Another sign autumn is upon us: Hunting seasons open today in Michigan for most small game and some prized game birds.

Legal species to take today include cottontail rabbit, snowshoe or varying hare, fox and gray squirrel and, perhaps most significantly for the region, ruffed grouse and wild turkey. Woodcock season – more of these birds are bagged in Michigan than any other state in the nation – will open Sept. 24, as will duck season.

Department of Natural Resources experts have said ruffed grouse numbers appear on the upswing of their 10-year cycle. Woodcocks, too, seem to be in decent supply. The U.P. boasts some of the strongest populations of both in the state.

So hunters should flush more “partridge” in the fields this year. Pointers, setters, retrievers and spaniels all should get a good workout aiding their human partners and putting their skills to use.

The Upper Peninsula also offers Michigan’s only opportunity at sharp-tailed grouse, in Chippewa and Mackinac counties, though that won’t start until Oct. 10. Hunting these birds does require having a sharp-tailed grouse stamp but that is free, the DNR said.

A few notes to remember before going out to join the hunt:

– Michigan requires a base license to do any hunting; additional licenses or stamps may be needed as well depending on the species.

– Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1960, will need to take a hunter safety education program before purchasing a Michigan hunting license for the first time. Much of the course can be taken online or as home study, but a field day is required in all cases so an instructor can present safety steps such as proper firearm handling. The DNR provides links online to listings of classes at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

– If just looking to try hunting with family or friends, an apprentice hunting program is available in Michigan that allows taking part in two hunting seasons without the hunter education requirement, according to the DNR.

– Youths age 9 or younger can only hunt with a licensed mentor who is at least 21 years old and hunting-safety certified. Those age 10 to 16 who are safety certified still must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older unless hunting on parent/guardian-owned land or the teen is not younger than 14 and not using a firearm to hunt deer, bear or elk.

– Make sure you know the daily or seasonal quotas for each species, which can vary greatly – only one turkey per license, for example, versus five daily for ruffed grouse.

For a full listing of Michigan hunting regulations, seasons and species that can be harvested, go to the DNR web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-153-10363–,00.html.

Be safe and good hunting to all.