Elk Hunting in Michigan
- To be licensed for elk hunting within the state of Michigan, you must first submit an application. Licensing is available through any authorized license agent, at any DNR Operations Service Center, or online through the official DNR website.
- Several requirements must be met before your application will be considered. Only Michigan residents are allowed to apply for an elk hunting license, including qualified military personnel and full-time students who reside in Michigan during the school year. A valid identification is required to obtain an elk hunting license. This identification can be in the form of a Michigan driver's license, state identification card issued by the Secretary of State, or a DNR Sportcard.
Applicants must be 12 years of age by September 1 of that specific hunting season and must pay an application fee. Finally, applicants must attend a short training session near legal hunting grounds. This half-day session is mandatory for every hunter who is applying for an elk hunting license in Michigan. - Michigan's DNR provides two separate elk hunting licenses. The "Any Elk" license is valid for both bull elks and antlerless elks, while the "Antlerless" license is valid only for antlerless elk. Applicants can select their preference when submitting license application, though they are not necessarily guaranteed to receive that preference.
- Applicants who have been granted an elk license are subject to a period of ineligibility before applying for a new one. Those who are granted an "Any Elk" license or an "Antlerless" license cannot apply for another elk hunting license in Michigan for 10 years.
- There are typically five time periods involved in elk hunting in Michigan. Period one typically takes place during the first two weeks of September. Period two typically takes place in the middle of October. Period three typically takes place in the middle of December, and this is the period that boasts the most legal hunting areas. Period four is open in January only if it is necessary to control the elk population. An additional "Limited Access" hunt typically runs from May to June.
