Michigan Hunting Laws

As is the case in most every state, you must have a Michigan hunting license prior to partaking in any hunting activities. The minimum age for any type of license is 10, and that is for Gamebird Hunting Preserve.

There are special rules for youth hunters. While they can be licensed as early as the age of 10, hunters must be still be at least 12 years of age in order to hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm. Hunters aged 12 to 13 may hunt deer, bear or elk with a firearm only on private land, including lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest program. Nonresidents under the age 17 may purchase resident and junior licenses.

In addition, junior archery deer hunting, junior combination deer, junior small game, and junior fur harvester licenses are available to both resident and nonresident hunters, ages 10 to 16, and also grant them the same privileges as the adult licenses. There are a number of rules that must be known following license. It is illegal to hunt or pursue wild animals or birds from a motorized vehicle or any type as well as from a sailboat.

You may not set fires to drive out game. You may not buy or sell game, except as provided by trapping rules or captive wildlife permit. Hunting under the influence of alcohol or any drugs or other substances of the like is strictly prohibited as it put's yourself as well as other at a great risk. In terms of firearms, you may not us cartridges containing a tracer or explosive bullets. Usage of a silencer is also prohibited. Dogs are expressly forbidden from being used while hunting in the state of Michigan. The only exception for usage of dogs would be in order to detect wounded deer.

Specifications exist, however, none of the persons may carry a firearm or bow and arrow, and the dog may not constantly barks while tracking is also forbidden. One other item may be held during night-tracking, and that is an artificial light. You may not harm or harass a bear or deer that is in a body of water, as well as cannot kill or wound an animal without reasonably attempting to retrieve the carcass and add it to your daily bag.

Reptiles and amphibians are also not to be shot at with a firearm of any kind. In terms of possession of wild animals, it is illegal to possess a bat or skunk in Michigan. As float hunting seems to be a popular option amidst the great lakes, there is also regulation stated as opposed to a lack thereof in other states.

Float hunters must obtain permission to enter lands protected by the recreational trespass law. They may, however float hunt public lands open to hunting, so be aware of your location. Hunter harassment is also forbidden and should be reported as soon as the violation occurs. No one individual's hunting experience should ever be interfered with lacking just cause.

If you need legal advice and assistance, contact Michigan lawyers.

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