Michigan’s elk herd is a wildlife management success story made possible by many hunters, individuals, and organizations who work to maintain a place for this species. If we explore the history, elk were found in southern Michigan but had disappeared by the late 1800s due to unregulated harvest and market hunting. In 1918, elk herd is a result of seven (7) elk brought from the western United States and relocated to Wolverine, Michigan. During, the 100-year from 1918 to 2018 marked the celebration of elk in Michigan! The 1st elk hunts were held in 1964 and 1965 in response to the growing elk population and a desire to control elk numbers in this state. Therefore, the hunt was a success but was not immediately continued. The elk management plan was written in 1975 and implemented in the 1980s. Again it is updated in 1984s to recognize the importance of elk viewing and made elk hunting the preferred method for controlling elk numbers and distribution.
However, the most recent management plan in Michigan was approved in 2012, which has a population goal of 500-900 animals and set a continued focus on followings:
- Manage a sustainable elk population in balance with the habitat
- Use hunting to control elk numbers, distribution, and herd composition.
- Enhance the understanding of elk management.
Elk Hunting Season in Michigan
In Michigan, you will have different periods for elk hunting. Here are the following seasons to hunt elk in this state.
- Hunt Period 1 Aug. 27 to 30 Aug and Sep. 13 to 16 and Sep. 27 to 30 Sep.
- Hunt Period 2 Dec. 14 – Dec. 22
- Hunt Period 3 Jan. 15 – Jan. 19 (If Needed)
Elk License in Michigan
Elk licenses in Michigan are very limited and only available through drawing. You don’t need a base license to apply for the drawing, but if chosen you must purchase a base license and elk receipt to hunt. The cost for a nonresident base license is $151 and If you want to get the combo license, it is an additional cost $190. For getting the license you may apply at any DNR license agent, the DNR License Center or www.mdnr-elicense.com
3 Best Places to Elk Hunt in Michigan
Here are the following three best places to hunt elk in Nebraska,
- Thunder Bay Resort in Hillman, Michigan.
- Gaylord’s City Elk Park, Gaylord Michigan.
- Pigeon River Country Elk Range in Gaylord, Michigan.
Hunting Gear List in Michigan:
Here is the gear list below, which are necessary to carry with you once you are ready to go for hunting in Michigan.
- Hunting License, Driver’s License or other Id’s
- Michigan Guide if Non-Resident
- Camera and Smartphone
- Shelter
- Belt, lightweight pair of gloves
- Billed or Brimmed Hat
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Underwear
- Lightweight vest
- Shirts long & short
- Hunting Boots
- Socks
- Lightweight Backpack Rain Cover
- Small Flashlight
- Rangefinder
- Quality Binoculars
- Trekking poles
- Bow or Rifle with Scope
- Ammo and Ammo Case
- Hunting Knife and Sharpener
- Toilet Paper and Dry Towel
- Black Diamond Strom Headlamp
- Sleeping Bag
- Cooking Kit
- Water Cooler
Michigan Elk Hunting Firearms
If you would like to know about legal firearms’ in michigan for elk hunting than check below:
- Muzzleloading seasons, muzzleloading elk hunters can carry afield and use only a crossbow (except in the Upper Peninsula). Or;
- May use a muzzleloading rifle, a muzzleloading shotgun. Or;
- May use a black powder handgun loaded with black powder. Or;
- May use a commercially manufactured black powder substitute.
- Here is one rule in the Upper Peninsula hunting; only certified hunters with a disability may use a crossbow or a modified bow during the muzzleloading season.
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