To the original poster, you live very close to me. Our state has some pretty peculiar firearm and DNR laws that can get you in a lot of trouble very fast.
Basically, I will summarize as follows:
The only way you can be armed at all times (with a loaded firearm), even on your own land (at any time of the year) is by carrying a PISTOL under authority of a CPL. That pistol could be a revolver, colt 1911 style pistol, or it could be a folding stock type rifle which has a minimum length of 26.5" and a maximum (folded) length of <30" with a 16" barrel. Yes, you heard that right.
Long guns of any sort may not be carried in any vehicle without being unloaded, taken down or cased. That is not much good for self defense. Get caught with a rifle lying on your tailgate (while putting it in the case) and it is a misdemeanor firearm citation. That can cost you your CPL and thereby the means to be able to defend yourself on your own land.
Long guns can be prohibited by the DNR during game seasons (such as now - deer season in the shotgun zone), unless you are in possession of an appropriate deer license with unused kill tag.
The same applies if you do not have a CPL and you openly carry your pistol on your own land. Without a valid deer hunting license and unused tag, you will be cited for unlicensed hunting. Many people do not think this applies on your own land, but they are wrong. Get caught with a true "rifle" in the field (308, 3006, 223 or whatever) and you get a firearms citation too, in addition to the unlicensed hunting citation. 2 misdemeanor offenses. This can be serious trouble for firearms ownership.
So do a CPL class and follow the 3-4 month process (if you don't already have one), then you are in the clear.
If you want to get a "Michigan Pistol" (one of the 26.5-30" long rifles) you better hurry, since Lansing is already editing the law to try to close that loophole. Our masters want their subjects to be as defenseless as legally possible...
