Grab your base license and head out for some small game hunting! Season dates, bag limits and small game hunting regulations are available in mobile-friendly and desktop PDF versions and at Michigan.gov/SmallGame.

• Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare: Sept. 15 - March 31.
• Fox and gray squirrels (black phase included): Sept. 15 - March 31.
• Quail: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14.
• Ruffed grouse: Sept. 15 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1.
• Sharp-tailed grouse: Oct. 10-31, select portions of Zone 1.
• Woodcock: Sept. 15 - Oct. 29.
  • All woodcock hunters need a free woodcock stamp, which includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP).
• Pheasant (male only)
  • Zone 1: Oct. 10-31 (see Small Game Hunting Regulations Summary for map of open portions).
  • Zone 2 and 3: Oct. 20 - Nov. 14.
  • Zone 3: Dec.1 - Jan.1.
  • A $25 pheasant license is required for all hunters 18 and older to hunt pheasants on any public land in the Lower Peninsula or on lands enrolled in the Hunting Access Program. See the 2024 Small Game Hunting Regulations Summary for exceptions.
  • Pheasant releases: This year, pheasants will be released on 13 state game/wildlife areas throughout southern Michigan. Fall releases will occur from Oct. 20 to Nov. 14. Some locations will have additional releases in December.