Can I Shoot a Bow in My Backyard in Michigan?

Yes, shooting your bow in your backyard in Michigan is legal. The authorities prohibit hunting within 150 yards of a nearby building or property. This safety zone does not apply to backyard shooting or target practice. Failure to follow the safety zone will result in a misdemeanor charge, jail time, and a fine of $50-$500.

Private properties dominate Michigan’s landscape. There are plenty of opportunities for archery or bow hunting on private property, including your own backyard.

According to Michigan archery laws, you don’t need a license to shoot a bow in your backyard or on any private property. However, if you wish to hunt on another person’s property, you must secure a written permit from the building owner(s) nearby.

Although you can freely take any game animals within private property, you must still follow state hunting regulations and the ones specified by the landowner. Remember to ensure you respect the landowner’s rights and land at all times.

Michigan has always had a strong hunting tradition. Many people love target shooting in their backyard because it is both fun and convenient. Their weapon of choice? The humble crossbow.

As hunting season draws closer, you want to start honing in on your hunting skills. Backyard shooting helps sharpen your hunting skills and makes archery accessible. Nevertheless, you may wonder why backyard shooting in Michigan with your bow is a good idea.

The main advantage of backyard shooting in Michigan is convenience. There is no need to go out and find a target range to sharpen your bowhunting skills since you can do it right at home.

Other known advantages of backyard shooting include the following:

1. Prepare for hunting season

As hunting season in Michigan approaches, you want to ensure your skillset is on point. Having a backyard range means you can practice shooting anytime you want. Whether before work or after work, the choice is yours.

You have total control over your practice routine, which frees up your time for other tasks.

If you want a real challenge:

• • Try to practice at night.
  • Set up your 3D targets and try to land clean shots from various distances. Come hunting season, you can secure more nighttime kills.

2. Get better at hunting small game

Residents love hunting small game. The problem is that hunting rabbits, waterfowl, and squirrels outdoors can take time and effort.

Instead of taking your chances outside, why not hone your reflexes in your backyard? Nailing your small-game hunting skills will help you become a better big-game hunter.

Being able to hunt small games requires lots of practice hours. The good news is with backyard shooting, no limit to how much you can practice bow hunting.

3. Maintain your physical fitness

As we’ve mentioned, backyard shooting is a physical activity. It activates your core and the majority of your upper body muscles. Practice a couple of times a week, and you’ll be able to develop a strong midsection.

Bowhunting is quite like resistance training because it helps build your muscles. As you progress with heavy-draw bows, your arm strength will increase. Your muscles will look more defined, and your midsection will strengthen.

Do I need a license to own a bow in Michigan?

You don’t need a license to own a bow in Michigan. But, residents who want to participate in hunting will need an annual base license. The same goes for disabled individuals who need a special permit from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) .

Michigan also has its archery laws imposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources as part of its responsibilities to its commitment to conserving, managing, and protecting the natural and current resources of the state.

The state’s governing body is also in charge of bow and arrow laws that Michigan residents and non-residents must conform to whenever there are questions pertaining to Michigan archery laws.

Hence, as a hunter and archer, you must be mindful of what is illegal and legal in Michigan. Even though no law in Michigan requires you to get a license before purchasing a bow, you may need a license if you wish to hunt in Michigan.

For those who plan to hunt with a bow and arrow here, enumerated below are the Michigan bow and arrow laws you need to take note of:

A. Hunter Safety Certificate

Also known as Hunter Education Card, Hunter Safety Certificate is a requirement that hunters born on or after January 1, 1960, must obtain before applying for a hunting base license in Michigan.

The Hunter Safety Certificate proves that you have the knowledge to hunt ethically and safely in Michigan. Also, there is no minimum age requirement.

Youth hunters aged nine and below can either take a Hunter Safety Certificate or join the Mentored Youth Hunting Program instead.

Here is the list of those exempted from taking a Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate:

• Born before January 1, 1960
• Ages ten and older who bought a base apprentice license with direct adult supervision ages 21 and up
• Ages nine or younger who chose to join the Mentored Youth Hunting Program

Hunters have the option to complete the Hunter Safety Certificate in any of the following settings, all with additional in-person field day:

• Online
• Take home study
• Traditional classroom-based

Non-residents can immediately purchase a hunting license and won’t need to take a Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate if they have a valid hunter education certificate from another state, such as the one offered by Bowhunter-ed.

It only takes four to six hours to claim your Michigan Hunter Safety Certificate. You can also present it to other states if you plan to hunt outside Michigan since it is acceptable in places with mandatory hunter education requirements.

B. Licenses

Suppose you completed your Hunter Safety Certificate; it’s time to purchase a hunting license. Michigan has numerous hunting licenses depending on the hunting game you wish to enter. Michigan archery laws prohibit hunters with no hunting license from taking part in shooting animals with bow and arrow.

The most common hunting license in Michigan is the annual base license. Acquiring an annual base license permits you to hunt small game animals regardless of whether you are a resident or non-resident. Therefore, hunting animals without a hunting license in Michigan is unlawful.

Michigan’s annual base license is available for the following with their respective prices:

• Resident: $11
• Non-resident: $151
• Junior: $6
• Senior (ages 65 and above, exclusive for Michigan residents only): $5

If you wish to enter other hunting games aside from the annual base license, you must purchase another one. Below are some of the additional licenses you can buy as an addition to the yearly base license classified per species:

• Antlerless deer/junior antlerless deer
• Antlerless deer-managed area hunts
• Bear
• Deer combo
• Waterfowl
• Turkey – Spring
• Turkey – Fall

For the complete list of licenses and exact, updated prices, visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fishing and hunting license information page.

C. Tagging

Big game animals like turkey, deer, elk, and bear require specific tagging rules that hunters must abide by consistently. Based on Michigan bow and arrow laws, hunters need to tag big game animals immediately after killing them and moving from one place to another.

Hunters must ensure that the tag is visible for inspection, legible, and securely attached to the animal.

D. Hunter orange

Hunters in Michigan must wear orange if they hunt within daylight shooting hours. Orange color can be in a cap, vest, hat, jacket, or rain gear as long as it is visible on all sides to alert other hunters. You can also wear camouflage, but ensure that the print’s color is at least 50% orange.

Below are the hunters exempted from wearing orange:

• Those taking bear using a bow or crossbow
• Those hunting deer with a bow or crossbow during the designated archery season
• Hunters engaged in falconry
• Those hunting the following animals in a stationary position: fox, coyote, and bobcat
• Those hunting a migratory game bird or turkey crow except woodcock

E. Bag limits

Bag limits depend on the species you hunt. For instance, Michigan hunting laws only allow a bag limit of five ruffed grouse per day. Thus, it is also essential to be mindful of the bag limit imposed per species whenever you hunt in Michigan.

As a responsible bow hunter, it is your responsibility to follow the Michigan bow and arrow laws regardless of whether you are a state resident or not.

Make it a habit to check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources from time to time to get updated with the current Michigan archery laws so you can avoid any legal trouble that can lead to jail time or payment of a fine.

Is a bow considered a firearm in Michigan?

The state law defines a firearm as any weapon that expels a projectile using explosives. A bow relies on a mechanical release or trigger to expel a projectile. By definition, the bow is not considered a firearm in Michigan.

If you look at other state laws, some classify bows as weapons similar to firearms. Nevertheless, Michigan laws don’t classify bows as identical to firearms. As a result, confusion arises among people as to whether the law considers bows to be firearms in general.

Although it is a weapon that can cause harm to someone when not used properly, bows, by definition, do not expel a projectile using explosives.

Michigan archery laws define a bow as a device or weapon made of a strip of wood or other material like plastic with a cord that connects two opposite ends when bent, wherein it propels an arrow forward instead of explosives, which is evident in firearms.

Therefore, crossbows, compound bows, recurve bows, and longbows are all under the definition of “bow,” which makes them a weapon unrelated to firearms. That’s why there are separate seasons for bowhunting in Michigan allotted to bowhunters only.

Firearms in Michigan may include but are not limited to rifles, handguns, muzzleloading, and pistols. Bows and firearms are legal to own in Michigan, but there are expressly prohibited weapons that you need to know according to the Michigan Penal Code Chapter 750, section 222:

• Machine guns
• Short-barreled shotguns
• Automatic weapons
• Armor-piercing ammunition
• Short-barreled rifles
• Mufflers and silencers

Remember not to possess any of the following weapons mentioned above, or you’ll face charges such as four to five years in prison with a fine of up to $2,500.

It is clear that a bow is a weapon, and handling it requires skill and knowledge. That’s why Michigan bow and arrow laws need you to take bowhunting courses and archery lessons for your safety.

What are the best places to buy bows in Michigan?

Archery shops such as Gauthier’s Archery, Compounds & Crossbows in Lansing, Straight Line Archery, Archery Unlimited, and Lost Nation Archery are among the best places to buy bows in Michigan. Although there is no need for a permit to purchase a bow in Michigan, you must first identify what you are looking for in a bow before buying.

There are countless local archery shops in Michigan that you can visit whether you are looking for repair services for your bow or you plan to purchase new archery gear for your next bow hunting. Refer to the list below of some of the best places to buy bows in Michigan:

1. Gauthier’s Archery

Gauthier’s Archery, located in Traverse City, Michigan, has served the archery industry for over 41 years. It is among the oldest archery stores in Michigan and is still the northern state’s only full-time archery pro shop.

The archery shop experienced a smooth transition of ownership in recent years with a focus on continuing the store’s legacy by offering the widest selection of arrows by archery brands such as Carbon Express, Victory, Easton, and Beman.

You can also find bows manufactured by famous brands such as Mission, Bear Archery, Hoyt, Mathews, and Elite.

Aside from archery products, Gauthier’s Archery boasts two indoor ranges that allow customers to test the equipment. Moreover, the archery store has winter leagues and private lessons to help you improve your archery skills.

Sadly, Gauthier’s Archery only caters to archers and is not planning to start selling or carrying guns or firearms, which is quite a letdown for people who use firearms and bows for hunting.

2. Compounds & Crossbows in Lansing

Another great archery shop to visit is the Compounds and Crossbows, which you can find in Lansing, Michigan. As the store name suggests, it is a haven for those who prefer using compound bows or crossbows. Furthermore, PSE is the archery shop’s primary stock in the trade, where you can request special orders.

Customers enjoy free inspections and tune-ups here in Compounds and Crossbows, together with numerous components to choose from to keep your bow in prime condition.

However, if you are into traditional bows like longbows and recurve, Compounds and Crossbows may not be the best place to find what you are looking for due to its limited scope of archery equipment and the brands they sell.

You can expect to see many PSE archery equipment products here as opposed to other brands, which means limited choices.

3. Straight Line Archery

Situated in Michigan’s upper peninsula, located explicitly in Ishpeming, is Straight Line Archery. Besides selling archery products, Straight Line Archery boasts an indoor range, a 28-target seasonal range, and a 3D range.

It is the perfect place for archers and hunters looking for an archery shop that also offers recreational shooting space. Visiting Straight Line Archery feels like you are finding more than you are looking for because of its unique style.

Despite the archery shop’s captivating set-up, Straight Line Archery’s website only offers a little regarding archery equipment for sale.

The archery store’s website has no product displays you can check, so you may have to contact them or go there to check if they have the bow model you want to purchase.

4. Archery Unlimited

Archery Unlimited offers a complete range of archery products, from bows to arrows and other accessories. Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Archery Unlimited lives up to its name because of the countless pieces of archery equipment you can find here.

Additionally, it is the only archery shop dealer of the infamous “Totally Titanium” broadheads, making it an archery shop worth visiting in Michigan. Unfortunately, Archery Unlimited only has one branch, which makes it quite difficult to access for some who live far.

5. Lost Nation Archery

Lastly, the Lost Nation Archery in Sturgis is another excellent place to buy bows in Michigan. It is an atypical archery shop because it focuses on selling old-fashioned bows rather than modern ones.

Hence, if you are a fan of vintage bows and traditional archery, Lost Nation Archery is the best place to buy the bow you prefer. You can also find archery gear for children here and books and DVDs about archery that you can purchase.

On the contrary, if you are into technologically advanced bows, there may be better shops to look for modern archery equipment than Lost Nation Archery.

Besides finding the best place to buy a bow in Michigan, there are a few things you need to think about before buying, as enumerated below:

a. Know your dominant eye

One of the things that the archery shop staff might ask you is about your eye dominance. It helps them recommend which bow is best for you since some bows are not all ambidextrous. Some bows cater only to right-handed archers, whereas others only to left-handed.

b. Identify what specs to look for in a bow.

Each bow model offers different specifications and features, which means it boils down to what you are looking for in a bow. For instance, some bow models offer high speed but can be heavy. Meanwhile, some have a lesser rate but are lighter.

Before visiting an archery shop, identify if you have preferred bow specifications and features, then ensure to inform the archery shop staff to arrive at a well-informed decision.

c. Include in your budget the archery accessories

Some bows come with a bundle or package including accessories such as bow sight, bow case, and arrow rest. However, archers often have to buy the bow accessories separately, which results in allotting an extra budget if it happens.

d. Do a test shoot

Ensure that you do a test shoot first before buying a bow. Refrain from choosing a bow that has a different feel. For instance, if you are having difficulty pulling the bowstrings, the bow’s draw weight might be too much for you, affecting your aim and consistency.

e. Determine your purpose for purchasing a bow

Knowing your purpose for purchasing makes a significant difference since there are bow models designed for hunting, while some are for target archery. Bows for hunting are more technologically advanced, while target archery doesn’t require grandiose bows.

While Michigan doesn’t require permits or licenses to purchase a bow, finding a bow that’s fit for you can be stressful and exciting for archers and hunters.

Therefore, make it a habit to think about what you want in a bow and which best place can cater to your archery needs in Michigan to have a better experience.

Is backyard shooting safe?

Backyard shooting is a safe activity as long as you use the right tools and equipment. If you plan to set up your practice range, ensure ample space in your backyard.

Safety should be one of your top priorities when doing backyard shooting. Keep these tips in mind to ensure safety and protection.

1. Use a sturdy backstop

A backstop is the cornerstone of any backyard range. Without it, any errant arrows can cause damage to property, pets, and humans. A good backstop should be able to capture your shots and prevent them from darting.

You can create your backstop using hay bales. Make the backstop wide to give yourself plenty of room for errant shots. Stack the bales until they reach 5-6 feet in height.

While hay bales are a practical choice for backstops, they wear out quickly. Compressed foam plastic or plywood are some great alternatives to hay bales. They last longer and do an excellent job of capturing your arrows.

Shooting bales are also available in most archery shops throughout Michigan. Ask an expert to help you choose a backstop for your needs.

2. Select your target

After choosing your backstop, the next step is to pick the right target for your arrows. The most popular target for backyard shooting is bag targets. Bag targets are lightweight and very portable to use.

Foam blocks are the ideal choice for hunters looking for a heavy-duty target. They offer a variety of shooting faces, giving you more room with your shots. But bag targets only offer two shooting faces, thus limiting their versatility.

Of course, your shooting habits will determine which target fits you best. Get a bag target if you use low-poundage gear and want something portable. A heavy foam block is a logical option if you use big-game equipment.

3D targets like deer or rabbits are also worth considering. These are fun for practice shooting and mimic the feel of hunting live game.

3. Enforce strict safety rules

Before you start target practice, you must establish strict safety rules. Whether you practice solo or with friends, make sure they know the rules. Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

• Never aim your bow toward sidewalks, houses, or other areas where people might get hit. Make sure you know the thing that lies beyond the target.
• Tell them they can only shoot when the range is clear when shooting with friends.
• Always maintain a safe distance when shooting. Do not go beyond the shooting line.
• If you have any pets, make sure to keep them leashed or keep them indoors.
• Do not dry-fire a bow under any circumstance. Doing so may cause damage to your bow and injure you.
• Do not let your children play anywhere near the shooting range. Let them know that the backyard is off-limits when you practice.
• Always supervise any beginners and inexperienced archers in your backyard range.

4. Pick the right bow

Bows come in many different shapes and sizes. Choosing the right bow can be quite intimidating for beginners. The last thing you want is to use an inappropriate bow, which can be dangerous.

Here are the four different types of bows that people use for backyard shooting:

• Recurve bow – The recurve bow is for novices due to its lightweight design. With a low draw weight, aiming your target is very easy. You can progress to heavier draw-weight bows as you develop your skills and muscle memory.
• Compound bow – Most hunters favor the compound bow because of its power and accuracy. It also offers better aim and precision compared to a recurve bow. That said, using a compound bow requires more strength, something that beginners need to gain.
• Longbow – Reserved for the purists of hunters, the longbow is considered by many to be a piece of old equipment. The reason is that longbows need more features than a typical compound bow. If you decide to pick up a longbow, know that it will take hundreds of hours to master this weapon.
• Crossbow – Crossbows lack the popularity of recurve or compound bows, but some hunters favor them. A crossbow is easy to use and makes target aiming a breeze. Then again, crossbows take away some of the shooting experience, so keep that in mind when buying.

The best way to know which bow is right for you is to go to an archery shop. Try out the different bows to get a good feel for aiming, drawing, and shooting. It also helps to ask an expert for their recommendations on what bow suits you best.

How to make backyard shooting more fun?

One way to make backyard shooting fun is by changing your practice routine. You can change the position of your 3D targets or challenge yourself using a different bow.

Variety is the spice of life, which also applies to backyard shooting. When you do the same thing repeatedly, it will start to feel monotonous. You can keep things interesting again by doing the following:

1. Change your mindset

Most of the time, the backyard shooting blues are all in your head. Many consider bow hunting to be 80% mental and 20% physical. You won’t find backyard shooting that enjoyable if you’re not in the right mindset.

When you spend more time at the range than you should, it often leads to burnout. You start to dread practice; the longer you do it, the less enthusiastic you get. One way to improve your mental attitude is by taking a break.

Put the bow down and take a break for a couple of days (or a week if you have to).

2. Play games with your friends

Sometimes, a little archery game with your friends is all it takes to knock the boredom out of your routine. Engage in some friendly competition and watch how everyone has a good time. Adding some incentive to your training routine and honing your skills is excellent.

You can try out these archery games to excite your backyard shooting.

• Balloon popping – Everyone loves popping balloons, and what better way to do it than with your bow and arrow? It’s easy to set up, and your friends will have a blast popping as many balloons as possible!
• Fruit shooting – Nothing beats the satisfaction of splitting an apple using your bow. Test your accuracy with your friends and prepare for a juicy, sticky challenge!
• Tic-tac-toe – Put a twist on the pen-and-paper game by playing tic-tac-toe in your backyard range! You can print the game on a large tarp and pin it to your backstop. The winner decides what prize they want to receive!
• Archery H-O-R-S-E – This game follows the same concept as the basketball HORSE. Whoever fails to mimic the shot will get a letter; the first one to complete HORSE loses! Only this time, you play the game in your backyard instead of the court.
• Color pop – If you want to get the kids involved, this game is the one to play. Mix food coloring with water and fill each of the balloons. When your kids hit their target, they will jump with joy after seeing colors splash!

There are plenty of other ways to make backyard shooting fun. The key is to get creative with your practice routines and do something different once in a while. When you do this, your enthusiasm will increase and help maintain your bowhunting skills.

It is legal in Michigan to own a bow and use it for target practice. Using a bow is your responsibility, so study the laws and regulations regarding bow use. As you can see, there are plenty of things to consider when shooting a bow in your backyard.

Use the information in this article as a reference to ensure you have a safe backyard range in your home.

Shooting in your backyard in Michigan is an activity that is cost-efficient and time-saving. Nonetheless, hunting in Michigan is another story since it requires you to abide by the Michigan bow and arrow laws imposed by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.
Thus, always check the Michigan archery laws and keep yourself updated to save you from legal trouble.

Can I Bow Hunt in My Backyard?

In the state of Michigan, you can do so if you have the permission of the property owner, renter, or occupant. Of course, you need to consult with the local police department for the specific guidelines of your state and locality. For example, in the state of Georgia, any discharge of any implement capable of taking human life is forbidden within 150 yards of a residence.

How Far Away From a House Can You Bow Hunt in Michigan?

You need the written permission of the property owner, renter, or occupant to hunt with a firearm near any building that is occupied or used for farming. The distance from the building must be at least 450 feet. This rule only applies to hunting. You can still shoot firearms for other reasons, such as at shooting ranges, for target practice, for law enforcement, or for self-defense.

Is a Crossbow Considered a Firearm in Michigan?

Crossbows have their own legal definition in Michigan and well-defined regulations specific to them. Hence, they are not legally firearms.

Firearms Laws of Michigan define a “crossbow” as a weapon with a bow set on a frame designed to shoot an arrow, bolt, or quarrel. It has a mechanical or electric trigger, a safety feature, and a draw weight of 100 pounds or more.