Hunting Near Thompsonville, MI

One reason people stay with us at Mountain Valley Lodge is we are central to many of the top hunting sites. People on a hunt want to have the cabin experience, and don't want to drive too far to find their dream elk or deer. If you want to learn more about how to hunt in Michigan, you came to the right place.

How do I get a Michigan Hunting License?

You can grab a license on Michigan's government website!

What does a Michigan hunting license cost?
Resident (Adult): $11
Nonresident (Adult): $151
Senior Resident (65+): $5
These prices aren't much by themselves, but they can add up if you want to add other benefits to your license. For example, if you want to hunt deer and you aren't a resident of Michigan, you'll have to pay $151, along with a $20 fee for the benefit of hunting deer.

How do I get a Michigan Junior Hunting License?
You can buy a Junior hunting license online. The base price is $6, but if you want to be able to hunt more things, you will need to add the corresponding license to your total cost, just as you would with the adult license.

What are Michigan Hunting Zones?

Michigan divides its counties into various hunting zones. While they all follow the same rules and regulations (for the most part), there may be variance in what you can hunt.

Additionally, it can be nice to know who you need to contact when you are on specific properties when you need to report a harvest or if you are in a dangerous situation.

What can you hunt in Michigan throughout the year?
Coyotes, opossums, porcupines, weasels, red squirrels, skunks, woodchucks, raccoons, and feral swine can be harvested year-round so long as you have a license. You can harvest as many as you want.

What are Hunting Regulations in Michigan?

It's incredibly important to follow all of the necessary rules when you are hunting. The Department of Natural Resources puts laws in place to keep the local wildlife safe from poaching, overhunting, and general endangerment.

  • Every person who owns a firearm must know how to use it properly and own it legally.
  • Understand your zone of fire and always bring a buddy just in case.
  • Always have a way to communicate with other people, whether that be by phone or walkie-talkie.
  • Hunter orange should be worn and visible.
  • Follow the signs.

When does Michigan Hunting Season Start?

For animals not covered on our website, please read Michigan Fur Harvester Digest.


Bear: See Michigan Black Bear Digest.

Crow: Aug. 1 - Sept. 30, Feb. 1 - Mar. 31.

Deer: These are only available during specific deer hunts and events. There may be limits depending on the firearm or weapon you use to hunt. Check out the seasonal information for deer here.


Elk: Read more about Elk hunting in the Michigan Elk Hunting Digest.
Aug. 31 - Sept. 3
Sept. 17-20
Oct. 1-4
Dec. 11-19
Jan. 12-16, 2022

Pheasant (male):
Zone 1: Oct. 10-31
Zone 2: Oct. 20 - Nov 14
Zone 3: Dec. 1 - Jan 1


Quail: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14

Ruffed Grouse: Sept. 15 - Nov. 14, Dec. 1 - Jan. 1

Sharp-tailed Grouse: Oct. 10-31

Squirrel: Sept. 15 - Mar. 31

Waterfowl: See Michigan Waterfowl Digest.