Hunters Prepare: Michigan’s Small Game Season Opens September 15

Mention "hunting season" in Michigan, and most of us immediately picture deer camp, blaze orange, and somebody insisting the buck they missed was approximately the size of a Buick. But Michigan's small game hunting seasons are about to get busy too.

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), several popular seasons open statewide on September 15, 2026, including cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, fox, gray squirrel, ruffed grouse, and woodcock.

Some Michigan Small Game Seasons Are Already Open

a black bird standing on a branch

Crow season actually opened August 1 and runs through September 30, although the DNR says crows can't be hunted in state parks or recreation areas until September 15. So until then, it's private land only.

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Red squirrel, ground squirrel, and woodchuck seasons are open year-round, with some location-specific restrictions, so it's best to check the DNR Small Game Regulations Summary before you head out.

When Michigan Pheasant Season Opens

black and brown bird on white wooden fence during daytime

Pheasant hunters have a little longer to stare longingly at the calendar. Most Lower Peninsula pheasant season opens October 20 and runs through November 14. The DNR also plans to release pheasants at 13 game and wildlife areas in southern Michigan this year, including Dansville State Game Area in Ingham County and Rose Lake State Wildlife Area in Clinton and Shiawassee counties.

Michigan requires a base license to hunt small game, so don't think of "small" as "rules optional."

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Deer season may get the family photos, camp traditions, and endless tall tales, but starting September 15, plenty of Michigan hunters will already be walking in the woods.