The Department of Natural Resources reminds deer hunters that muzzleloader season begins on Friday, Dec. 5, in the Upper Peninsula and southern Michigan, and on Dec. 12 in the northern Lower Peninsula.

"Bad weather on opening day of the firearm season slowed the harvest in several parts of the state. Plenty of deer remain out there for muzzleloader hunters who have yet to fill their tags," said DNR Big-Game Specialist Rod Clute.

Hunters may take both antlered buck and antlerless deer during the muzzleloader season providing they have appropriate tags. The same antler restrictions that were in place during the archery and firearms seasons apply. Check the 2008 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Guide or the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr for details.

Muzzleloader season runs through Dec. 14 in the Upper Peninsula and through Dec. 21 in the Lower Peninsula.