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MDNR Report

Michigan’s Elk Hunt Period 1 has concluded, with 73 state hunters harvesting elk (29 bulls, 40 cows and four calves) and all three Pure Michigan Hunt winners harvesting bulls.

Hunters had mild weather throughout the season, which began in late August and spanned 12 days throughout September and into early October, with unseasonable high temperatures and scattered rain showers.

There were 100 elk hunting licenses available for Hunt Period 1, one of two elk hunting seasons in Michigan. The early hunt is designed to remove elk living outside of the designated elk management area, which is primarily across the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Hunt Period 2 will open in December to 160 hunters. 

By Maren McReynolds

Hunters with Downed ElkHunters with Downed Elk

For many hunters, few things compare to the thrill hunting for game brings. Whether you are in it for the sport, trophy, or meat, game hunting is one of those experiences you won't likely forget for the rest of your life.

When you go hunting, you typically have two options: go on a DIY hunt where you do everything by yourself or work with elk hunting outfitters so you have an expert guiding you every step of the way.

While some hunters opt for a DIY hunt, many find working with hunting guides preferable. Often, it does not matter if they are doing it for years or hunting for the first time. If you are unsure about a guided hunt, below are some signs that indicate it is the best option for you:

You are a hunting rookie.

While a newbie hunter can go on a DIY hunt, it would be tough to succeed without the help and expertise of a seasoned hunting guide. Considering how intimidating the hunting world can be, navigating the hunting grounds on your own can be tricky.

Guides who have extensive experience can also provide hunting rookies with beneficial hunting advice. An experienced guide can also teach you smart hunting tips—from finding the exact location of the animal you want to hunt to providing guidance on how you can field dress and quarter the animal.


MUCC Report

Michigan pheasant licenses are now available for purchase online or through in-person license vendors for the 2021 season.

A pheasant license costing $25 is now required to hunt public and hunter access program (HAP) land in the Lower Peninsula for those 18 years of age or older. The pheasant license was created through passage of HB 4313 in 2020. All license monies will be used to purchase and release pheasants on state lands.

In 2017, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)  member Ken Dalton brought forward a resolution at the organization’s Annual Convention asking that staff lobby legislators to create a pheasant stocking program aimed at recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) of hunters. Dalton’s resolution also asked MUCC staff to find funding for the program. 


BASS Report

Second Michigan Elk Hunt Huge Success; 88% of Hunters Score KillsSecond Michigan Elk Hunt Huge Success; 88% of Hunters Score Kills

MDNR Report

During this hunt period, 131 state hunters harvested elk (46 bulls, 72 cows and 13 calves), and one Pure Michigan Hunt winner harvested a bull.

While the early elk season is designed to target elk outside of their traditional range, the late elk season is used to manage overall elk numbers, including those in the core elk management area. In total, hunters in hunt periods 1 and 2 harvested 214 elk, and all three Pure Michigan Hunt winners harvested bulls.


MDNR Report

During the first hunt period of the elk season, which has concluded, 83 state hunters harvested elk (29 bulls, 52 cows and two calves), and two Pure Michigan Hunt winners harvested bulls.

The early elk season is designed to target elk outside of their traditional range over the course of 12 days. Hunters had excellent weather conditions throughout the three hunt periods (Sept. 1-4, Sept. 18-21 and Oct. 2-5.), with mild temperatures throughout the days, cool nights and little rain or wind.

Elk licenses were awarded to 100 Hunt Period 1 hunters and 160 Hunt Period 2 hunters. The late elk season will take place Dec. 12-20.

To learn more about Michigan's elk herd and elk hunting, visit www.michigan.gov/elk.