Michigan Elk Hunt: How to draw an Elk tag -

If you’re dreaming of hunting elk in Michigan, you’re in for a unique adventure. Michigan elk hunts are a rare opportunity, with tags awarded through a highly competitive lottery system. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of this process firsthand. In 2011, after seven long years of applying, I drew a coveted tag and harvested a majestic bull elk in Pigeon River Country State Forest. Fast forward to 2024, my son Ethan drew his elk tag after ten years of building points. His hunt became a shared moment of pride for our family and reinforced the importance of preparation and persistence.

In this how-to guide, I’ll walk you through the steps of applying for a Michigan elk tag, preparing for the hunt, and making the most of your time in the field. These tips are rooted in my personal experiences, designed to help you navigate this exciting journey.

Step One: Start Applying for the Elk tag

If you ever want to hunt elk in Michigan, start applying right away—even if you’re just a kid dreaming of hunting someday. I began applying for my sons as soon as they were eligible. Those early investments paid off when Ethan finally drew his tag. This process rewards patience, so don’t wait to get started. There is an option to apply for a preference point which carries over to the following years when you apply but my suggestion is to not waste a year and apply for a preference point because the chance to draw a tag is difficult. Use every following year to draw for a tag. Don’t pass up the opportunity. The preference point option allows you to build points to be used in following years to come.

Apply for your Elk Tag on the DNR website under the Licenses & Permits section.

To apply, you’ll need to enter the Michigan elk lottery. The application period runs from May 1 to June 1. For $5, you can either apply for a tag or purchase a preference point to improve your odds in future years.

When you’re starting out, focus on accumulating points. Each year you don’t draw a tag, you’ll earn another point, putting you closer to your goal.

Step Two: Waiting for the Selection Letter

The waiting can be tough. While you’re waiting, use the time to learn more about elk hunting, research units, and practice your skills. Results are typically announced in late-June. The DNR will announce that they have made the selection and sent out letters. If you’re selected, congratulations! If the month of June ends and you did not receive a letter, check your points or drawing results online at the DNR website. You can create an account or login with your ID and birthday. It usually shows if you were successful or not.

The Michigan DNR web site will show your points and drawing results.

If you were not successful, your application will convert to a preference point. Over time, these points increase your odds of being selected. Your history of applying is also recorded and visible on the DNR web site.

It took me seven years to get my first tag and Ethan ten years to get his. But the moment you see ‘successful’ on your lottery results makes every year worth it. The lottery system can feel like a long game, but staying persistent is key. Don’t lose hope if it takes years—every application gets you closer.

Step Three: Unpacking the Selection Letter and Purchasing Your Elk License

Upon being selected, you’ll receive a letter from the DNR with the details of your hunt. Ethan’s letter arrived on June 24, 2024, and included essential information such as the hunting period, assigned Elk Management Unit (EMU), and whether the license was for Any Elk (bull, cow, or calf) or just a Cow Elk. Ethan’s assignment placed him in Period 2 and EMU H or X, which included both public land and private land (with landowner permission).

In addition to the assignment, the letter specified the price of the elk license—currently $100 for Michigan residents. Licenses can be purchased online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through a local license agent. We chose to buy the license in person at Gemmen’s in Hudsonville, MI, turning the purchase into an opportunity to document the milestone with photos.

Tip: Make the moment special by capturing this step with photos or videos—it’s part of the memory-making process.

Step Four: Complete the Required Online Hunt Orientation

Once your license receipt is purchased, complete the mandatory online elk hunting orientation course, which provides critical information about regulations, safety, and ethical hunting practices.

Ethan took the online course in June, but because he was not assigned to hunt until December he didn’t receive the physical license until October. This made us a little nervous but we learned they don’t mail them out all at once.

Elk receipt laying on top of a manilla envelope from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Upon completing the Online hunting orientation course, you can purchase your license and get a receipt.

Step Five: Research and Scout Your Elk Management Unit (EMU)

Unlike some game hunts, elk hunters in Michigan don’t get to choose their hunting location. Your assigned Elk Management Unit (EMU) and time period are included in your selection letter. Michigan has several EMUs, each offering unique terrain, varying elk densities, and different success rates.

When I drew my elk tag in 2011, I was assigned to Unit A in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, one of the most renowned elk hunting areas. Scouting the area beforehand was invaluable. I made multiple trips with my guide, learning the lay of the land and tracking elk activity. Preparation is everything.

When Ethan was awarded his tag in 2024, we immediately began planning. However, due to school commitments, Ethan couldn’t make scouting trips north. Instead, we relied on research, digital tools like maps and aerial photos, and tips from other hunters familiar with the area.

You can purchase your Elk license online or in person, we chose to go to a local store.

If you’re unable to scout in person, use online resources like OnX Hunt, topographic maps, and hunting forums to research your unit. Familiarize yourself with the terrain, elk migration patterns, and potential access points. For public land hunts, check for designated elk viewing areas, as these often overlap with prime hunting zones.

Some EMUs, like Pigeon River Country, are known for their higher elk concentrations, making them a popular choice among hunters. Use this time to prepare your gear and practice long-range shooting to ensure you’re ready for a clean and ethical harvest.

Now you need to decide if you want to hunt on your own or hire a guide. For both of my hunts, I hired a guide. Read more about my 2011 elk hunt.

Key Elk Hunting Terms to Know

Elk Management Unit (EMU): These are specific areas designated for elk hunting, each with unique quotas and regulations. The Michigan DNR web site has great page for Elk application information.
Preference Points: Points earned each year you apply but aren’t selected, increasing your odds in future draws.
Elk Lottery System: A drawing process managed by the Michigan DNR to allocate limited elk tags.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Michigan Elk Tag

How Much Does an Elk License Cost?
Residents pay $5 to apply and $100 if selected for a tag.

Can Non-Residents Apply for Michigan Elk Hunting Tags?
No, it’s only open to Michigan residents.

How Long Does It Take to Get Selected?
Most hunters wait several years, depending on the number of preference points required for their chosen EMU.

What If I Miss the Application Window?
If you miss the application window, you can continue to apply the following year without losing your accumulated points. If you fail to apply for 5 consecutive years, your points balance returns to zero.

Tips for Michigan Elk Hunting

Tip One: Scout Early and Often

Scout your hunting area as soon as possible. Understanding elk movement patterns and preferred habitats is critical. When I hunted Pigeon River, scouting trips revealed vital details about where elk congregated and how to position myself for a successful hunt.

Tip Two: Prepare for Long Shots

Elk often require longer-range shots than other game. Practice shooting at 200–300 yards regularly. In 2011, my bull elk was taken at 300 yards, and that shot was only possible because of the time I spent honing my skills.

Tip Three: Involve the Next Generation

Involve your kids early in the process. My sons grew up hearing stories about my 2011 hunt, and I started applying for their preference points before they could hunt themselves. Ethan’s 2024 success felt like a family achievement, rooted in years of shared preparation and effort.

Hunting elk in Michigan is a rare and rewarding experience. Whether you’re applying for the first time or preparing for your dream hunt, these tips will guide you every step of the way. Remember, the journey is as valuable as the hunt itself—good luck out there!