Deer

Use the hunting digest to find license info, hunting zones and hours, rules, regulations and more. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions see the Wildlife Conservation Order.

Deer Management Units Interactive Map

  • DMU Viewer Thumbnail Image Interactive DMU Map »

    Deer Management Units are defined geographical areas that break the state up into smaller pieces, allowing us to make strategic management decisions concerning Michigan’s deer herd based on habitat and other considerations, such as land ownership and weather conditions in each area.

    Additionally, DMUs serve as boundaries for hunters who take part in various deer hunts throughout the season.

Antlerless Deer Information

Deer Check Stations

Please check the map for available locations. Due to staffing and financial shortages, deer check station locations have been reduced, along with and days and and hours of operation. Many will be open only during parts of the firearm deer season in November. Wait times may be longer than usual. Changes in the state's COVID-19 situation could result in changes to planned locations and hours.

At check stations, hunters are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines, staying 6 feet away from other peoples. At many locations you will be required to stay in your vehicle.

If CWD is found in a submitted deer, the hunter will be notified by phone. If CWD is not found, the test result will be posted online.

Surveys and Info

Do your research before you go out and get information that could help your hunt.

Deer Management

Management of Michigan's deer herd is essential to maximize its positive and minimize its negative effects on social, biological, ecological and economic values. Our collaboration with other agencies - both state and federal, tribal governments, landowners, hunters and other partners is critical to our success.
Learn more about how we manage deer

  • Subscribe to Deer Hunting Updates:

    Updates will include hunting regulation changes such as bag limits and seasons, and general hunting information that affects deer hunters. Emails will be sent periodically, more frequently in the weeks leading up to bow, crossbow, and firearm deer seasons.