Is The DNR Going to Extend Future Elk Hunting Seasons?

Michigan's elk hunters may catch a break as the Department of Natural Resources is looking to increase the length of the hunting season.

Michigan's elk herd continues to grow and stay healthy, but the way the hunts are currently set up, hunters only get 21 days to fill their tags, which is not easy if you can only get a couple days off work to hunt.

Michigan's Current Elk Hunting Schedule

Michigan's elk hunting season is broken up into 2 different periods.

• Period 1: Is currently broken up into 3 separate 4 day hunts. The dates for 2025 are August 26-29, September 12-15, and September 26-29.
• Period 2: Is currently a 9 day hunt that runs December 13-21.

This gives hunters who were successful getting tags to only hunt 21 days total which are all broken up and makes it difficult for sportsmen to bag their elk. For those who live in the region, the current system is fine, but for hunters who would have to drive from other parts of Michigan, they may only get to hunt a few days.

Read More: Why 2025 Michigan Deer Numbers Are Down Sharply

Plus, the time frame of the those first period hunts the weather is to warm and the elk don't move as good as they do in the colder weather of October.

DNR Eyes New Elk Hunt Dates For 2026-27 Cycle In Michigan

According to a press release, the DNR is proposing to extend the elk hunting season from 21 days to 45 for the 2026-27 hunting cycles. The DNR is looking for public feedback now through January 23, 2026, and you can email your comments to DNR-Elk-Hunt@Michigan.gov.

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Below are the new DNR proposed elk hunting dates for the 2026-27 seasons:

• Period 1: The hunt would run from the second Saturday in September through the second Sunday in October giving hunters a 30-day continuous hunt. These new dates move the season back to colder months making the hunt much better.
• Period 2: The hunt would run from December 1-15 giving hunters 15 consecutive days to hunt.

These new hunting periods still need to be approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. When this gets approved, more hunters will want to apply for elk permits and the continuous hunting periods would allow hunters to take their time selecting a great animal to harvest versus settling because they can only hunt 4 days.

👇BELOW: The Elk Capital of Michigan: Atlanta👇