Tagging Option for Antlerless Deer Hunters
    An antlerless deer hunter, with an unused license valid for an antlered deer and an unused antlerless license for the DMU in which they are hunting, may tag a male antlerless deer with an antlered deer license kill tag. A male antlerless deer, often called a " button buck ", means a deer with antlers where the longest antler extends less than three inches above the skull.   

Turn in Your Deer Heads
    We are asking that you turn in your deer's head at any DNR office for free tuberculosis testing if you take a deer in any season in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clinton, Crawford, Emmet, Ingham, Iosco, Genesee, Gratiot, Livingston, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Saginaw, and Shiawassee.

An Important Message Regarding Bait
    Hunters are prohibited from using bait for deer hunting in Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Bait also is prohibited during the youth firearm deer season and the early firearm antlerless deer season. The use of bait is permitted in the remainder of the state, but the volume of bait at any hunting site cannot exceed two gallons.  This restriction applies statewide. Baiting may occur only from October 1, 2008 through January 1, 2008. For more information, visit the  baiting and feeding  webpage.

Special Antlerless Deer Seasons

Early Firearm Antlerless Deer Season
    There will be an early firearm antlerless deer hunting season on private land in Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties, and on private land in zone 3 (southern Michigan). This season begins Sept. 18 and runs thorough Sept. 22, 2008. You must possess a valid private land antlerless deer license issued for the DMU in which you are hunting to take a deer during this season. You also must have permission from the landowner or leaseholder before hunting on private land, and the telephone number of the private landowner is required to purchase a private land antlerless deer license.
    Baiting for deer may not occur until Oct. 1. You may not bait for deer during the early firearm antlerless deer hunting season.
    All firearm hunters must be 12 or older and must wear Hunter Orange. Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting, and must possess a private land antlerless license and must wear Hunter Orange. Archery and junior archery deer licenses are not valid for this hunt.

Youth and 100% Disabled Veteran
Firearm Deer Hunting Days
    Youth Firearm Deer Hunting Days will take place Sept. 27-28, 2008, on all lands in Michigan. Youths 10 to 16 years of age with a firearm or combination license may take an antlered or antlerless deer during this special two-day season. Or they may take an antlerless deer with an antlerless license on a Deer Management Assistance (DMA) permit. Youths 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Youths 12 and 13 are restricted to firearm hunting only on private land and lands enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. 
    A firearm, combination or antlerless license or DMA permit authorizing the youth to take a deer with a firearm, may be used if issued for the area/land upon which hunting. Archery and junior archery licenses are not valid during this season. All youth hunters are required to wear Hunter Orange. The youth must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age or older. An adult accompanying a youth firearm deer  hunter cannot possess or carry a firearm or bow and arrow and does not need a deer hunting license. It is unlawful to use bait during this season.
    A veteran who has been determined to have a 100 percent disability or is rated as individually unemployable by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs may participate in this two-day season. Documentation from the Veterans Administration shall be in the possession of a veteran participating in this hunt.

Late Firearm Antlerless Deer Season 
    The counties open to the late-season antlerless deer hunt have not changed from last year. An error left some open counties off the list in the printed 2008 Michigan Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide.
    There will be a late firearm antlerless deer hunting season on private land in Alcona, Allegan, Alpena, Barry, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Crawford, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Huron, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Montcalm, Montmorency, Oakland, Oscoda, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, St. Joseph, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Van Buren, and Washtenaw counties. This season begins Dec. 22, 2008, and runs through Jan. 1, 2009. During this season, only antlerless deer on private land may be taken. Permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder. You may hunt with a bow and arrow or firearm. All firearm hunters must wear Hunter Orange and must be 12 or older. You must have an unused antlerless deer license (or DMA permit) issued for the appropriate DMU to hunt deer during this season.