Bird Dog Regulations
Michigan Hunting Dog
Licenses & Field Trials 2026
Complete guide to Michigan's hunting dog regulations - license requirements, field trial permits, training season dates, electronic collar rules, and public land training notes. Michigan does not require a separate hunting dog license. Field trial permits are required for competitive events. Public land training is allowed September 1 – April 1 with a valid license. Electronic collars are permitted statewide.
No Separate Dog License
Field Trial Permit Required
E-Collar Permitted
2026 Dog Regulation Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Dog License
Not Required
Standard hunting license sufficient
Field Trial Permit
Required
$15.00 resident fee
Training Season
Restricted
September 1 – April 1
E-Collar
Permitted
No restrictions
License Requirements
Does Michigan Require a Hunting Dog License?
No Separate Dog License Required in Michigan
Michigan does not require a separate license for hunting dogs. A valid hunting license is all that's needed to train or hunt with dogs in this state. Field trial permits may still be required for organized competitive events.
Field Trial Permit Required
A field trial permit is required for organized competitive field trial events.
Resident fee: $15.00. Organizers must obtain this permit before hosting any licensed field trial event.
Apply for Field Trial Permit →
Training Calendar
Michigan Dog Training Season
Designated Training Season
Michigan restricts public land dog training to the following season dates.
Opens: September 1
→
Closes: April 1
Note: Training season restrictions typically apply to public land. Year-round training on private land may be permitted - verify with Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Training Details
Species, Equipment & Bird Planting Rules
Species You Can Train On
Electronic Collar Rules
E-Collar Permitted
Electronic training collars are permitted statewide with no specific state-level restrictions noted.
Live Bird Planting
Permitted
Live bird planting for training purposes is permitted on private land in Michigan.
Rabbits in Training
Allowed
Beagles and other rabbit hounds may train on rabbits in Michigan. Check public land rules for rabbit dog training.
Public Land Rules
Training on Public Land in Michigan
Bird dog training on state forests and game areas is allowed September 1 – April 1 with a valid hunting license. The Upper Peninsula offers excellent ruffed grouse and woodcock training habitat.
Important Notes
Michigan-Specific Hunting Dog Information
Michigan has an extensive network of state forests ideal for pointing breed and flushing breed training. Woodcock migration makes fall training particularly productive.
Source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (www.michigan.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current regulations directly with the agency before training or hunting with dogs.