Looking for an excuse to get out in the winter woods?

Take advantage of small game hunting seasons — including cottontail rabbit, snowshoe hare, fox and gray squirrel — continuing through March 31.

“Small game opportunities throughout the state give hunters the chance to experience some of the best of what Michigan’s winter has to offer,” said Adam Bump, Michigan Department of Natural Resources small game specialist.

Bump also suggested that anyone looking for a new destination for small game hunting should check out Michigan GEMS — the 19 grouse enhanced management sites serving as premier hunting locations throughout the northern Lower Peninsula and the Upper Peninsula. Explore these resources at Michigan.gov/GEMS.

To get started:

∫ Find more information on hunting opportunities at Michigan.gov/SmallGame. Check the 2020 Hunting Digest, available at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests, for season dates, bag limits and other regulations.

∫ Discover new hunting lands at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Mi-HUNT is an interactive map showing lands open to public hunting, ground cover details, nearby recreation facilities and more.

∫ Get your 2020 base license through Feb. 28 at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or anywhere DNR licenses are sold.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.