, easterly on M-57 toM-52 near Chesaning, northerly on M-52 to M-46, easterly on M-46to M-47, northerly on M-47 to US-10 west of Bay City, easterly onUS-10 to I-75, northerly on I-75 and US-23 to Beaver Road (about 1mile north of Kawkawlin), easterly to Saginaw Bay, north 50 degreeseast to the International Boundary.Townships with Hunting Restrictions• No hunting with firearms in Oakland County townships of Auburn,Commerce, West Bloomfield, Bloomfield, Farmington, Southfieldand Waterford. (State lands in Waterford Township are open.)• No hunting with fi rearms in Macomb County townships ofClinton, Sterling or Harrison.• No hunting with fi rearms in Wayne County townships of Canton,Redford and Northville, and in the city of Detroit, including watersof the Detroit River.• Grosse Ile Township in Wayne County is closed to all hunting.Parts of townships in these counties are closed to hunting orrestricted to types of firearms or the discharge of firearms asposted: Alcona, Arenac, Barry, Berrien, Crawford, Dickinson, Eaton,Emmet, Genesee, Iosco, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Macomb,Manistee, Mason, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Saginaw,St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. (These areas are posted with therestrictions.) For descriptions, contact the appropriate township clerkor township police department.Safety Zones Around BuildingsSafety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of anoccupied building, house, cabin, or any barn or other building usedin a farm operation. No person, including archery and crossbowhunters, may hunt or discharge a firearm, crossbow or bow in asafety zone, or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird within a safetyzone, without the written permission of the owner or occupant ofsuch safety zone. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It doesnot apply to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, lawenforcement activities or the discharge of firearms, crossbows orbows for any non-hunting purpose.Online Hunter Harvest SurveysAccurate and complete information on hunting activity is vital forsound wildlife management. All hunters and trappers are encouragedto report their hunting activity after their season has ended onlineat www.michigan.gov/dnr. These surveys are the same as thosetraditionally mailed to randomly selected hunters. The onlinereporting option now allows all hunters to participate.9

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Safe Hunting is No Accident. The DNR encourages all firsttimehunters to take a hunter safety course. These classes areheld in every county and in most communities at least once eachyear. Information on classes can be found on the DNR Web site:www.michigan.gov/dnr. Individuals also can take a part of thecourse online. Be a Safe and Responsible Hunter!Firearm and Bow and Arrow RulesThe rules listed below may not apply to a person having aconcealed pistol license or a person specifically exempt by lawfrom a concealed pistol license and who carries their handgun inaccordance with their license or exemption.Shell Capacity for Shotguns and Centerfire RiflesIt is unlawful to hunt with a semi-automatic shotgun or semiautomaticrifle that can hold more than six shells in the barrel andmagazine combined unless it is a .22 caliber rimfire. Fully automaticfirearms are illegal. All shotguns used for migratory game birds(including woodcock) must be plugged so the total capacity of theshotgun does not exceed three shells.Archery Deer SeasonsDuring the archery deer seasons, it is illegal to carry afield a pistol,revolver or other firearm while bow hunting for deer.Exceptions: This prohibition does not apply to pistols carriedunder authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carriedunder authority of a specifi c exception from the requirement of aconcealed pistol license. However, a concealed pistol license doesnot authorize the individual to use the pistol to take game except asprovided by law.November 10-14It is unlawful to carry afield or transport any rifle (including rimfire)or shotgun if you have buckshot, slug, ball loads or cut shells.Exception: You may transport a firearm to your deer camp or to atarget range during this period if the firearm is properly transported.A resident who holds a fur harvester license may carry a .22caliber or smaller rimfire firearm while hunting furbearers or checkinga trap line during the open season for hunting furbearers or trappingfurbearing animals. You also may target shoot on your own propertyprovided there is no attempt to take game.November 15-30 Firearm Deer SeasonIt is illegal for a person taking or attempting to take game to carryor possess afield a centerfire or muzzleloading rifle, a bow and arrow,a centerfire or black powder handgun, or a shotgun with buckshot,slug or ball loads or cut shells, unless you have in your possessiona 2008 firearm deer, combination deer or antlerless deer licensefor the appropriate DMU, with an unused kill tag issued in yourname, or a 2008 firearm deer, combination deer or antlerless deerlicense for the appropriate DMU issued in your name with an unuseddeer management assistance permit (DMA) kill tag or an unusedmanaged deer hunting permit.Muzzleloading Deer SeasonsDuring the December muzzleloading seasons, muzzleloadingdeer hunters can carry afield and use only a muzzleloading rifle, amuzzleloading shotgun, or a black powder handgun loaded with blackpowder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute.All Firearm Deer Seasons-Rifle Zone (See page 9)In the rifle zone, deer may be taken with handguns, rifles, bowsand arrows, shotguns and muzzleloading firearms including blackpowder handguns. It is legal to hunt deer in the rifle zone withany caliber of firearm except a .22 caliber or smaller rimfire (rifleor handgun). Crossbows are legal to use by a person 12 years ofage or older during the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer season. During thefirearm deer seasons, a firearm deer hunter may carry afield a bowand arrow and firearm.Exception: See Muzzleloading Deer Seasons for restrictionsduring this season.All Firearm Deer Seasons-Shotgun Zone (See page 9)In the shotgun zone, all hunters afield from Nov. 15-30, and alldeer hunters in this zone during other deer seasons, must abide bythe following firearm restrictions or use a bow and arrow. Crossbowsare legal to use by a person 12 years of age or older during the Nov.15-30 firearm deer season. Legal firearms are as follows:• A shotgun may have a smooth or rifl ed barrel and may be of anygauge.• A muzzleloading rifl e or black powder handgun must be loadedwith black powder or a commercially manufactured black powdersubstitute.• A conventional (smokeless powder) handgun must be .35 caliberor larger and loaded with straight-walled cartridges and may besingle- or multiple-shot but cannot exceed a maximum capacityof nine rounds in the barrel and magazine combined.During the firearm deer seasons, a firearm deer hunter may carryafield a bow and arrow and firearm.Exception: See Muzzleloading Deer Seasons for restrictionsduring this season. From Nov. 15-30, .22 caliber or smaller rimfirerifles and handguns may be used to kill raccoon while huntingraccoons with dogs between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m.License Requirement –Possession of Firearms and Bowsand ArrowsA person taking or attempting to take game and in possessionof a firearm, slingshot or bow and arrow must have the appropriatehunting license with them and the identification used to purchase thatlicense and exhibit both upon demand of a Michigan ConservationOfficer, a Tribal Conservation Officer or any other law enforcementofficer.A hunting license is not required when target practicing or sightingina firearm at an identifiable, artificially constructed target, and thereis no attempt to take game. A hunting license is not required for thecarrying of a pistol for personal protection by a camper, hiker orperson engaged in other recreational activities if there is no attemptto take game.Transporting Firearms and Bows and ArrowsAt all times, rifles, shotguns, muzzleloading and other firearmsand bows and arrows carried in or on any type of motor vehicle,including ORVs and snowmobiles, must be unloaded in both barreland magazine, and either enclosed in a case, or unstrung, orequipped with and made inoperative by a manufactured keylockedtrigger housing mechanism, or carried in the trunk of a vehicle witha trunk. These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped,moving or is on private or public property. A firearm transported ina motor-propelled boat or sailboat must be unloaded in both barreland magazine when the motor is operating or the boat is under sailand may not be loaded until the momentum of the boat has ceased.Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel, and all arrows must be in aquiver when a hunter is afield outside the legal hunting hoursException: These rules do not apply to pistols carried underauthority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried underauthority of a specific exception from the requirement of a concealedpistol license.A percussion cap muzzleloading longarm is considered unloadedif the percussion cap is removed. A flintlock muzzleloading longarmis considered unloaded if the cock is left down and the pan is open.Black powder handguns must be transported as stated above.11

Hunter Orange Clothing RequirementsYou may not hunt with any device, or trap with any firearm,on any lands during daylight hunting hours from Aug. 15-April30 unless you wear a hat, cap, vest, jacket or rain gear ofhighly visible orange color, commonly referred to as HunterOrange. When hunting in any season with a license thatauthorizes the use of a firearm, you must wear hunter orangeexcept as noted below. During the November firearm deerseason, this law applies to all deer hunters, including thosehunting with a bow and arrow. The garment, featuring HunterOrange, must be the outermost garment and must be visiblefrom all sides. Camouflage orange garments, with 50 percentor more of the surface in Hunter Orange, are legal.Exception: This law does not apply to persons huntingwaterfowl, crow or wild turkey, or to archery bear hunters.Archery deer hunters also are not required to wear HunterOrange except during the youth firearm season and theNovember firearm deer season.Statewide Handgun RegulationsThe rules listed below may not apply to a person having aconcealed pistol license (CPL) or a person specifically exempt bylaw from a CPL and carrying their handgun in accordance with theirlicense or exemption.• A person must be at least 18 years of age to hunt with (possess)a handgun.• Handguns cannot be borrowed or loaned to another personother than provided for under the CPL.• While in the fi eld, handguns must be carried in plain view.Carrying a handgun in a holster in plain view is permitted.• You may transport your registered handguns while in routeto and from your hunting or target shooting area; however,handguns, including BB guns larger than .177 caliber and allpellet guns must be unloaded and in a closed case designed forthe storage of fi rearms and cannot be readily accessible to anyoccupant of the vehicle.• It is a crime for certain felons to possess fi rearms, including rifl esand shotguns, in Michigan.• Nonresidents must have a CPL issued by their home state intheir possession in order to legally carry or transport a handgunin Michigan.For more information regarding statewide handgun regulations,obtaining a concealed pistol license or Michigan concealed weaponsand firearms laws, contact your local police department.Tagging Big Game and FurbearersImmediately after killing a deer, bear, elk or turkey, you mustvalidate your kill tag and fasten it to the antler, lower jaw or lowerleg in such a manner that the tag remains securely attached to theanimal. Do not stick or wrap the kill tag to the antler of a deer.The best way to attach a kill tag is to lay a strong piece of wire orcord across the sticky side of the kill tag so the tag can be foldedin half. Tie the wire or cord to the animal. Make sure the kill tag iscompletely legible and visible for inspection.It is unlawful to tag an animal you did not legally kill.The kill tag must remain attached until you process or butcher theanimal, or the animal is accepted for processing and recorded by acommercial processor or taxidermist.Note: If the antlers or head are returned to the person submittingthe animal to the commercial processor, the kill tag shall accompanythe head or antlers.Immediately after taking a bobcat, otter, fisher or marten, youmust validate your kill tag and fasten it in such a manner that the tagremains securely attached to the animal. For details on furbearer killtags and proper placement, see page 30. Make sure the kill tag iscompletely legible and visible for inspection.It is unlawful to tag an animal you did not legally kill.Transportation of GameYou may transport your own and another person’s lawfully takengame. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex ofany bird or animal, except for processed or butchered deer, bearand elk as noted below. If you are transporting migratory birds, onefully feathered wing must be left on the bird. If transporting anotherperson’s migratory birds, they must be tagged with the person’sname, signature and home address, and the number of birds byspecies, dates of kill and small game license number.If you butcher your deer, elk or bear, or have the animal butcheredby a commercial processor before going home, the head of theanimal along with the kill tag or seal must accompany the butcheredanimal during transport.Exception: If you submit the head for TB or CWD testing, youmust have the kill tag and disease tag receipt in your possession.Nonresidents may need to comply with restrictions in other states forimporting game taken in Michigan.Interstate Wildlife Violator CompactMichigan is a member of the “Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact,”an agreement whereby participating states share information aboutfish and game violators and honor each other’s decision to denylicenses and permits.Poachers beware. If your hunting, fishing or trapping licenseis revoked in Michigan, you will lose your privileges in Arizona,California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana,Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, SouthDakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming.Note: If your license is revoked in any of these states it also will be inMichigan.Failure to comply with the terms of a wildlife-related citation mayresult in license suspension in participating states.12

Information for Hunters with DisabilitiesInformation and applications for all of the following are available atDNR Operations Service Centers (see page 43).Legally blind hunters may use laser sighting devices to take game,subject to all other regulations, with a firearm, bow or crossbow if allthe following conditions are met:• The person is accompanied by a sighted person who is at least18 years of age;• The sighted person possesses proof of a current or previoushunting license (other than an apprentice license) or proof ofsuccessful completion of a hunter safety class;• The legally blind person possesses the appropriate huntinglicense and proof of impairment in the form of a Secretary ofState ID card.No permit is necessary for this accommodation.Resident Veterans with DisabilitiesA resident of Michigan who has been determined by the U.S.Department of Veteran Affairs to be permanently and totallydisabled (for a disability other than blindness) is eligible to purchasesenior hunting and trapping licenses from any license agent. A letterfrom the Veterans Administration stating the person is totally andpermanently disabled and eligible for veterans benefits at the 100percent rate is required.A veteran who has been determined to have a 100 percent disabilityor is rated as individually unemployable by the U.S. Departmentof Veteran Affairs may participate in the Youth Firearm and 100%Disabled Veteran Firearm Deer Hunting Days, Sept. 27-28, 2008, onall lands in Michigan. Documentation from the Veterans Administrationshall be in the possession of a veteran participating in this hunt.Eligible hunters with a firearm or combination license may take anantlered or antlerless deer during this special two-day season. Allhunters participating in this season must wear Hunter Orange.Permits for Hunters with DisabilitiesA person with a disability may apply for a crossbow permit.Crossbow permit criteria are under review and subject to change.Please contact DNR Customer Services at 517-335-3274 for currentinformation.A person with a permanent disability who has the full use of onlyone arm may apply for a modified bow permit. This permit allowsmodifications to a compound bow, including the addition of anoverdraw lock device. This modification may not convert a compoundbow into a crossbow. For more information, go to www.pcba-inc.org/.A person who, due to injury, disease, amputation or paralysis, ispermanently disabled and unable to walk, may apply for a permit tohunt from a standing vehicle. This permit allows a person to hunt,and shoot from, a parked motor vehicle or ORV. Subject to all otherregulations, this permit also entitles the holder to take a deer of eithersex under any valid deer license.A person who meets one of the eligibility requirements below mayhunt deer on private land in a special season from Oct. 16-19, 2008:• Persons who have been issued permits to hunt from a standingvehicle.• Persons who are legally blind.• Veterans who have a 100% disability or are classifi ed asindividually unemployable by the U.S. Department of VeteranAffairs.Hunters with other permanent disabilities may apply to theDNR Resource Deputy for a permit to use a laser sighting devicewith a firearm, bow or crossbow to take game. Subject to allother regulations, a permittee may take game with the use of alaser sighting device only if accompanied by a person who is atleast 18 years of age who is licensed to hunt the same game (otherthan an apprentice license). For application information, please call517-373-0046.Use of Ground Blinds on Public Land by Hunters withDisabilitiesAny person who has been issued a permit to hunt from a standingvehicle, or who has been issued a disabled person parking permitby the Secretary of State, or who meets the disability standards setforth in the Michigan Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Law, may use aconstructed ground blind on public land. If the constructed ground blindis left overnight on public land, the following conditions must be met:• The blind is placed on public land no earlier then 10 days priorto the hunting season for which it is used and is removed at theend of the season for which it is used.• The disabled person has attached, etched, engraved or paintedtheir name and address on the blind.• Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetratethe bark of a tree and must be removed with the blind.• A non-disabled person can assist a disabled person inconstructing a legal blind on public land.See note on page 28 for removal exemption on local publicagency lands.Hunting HoursBelow is a map of the 2008-2009 hunting hour time zones. Actuallegal hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hourafter sunset) for Time Zone A are printed on page 15.To determine the opening (a.m.) and closing (p.m.) time for anyday in another time zone, add the minutes shown below to the timeslisted in the Time Zone A Hunting Hours Table.The hunting hour listed in the table reflects Eastern Standard Time,with an adjustment for daylight-saving time. If you are hunting inGogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central StandardTime), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time bysubtracting one hour.Exceptions: Woodcock hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.Spring turkey hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise toone-half hour before sunset. Waterfowl hunting hours are one-halfhour before sunrise to sunset. See page 32 for rules about huntingraccoon, fox, coyote and opossum at night.14

Time Zone A. Bear, Deer, Fall Wild Turkey, Furbearer and Small Game Hunting Hours Table*One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time)15

Wildlife DiseasesFor additional information on wildlife diseases, contact the DNRWildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030, or visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases. Hunters may check their deer’s or elk’s CWD andTB lab results at this Web site or at www.michigan.gov/dnr (under“Hunting”).Bovine TuberculosisIn 2007, bovine TB was found in 27 white-tailed deer from sixcounties in Michigan: Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscodaand Shiawassee. Statewide, 8,316 deer were tested. Since 1995, atotal of 598 white-tailed deer have been found positive from 162,666deer sampled.The DNR is again urging hunters to submit their deer for freeTB testing this fall if it was taken in these counties: Alcona, Alpena,Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clinton, Crawford, Emmet, Ingham,Iosco, Genesee, Gratiot, Livingston, Montmorency, Ogemaw,Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, andShiawassee. Hunters are asked to submit deer carcasses with chestlesions suspicious for TB from anywhere in the state. The list of deercheck stations is available on the DNR Web site.As a part of Michigan’s strategy to eliminate tuberculosis in deerand elk, hunting regulations in a seven-county area, which includesAlcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego andPresque Isle counties, have been designed to reduce the deerpopulation, which will help decrease transmission of the disease.Feeding and baiting is illegal in these counties.Tuberculosis-infected deer may have multiple pea-sized tanor yellow lumps on the inside of the ribcage(left) or inside or on the lungs (right). The lesions may bedifferent shapes and sizes than shown.What Hunters Should Look for When Field Dressing DeerDeer with severe TB may have tan or yellow lumps lining the chestwall and in the lung tissue (see photos above). If you see a deerwith lesions like these, please, contact the DNR so the carcass andviscera, in addition to the head, can be examined.Hunters taking deer in any of the counties listed above should turnin the deer’s head for testing whether these signs of infection arepresent or not.Chronic Wasting DiseaseChronic wasting disease (CWD) is a disease of the nervoussystem that was fi rst diagnosed at a research facility in Coloradoin 1967. CWD has been diagnosed in captive and wild muledeer, white-tailed deer, elk and moose. CWD in deer and elk ischaracterized by emaciation, drooling, behavioral abnormalities anddeath. Currently, there is no reliable live animal testing availablefor diagnosing CWD, nor is there a treatment available. Accordingto public health offi cials, there is no evidence that CWD can benaturally transmitted to humans, or to animals other than deer, elkand moose.For more information, the CWD Alliance and its partnerorganizations have established a Web site for hunters to obtainscientifi cally accurate information regarding CWD, its impact onwildlife and recommendations for its control. See www.cwd-info.org.Michigan is taking several steps to prevent the occurrence ofCWD in the state:• The importation of captive cervids (deer, elk and moose) hasbeen banned.• A contingency plan to manage CWD in the event of its discoveryin Michigan has been developed by veterinarians and biologists.• Hunters harvesting deer and elk in CWD states are restricted asto what game parts can be imported into Michigan.• Michigan has been conducting CWD testing of deer and elk since1998.Michigan CWD SurveillanceA total of 22,732 deer, elk and moose have been tested for CWDin Michigan and all have tested negative.The DNR conducts two types of surveillance:• Targeted surveillance involves identifying and testing freerangingcervids statewide that have been observed as showingsymptoms consistent with CWD. If a deer or elk is observedexhibiting signs of CWD, particularly behavioral changes suchas incoordination and loss of fear, contact the DNR WildlifeDisease Lab at 517-336-5030 or the nearest DNR OperationsService Center. After hours, reports should be made to the DNRReport All Poaching hotline at 800-292-7800.• Active surveillance is the testing of outwardly healthy cervidsharvested by hunters. Deer heads will be tested from all 83counties, with 10 per county tested from the Lower Peninsula and20 per county tested from the Upper Peninsula.Hunters Importing Deer or ElkHunters importing harvested free-ranging deer or elk fromColorado, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York,South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta orSaskatchewan are restricted to bringing into Michigan only debonedmeat, antlers, antlers attached to a skull cap cleaned of all brainand muscle tissue, hides cleaned of excess tissue or blood, uppercanine teeth or a fi nished taxidermic mount.If you are notifi ed by another state or province that a deer orelk you brought into Michigan tested positive for CWD, you mustcontact the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab within two business days (8a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 517-336-5030 and provide details.Any changes to importation regulations will be posted at www.michigan.gov/chronicwastingdisease. In addition, the U.S. Dept.of Agriculture may have regulations on importation from Canada.Contact them at 301-734-3277.Although there is no evidence that CWD affects humans, the DNRadvises hunters who take deer originating from states or provinceswhere CWD has been found, to take these safety precautions inaddition to those listed on page 17:• Minimize handling brain or spinal cord tissues.• Avoid consuming brain, spinal cord, eyes, spleen and lymphnodes of harvested animals.16

Avian InfluenzaWhat is avian influenza?Birds carry many kinds of flu viruses, but recently a more serioustype of influenza has developed. The technical name for this specificflu strain is Asian H5N1, but is commonly referred to as avianinfluenza (AI). This also is referred to as bird flu, avian flu, or highlypathogenic H5N1. Avian influenza began in Southeast Asia wherewild birds and people acquired the disease from infected chickens. Italso has spread to birds in other countries, but has not been found inNorth America.How serious is avian influenza?Most types of AI do not cause serious harm. However, the AsianH5N1 type of AI is deadly to poultry and some wild birds – butit rarely infects people. Health officials are concerned about thedisease because flu viruses frequently change. Currently, birds andpeople can only get AI from infected birds. If AI or some other fluvirus mutates (or changes) so that people could pass the diseasebetween each other, it would be possible for it to spread to millions ofpeople around the world, which is a pandemic. This mutation has notoccurred and would be very unlikely; however, government officialswant us to be prepared just in case.Are bird hunters at risk?The risk to bird hunters is very low, but scientists are not sureof the risk completely. Avian influenza has rarely infected humans.Those infected have generally contracted the virus from domesticallyraised birds, such as chickens. Transmission from wild birds hasbeen an extremely rare occurrence. However, wild birds carry virusesthat spread mainly through their droppings, so avoid contact withfresh bird droppings, handle birds cleanly, and thoroughly cook yourbirds. If you observe a die-off of six or more waterfowl, gulls, orshorebirds please contact your local DNR field office.Precautions When Processing Wild Game• Hunters should not handle or consume wild animals that appearsick or act abnormally, regardless of the cause.• Always wear heavy rubber or latex gloves when fi eld dressingwild game.• If intestinal contents contact meat, consider the meatcontaminated; cut off and discard affected area.• Proper carcass care in the fi eld is vital to preserving wild game.Big game animals should be fi eld dressed immediately to coolthe carcass and then hung by the head to allow the body cavityto drain thoroughly. In warm weather carcass cooling canbe hastened and maintained with bags of ice. For big gameanimals, ice bags can be placed directly into the body cavity.Unlike venison, bear are marbled with fat and can spoil quickly attemperatures above 40 degrees. Venison can survive for severaldays at temperatures as high as 50 degrees as long as thecarcass is kept out of the sun and protected from fl ies. Placingthe carcass into a cheesecloth game bag or applying a liberalapplication of black pepper to the body cavity will discourage fl ycontamination.• Wash hands with soap and water before and after handlingmeat. Sanitize equipment and work surfaces thoroughly.Safety Practices When Cooking Wild GameThe Michigan Department of Community Health recommendsproper food safety practices when cooking venison, as well as anyother meat or poultry. Thoroughly cooking meat is important toreduce the likelihood of any bacterial disease. All meat, includingvenison, should be cooked until the meat is no longer pink and thejuices run clear. If cooked according to the guidelines below, thelikelihood of any disease transmission to individuals consuming thismeat is extremely small.• Use a meat thermometer to cook meat to proper internaltemperatures (see chart), which helps ensure harmful bacteriaare killed and meat is not overcooked. The color of meat is anunreliable indicator of doneness.• For jerky, steam, boil or roast meat to 165°F using a meatthermometer prior to dehydrating. Dry at 130°-140°F untilthoroughly dry. Jerky is properly dried when it cracks on bendingbut doesn’t break.For more information on venison field dressing, meat preparation andrecipes, see the DNR publication, How to Field Dress a White-TailedDeer, available on the DNR Web site.Recommended Minimum Internal CookingTemperature for Venison and Game BirdsType of meatGround venison,sausage, bolognaTemperature (°F)165°Fresh venison (chops,steaks, roasts) 165°Game Birds/WaterfowlBreastWhole bird170°180°Precaution about Lead in VenisonDeer that are shot with bullets containing lead can have particlesof lead remaining in the meat, some too small to be seen or felt.Although lead can be harmful to humans, even in very low amounts,there is no known evidence that links human consumption of venisonto lead poisoning. Children under 6 years and pregnant women areat the greatest risk from lead exposure.The following suggestions can minimize potential exposure to leadin venison:• Remind your meat processor to, or if you process your ownvenison, trim a generous distance away from the wound channeland discard any meat that is bruised, discolored, or containshair, dirt or bone fragments.• Avoid consuming internal organs.• Practice marksmanship and outdoor skills to get closer, cleaner,lethal shots away from major muscle areas. (Don’t shoot atrunning deer.)• Consider alternative non-lead ammunition such as copper orothers that have high-weight retention.The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Centers forDisease Control and Prevention has begun a study of human bloodlevels and venison consumption. It is expected to be completed byOctober 2008 and information will be available at www.cdc.govIf you have questions about the health effects of lead exposure,call the Michigan Department of Community Health at 800-648-6942.Dioxin Advisory InformationHealth assessors from the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab, the MichiganDepartment of Community Health and the Michigan Departmentof Environmental Quality have determined that samples of wildgame taken in 2007 from the floodplains of the TittabawasseeRiver and Saginaw River downstream of Midland contain highlevels of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds in muscle meats, skinand other consumable portions. Eating deer, turkey, squirrel, woodduck or Canada geese that contain dioxin at these levels couldresult in adverse health effects. High levels of dioxins previouslyfound in game along the Tittabawassee River prompted a 2004Health Advisory for whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. For moreinformation, go to the MDCH Web site at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-2945_5105_29181-113198--,00.html17

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White-tailed DeerAntlered deer means a deer having at least one antler thatextends three inches or more above the skull. Antlerless deermeans a deer without antlers or with antlers where the longestantler extends less than three inches above the skull.If you take two antlered deer, one of the two antlered deermust have at least one antler with four or more antler pointsone inch or longer. This deer can be taken fi rst or second in eitheran archery, fi rearm or muzzleloading season.A person is limited to purchasing only two kill tags for taking anantlered (buck) deer. You may purchase one archery license ANDone fi rearm license (one kill tag each) OR one combination license(two kill tags). Exception: See new U.P. buck hunting regulations.New Upper Peninsula Buck Hunting RegulationsBuck hunting regulations in the Upper Peninsula depend uponthe type of license purchased and the date that license waspurchased.Combination license holders have antler point restrictions (APR)for both licenses. To take an antlered deer in the Upper Peninsulawith the regular combination license the deer must have at leastone antler with three or more antler points, each at least oneinch in length. The APR for the restricted combination license isunchanged (at least one antler with four or more antler points, eachat least one inch in length). Both combination licenses are valid foran antlerless deer during the archery season.Hunters possessing both a fi rearm and archery deer license arelimited to taking only one antlered animal in the Upper Peninsula,all seasons combined. That deer must have at least one antlerthree or more inches in length. The archery license is valid for anantlerless deer during the archery season.Any hunter who purchased his or her deer hunting license priorto June 12, 2008, is exempt from these regulations for 2008. Whenhunting in the Upper Peninsula, deer licenses purchased priorto June 12, 2008, are valid for the same deer as if hunting in theLower Peninsula.Archery Deer Hunting LicenseIt is unlawful to purchase more than one archery deer huntinglicense. This license entitles residents and nonresidents 10 or olderto take one antlered or antlerless deer during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 orDec. 1-Jan. 1 open bow and arrow deer season. Exceptions: Seepage 20.Firearm Deer Hunting LicenseIt is unlawful to purchase more than one fi rearm deer huntinglicense. Residents and nonresidents 12 or older may take a deerwith at least one antler three inches or longer during the Nov. 15-30fi rearm season or during the muzzleloading season. Exceptions:See page 20. Youths 12 and 13 may hunt with a fi rearm on privateland only.Combination Deer Hunting LicenseResidents and nonresidents are entitled to purchase only onelicense with two kill tags (regular and restricted) for use duringany fi rearm hunting season (regular fi rearm and muzzleloading)or archery seasons. A hunter can use both kill tags in the fi rearmseasons, both in the archery season or one in each season. Youths10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting.The regular combination kill tag can be used in the archeryseasons to tag either an antlered or antlerless deer. The regularcombination kill tag can be used in the fi rearm seasons to tag alegal (3 inches or longer antler) antlered deer of any size except forthose areas with exceptions as noted on page 20.The restricted combination kill tag can be used in the archeryseasons to tag an antlerless deer or it can be used to tag anantlered deer during either the archery or fi rearms seasons if theantlered deer has at least one antler with four or more antler pointseach one inch or longer. It is unlawful to use this tag on a smallerantlered deer regardless of the season or area in which it wastaken. The restricted combination kill tag cannot be used to tag anantlerless deer during the fi rearm or muzzleloading seasons.Exception: See tagging option for antlerless hunters on page 20.Antlerless Deer Hunting LicenseEntitles residents and nonresidents 10 and older to take anantlerless deer or deer with antlers less than three inches in length.Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Youths 12and 13 may hunt with a firearm on private land only. Youths 12 and13, who purchase a public land license, are restricted to fi rearmhunting on Commercial Forest Lands or to archery hunting onpublic lands. Antlerless licenses are valid during all deer seasonswith hunting equipment appropriate for the season and huntingzone. To purchase a private land antlerless license you mustprovide a landowner’s telephone number. There is a limit of fi veprivate land antlerless licenses per hunter of which no more thantwo are in Zones 1 and 2. The TB special management units areexempt from the limit of fi ve private land hunting licenses.Junior Antlerless Deer Hunting LicenseYoung hunters, age 9 to 16, may purchase one junior antlerlessdeer license over the counter July 15 through Aug. 15: however, a9-year-old must be 10 by Sept. 27, 2008 to purchase this license.No application fee or drawing is required. This license is availableonly in deer management units with a quota for antlerless licenses.This license may be purchased for either public or private land. Ayouth must appear in person with a parent or guardian to purchasethis license. Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting.Nonresidents, ages 10-16, are allowed to purchase resident licenses.Also see page 9 for information on the youth firearm deer season.Early Firearm Antlerless Deer SeasonAn early fi rearm antlerless deer hunting season will takeplace on private land in some Lower Peninsula DMUs fromSept. 18 through Sept. 22, 2008. The DMUs that will be openare shaded on the map below. You must possess a valid privateland antlerless deer license or DMA permit issued for the DMUin which you are hunting to take a deer during this season. Youalso must have permission from the landowner or leaseholderbefore hunting on private land, and the telephone number of theprivate landowner is required to acquire a private land antlerlessdeer license. You may not bait for deer during the early fi rearmantlerless deer hunting season.All fi rearm hunters must be 12 or older and must wearHunter Orange. Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-onlyhunting, and must possessa private land antlerlesslicense or DMA permitand must wear HunterOrange. Archeryand junior archerydeer licenses arenot valid forthis hunt.Note: See information on DMA permits page 20.19

Tagging Option for Antlerless Deer HuntersAn antlerless deer hunter, with an unused license valid for anantlered deer and an unused antlerless license for the DMU in whichthey are hunting, may tag a male antlerless deer with the antlereddeer license kill tag. Both licenses must be in the hunter’s possessionat the time of harvest. All deer must be immediately tagged.A male antlerless deer means a male deer without antlers or withantlers where the longest antler extends less than three inchesabove the skull.Antler Restriction RegulationsSpecific DMU RegulationsPersons hunting South Fox Island (DMU 245), Drummond Island(DMU 117) and DMU 135 are permitted to take an antlered deer onlyif it has at least one antler with two or more antler points, each one ormore inches in length.Persons hunting in DMUs 045 and 122 are permitted to take anantlered deer only if it has at least one antler with three or moreantler points, each one or more inches in length.In these five units the restricted combination kill tag remains limitedto a deer with at least four points on one antler. Your archery license,or combination license when used during the archery season, is stillvalid for taking an antlerless deer in these units.IMPORTANT: If you are going to hunt deer in DMUs 117(Drummond Island) and 122, see Upper Peninsula buck huntingregulations on page 19.Deer Management Assistance (DMA) PermitsAuthority to purchase Deer Management Assistance (DMA) permitsmay be given by a wildlife biologist to landowners in areas wheredeer have caused significant damage to agricultural or horticulturalcrops, or in areas with documented deer diseases that affect livestock,human health and the welfare of the deer herd. DMA permits maybe used by any hunter who possesses a valid Michigan deer huntinglicense. Youth 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. DMApermits may be issued to take antlerless deer only. Deer taken withDMA permits do not count against a hunter’s regular bag limit. DMApermits can be used during the archery, firearm and muzzloading20Late Firearm Antlerless Deer SeasonA late antlerless deer season will take place on private land insome Lower Peninsula DMUs from Dec. 22, 2008 through Jan.1, 2009. The DMUs that will be open are shaded on the mapat right. Hunters must have a valid private land antlerless deerlicense (or DMA permit)for one of the openDMUs with an unusedkill tag issued in theirname to participate inthis hunt. Deer maybe taken with a bowand arrow orfi rearm.Note: See information on DMA permits below.deer seasons with hunting equipment appropriate for the season andhunting zone. DMA permits are not stand-alone licenses. You musthave purchased a regular firearm, archery, combination or antlerlessdeer license for the season in which you are hunting. Any person usinga DMA permit must obey all other hunting laws.Special Deer HuntsSouth Fox Island Deer HuntingDeer hunting permits are available for South Fox Island duringarchery season from Oct. 1-28 and/or firearm season beginning Oct.29 through Nov. 26. Contact: DNR Operations Service Center, 8015Mackinaw Trail, Cadillac, MI 49601; 231-775-9727.North Manitou Island HuntsLicenses for the archery, Oct. 1-31, muzzleloading and regularfirearm, Nov. 1-9, deer hunting seasons will be awarded by lottery.The application deadline for the primitive seasons is Sept. 24 andOct. 16 for the regular season. There is an application fee. Forinformation, contact the Park Superintendent, Sleeping Bear DunesNational Lakeshore, 9922 Front Street, Empire, MI 49630;231-326-5134, or at www.nps.gov/slbe.Shiawassee River State Game Area Deer HuntingContact the DNR Field Offi ce (225 E. Spruce Street, St.Charles, MI 48655) at 989-865-6211. The deadline for applicationis Aug. 1, 2008.Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge Deer HuntingContact the SNWR (6975 Mower Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601) at989-777-5930.Hoffmaster State ParkContact the park office at 231-798-3711. This park will bescheduling a managed antlerless deer hunt. The deadline forapplication is Sept. 5, 2008.Fort Custer Training CenterThe training center is sponsoring a Freedom Hunt for hunterseligible to participate in the Oct. 16-19 deer hunt for persons withdisabilities (see page 14). To apply, contact Fort Custer TrainingCenter–ENV, 2501 26th St., Augusta, MI, 49012; 269-731-6570;www.fortcuster.org. The application deadline is Oct. 1, 2008.Hunters, Learn to Identify “Button Bucks”Each year many hunters harvest buck fawns, commonly called“button bucks” on antlerless deer licenses. Though legal, harvestingthese deer may reduce the number of antlered bucks the followingyear. By learning the difference between adult does and buck fawnsand observing these suggestions, hunters can make a consciouschoice on whether to harvest a buck fawn.• Look at body shapes of deer. Adult does are different in shapefrom juvenile deer. The mature doe is rectangular in shape with along neck and face. Fawns are square shaped and have a shortneck and face.• Button bucks often travel alone, but adult does rarely do.Consider this when you observe a single antlerless deer.• Wait until more than three deer are together; then harvest one ofthe larger antlerless deer.• If two juvenile deer are without an adult, one will probably be abutton buck.Normally the young male is larger than the female and may bemistaken for an adult doe because of its larger size. Look at thehead of the deer. A doe’s head is normally more rounded on topbetween the ears and a buck’s head is fl attened by the base ofthe antlers.• Look closely with binoculars for the antler bases on buttonbucks.• Wait until the deer are standing or moving slowly. It is easier toidentify sex and age when deer are not running or moving fast.• Shoot with good visibility. Poor light or heavy cover makes itdiffi cult to determine sex and age.

Baiting Deer and Feeding Deer or Elk“Baiting” is defined as putting out food materials, salt or mineralsfor deer to attract, lure, or entice them as an aid in hunting.“Feeding” is defined as placing food materials out that attract deeror elk for any other reason, such as recreational viewing.Deer baiting and the feeding of deer or elk is illegal in Alcona,Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Islecounties. In all other counties the rules for baiting and feeding are asfollows:Baiting: (Deer only. Elk baiting is illegal in Michigan.)• Baiting may occur only from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1.• The bait material may be of any food type.• The volume of bait at any hunting site cannot exceed twogallons.• The bait must be dispersed over a minimum of a 10-foot x 10-foot area.• The bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can bescattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders,provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more thanthe maximum volume allowed.Feeding for Recreational Viewing:(Deer and Elk.)• The feed material may be of any food type.• The volume of feed at any residence cannot exceed two gallons.• The feed must be scattered on the ground. It can be scatteredby any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, providedthat the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than themaximum daily volume allowed.• The feed must be scattered or dispersed at least 100 yards fromany area accessible to cattle, goats, sheep, new world camelids,bison, swine, horses, or captive cervidae and no more than 100yards from a residence on land owned or possessed by thatperson.• Food plots, naturally occurring foods, standing agricultural crops,or food placed as a result of using normal agricultural practicesare not considered to be baiting or feeding.Deer Cooperator PatchesCooperator patches have been used as an incentive for successfulhunters to bring their deer to DNR offices and other check stations.Hunters wishing to receive a deer cooperator patch must check theirdeer by Jan. 10, 2009. A deer head must be presented to receivea patch. Patches are not available by mail. The list of deer checkstations is available on the DNR Web site. Hunters are urged to callahead whenever possible to confirm hours and days of operation.Restrictions on Off-Road Vehicles andSnowmobilesAt all times it is illegal to operate an Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) onpublic lands in the Lower Peninsula not posted open. Snowmobilesare prohibited at any time on state game areas or state parks andrecreation areas unless posted open.Time Restrictions—It is illegal to operate an ORV or a snowmobilebetween the hours of 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open topublic hunting during the Nov. 15-30 firearm deer season.Exceptions: The time restrictions on the use of ORVs andsnowmobiles do not apply during an emergency or while traveling toand from a permanent residence or hunting camp that is otherwiseinaccessible by a conventional wheeled vehicle.The time restrictions on the use of ORVs also do not apply toretrieve a legally taken deer, to private landowners and their invitedguests, to motor vehicles licensed under the Michigan Vehicle Codeoperating on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic, to adisabled person using a designated trail or forest road for huntingor fishing purposes, or to a person with a valid permit to hunt from astanding vehicle.Deer Carcass DisposalIrresponsible dumping of deer carcasses can spread disease andmay result in a ticket. Hunters who process their deer should properlydispose of hide, brain and spinal cord, eyes, spleen, tonsils, bonesand head in an approved landfill.Hunters, Do NOT Move FirewoodHunters can help stop the spread of the emerald ash borer (EAB)in Michigan by leaving firewood at home and buying it after theyreach their destination. Moving firewood can spread EAB and putsMichigan’s 700 million ash trees at risk. A quarantine is in place whichprohibits the movement of all non-coniferous (hardwood) firewoodout of quarantined areas. The movement of non-coniferous firewoodinto the Upper Peninsula is illegal. For more information, visit www.emeraldashborer.info, or call the EAB hotline at 866-325-0023.Protected WildlifeEagles, hawks, owls, spruce and sharp-tailed grouse, wolverines,wolves, lynx, moose, cougars, cub bears, and sows accompanied bycubs, may not be taken at any time. All nongame birds are protected,except starlings, English sparrows and feral pigeons.Control of Certain Nuisance SpeciesAny ear-tagged cervids (members of the deer and elk family)found outside of a fence of a registered cervidae facility for more than48 hours may be taken by hunting during designated deer and elkseasons if the individual has a valid hunting license.Certain exotic cervids, including all white cervids, found outside ofa fence of a cervidae facility for more than 48 hours may be taken byhunting year-round if the individual has a valid hunting license.Hunters also may shoot feral swine (free-ranging pigs) withincertain Michigan counties if the individual has a valid hunting licenseof any type. The list of open counties may be accessed on the DNRWeb site. Hunters who shoot a feral swine are asked to submit partsof the animal to a DNR office for disease testing.Please contact a DNR Operations Service Center for furtherinformation.Dog TrainingYou may train dogs on wild animals only from July 15 through April15. Exception: Michigan residents may train dogs on fox on statelands in Zone 3 (see page 9) under special permit.The Michigan Department of NaturalResources encourages hunters to support theeffort to provide processed wild game meat tolocal families in need. You can help in one of twosimple ways. First, tell your license agent thatyou would like to make a cash donation whenyou purchase your hunting license. Second,consider donating a portion of your processedgame (donations can be accepted only if theprocessing is done by a licensed processor).Please help in this important effort. For moreinformation or to find a participating processornear you, call 517-853-3663 or go online towww.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.21

Small GameA small game license entitles you to hunt rabbit, hare,squirrel (fox and gray), pheasant, ruffed grouse, woodcock (HIPendorsement required), quail, crow, coyote (applies to Michiganresidents only) and waterfowl (with a federal waterfowl stamp andMichigan waterfowl hunting license, if age 16 or older) during theopen season. Opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk,ground squirrel and woodchuck also may be taken year-roundwith a valid hunting license. No license is required for a resident,resident’s spouse or resident’s children to hunt small game on theenclosed farmlands where they live, except a federal waterfowlstamp and state waterfowl license are required to hunt waterfowl.PheasantThe area open to pheasant hunting Oct. 10-31 in Zone 1 (U.P.) hasbeen expanded to provide additional hunting opportunity. The Zone 1Pheasant Management Unit now includes all of Menominee Countyand portions of Delta, Dickinson, Iron and Marquette counties. Seethe DNR Web site for the complete detailed definition of this andother unit boundaries.Early September Canada Goose HuntingDates: Sept. 1-10 in the Upper Peninsula and Saginaw, Tuscolaand Huron counties (except areas noted below). Sept. 1-15 in theLower Peninsula except Saginaw, Tuscola and Huron counties(except areas noted below).Daily Limit: 5 Canada geese daily.Possession Limit: 10 Canada geese.Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset (see below).Open Hunt Areas: Statewide, excluding some wildlife areas andportions of some state parks and recreation areas. See map belowand additional information that follows.(1) All or portions of the following areas are open Sept. 1-10Port Crescent S.P. Sleeper S.P.(2) Portions of the following areas are open Sept. 1-15.Bald Mountain R.A. Ionia R.A. Proud Lake R.A.Bay City R.A. Lake Hudson R.A. Rose Lake W.R.ABrighton R.A. Negwegon S.P. Sleepy Hollow S.P.Grand Mere S.P. Ortonville R.A. Thompson’s Harbor S.P.Highland R.A. Pinckney R.A. Waterloo R.A.Holly R.A. Pontiac Lake R.A. Wetzel R.A.(3) All or portions of the following areas are open Sept. 2-10.Brimley S.P. Laughing Whitefish Porcupine Mountains S.P.Craig Lake S.P. Falls S.S. Tahquamenon Falls S.P.Fayette S.P. McLain S.P. Van Riper S.P.Indian Lake S.P. Palms Book S.P. Wagner Falls S.S.(4) All or portions of the following areas are open Sept. 2-15.Cheboygan S.P. Ludington S.P. Sterling S.P.Fisherman’s Island S.P. Metamora-Hadley R.A. Sturgeon Point S.P.Fort Custer R.A. Rifle River R.A. Wilderness S.P.Hoeft S.P. Seven Lakes S.P. Yankee Springs R.A.Island Lake R.A.Leelanau S.P.Silver Lake S.P.South Higgins Lake S.P.State Parks (S.P.), Scenic Sites (S.S.), Recreation Areas (R.A.)and Wildlife Research Areas (W.R.A)Contact your local DNR Parks and Recreation or Wildlifeoffice for information. Note: The early September season isclosed within the following management units (see map below):1 The Highbanks, Fennville farm and Bravo units of the Allegan SGA.2 The Muskegon county wastewater system management unit.In addition to the October pheasant hunting seasons, the shadedarea shown below is open to pheasant hunting Dec. 1-Jan. 1 for thetaking of male pheasants.ZONE A HUNTING HOURSSEPT. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15AM 6:28 6:29 6:30 6:31 6:32 6:33 6:34 6:35 6:36 6:37 6:39 6:40 6:41 6:42 6:43PM 8:06 8:04 8:02 8:00 7:59 7:57 7:55 7:54 7:52 7:50 7:48 7:47 7:45 7:43 7:4122

QuailQuail can be hunted only in Branch, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton,Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson,Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Montcalm,Oakland, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Shiawassee,Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties. All other counties areclosed to quail hunting.Game Bird Hunting PreservesAll persons hunting on a licensed game bird hunting preservemust have a current Michigan small game license or game birdhunting preserve license.WaterfowlMichigan Waterfowl Hunting LicenseIn addition to a small game license, all waterfowl hunters age16 and older are required to purchase a Michigan WaterfowlLicense. For information on waterfowl seasons, bag limits andother regulations, see the 2008-2009 Michigan Waterfowl HuntingGuide (available Sept. 10) and the 2008 Waterfowl Reserved Huntbrochure (available Aug. 1).Federal Migratory Bird Hunting StampThis stamp is required for all waterfowl hunters 16 and older,including people hunting on their own enclosed farmland. Federalwaterfowl stamps are not required for hunting woodcock, rails andsnipe. The federal stamp must be signed across its face with yourname in ink. The stamps are available at post offi ces and someMichigan license agents.Migratory Game BirdsHarvest Information Program (HIP)If you are planning to hunt migratory birds (ducks, geese,woodcock, snipe, rails, etc.) in Michigan this fall, you must havea Harvest Information Program endorsement printed on yoursmall game license. The HIP endorsement, which consists ofthe statement: “Migratory Bird Hunter—YES,” is printed on yoursmall game license when you answer the HIP survey questions.There is no cost for this endorsement. If the agent fails to ask youthe HIP question, you can do any of the following to receive theendorsement:• Ask the agent to reissue the license.• Visit the DNR e-license Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr andselect item # 005 — HIP migratory bird survey.• Visit any DNR Operations Service Center.If you purchase a waterfowl hunting license the HIP endorsementis automatically included. But it must be added by the agent if youare purchasing a small game license and plan to hunt woodcock.Persons who are hunting migratory birds without this endorsementcan be fi ned.Recreational TrespassTrespassing is illegal and seriously erodes support forrecreational hunting. Permission is required from the landowner orleaseholder before you may hunt on any farm lands or connectedwoodlots or on any posted private land. Landowners may grantverbal permission. Hunters are required to produce their huntinglicense to landowners upon request.If you wound an animal or bird and it runs or fl ies onto privateproperty, you have no legal right to pursue it without permissionof the landowner. Without permission of the landowner, you aretrespassing and subject to prosecution.Float HuntingHunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landownersbordering the waterway and their invited guests. Float hunters needpermission to enter lands protected by the recreational trespasslaw. You may fl oat hunt public lands open to hunting.Private Lands Open to Public HuntingHunting Access Program (HAP)The DNR leases several thousand acres of farmland in southernMichigan for public hunting with permission from the owner. Forany license type, HAP lands are considered private lands. Fordetails, consult Public Hunting on Private Lands which is availableat southern Michigan DNR offi ces, license agents, the NaturalResources and Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency,Michigan State University Cooperative Extension, Michigan FarmBureau, and on our Web site: www.michigan.gov/dnr.Select Privately Owned LandsHunting rights have been purchased by the state of Michiganfor various privately owned lands. These lands are open to publichunting. Registration is not required but all applicable laws stillapply. For additional information and a complete legal description ofthese parcels, refer to the DNR Web site.Commercial Forest (CF) LandsNearly 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled inthe CF program are accessible by foot to the public for fi shing,hunting and trapping. The CF lands are not posted or signedas commercial forests and may be fenced and/or gated. Thepresence of a fence or gate does not prohibit public access toCF lands for fi shing, hunting or trapping. (The owner may restrictpublic access during periods of active commercial logging toensure public safety). Camping, tree stands, construction of blinds,the use of ORVs and vehicles, the use of any materials that mayharm the value of trees or create a potentially hazardous woodharvestingcondition, and the cutting or destruction of brush, treesor other plants for any purpose are prohibited, unless you haveowner permission. Legal land descriptions of lands listed in thisprogram are available on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr, under Forests, Land and Water. If you have questions aboutthis program or specifi c CF lands, contact the nearest DNR offi ceor DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management, PO Box 30452,Lansing, MI 48909, or call 517-373-1275.SAVE YOUR WILDLIFEHERITAGE!Your Michigan Wildlife Habitat license plate purchasewill help Michigan’s nongame and endangered wildlife,plants, and their unique habitats. Twenty-five dollars from the saleof each plate is directed into the Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund.The Fund is dedicated to promoting wildlife education, restoring andconserving populations of peregrine falcons, ospreys, frogs, fish andwildflowers. Wildlife viewing opportunities at more than 120 locationsare available for all to enjoy Michigan’s precious resources.To learn more about the fund and how you can help wildlife,visit the DNR online at www.michigan.gov/dnr.23

SpeciesBlack BearCottontail Rabbitand Varying HareCrowDeerBagLimit15 per day10 combinedpossessionNo LimitIf you desire to take 2 antlered deer, see pages 19-20for minimum antler size requirements.2 per day4 possession5 per day10 possession5 per day10 possession3 per day6 possessionZone 1Zones 2,3Zone 3See page 22StatewideSee note 8StatewideAug. 26 - 29 & Sept. 12-16See note 7 StatewideSept. 15 - Nov. 141Zone(page 9)See note 1StatewideZone 1Zones 2,31 per kill tag See note 41StatewideSee page 141 per kill tag1 per kill tag1 per kill tag1 per kill tag1 per kill tag2008-2009 Hunting Seasons and BStatewideSee page 14StatewideStatewideZone 1Zone 2Zone 3See note 41 See note 1Sept.Sept. 10 - Oct. 26Aug. 1-Sept. 30Aug. 1-Sept. 30Early Firearm Sept. 18 - 22Youth & 100% Disabled VeteransSpecial DisabledFirearm HuntArcheryRegular FirearmMuzzleloadingLate FirearmElkPheasant (male)QuailRuffed GrouseSquirrelFox and Gray(black phase included)Fall Wild TurkeyWoodcockSept. 27 - 28Oct. 16-19Oct. 1 - Nov. 14Oct. 20 - NovOct. 6- Nov. 14Sept. 20 - Nov. 3Oct. 10OOpossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, starling and English sparrows mFeral pigeons may be taken with a firearm year-round with a valid hunting license. See state park and recreatioOct.NoAlso sUpper Peninsu

ag Limitsv. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar.Sept. 15 - Mar. 31Dec. 1-Jan. 1Nov. 15 - 30Dec. 9-16- 31ct. 20 - Nov. 14Dec. 1 - Jan. 1. 14Sept. 15 - March 1Season Datesee page 19 for newla buck hunting regulations.Dec. 5-14Dec. 12-21Dec. 5-21Dec. 22 - Jan. 1Dec. 1 - Jan. 1Jan. 15-19Feb. 1 - Mar. 31ay be taken year-round with a valid hunting license.n area restrictions on page 27.Notes1241011333415,6789Notes:1. See the 2008 Bear HuntingGuide or 2008 Elk HuntingGuide for more information.2. Crows may be takenoutside the open seasonduring hunting hours, incompliance with federalregulations, if these birdsare causing a nuisance orcreating a health hazard.3. See pages 19-20 for antlerrestrictions in the U.P. andin DMUs 045, 117, 122,135 and 245.4. Antlerless deer on privateland only. See pages 19-20for open DMUs.5. Zone 1 open to hunting hasbeen expanded. See page22 for map and boundarydescription6. See December PheasantSeason map on page 22.7. Zones 1 and 2: five perday/10 in possession. Zone3: three per day/six inpossession.8. See the 2008 Fall WildTurkey Guide for moreinformation.9. Shotguns must be pluggedso they are capable ofholding no more than threeshells. A federal waterfowlstamp is not requiredto hunt woodcock. HIPendorsement required. Seepage 23.10. A firearm or combinationlicense is valid for any deerduring this season.11. See page 14 for eligibilityrequirements to participatein this hunt.

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Artificial Lights and ShiningIt is illegal to use an artificial light (including vehicle headlights) tolocate wild animals at any time during November and all other daysof the year between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. It is illegal to use an artificiallight on a highway or in a field, wetland, woodland or forest whilehaving in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm orother device capable of shooting a projectile.Exception: This prohibition does not apply to pistols carried underthe authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried underauthority of a specific exemption from the requirement of a concealedpistol license. This does not authorize the individual to use the pistolto take game except as provided by law.An artificial light may be used from Nov. 1-30 on property you ownor property owned by a member of your immediate family if you donot have in your possession or control a bow and arrow, firearm orother device capable of shooting a projectile.It is a violation of federal law to shine at any time on any nationalwildlife refuge.A deer hunter may use an artificial light one hour before and onehour after shooting hours while carrying an unloaded firearm or bowand arrow when traveling on foot to or from their hunting location.See “Nighttime Raccoon and Predator Hunting,” page 32, forartificial light regulations when hunting raccoon, opossum, fox andcoyote at night.Persons not possessing a firearm or bow and arrow while travelingon foot may use lights during dog training or field trials to follow dogschasing raccoon, opossum or fox. A lighted pin sight on a bow or ascope with illuminated cross hairs may be used to hunt game duringlegal hunting hours.Note: If you are using an artificial light to locate game, you mustimmediately stop your vehicle when signaled by a uniformed officeror marked patrol vehicle.Ten Commandments of Firearm Safety1. Watch that muzzle! Keep it pointed in a safe direction at alltimes.2. Treat every fi rearm with the respect due a loaded gun. Itmight be, even if you think it isn’t.3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it.Know the identifying features of the game you hunt. Makesure you have an adequate backstop -- don’t shoot at a fl at,hard surface or water.4. Keep your fi nger outside the trigger guard until readyto shoot. This is the best way to prevent an accidentaldischarge.5. Check your barrel and ammunition. Make sure the barrel andaction are clear of obstructions and carry only the properammunition for your fi rearm.6. Unload fi rearms when not in use. Leave actions open/ carryfi rearms in cases and unloaded to and from the shootingarea.7. Point a fi rearm only at something you intend to shoot. Avoidall horseplay with a gun8. Don’t run, jump or climb with a loaded fi rearm. Unload afi rearm before you climb a fence or tree, or jump a ditch. Pulla fi rearm toward you by the butt, not the muzzle.9. Store fi rearms and ammunition separately and safely. Storeeach in secured locations beyond the reach of children andcareless adults.10. Avoid alcoholic beverages before or during shooting. Alsoavoid mind- or behavior-altering medicines or drugs.Important Live Animal RestrictionsLive Animals—It is illegal to possess live game or protectedanimals taken from the wild except under a permit issued by theDNR.Importation Bans—It is illegal to bring a live raccoon, skunk,wild rabbit or hare, wild turkey or wild turkey hybrid or their eggs,or a mute swan or their eggs into Michigan. It is illegal to import orpossess a wolf or cougar without an endangered species permit.There is a moratorium on importing deer and elk into Michigan.Rehabilitation—A permit is required to rehabilitate a wild animalin Michigan. It is illegal to possess a bat or skunk. It also is illegal torehabilitate a deer unless the origin of the deer is positively confirmedto be from outside Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda,Otsego and Presque Isle counties.Hunting within a Road or RailroadRight-of-WayYou may hunt within a road right-of-way where the adjoiningproperty is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privatelyowned, you must have permission from the landowner. Railroadrights-of-way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property isa misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroadcompany to be exempt from trespass.State Parks and Recreation AreasAll state parks and recreation areas are closed to hunting fromApril 1 through Sept. 14, except in areas designated open during theearly Canada goose season and spring wild turkey season.There is no trapping within 50 feet of the mowed portions ofspecific areas within state recreation areas. Check with the parkheadquarters for current trapping regulations and any restrictions forthose areas prior to trapping.It is illegal to target shoot in a state park or recreation area, excepton a designated shooting range at Bald Mountain, Island Lake,Ortonville and Pontiac Lake recreation areas.Contact the individual park for hunting information. To makecamping reservations, call 800-44-PARKS. State Park Motor VehiclePermits can be ordered by calling 517-373-9900.Raised Platforms and Tree StandsThe following persons may hunt from a raised platform or tree stand:• All bow and crossbow hunters.• Bear and deer hunters when using a fi rearm.• Fox and coyote hunters from one-half hour before sunrise toone-half hour after sunset.All other fi rearm hunters are prohibited from using a raisedplatform or tree stand. A raised platform means a horizontal surfaceconstructed or manufactured by a person that increases the fi eld ofvision of a person using the horizontal surface beyond the fi eld ofvision that normally would be attained by that person standing onthe ground.If you hunt on public land, your tree stand must be portable andyour name and address must be affixed in legible English that can beeasily read from the ground. Hunting platforms cannot be affixed orattached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts; however, a “T” bolt orsimilar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used.Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It is illegal touse any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in theconstruction or affi xing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.Scaffolds, raised platforms, ladders, steps and any other deviceto assist in climbing a tree cannot be placed on public landsany earlier than Sept. 1, and must be removed by March 1. Apermanent raised platform or tree stand may be used for hunting onprivate land with the permission of the landowner.It is unlawful to use an illegal tree stand, scaffold, step, etc.,regardless of who placed it on public lands. Your name on a tree standor ground blind on public land does not guarantee exclusive use.27

Ground Blinds on Public LandA ground blind means a structure, enclosure or any material,natural or manufactured, placed on the ground to assist inconcealing or disguising the user or occupant for the purpose oftaking an animal. Any ground blind on public land that does notmeet the requirements of either Type 1, 2 or 3 described below isan illegal ground blind.Exception: See the 2008-2009 Waterfowl Hunting Guide forregulations on waterfowl hunting blinds.Only the following types of ground blinds are legal on public land:Type 1 (Portable Ground Blind). This blind must be clearlyportable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt. Fasteners, ifused to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium ofa tree and also must be removed daily. No identifi cation is required.These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public land, includingall state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas inZone 3 (see page 9).Type 2 (Dead Natural Materials Ground Blind). This blind mustbe constructed exclusively of dead natural materials found in thearea of the blind except that a hunter may add netting, cloth, plasticor other materials for concealment or protection from the weather ifthese materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and areremoved 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. Noidentifi cation is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot beused in construction. These blinds may be used for legal huntingon public land, including all state game areas, state parks and staterecreation areas in Zone 3 (see page 9).Type 3 (Constructed Ground Blind). This includes all otherblinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2including portable ground blinds if not removed daily. Bear huntersmay place constructed ground blinds on state lands in bearmanagement units open to bear hunting for which they have abear license beginning Aug. 10 in Zone 1 units and in Zone 2 unitsbeginning Aug. 17. Blinds must be removed within fi ve days of abear being harvested, or within fi ve days of the end of the bearseason for which the hunter has a license.Constructed ground blinds on all Zone 1 and Zone 2 publiclands for deer hunting shall remain legal from Nov. 6 to the endof the annual deer season. In addition to criminal penalties, anyconstructed blind found on public land prior to Nov. 6 or after theend of the annual deer season will be considered abandoned.The name and address of the person placing a constructedground blind on public land must be permanently attached, etched,engraved or painted on the blind. These blinds are not legal onstate game areas, state parks and state recreation areas inZone 3 (see page 9). Fasteners, if used to anchor or attachthe blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must beremoved with the blind.Note: If a person’s Type 3 ground blind has been permittedto be placed on land administered by a local public agency (city,township, county), the local agency will establish the length of timethat a blind may be placed on its property.Hunters with disabilities — Please see page 14 for specialground blind rules on public lands.Additional Hunting RulesIt is illegal to:• Hunt or pursue wild animals or birds from a car,snowmobile, aircraft, motorboat, PWC, ORV or othermotorized vehicle, or by a sailboat.• Set fi res to drive out game.• Use snares, traps, cages, nets, pitfalls, deadfalls, spears,drugs, poisons, chemicals, smoke, gas, explosives, ferrets,weasels or mechanical devices other than fi rearms, bowsand arrows or slingshots to take wild birds or animals,except as provided by trapping rules or special permit.• Use a crossbow to take game except under permit (seepage 14). Exception: A properly licensed hunter 12 andolder may use a crossbow during the Nov. 15-30 fi rearmdeer season.• Buy or sell game, except as provided by trapping rules orcaptive wildlife permit.• Destroy the identity of game or evidence of the sex of gamewhile in the fi eld or when transported in a motor vehicle.Exception: See Transportation of Game, page 12, for deer,bear and elk.• Hunt from a tree, raised platform or scaffold with a fi rearm.Exceptions: See page 27 for rules when hunting bear,deer, fox and coyote. Also see 2008-2009 MichiganWaterfowl Hunting Guide for waterfowl hunting blindregulations.• Hunt while under the infl uence of intoxicating alcohol,exhilarating or stupefying drugs.• Use cartridges containing tracer or explosive bullets. Asilencer or similar apparatus on a fi rearm is illegal.• Camp on state land without a permit. Permits are free andare available at any DNR offi ce. They must be posted atyour campsite. A fee is charged for camping at designatedcampsites in state parks and recreation areas and stateforest campgrounds.• Make use of a dog in hunting deer except that a dog may beused to locate a down or mortally wounded deer if the dogis kept on a leash and none of the persons in attendancepossess a fi rearm or bow and arrow. If the tracking is doneat night, artifi cial lights ordinarily carried in the hand may beused. A dog that barks while tracking the deer shall not beused on public lands.• Harm or harass a deer or bear when it is swimming in astream, river, pond, lake or other waterbody.• Kill or wound any game without making a reasonableattempt to retrieve the animal and include it in the daily bag.• Shoot reptiles and amphibians with a fi rearm (includingspring, air or gas propelled).28

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30Hunters should learn the differencebetween the gray wolf and the coyote.GRAY WOLF (Canis lupus)Height: 30” average — Length: 4-1/2 to 6-1/2 feet — Weight: 50-100 lbs.COYOTE (Canis latrans)Height: 18” maximum — Length:3 feet — Weight: 25-45 lbs.4.5”2.5”Note: Coyote hunting in Zone 1 and Zone 2 is closed Nov. 15 - 30.The Impacts of Wolves on Deerin the Upper PeninsulaMany Michigan residents are concerned about the impacts ofwolves on the Upper Peninsula deer population. The extent of thoseimpacts is influenced by many factors. However, compared to thedeer mortality caused by other sources, including other predators,the impact of wolves on the deer population is relatively small.Several studies have examined wolf kill rates, and recent estimatesrange from 30 to 50 deer eaten by an adult wolf each year. Wolvesprey upon a variety of species, and the proportion of their dietcomprised of deer changes continuously. Also, an unknown numberof deer eaten by wolves may have died from other causes, such aswinter conditions or vehicle collisions.A population of 500 adult wolves (about the number of adult wolvesin the UP counted in the most recent census) could eat between15,000 and 25,000 deer annually. Many of these deer would havedied from various other causes if wolves were not present (accidents,winter weather, diseases, etc.). Between 5,000 and 8,000 deer-vehiclecrashes are reported annually in the UP, and even more deer are killedin crashes that are not reported. A severe winter can kill 30 percent (ormore) of the deer population. There are about 325,000 deer in the UP,and hunters killed about 58,000 deer in 2007.Wolves and deer evolved together, and deer possess physical andbehavioral adaptations for avoiding wolf predation.Wolf-Dog ConflictsWolves, like most members of the wild canid family, are territorial.Wolves will defend their territories and may attack other wolves,coyotes and domestic dogs that are in their territory. Most wolf-dogconflicts occur during the bear training and hunting seasons, whichoverlaps with the time wolf pups are using homesites. Wolf pupsremain at these homesites until they are ready to travel with theadults -- usually in early fall.Dogs used for hunting bear are at risk of being attacked by wolvesbecause they: (1) traverse large areas, which increases their chanceof coming near or encountering a homesite; (2) are released at bearbait sites that also may be used by wolves; (3) bark while tracking,which may be viewed as a territorial challenge by wolves; and (4) aresome distance from the hunters and therefore not protected by thepresence of humans.Avoiding Potential ProblemsTo minimize the confl ict between wolves and dogs it is best to avoidareas of recent wolf activity. Wolves will concentrate much of theiractivity around the den and homesites. These sites often are not usedfrom year to year and can change throughout the summer. Homesitesusually are forest openings or edge areas and often are near water.They can be identifi ed by the concentration of wolf tracks, droppingsand matted vegetation. It is best to do some scouting beforehand andlook for wolf sign before releasing your hounds. Be especially vigilantwhen starting dogs from a bear bait site and make sure wolves havenot been using the bait. If wolf sign, and particularly the sign of wolfpups is evident, move to another area before releasing your dogs.What You Can Do1. Report all suspected wolf–dog confl icts to the DNR immediatelyto allow a timely investigation. This will provide everyone with anaccurate and up to date map.2. Become familiar with coyote and dog tracks, so they can becorrectly distinguished from wolf tracks.3. Some hunters have reported that bells or beepers added to dogcollars can reduce wolf attacks.For information on hunting dog conflicts with wolves, contact yourlocal DNR office or Michigan’s wolf coordinator at 906-228-6561.To report a dog depredation, call the Report All Poaching hotline:800-292-7800.Fur Harvester LicenseAll persons who hunt and trap furbearing animals, including thosewho trap or hunt on their own enclosed farmland or private property,must have a valid fur harvester license. This license allows you tohunt fox, bobcat, coyote or raccoon, and trap badger, bobcat, fisher,marten, fox, coyote, weasel, mink, raccoon, muskrat, beaver, otter,skunk or opossum.Exception: See footnotes 1, 5 and 10, page 31.A person may trap at any age but must possess a valid furharvester license. This license does not authorize a person underage 10 to possess a firearm while trapping. A Junior Resident FurHarvester-Trap Only license is available to youths without HunterSafety training.Nonresident Fur Harvester LicenseNonresidents may hunt and trap furbearing animals only fromNov. 15 through the regular season closing dates. A nonresidentcannot purchase a license before Nov. 15. Residents of Wisconsin,Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the province of Ontario,Canada, cannot purchase a Michigan nonresident fur harvesterlicense.Furbearer Kill TagsA person who intends to harvest bobcat, otter, fisher or martenmust request and shall be issued free kill tags for these species.These tags are available Sept. 15 through the last day of the huntingand trapping season for that furbearer. Kill tags will be available fromlicense agents or by contacting any DNR Operations Service Center(see page 43). A person who kills a bobcat, otter, fisher or martenshall immediately validate the tag and attach the tag to the hide fromthe upper jaw to the eye socket or through the lower jaw. Personsunder eight years of age may not obtain a kill tag for bobcat, otter,fisher or marten.Because of the change in stock for the new license year beginningMarch 1, 2009, otter tags for 2008-2009 will be available only fromSept. 15, 2008 to March 1, 2009 . After March 1, individuals whohave not obtained their ‘08-’09 otter kill tags should contact a DNROperations Service Center to request tags.

Fur Harvester Trapping and Hunting SeasonsSpeciesMuskrat &MinkRaccoonFox and CoyoteBobcatBadgerFisher/MartenBeaver & OtterBobcatGray & Red FoxRaccoonCoyoteAreaZone 1Zone 2Zone 3Zones 1& 2Zone 3StatewideUnits A & BUnits C & DZones 1& 2Zone 3Units A&BUnits A,B & CUnits A & BUnit CUnit DStatewideStatewideStatewideSeason DatesOct. Nov. Dec.Trapping SeasonsJan. Feb.Oct. 25 - Jan. 31Nov. 1 - Jan. 31Nov. 10 - Jan. 31Oct. 15 - Jan. 31Nov. 1 - Jan. 31Oct. 15 - Mar.1Oct. 25 -Mar. 1Oct. 15 - Nov. 14Nov. 1 - Mar. 1See page 33Hunting Seasons 7Oct. 1 - Jan. 31Dec. 1 - 15Dec. 1- Mar. 1Jan. 1 - Feb. 1Oct. 15 - Mar.1Dec. 10 - 20Jan. 1 - Mar. 1Jul. 15 - April 15 Closed in Zones 1 and 2 during Nov. 15 - 30Notes11, 92,103 & 86,1010 (Otter)2,1041, 41, 4, 51. Raccoon and coyote may be taken on privateproperty by a property owner or designee allyear if they are doing or about to do damageon private property. A license or writtenpermit is not needed.2. Season bag limit for bobcat is two per person,only one bobcat may be taken in Units Cor D combined, and only one bobcat maybe taken from Unit B. The trapping seasonin bobcat Units C and D is on private landsonly, using foothold traps only.3. The season bag limit for badger is one perperson. Badgers do not require registration.4. See “Nighttime Raccoon and PredatorHunting” (page 32) for specific regulationsgoverning the hunting of these species at night.5. Residents possessing a valid small-gamelicense may hunt coyote during theestablished season.6. See page 33 for fisher or marten unit mapand bag limits.7. No closed season on opossum, weasel, redsquirrel or skunk.8. In Zone 1, badger may be trapped only inBaraga, Dickinson, Gogebic, Houghton,Iron, Keweenaw, Marquette, Menominee andOntonagon counties, and Alger and Deltacounties west of federal forest highway 13.9. See “Winter Fox and Coyote Non-lethalSnaring” (page 34) for regulations governingthe trapping of fox and coyote with snares.10. This species requires a free kill tag. See“Furbearer Kill Tags” (page 30) for details.Fur Harvester Rules• Trappers are legally required to check restraining type traps andsnares designed to hold animals alive at least once each day inZones 2 and 3 and at least once within each 48-hour period inZone 1. It is highly recommended that trappers in Zone 1 checkrestraining type traps and snares daily.• Trappers may use game animals and game birds or their parts,lawfully taken and possessed as bait, only during the openseason for those animals or birds.It is illegal to:• Use any kind of a trap other than a foothold, body-gripping orconibear-type trap unless specifi cally otherwise provided.• Use a foothold trap with a jaw spread exceeding a number 2foothold trap when taking mink or muskrat.• Use snares or live traps. Exceptions: See “Beaver and OtterTrapping Regulations,” page 33, “Live Traps,” page 32 and“Winter Fox and Coyote Non-lethal Snaring,” page 34.• Use a trap with teeth or serrations.• Use or have in possession or transport in an area frequented bywild animals a catching device of any kind without permanentetching or a metal tag bearing the user’s name and address orMichigan Driver License number. Exception: See “Beaver andOtter Trapping Regulations,” page 33.• Set a steel trap within 50 feet of any water in Zone 1 beforeOct. 25, before Nov. 1 in Zone 2 or before Nov. 10 in Zone 3,unless a duffer-type, egg-type, or similarly designed foothold trapfor raccoon is used, or a body gripping or conibear trap that isplaced 4 feet or more above the ground. See page 9 for zones.• Set a body-gripping or conibear-type trap larger than six inchesin width (as measured inside the jaw hinges) on dry lands thatare publicly owned, or over frozen submerged publicly ownedbottomlands or on commercial forest lands (page 23) unless it isfour feet or more above the ground or placed in a box or similarcontainer inaccessible to dogs.• Molest or disturb the house, hole, nest, burrow or den of abadger, beaver, mink, muskrat or raccoon, whether occupiedor not, or molest or destroy a beaver dam, except under a DNRWildlife Damage Investigation and Control Permit.• Set a trap on a beaver dam or lodge unless the trap issubmerged below the water.• Transport or possess live game taken from the wild, exceptunder a rehabilitation permit or as specifi ed in a Wildlife DamageInvestigation and Control Permit.• Stake, put out or set a catching device at any time before theday the open season begins.• Use a multiple catch or colony trap except for taking muskrats,provided the trap is completely submerged. Colony traps mustbe constructed of steel and be no larger than six inches high, sixinches wide and 24 inches deep. (Nuisance control operatorsMAY use colony traps for muskrats and other species.)• Bring a live raccoon or skunk into Michigan.• Shoot a muskrat, beaver, otter, mink, fisher or marten, exceptunder DNR permit. Coyote, fox, raccoon, bobcat and badger maybe killed in traps by furtakers using .22 caliber or smaller rimfirefirearms, except for junior fur harvesters with trap-only licenses.31

Live TrapsAs a substitute for foothold traps, trappers may use live trapscapable of taking only one animal at a time within 450 feet of anoccupied dwelling and associated buildings during the legal time fortrapping the target animal. Live traps must be checked daily. Anyanimal captured in a live trap must be immediately killed or released;it is illegal to take these game animals or protected animals live fromthe wild. It also is illegal to hold these animals in captivity.BaitTrappers may use game animals and game birds or their parts,lawfully taken and possessed as bait, only during the open seasonfor those animals or birds. No other game or protected animals orbirds may be used as bait. Your bait should be placed where it is notvisible to nontarget species such as owls, hawks and eagles.Federal RegulationsAll out-of-state shipments of raw hides or furs must be plainlymarked on the outside of the package as to the contents. If you wishto export bobcat, otter or bear hides from the United States, youneed a federal permit. For details, contact the United States Fish andWildlife Service at 800-358-2104.Special Management AreasA special permit is required to trap in the management areas listedbelow and trapping season closure dates may vary. Contact areaheadquarters for details.• Muskegon State Game Area. Trapping permits are requiredfor beaver and otter and are available at the game areaheadquarters.• Poel Island Waterfowl Refuge, Grand Haven State Game Area.Trapping permits are available at the Muskegon State GameArea headquarters.• Fish Point State Wildlife Area. Trapping permits are available atthe wildlife area headquarters.• Nayanquing Point and Wigwam Bay State Wildlife Areas.Trapping permits are available at the Nayanquing Point StateWildlife Area headquarters.• Shiawassee River State Game Area. Trapping permits may beobtained at the St. Charles fi eld offi ce. Trapping permits for theShiawassee National Wildlife Refuge may be obtained from therefuge manager.• Tobico Marsh Unit of Bay City Recreation Area. Trapping permitsare available at the headquarters.• Pte. Mouillee State Game Area. Trapping permits are availableat the game area headquarters.• Crow Island State Game Area. Trapping permits are available atthe Bay City Operations Service Center.• State Parks and Recreation Areas. Check with the parkheadquarters for current trapping regulations and any restrictionsprior to trapping.Incidental CatchesTrappers occasionally trap nontargeted species. Because itis unlawful to possess animals out of season or those which areprotected species, the following procedure allows trappers to help theDNR collect and utilize the biological data available through carcassexamination and ensure that pelts are put to good use. Trappers must:• Immediately release live protected animals from the trap. Helpmay be available for advice on the release of endangeredspecies.• If the animal is dead or dies in the attempt to release it, attacha Michigan incidental seal to the animal before removing it fromthe trap. Then transport the carcass in an open manner to thenearest DNR offi ce. The carcass must be surrendered. Michiganincidental seals are available from DNR offi ces. All incidentalseals remain the property of the DNR and must be returned byMay 1 each year.Nighttime Raccoon and Predator HuntingOnly raccoon, opossum, coyote and fox may be hunted at night. The following regulations apply:Species (Type) Open Season Legal Type of Hunting Legal Artificial Light A Legal Devices BRaccoon(Regular)Raccoon(Damage Control)OpossumFox andCoyote(See note below)Coyote(Damage Control)Oct. 1 - Jan. 31July 15 - Sept. 30andFeb. 1 - March 31Sept. 15 - March 31Oct. 15 - March 1Sept. 15 - Oct. 14andMarch 1 - March 31With dogs only. Firearm must be unloadedand arrows un-nocked except when takingraccoon in tree.Only on private lands when doing or aboutto do damage; landowners and guests only;with dogs only. Firearm must be unloadedand arrows un-nocked except when takingraccoon in tree.With dogs only; firearm must be unloadedand arrows un-nocked except at point of kill.With game or predator call only. Firearmmay be loaded or arrow nocked only whenusing call.Only on private lands when doing or about todo damage; landowners and guests only; withgame or predator call only; firearm may beloaded or arrow nocked only when using call.Only lights similar tothe type ordinarily heldin the hand or on theperson. (Flashlights,portable batterypoweredspotlightsand headlamps, andsimilar portable lightsdesigned to be carriedin the hand or on theperson are legal.)The use of naturallight, including nightvision optics andscopes, is legal.Only a .22 or smallercaliber rimfire rifle orhandgun, or shotgun withloads other than buckshot,slug, ball or cut shell, orbow and arrow.Same as above exceptno rifles or handgunsfrom Nov. 15 - Nov. 30 inShotgun Zone.Note: After fox season closes (March 1) hunting hours for coyote return to the regular hunting hours for small game (see page 15).AAn artificial light, including laser sights, of the type described above may be mounted on a person’s clothing or firearm. Spotlights powered byvehicle batteries, floodlights, vehicle headlights and other artificial lights not similar to the type ordinarily held in the hand or on the person are illegal.BAll hunters using a .22 or smaller caliber rimfire to take a furbearing animal, day or night, from Nov. 10 - Nov. 14, must have a fur harvester license.32

Beaver and Otter Trapping RegulationsStatewide Season LimitsBeaver: No limitOtter: 3 per person. Only 1 may be taken from Unit B, and only 1from Unit C. Also see Note 3 below.In addition to the general fur harvester rules on page 31, thefollowing regulations apply to beaver and otter trapping:• Only foothold, body-gripping or conibear-type traps may beused for taking beaver and otter. Traps with teeth are illegal.Exception: See below for use of snares to take beaver.• A catching device of any type must have a permanent etchingor metal tag bearing the user’s name and address or MichiganDriver License number. If one or more snares are attached to apole, both the snare and the uppermost end of the pole needs ametal tag.• Snares may be used to take beaver from Dec. 1 to March 31,statewide, if the location at which snares are placed is icecovered.Snares must be made of 1/16-inch or larger cable andmust be removed and made inoperative within 24 hours after theclose of the beaver season.• Up to 10 muskrat pelts may be legally taken in beaver or ottersets.Notes:1. The beaver and otter trapping season in Unit A extendsthrough April 30 on designated trout streams only. For a list of thesestreams in the Upper Peninsula, see FO-210.07 at www.michigan.gov/dnr.2. The Gladwin Field Dog Trial Area is closed to trapping exceptfor beaver and otter trapping, which is permitted from Nov. 15through March 15, 2009.3. Fur harvesters must purchase a new license after March 31.The season limit for otter does not change with the purchase of anew license. Otter taken after March 31 counts against the 2008-2009 otter season bag limit. A free otter kill tag is required. Seepage 30.Beaver and otter trapping are closed in the following areas:Alger: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.Benzie: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Leelanau: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.Schoolcraft: Seney National Wildlife Refuge, closed to ottertrapping. Contact the Refuge on possible beaver trapping.Also see “Special Management Areas” on page 32.Bobcat Units and Bag LimitsUnit A includes all of the Upper Peninsula, except DrummondIsland. Unit B is Drummond Island. Unit C includes Alcona, Alpena,Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Montmorency, Oscoda,Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Unit D includes Clare, Crawford,Gladwin, Iosco, Kalkaska, Missaukee, Ogemaw, Osceola,Roscommon and Wexford counties, and Arenac County north ofM-61 andwest ofI-75. UnitE includesremainderof Zone2 and allcounties inZone 3.BagLimits:Theseasonbag limitfor bobcatis two perperson,only onebobcat maybe takenin UnitsC or Dcombined, and only one bobcat may be taken from Unit B. A free killtag is required (see page 30).Bobcat Hunting with Dogs: A person who participates inhunting bobcat with dogs is required to have a fur harvester licensewhen taking part in that activity. Hunting activities may include, butare not limited to, working or controlling dogs, operating a chasevehicle, and operating tracking equipment or communicationsequipment as part of the hunt.Fisher and Marten Units and Bag LimitsUnit A includes all of Baraga, Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagoncounties and parts of Dickinson, Houghton and Marquette countieswithin the following boundaries: Beginning at the junction of US-2and the Michigan-Wisconsin state line, then northwesterly alongthe state line to Lake Superior, northeasterly along the shorelineto the Portage Ship Canal, southeasterly along the shoreline toKeweenaw Bay, southerly and easterly along the shoreline to themouth of the Carp River in Marquette County, upstream along theCarp River to M-28, westerly on M-28 to M-95, southerly on M-95 toUS-2 and west to the point of beginning.Unit B includes all of Zone 1, except Drummond Island and thatarea of Unit A described above.Bag Limits: The season limits are one marten per person andthree fi sher per person, except no person may take more than onefi sher inUnit B.Note: Afree killtag isrequiredfor fi sherandmarten.Seepage 30.33

Winter Fox and Coyote Non-lethal SnaringNon-lethal snares may be used from Jan. 1 through March 1 totake fox and coyotes, provided:• Snares are not placed on publicly owned land or commercialforest lands (page 23).• All snares in possession or carried afi eld must have a metallicidentifi cation tag attached which is affi xed with the owner’s oruser’s name and address or Michigan Driver License number.• Steel cable 1/16-inch or larger is used.• The snare loop does not exceed 15 inches in diameter.• The top of the snare loop is not placed more than 24 inchesabove the ground. (In snow, 24 inches is measured from thecompacted snow in a trapper’s footprint established by the fullbody weight of the trapper.)• Snares must be equipped with a relaxing lock. A relaxing lockis defi ned as a snare lock that allows the snare loop to loosenslightly to reduce the possibility of strangulation. Snares alsomust be equipped with a stop to prevent the loop from closing toa diameter less than 4¼ inches. Regulations on snare loop sizeand relaxing lock are designed to prevent the accidental loss ofdomestic animals and other nontarget species.• Snares are equipped with a breakaway locking system with abreaking point not greater than 285 lbs. The breakaway devicemust be attached to the relaxing lock.• Snares are affi xed to a stake or object suffi cient to hold a fox orcoyote. (It is illegal to use any type of drag.)• Snares are equipped with two swivels, including one swivel atthe anchor point.• Spring poles, counterbalanced weights, springs or other similardevices are not used to close the snare.• Snares may be up to 60 inches in length, not including a cableanchor extension. The cable anchor extension may be up to 36inches in length.• Snares are not attached to a fence or set in a manner that wouldallow an animal to become entangled in a fence.• Snares may be anchored to woody vegetation provided that thestem is free of branches and stubs to a height of fi ve feet abovethe ground or compacted snow. Branches and stubs must be cutfl ush with the outer bark of the stem.• Snares may not be set in a manner that would allow a snaredanimal to be suspended with two or more feet off the ground.Note: Dogs and other domestic animals caught in snares, bodygrippingor conibear type traps should be reported to the DNRReport All Poaching hotline at: 800-292-7800. Information on safelyremoving dogs from traps may be found on the DNR Web site atwww.michigan.gov/dnr under Trapping and Fur Harvesting.Furbearer RegistrationA person taking a bobcat, fisher, marten, otter, or incidentalcatches must present the animal at a DNR office for registration.Furtakers must register their own take. It is unlawful to register thetake of another person. Operations Service Centers will be and otherDNR offices may be open during normal business hours. Huntersand trappers are strongly encouraged to call ahead to determineavailability of DNR personnel or to make arrangements to registeranimals outside normal working hours on an appointment basis. TheDNR will attach an official seal to the pelt of each animal. Dependingon the species, an undamaged canine tooth or skull will be collectedto determine the sex, age and physical condition of the specimen.The location of take, date of harvest and manner of harvest will berecorded when the animal is sealed.Seals may be removed by a licensed taxidermist upon acceptanceand recording of the specimen. Otherwise, seals shall not beremoved until the pelt is processed or tanned, nor shall a personpossess or transport a raw, unsealed hide after the requiredregistration date for each animal. A person may not buy or sell abobcat, fisher, marten, or otter pelt without a DNR seal unless thepelt has been processed or tanned.Unfrozen carcasses are preferred for sealing. However, if it isnecessary to submit a frozen carcass, it must be properly prepared toensure employees can seal the pelt and remove the front tooth row.To prepare a carcass for sealing:• Create a small hole and insert a Popsicle stick, pencil or similarobject between the lower eyelid and theeye so the stick exits behind the upper lip.• Cut and skin back the lower lip to the backof the jawbone.• Freeze the carcass with the mouth openand the hind legs separated to allow foreasy removal of the front tooth row anddetermination of sex.SpeciesWhat is required forregistration?What will be kept fromeach specimen?When must I register?BobcatThe skull or anundamaged canine tooth,and pelt for sealing.The skull or caninetooth.Bobcat:• BCMU D huntingon or before Feb. 11, 2009• All other bobcat unitson or before March 11, 2009FisherMartenThe skull and peltfor sealing.The skull andpelt for sealing.The skull.The skull or caninetooth.Fisher and Marten:• on or before Dec. 18, 2008OtterThe pelt for sealing.No partsretained by DNROtter:• on or before May 5, 2009Incidentalcatches*The entire carcassand pelt.The entirecarcass and pelt.*Includes wolves, lynx, and over-harvest of badger, bobcat, fisher, marten and otter.See page 32 for details.34

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Hunter Education Promotes Our Wildlife HeritageMichigan has a long, rich tradition ofhunting. In Michigan, hunting contributesto wildlife management and conservation,provides a positive family experience andincreased recreational opportunity, and isgood for the economy.Safe hunting begins with huntereducation, and Michigan’s hunter educationprogram has had a dramatic impact onreducing hunting incidents in our state.According to the International HunterEducation Association, young hunters,when accompanied by responsible adultsor mentors, who have been a part of theyoungster’s education, are some of thesafest individuals afi eld.Hunter education courses teach newhunters responsibility, ethics, fi rearmsafety, wildlife conservation and wildlifeidentifi cation, game care, survival and fi rstaid. In addition to safety, hunter educationcourses stress ethics, and the instructorswork diligently to plant the seeds ofsportsmanship in each student. Mostcourses are offered year-round throughoutthe state though the majority occurs duringAugust, September and October. Thetypical course consists of two sessions witha total class time of 10 to 12 hours.Students also can use the Internet tocomplete a part of their hunter educationcourse. The online course can be found onthe DNR’s hunter education Web page atwww.michigan.gov.dnr.The DNR is striving to recruit the mostqualified instructors available and providethem with the best materials and trainingnecessary to conduct hunter educationcourses throughout the state. If youare interested in becoming a volunteerinstructor, please write to: HunterEducation Program, Law EnforcementTips for asking permission to hunt on private land:1. State law requires you obtain verbal permission from the landowner. Only thelandowner can give hunting permission.2. Obtain permission to hunt several farms. This assures you of a place to hunt if othersare using the property or the landowner is not home.3. Always obtain permission well in advance of the time you plan to hunt. Plan your visitearly in the evening when the landowner, especially if a farmer, is likely to be home. Ifyou will scout the area before hunting season, also request permission for that time.4. Ask for permission by yourself or with one other person; do not take your hunting partyup to the door. When approaching the landowner or family for permission, NEVERcarry your gun and keep any dogs in your vehicle.5. If you cannot visit the landowner, write an appropriate and friendly letter. Do not stick anote on the door. Your letter may request a date/time to talk in person, or you can makearrangements by mail or telephone. Do so at the landowner’s preference.6. Be prepared to provide your name and contact information and the dates and timeswhen you would like to hunt a described portion of their land (e.g., the back 40 acres ofthe woods and cropland). Landowner may limit party size, ORVs or more.7. Ask if there are crop fields or areas of the farm that should not be hunted.8. Never shoot near farm buildings or where any people or livestock are living. Observeall safety zone areas – 450 feet from possibly inhabited structures.9. Leave any gates you encounter the way you found them. If a gate is open, leave itopen after you pass through. If a gate is closed, close it after you pass through.10. Do not leave any trash. If you find litter already there, pick it up.11. When the hunt is over, always thank the landowner. They then will know that you haveleft the farm and will not worry about you being lost or stuck on their property.12. Offer the landowner a portion of your harvest off their land, such as a piece of gameor portion of venison once your game is cleaned (or butchered). This gesture will helpyour relationship with the landowner. It also may help provide others with huntingopportunities from this landowner, and it helps build a positive image of hunting.For more information on hunting on private land, see the DNR Web site for details on theHunter Access Program, the Commercial Forest Lands Program and other resources.Division, Department of NaturalResources, P.O. Box 30031, Lansing, MI48909, or call 517-335-3418. You alsocan visit our hunter education page listedunder “Education and Outreach” on theDNR Web site.If our young people can learn to beresponsible hunters, negative publicattitudes toward hunting that grew frompast mistakes may change and privatelands now open to hunting may remainopen. It is the careful and courteoushunter who is helping preserve our huntingheritage for future generations. ■DNR Launches TrapperEducation ProgramThe DNR, in cooperation with state trappingorganizations, has developed a trappereducation program that will help individualsacquire the knowledge and skills they need tobecome successful, responsible trappers.The program is designed to educate ourstate’s youth and other interested individualsabout one of the oldest wildlife managementtools – trapping. One component of the programis an online trapper education student manual,and the DNR is working with the state’s trappingorganizations and independent trappers toput together a formal training program. Thebasic content for the manual, which is about140 pages, was developed by the Associationof Fish and Wildlife Agencies, who, in turn,provided it to state agencies for state-specificmodifications tailored to reflect Michiganconditions and regulations. The Michigantrapper education manual covers basictechniques with a focus on the responsibletreatment of animals, legal methods, safety,selectivity and ethical behavior.DNR personnel and representativesfrom the trapping community, including allfour Michigan trapping associations, areworking cooperatively to finalize the program.Classes will feature classroom work as wellas hands-on training experiences. Classeswill be offered in the near future. To learnmore, go to the DNR Web site and click onthe Hunting and Trapping link. ■36

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Hunter Recruitment and RetentionIs a DNR PriorityMichigan, not unlike many other states, has witnessed a sizabledecline in the number of hunters over the course of the last decade.As urbanization expands across the landscape, fewer citizens comeinto that close contact with wildlife as once was the case. By somemeasure, Michigan ranks close to the bottom in terms of recruitingnew hunters to replace those who die or otherwise leave the sport.As our population ages, projections are that we will have even fewerhunters in the future.Recruiting new hunters into the fraternity will pay huge benefits toall sportsmen and sportswomen, by increasing the funding availableto the DNR, not only through increased license revenue, but fromadditional federal funds that are distributed to the states on the basisof total license sales. Those additional funds can help forestall theneed for future license fee increases. And additional hunters willhelp keep alive what has been a valuable, time-honored tradition inMichigan while helping accomplish the goals of responsible wildlifemanagement.education certificate is no longer an impediment. Hunters who obtainan apprentice license may hunt for two years before completinghunter education. However, it is still highly recommended thathunters complete hunter education as soon as possible and huntereducation instructors have increased the number of classes beingoffered to make it easier for all to attend.Although sportsmen and sportswomen have long recruited newhunters through traditional networks of family and friends, thereare numerous youngsters who have an interest in enjoying naturalresources recreation who do not have the social contacts to exposethem to hunting. Consider getting your club involved in a mentoringprogram through Big Brothers-Big Sisters or 4-H clubs. (For a list ofyouth mentoring programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mentormichigan.)If you have old hunting equipment or clothing you are no longerusing, consider passing it along to the next generation.Special early deer and waterfowl seasons for youth give adultswho accompany those youngsters an additional opportunity foroutdoors recreation as well as the enjoyment of passing along alegacy that has enriched their lives.There’s no need to make it difficult. Small game seasons openin September, when the weather is good. There are bountiful smallgame populations that can provide quality outdoor recreation as wellas fine table fare. With almost 26 percent of Michigan land open topublic hunting without permission – from state forests to wildlife andrecreation areas and even much of the land in state parks – no one isever more than a 30-minute drive from public hunting land.Remember the wonder of your first day spent in the field or forestpursuing game or, better yet, bringing home your first squirrel orrabbit or deer for the table? Why not share that experience withsomeone who might have never had the opportunity before?Chances are you’ll enjoy the experience as much as they do. ■The DNR, by working with its constituent groups and the MichiganLegislature, has made great strides in breaking down the barriersthat often have prevented youngsters and other adults from gettinginvolved in hunting. For instance, the minimum age for youngstershas been lowered from 12 to 10 for small game hunting and from14 to 12 for big game hunting. In addition, Michigan now offersan apprentice hunting license available for people who were bornafter Jan.1, 1960, but have not yet completed hunter education. If awould-be hunter has an opportunity to participate, a lack of a hunter38

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Four Seasons of FunRecreation opportunities plentiful inMichigan’s state parks and state forestsState parks and state forests are more than justcampgrounds. Anyone can visit to take a walk, castout a fi shing line or go hunting during designatedseasons. Day-users of state parks and state forests haveaccess to millions of acres of land in the woods, alonglakeshores and riverbanks. These lands provide spaceand resources to enjoy a variety of outdoor recreation.The DNR’s Web site contains a wealth of informationabout recreation opportunities that allow you to searchby specifi c features and amenities. Be sure to visit www.michigan.gov/dnrrecreationcamping for more information.Let’s go fishingWhen you’re on your way to aMichigan State Park or stateforest campground this year,don’t forget to take your fi shinggear along. More than two-thirdsof Michigan’s 97 state parks andrecreation areas feature goodfi shing opportunities, rangingfrom undeveloped shore accessfi shing to parks complete withfi shing piers, boat rentals anduniversally accessible fi shing sites.Or if access to good fi shing with lots of space betweenrustic campsites is what you’re looking for, head for astate forest campground. All state forest campgroundsare located on a lake or river, providing excellent accessto fi shing and boating.All you need is a fi shing rod, tackle, bait and a Michiganfi shing license. Youngsters under age 17 can fi sh for free.Michigan is a water wonderlandWith four Great Lakes touching our borders, morethan 11,000 inlandlakes, 7,000 miles ofcanoeable streams,13,000 miles of troutwaters and more than700 boating accesssites, water recreationin Michigan is asgood as it gets. Fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking,waterskiing and tubing are just a small sampling of what’savailable.One of the fastest ways to fi nd access to water recreationis to use the DNR’s online Michigan Recreational BoatingInformation System. Along with fi sh-stocking reports,maps, local water controls and accessibility features, thisresource uses cutting-edge technology to make boatingopportunities available for everyone. Check it out at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS.Plenty of hunting opportunities, tooAnyone who has spent much time in Michigan’s Northareas.Country understands the importantrole forests play in maintaining thewildlife diversity that sets Michiganapart from other states. Healthypopulations of deer, bear, turkey,grouse and furbearers thrive in ourstate forests, which provide millionsof user-days for hunters each year.Wildlife also abounds in state parks.More than 200,000 acres of parkland are open to hunting duringhunting seasons in designatedSmall-game hunters can be licensed at age 10. Specialdeer hunting and waterfowl hunting opportunities alsoare available for youth 10-14. For more information, go towww.michigan.gov/dnr.Trails and PathwaysHiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, off-road trailriding, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are amongthe options available on a state forest pathway or a statepark trail. Mushroom hunting, berry picking and wildlifeviewing are added attractions along trails and pathways.CampingMichigan’s network of rustic state forest campgrounds inthe northern Lower and Upper Peninsulas rely on a selfregistrationsystem and sites are available on a first-come,first-served basis.The campgrounds atMichigan State Parksand Recreation Areasare more developedand draw more visitors.Although there are ahandful of rustic campingoptions, most state parksoffer modern and semimoderncamping amenities with electric hookups at mostsites and toilet/shower buildings.Thank you for visiting Michigan’s state parks and stateforests. All fees collected from camping and motorvehicle permits are returned to the state park and stateforest systems so the DNR can continue to offer youquality recreation opportunities.Great Lakes, Great Times, Great Outdoorswww.michigan.gov/dnr40

Thank you for purchasing a 2008 Michigan hunting or fur harvester licenseMichigan is among the top states in the nation in almost every hunting category with more than 800,000 licensed hunterscontributing $2 billion annually to our economy.The mission of the DNR Wildlife Division is to enhance, restore and conserve the state’s wildlife resources, naturalcommunities, and ecosystems for the benefit of Michigan’s citizens, visitors and future generations.Your purchase of a hunting or fur harvester license supports the work of department employees who manage and protectMichigan’s wildlife habitat. We encourage you to keep hunting and trapping, and to share your experience with others. In doingso, you can do your part to keep our state’s wildlife heritage alive for future generations.Need information?The Operations Service Centers listed below are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or visit our Web site at:www.michigan.gov/dnr RAP (Report All Poaching) 800-292-7800Baraga427 US-41 NorthBaraga, MI 49908906-353-6651Bay City503 N. Euclid Ave., Suite1Bay City, MI 48706989-684-9141Cadillac8015 Mackinaw TrailCadillac, MI 49601231-775-9727Gaylord1732 W. M-32Gaylord, MI 49735989-732-3541Southfi eld26000 W. Eight Mile Rd.Southfi eld, MI 48034248-359-9040Marquette1990 US-41 SouthMarquette, MI 49855906-228-6561Newberry5100 M-123Newberry, MI 49868906-293-5131Plainwell621 N. 10th St.Plainwell, MI 49080269-685-6851RoscommonI-75 & M-18 South,8717 N. RoscommonRd.Roscommon, MI 48653989-275-5151Rose Lake*8562 E. Stoll Rd.East Lansing, MI 48823517-641-4903*This is a fi eld offi ceNOTICE: This brochure is not a legal notice or a complete collection of hunting regulations and laws. It is a condensed guide issued forhunters’ convenience. Copies of wildlife conservation orders can be obtained from our Web site, www.michigan.gov/dnr.Wildlife Restoration ProgramThe Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 created a funding mechanism for state wildlifeagencies to restore and manage their wildlife resources. A federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition,bows and arrows is collected by the Internal Revenue Service and apportioned to eligible states through aformula based on the number of licensed hunters and the size of each state. Eligible states are those thathave passed laws preventing the use of hunting license fees for any purpose other than managing thestates’ wildlife. The federal excise tax along with hunter license fees are used to acquire lands, protect,restore and manage wildlife habitats, manage wildlife populations, conduct wildlife research, survey andmonitor wildlife populations, develop, operate and maintain hunter access, develop, operate and maintainfacilities and infrastructure necessary to manage wildlife and to plan for the management of wildlife resources.Additionally, a specific portion of the federal excise tax is dedicated for hunter education, developing and managing shootingranges. Since its inception in 1937, Michigan’s share of the Wildlife Restoration Funs has reached almost $150 million.Encourage your kids to take the pledge43

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