Air quality across the state is being affected by wildfire smoke. Before heading outdoors, get information on current conditions and alerts at Michigan.gov/MiAir, and learn about the state’s response to inform and protect the public at Michigan.gov/EGLEWildfireSmoke.
The hunting regulations summaries are a condensed summaries of the full regulations and legal descriptions found in this Wildlife Conservation Order, issued by the Natural Resources Commission.
The current deer management program includes research to help understand deer ecology and Michigan residents’ opinions and concerns about deer. In addition, the DNR provides information to the public about deer and technical assistance to landowners on deer habitat issues and conflicts with deer. Hunting provides recreational opportunities, is important as a cultural and social activity, and is the primary tool used to manage the size and distribution of Michigan’s statewide deer population.
The statewide deer management plan is summarized below to promote an understanding of the overall deer management vision for Michigan.
| Season | Area | Season dates | Notes* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery (early segment) | Statewide | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 | N/A |
| Archery (late segment) | Statewide | Dec. 1 – Jan. 1 | N/A |
| December firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs | Dec. 4–6 | Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for equipment restrictions. |
| Early antlerless firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding 145 and 245) | Sept. 12–13 | Open on public and private lands. |
| Independence Hunt | Statewide | Oct. 15–18 | Qualified hunters with disabilities only. Open on public (by permit only) and private lands. |
| Late antlerless firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding 145 and 245) | Dec. 7 – Jan. 1, 2027 | Open on public and private lands. |
| Liberty Hunt | Statewide | Sept. 12–13 | Qualified youth and hunters with disabilities only. |
| Muzzleloader | Upper Peninsula DMUs | Dec. 4–6 | Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for equipment restrictions. |
| Regular firearm | Statewide | Nov. 15–30 | N/A |
*The limited firearms deer zone has been eliminated.
The Liberty Hunt is a statewide firearm deer season that takes place on public and private lands open to firearm deer hunting Sept. 12–13, 2026. Youth 16 years old or younger and individuals with qualifying disabilities can participate in this season.
To qualify for the Liberty Hunt, you must meet one of the following criteria:
The Independence Hunt is a firearm deer season that takes place on private lands and some public lands requiring an access permit (contact local offices to find out if they participate) Oct. 15–18, 2026. Individuals with qualifying disabilities can participate in this season.
To qualify for the Independence Hunt, you must meet one of the following criteria:
The early and late antlerless firearm deer seasons are firearm deer seasons that take place on public and private lands within certain DMUs in the Lower Peninsula. All Upper Peninsula DMUs are CLOSED for the early and late antlerless firearm deer seasons. All hunters are required to wear hunter orange and must have permission from the landowner or leaseholder before hunting on private land.
The Upper Peninsula (not pictured) is closed to early and late antlerless firearm deer hunting.
Yes. The following locations offer special deer hunts:
For detailed descriptions of deer management unit boundaries and antler point restrictions, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR. Visit Michigan.gov/Deer for an interactive map of deer management units.
APRs vary throughout the state based on the type of deer license and the hunting location. Use the following maps and charts to find the APRs for the DMU(s) you want to hunt.
Lower Peninsula DMU map
Youth hunters 16 and younger, individuals licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, and apprentice license holders are exempt from APRs in all seasons, in all deer management units and under all licenses, which also includes the four-point APR on the restricted tag. A legal antlered deer is one with one antler 3 inches or longer. If a youth hunter with a regular base license turns 17 during the season (or prior to it), they must follow APRs.
Upper Peninsula DMU map
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to deer hunting.
Youth hunters 16 and younger, individuals licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, and apprentice license holders are exempt from APRs in all seasons, in all deer management units and under all licenses, which also includes the four-point APR on the restricted tag. A legal antlered deer is one with one antler 3 inches or longer. If a youth hunter with a regular base license turns 17 during the season (or prior to it), they must follow APRs.
All other individuals must follow APRs for the deer season they are participating in, regardless of the equipment they are using. For example, if an individual is hunting with a crossbow during the firearm or muzzleloader seasons in the Upper Peninsula, then the individual must adhere to the restrictions for taking an antlerless deer during those seasons.
Yes. Deer with ear tags can be taken following all applicable deer hunting regulations. All exotic cervids, including all white cervids, that do not bear visible identification and are found outside of a fence of a cervidae facility for more than 48 hours may be taken by hunting year-round if the individual has a valid hunting license. To report escaped cervids, call 517-284-9453.
Yes. Albino and piebald deer can be taken following all applicable deer hunting regulations.
During the Liberty Hunt, you can harvest only ONE antlered deer and multiple antlerless deer (one per valid kill tag).
During the Independence Hunt, you can harvest ONE deer, either an antlered deer or an antlerless deer.
There is a statewide limit of two antlered deer, except in DMU 117, where the bag limit is one antlered deer.
Use limits for universal antlerless deer licenses have been implemented by DMU in the Upper Peninsula and by county in the Lower Peninsula. Use limits cap the number of universal antlerless deer licenses that can be used by an individual within the designated area. The use limits for universal antlerless deer licenses are provided in the map below.
Universal antlerless deer license use limits map
If you are hunting in the Upper Peninsula with a universal antlerless deer license, you can hunt antlerless deer in the southernmost DMUs (022, 055, 121, 122, 155 and 255). If you are hunting in the Lower Peninsula with a universal antlerless deer license, you can hunt antlerless deer in all open DMUs.
Yes. You cannot use a universal antlerless deer license in DMUs 007, 017, 021, 027, 031, 036, 042, 048, 066, 117, 127, 131, 149, 152, 249, 252 and 349. These DMUs are closed to antlerless harvest with a universal antlerless license.
| License type | Youth age 9 and under | Youth age 10–16 | Resident age 17–64 | Resident senior age 65+ | Nonresident age 17+1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base license* — valid through March 31, 2027. | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| Deer combo license2 | N/A | $40 | $40 | $28 | $190 |
| DMU 487 antlerless deer license | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| DNR Sportcard3 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Hunt/fish combo license* | N/A | N/A | $76 | $43 | $266 |
| Inclusive mentored license4 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Reserved deer hunt access permit application | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Reserved deer hunt access permit | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Single deer license2 | N/A | $20 | $20 | $8 | $20 |
| Universal antlerless deer license | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
*One dollar from each of these licenses will be used to educate the public on the benefits of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation and management of the state’s natural resources.
1Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
2At the time of purchase, you must choose if you want the opportunity to harvest one or two antlered deer (except DMU 117). If you only want to harvest one antlered deer throughout the license year, you can purchase a single deer license (one kill tag). If you want to harvest two antlered deer throughout the license year, you must purchase a deer combo license (two kill tags).
3The DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card.
4The inclusive mentored license package is only available for qualified individuals at DNR offices, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
No. You do not need a hunting license when target shooting for practice or sighting in a firearm at an identifiable, artificially constructed target and when there is no attempt to take game.
Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter education requirement (go to the Mentored hunting section for more information). A valid hunter education certificate from another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. For a replacement Michigan hunter education certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety.
A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package.
A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:
The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year. The single deer license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless-only season, when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.
The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The single deer license issued with the inclusive mentored license is valid for any deer in any deer management unit, except for units open during an antlerless-only season, when only an antlerless deer may be taken. Antler point restrictions do not apply.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl.
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.
No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular base license and a current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10–16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory contact.
Additional resources for hunters with disabilities are available through Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors. Visit MIOFO.org for more information.
Those with a temporary or permanent disability that affects their ability to use a conventional bow may apply for a disability bow permit. Disability bow permits are required for using a crossbow or modified bow during late archery season in the Upper Peninsula. A physician can automatically certify a hunter as eligible for a disability bow permit if the hunter has an amputation involving body extremities required for stable function to use conventional archery equipment or has a spinal cord injury resulting in permanent disability to the lower extremities, leaving the applicant permanently nonambulatory, or has a permanent wheelchair restriction. If none of the above criteria apply, physicians, physical therapists or occupational therapists can certify hunters who fail a functional draw test that equals 35 pounds of resistance and involves holding it for four seconds, a manual muscle test involving the grading of shoulder and elbow flexion and extension, or an impaired range-of-motion test involving the shoulder or elbow. In addition, a physician can recommend a disability bow permit for other temporary or permanent disabilities, such as neuromuscular conditions. For more information and an application, call 517-284-6057 or visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.
A person who, due to injury, disease, amputation or paralysis, is permanently disabled and unable to walk, may apply for a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle. This permit allows a licensed hunter to hunt and shoot from a parked motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or personal assistive mobility device. Subject to all other regulations, this permit also entitles the permitted hunter to take a deer that they have a valid license for. For example, a person with a standing vehicle permit and a universal antlerless license can harvest an antlerless deer during any deer season, statewide, even if the area is closed to antlerless deer hunting for hunters without a standing vehicle permit. The single deer license or deer combo licenses can be used to harvest an antlered or antlerless deer during any deer season, statewide. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility for more information and an application.
Yes. Legally blind hunters can use laser-sighting devices to take game, subject to all other regulations, with a firearm or crossbow if all the following conditions are met:
Yes. Hunters with other permanent disabilities can apply to the DNR Law Enforcement Division for a permit to use a laser-sighting device with a firearm or crossbow to take game. Subject to all other regulations, a permittee can take game with the use of a laser-sighting device only if accompanied by a sighted person who is at least 18 years old and licensed to hunt the same game (other than with a base apprentice license). For application information, please call 517-284-6000.
To qualify for as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
Yes. Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to obtain any hunting license that does not require a separate application free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:
Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the above conditions should be in the possession of a veteran when obtaining free licenses and while afield.
Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.
No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military.
Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must still follow all applicable state deer hunting regulations.
A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.
The hunt/fish combo license is a license package that includes an annual fishing license good for all species on any Michigan body of water, a base license that allows small game hunting and a deer combo license (regular and restricted kill tags) valid in both archery and firearm seasons.
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. A base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting and trapping practices are followed. A base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base license when hunting.
Armadillos, porcupines and Russian boars may be taken year-round, statewide with a valid base license.
The following deer licenses are available to purchase in Michigan:
Go to the Deer management units and antler point restrictions section for how the single deer license and deer combo licenses can be used in each deer season.
When you purchase a deer license (single deer, deer combo or universal antlerless), you will have the option to receive an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) or a traditional paper kill tag, depending on where you purchase your deer license. Go to the Where to buy licenses and kill tags section for more information.
No. If you purchased a single deer license, you cannot purchase a second single deer license or the deer combo license.
A universal antlerless deer license is a kill tag that allows residents and nonresidents to take an antlerless deer on public or private land in any deer management unit open to antlerless deer hunting in all deer seasons. No application is needed to purchase a universal antlerless deer license. Hunters of any age may purchase universal antlerless deer licenses, including hunters licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program.
You can purchase up to 10 universal antlerless deer licenses, statewide, per license year. This limit includes discounted antlerless deer licenses for DMU 487. Go to the Universal antlerless deer license use limits section for information on where universal antlerless deer licenses can be used.
You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for a hunter to harvest or attempt to harvest a deer unless the hunter has an unused deer license issued in their name.
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
No. You cannot use your kill tag on a deer you did not harvest.
A deer management assistance permit allows an individual to harvest antlerless deer only on the property for which it has been issued and adjacent private property with permission of the landowner. DMA permits are not stand-alone licenses. You must purchase an appropriate deer license for the season in which you are hunting. DMA permits do not count against the purchase limit of 10 universal antlerless deer licenses. Deer taken with DMA permits do not count against a hunter’s universal antlerless license use limit.
The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners will receive one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at no cost. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2027 species hunting season and in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2027 hunting regulations.
Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.
The application period is Jan. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2026.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice base license to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.
Yes. You can apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as a nonresident. However, if you are selected, you will not be eligible to receive the PMH elk license.
Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2027, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic kill tag, you must be able to present the electronic kill tag on your mobile device.
You can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
If you purchased your deer license online, your paper kill tag will be mailed to you 10 to 15 business days after your purchase. You cannot go hunting without the paper kill tag in your possession.
If you purchased your deer license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately after purchase. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.
You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
If you originally purchased your hunting license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license(s) reprinted ($3 for non-kill tag replacement and full price for kill tag replacement). You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license.
If you originally purchased your hunting license online, you received an email containing a PDF file of printable licenses (those without kill tags), including your base license. Save your PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced. If you have an eLicense account, you may log in at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses to reprint your non-kill tag items. Access your purchase history to reprint current licenses. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.
In certain DMUs on state and federal public lands (listed below), deer harvest is restricted. To hunt deer in these DMUs, you are required to have a reserved deer hunting access permit for the DMU you are hunting AND a valid deer license for the season you are hunting for each deer harvested. Contact the local area office for area-specific details.
Hunters are selected for a reserved deer hunting access permit using a random drawing system. In the access permit drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase. For more information on the reserved deer hunting access permit drawing, visit Michigan.gov/Deer under “Reserved deer hunts.”
The application period is July 15 – Aug. 15, 2026.
An application is $5.
You can only purchase one reserved deer hunting access permit application per year. You can apply for a reserved deer hunting access permit valid for a specific reserved deer hunt during specific season dates.
Yes. You can apply in a party with one other person. If you apply with more than one person, you will be ineligible for the drawing. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.
The first person to apply (either you or the other member of the party) selects the hunt numbers(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other person uses the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.
Drawing results will be available on Aug. 31, 2026.
You can check your drawing results online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.
You can obtain the access permit for which you were selected. Access permits are free. You can obtain your access permit from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
No. You cannot sell your reserved deer drawing success.
No. You cannot transfer your reserved deer drawing success to another person.
All remaining reserved deer hunting access permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Sept. 3 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time until quotas are met for each DMU. There is no guarantee that leftover access permits will be available. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
Legal hunting hours for deer (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the time from the Zone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Time, adjusted for daylight saving time where appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to hunting and trapping.
Hunting hours listed are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time where applicable).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 12 | 6:39 | 8:17 |
| Sept. 13 | 6:40 | 8:16 |
| Sept. 14 | 6:41 | 8:14 |
| Sept. 15 | 6:42 | 8:12 |
| Sept. 16 | 6:43 | 8:11 |
| Sept. 17 | 6:44 | 8:09 |
| Sept. 18 | 6:45 | 8:07 |
| Sept. 19 | 6:46 | 8:06 |
| Sept. 20 | 6:48 | 8:04 |
| Sept. 21 | 6:49 | 8:02 |
| Sept. 22 | 6:50 | 8:01 |
| Sept. 23 | 6:51 | 7:59 |
| Sept. 24 | 6:52 | 7:57 |
| Sept. 25 | 6:53 | 7:56 |
| Sept. 26 | 6:54 | 7:54 |
| Sept. 27 | 6:55 | 7:53 |
| Sept. 28 | 6:56 | 7:51 |
| Sept. 29 | 6:57 | 7:49 |
| Sept. 30 | 6:58 | 7:48 |
| Oct. 1 | 6:59 | 7:46 |
| Oct. 2 | 7:00 | 7:44 |
| Oct. 3 | 7:02 | 7:43 |
| Oct. 4 | 7:03 | 7:41 |
| Oct. 5 | 7:04 | 7:40 |
| Oct. 6 | 7:05 | 7:38 |
| Oct. 7 | 7:06 | 7:37 |
| Oct. 8 | 7:07 | 7:35 |
| Oct. 9 | 7:08 | 7:33 |
| Oct. 10 | 7:09 | 7:32 |
| Oct. 11 | 7:11 | 7:30 |
| Oct. 12 | 7:12 | 7:29 |
| Oct. 13 | 7:13 | 7:27 |
| Oct. 14 | 7:14 | 7:26 |
| Oct. 15 | 7:15 | 7:24 |
| Oct. 16 | 7:16 | 7:23 |
| Oct. 17 | 7:17 | 7:21 |
| Oct. 18 | 7:19 | 7:20 |
| Oct. 19 | 7:20 | 7:19 |
| Oct. 20 | 7:21 | 7:17 |
| Oct. 21 | 7:22 | 7:16 |
| Oct. 22 | 7:23 | 7:14 |
| Oct. 23 | 7:25 | 7:13 |
| Oct. 24 | 7:26 | 7:12 |
| Oct. 25 | 7:27 | 7:10 |
| Oct. 26 | 7:28 | 7:09 |
| Oct. 27 | 7:29 | 7:08 |
| Oct. 28 | 7:31 | 7:06 |
| Oct. 29 | 7:32 | 7:05 |
| Oct. 30 | 7:33 | 7:04 |
| Oct. 31 | 7:34 | 7:03 |
| Nov. 1 | 6:36 | 7:02 |
| Nov. 2 | 6:37 | 6:01 |
| Nov. 3 | 6:38 | 5:59 |
| Nov. 4 | 6:39 | 5:58 |
| Nov. 5 | 6:41 | 5:57 |
| Nov. 6 | 6:42 | 5:56 |
| Nov. 7 | 6:43 | 5:55 |
| Nov. 8 | 6:44 | 5:54 |
| Nov. 9 | 6:46 | 5:53 |
| Nov. 10 | 6:47 | 5:52 |
| Nov. 11 | 6:48 | 5:51 |
| Nov. 12 | 6:49 | 5:50 |
| Nov. 13 | 6:51 | 5:50 |
| Nov. 14 | 6:52 | 5:49 |
| Nov. 15 | 6:53 | 5:48 |
| Nov. 16 | 6:54 | 5:47 |
| Nov. 17 | 6:55 | 5:47 |
| Nov. 18 | 6:57 | 5:46 |
| Nov. 19 | 6:58 | 5:45 |
| Nov. 20 | 6:59 | 5:45 |
| Nov. 21 | 7:00 | 5:44 |
| Nov. 22 | 7:02 | 5:43 |
| Nov. 23 | 7:03 | 5:43 |
| Nov. 24 | 7:04 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 25 | 7:05 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 26 | 7:06 | 5:42 |
| Nov. 27 | 7:07 | 5:41 |
| Nov. 28 | 7:08 | 5:41 |
| Nov. 29 | 7:10 | 5:40 |
| Nov. 30 | 7:11 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 1 | 7:12 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 2 | 7:13 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 3 | 7:14 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 4 | 7:15 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 5 | 7:16 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 6 | 7:17 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 7 | 7:18 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 8 | 7:19 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 9 | 7:20 | 5:39 |
| Dec. 10 | 7:20 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 11 | 7:21 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 12 | 7:22 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 13 | 7:23 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 14 | 7:24 | 5:40 |
| Dec. 15 | 7:24 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 16 | 7:25 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 17 | 7:26 | 5:41 |
| Dec. 18 | 7:26 | 5:42 |
| Dec. 19 | 7:27 | 5:42 |
| Dec. 20 | 7:27 | 5:43 |
| Dec. 21 | 7:28 | 5:43 |
| Dec. 22 | 7:28 | 5:44 |
| Dec. 23 | 7:29 | 5:44 |
| Dec. 24 | 7:29 | 5:45 |
| Dec. 25 | 7:30 | 5:45 |
| Dec. 26 | 7:30 | 5:46 |
| Dec. 27 | 7:30 | 5:47 |
| Dec. 28 | 7:31 | 5:47 |
| Dec. 29 | 7:31 | 5:48 |
| Dec. 30 | 7:31 | 5:49 |
| Dec. 31 | 7:31 | 5:50 |
| Jan. 1 | 7:31 | 5:40 |
| Jan. 2 | 7:31 | 5:41 |
| Jan. 3 | 7:31 | 5:42 |
| Jan. 4 | 7:31 | 5:43 |
| Jan. 5 | 7:31 | 5:44 |
| Jan. 6 | 7:31 | 5:45 |
| Jan. 7 | 7:31 | 5:46 |
| Jan. 8 | 7:31 | 5:47 |
| Jan. 9 | 7:31 | 5:48 |
| Jan. 10 | 7:31 | 5:49 |
| Jan. 11 | 7:30 | 5:50 |
| Jan. 12 | 7:30 | 5:51 |
| Jan. 13 | 7:30 | 5:52 |
| Jan. 14 | 7:29 | 5:54 |
| Jan. 15 | 7:29 | 5:55 |
| Jan. 16 | 7:28 | 5:56 |
| Jan. 17 | 7:28 | 5:57 |
| Jan. 18 | 7:27 | 5:58 |
| Jan. 19 | 7:27 | 6:00 |
| Jan. 20 | 7:26 | 6:01 |
| Jan. 21 | 7:25 | 6:02 |
| Jan. 22 | 7:25 | 6:03 |
| Jan. 23 | 7:24 | 6:05 |
| Jan. 24 | 7:23 | 6:06 |
| Jan. 25 | 7:22 | 6:07 |
| Jan. 26 | 7:21 | 6:08 |
| Jan. 27 | 7:21 | 6:10 |
| Jan. 28 | 7:20 | 6:11 |
| Jan. 29 | 7:19 | 6:12 |
| Jan. 30 | 7:18 | 6:14 |
| Jan. 31 | 7:17 | 6:15 |
Michigan is divided into three hunting and trapping zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is from the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue, easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on M-61 to U.S. 23, easterly on U.S. 23 to the center line of the Au Gres River, southerly along the center line of the Au Gres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to hunting and trapping.
Safety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm operation. No person may hunt in, shoot through or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird with a firearm within a safety zone without the written permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It does not apply to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, law enforcement activities or the lawful discharge of firearms for any nonhunting purpose. Special safety zones are established at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Visit NPS.gov/SLBE for more information.
Yes. Opportunities to hunt on national forest lands may be available for the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa national forests. All state laws apply to national forest lands. Additional federal regulations also apply. For a complete listing of regulations, see 36 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations) at FS.USDA.gov.
A motor vehicle use map that shows designated roads and trails open for motorized travel, including off-road vehicles, is available at U.S. Forest Service offices or online at FS.USDA.gov. Both state and federal laws governing ORV use must be followed.
National wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. All state laws apply to national wildlife refuge lands. Additional federal regulations also apply and can be found in 50 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) at FWS.gov. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting. Please note that Mi-HUNT may be unavailable due to maintenance.
You can find the DNR-managed public land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting unless opened by law (visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws for more information). State recreation areas are open to hunting unless closed by law. Approximately 92% of state park and state recreation area lands are open to hunting.
Yes. Contact individual parks or recreation areas for current hunting regulations and any restrictions for those areas prior to hunting.
Yes. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Some state parks and recreation areas have seasonal closures. To make camping reservations, go to MiDNRReservations.com.
Yes. If you are accessing a state park, recreation area or boating access site by motor vehicle, you must have a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport gives you access to all 103 state parks and recreation areas as well as all state forest campgrounds and DNR-administered boating access sites in Michigan. Camping fees remain in effect. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport or call 517-284-7275. Michigan residents have the opportunity to buy a Recreation Passport for $15 when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. Vehicles registered in other states will require a daily ($12) or annual ($42) fee to enter any state park or DNR-administered boating access site. State forests and state game areas do not require a Recreation Passport.
Yes. Some local municipalities may be closed to hunting, trapping or the discharge of firearms. Please contact the local municipality office or local law enforcement agency to find out about restrictions.
Yes. Townships or parts of townships in these counties are closed to hunting or restricted to types of firearms or the discharge of firearms as posted: Alcona, Arenac, Barry, Berrien, Crawford, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Iosco, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Saginaw, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. These areas are posted with the restrictions. For descriptions, contact the appropriate township clerk or township police department. Find county-specific rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Commercial Forest lands are privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. CF landowners are not required to identify the property as CF, and CF land may be fenced and/or gated. The presence of a fence or gate does not prohibit public access to CF lands for fishing, hunting or trapping. The landowner may restrict public access during periods of active commercial logging to ensure public safety. Descriptions of land in the CF Program and a GIS map are available on the DNR website at Michigan.gov/CommercialForest. CF parcels can also be found using Mi-HUNT at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Contact the DNR Forest Resources Division at 517-284-5900 or visit the Commercial Forest webpage for more information about CF lands.
Yes. Over 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program are accessible by foot to the public for fishing, hunting and trapping. To hunt all species, you must possess licenses that are valid for private-land hunting. Use of motorized vehicles for fishing, hunting or trapping access is at the landowner’s discretion. Any activities other than the acts of fishing, hunting and trapping require landowner permission. Leaving anything unattended, other than traps, also requires landowner permission. In addition, hunters may not build structures or construct blinds other than with natural materials found on-site. The use of nails, bolts or tree steps is not allowed. The cutting of shooting lanes or destruction of brush, trees or other vegetation is prohibited. Commercial activity on CF lands is not allowed for any purpose other than forestry or oil and gas extraction.
The Hunting Access Program provides public hunting opportunities on private hunting lands. The DNR leases lands from private landowners to allow public hunting. This program is now one of the oldest dedicated private-lands, public-access programs in the nation. Private landowners determine whether all hunters, or youth and apprentice hunters only, may hunt on their property. They also determine whether hunters may harvest deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, all legal species or a combination of any of these options. Property owners specify the maximum number of hunters allowed on the land at any one time. Members of the public can use HAP lands only for hunting purposes; no other activities or recreation are permissible.
If you utilize a HAP property, you are a guest of the landowner. Respect for the landowner and landowner’s privacy is vital. You should use the types of registration service provided. Appropriate conduct is expected and helps ensure a good experience for both you and the landowner. All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR apply while hunting on HAP lands. Lands enrolled in HAP are available each day on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must register at each property headquarters to hunt for that day. To help hunters locate and scout HAP lands, aerial photographs of HAP properties are available at Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
For more information on HAP, including a current listing of enrolled lands, property details, registration details, HAP rules and enrollment applications, visit Michigan.gov/HAP.
Hunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landowner(s) bordering the waterway and their invited guests. You must secure permission from the landowner(s) before float hunting along those waterways that are protected by the recreational trespass law. You can float hunt on and along waterways that are surrounded by public lands and open to hunting.
No. You can hunt within a road right of way where the adjoining property is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privately owned, you must have permission from the landowner.
No. Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass.
No. Utility rights of way, such as underground gas lines and overhead power lines, on private property are closed to public access. You must have written permission from the utility company to be exempt from trespass.
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder before you hunt on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters are required to produce their hunting licenses for landowners upon request. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a firearm may enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
If you wound a game animal and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission from the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Yes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt deer in Michigan:
Go to the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
Yes. If you are hunting deer with a firearm, you must wear a cap, hat, vest, jacket or rain gear of hunter orange. The hunter orange garments must be your outermost layer and be visible from all sides. Hunter orange includes camouflage that is not less than 50 percent hunter orange.
No. If you are hunting deer with archery equipment (bow or crossbow) during the archery deer seasons, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement. However, if you are hunting deer with archery equipment during a firearm deer season, you must follow all firearm deer season requirements, including the hunter orange requirement.
Yes. You can hunt deer from an elevated platform using a bow, crossbow or firearm on public and private lands. A fall arrest system is recommended.
You can place an elevated platform on public lands beginning Sept. 1. You must remove your elevated platform(s) from public lands by March 1.
Yes. If you hunt on public lands, your elevated platform must be portable. Elevated platforms on public lands cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts. However, a “T” bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used. Screw-in tree steps are illegal on public lands. It is unlawful to use any item that penetrates through the bark of a tree in the construction or affixing of any device to assist in climbing a tree.
Yes. You can use an elevated platform for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner. Permanent elevated platforms are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands. The use of tree steps, nails, screws, bolts, etc. is also not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
Yes. If you have been issued a permit to hunt from a standing vehicle, a permit to hunt with a crossbow, a Secretary of State disabled person parking permit or meet the disability standards set forth in the Michigan Off-Road Recreational Vehicle Law, you can use a constructed ground blind on public land. A nondisabled person can assist you in constructing a legal blind on public land. If the constructed ground blind is left overnight on public land, the following conditions must be met:
Yes. You can use a ground blind on public lands to hunt deer during the deer hunting seasons. A ground blind can be placed on public lands from Sept. 1 to the end of the annual deer seasons. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands:
Yes. You can use a ground blind for hunting on private lands with the permission of the landowner. Permanent ground blinds are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the elevated platform or Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
You can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm per the regulations explained in this section.
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, rifle, bow or crossbow) in the field while mentoring, and the mentored hunter must always be within arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of the mentored hunter while in the field.
A licensed mentored hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm. Any hunting device possessed by a mentored hunter must be sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the mentored hunter.
An apprentice hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a firearm.
Yes. If you are hunting with a crossbow, you can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
Yes. You can use a crossbow throughout the archery deer seasons in the Lower Peninsula (Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 – Jan. 1). A crossbow can also be used during any season in which a firearm is allowed.
Yes. You can use a crossbow during the early segment of archery deer season (Oct. 1 – Nov. 14) in the Upper Peninsula.
Yes. You can use a crossbow during the regular firearm deer season (Nov. 15–30) in the Upper Peninsula.
No. You cannot use a crossbow or a modified bow during the late segment of archery deer season (Dec. 1 – Jan. 1) in the Upper Peninsula, unless one of the following conditions are met:
No. You cannot use a crossbow or a modified bow during the muzzleloader deer season (Dec. 4–6) in the Upper Peninsula, unless one of the following conditions are met:
No. During the archery deer seasons, you cannot possess or carry afield a pistol, revolver or other firearm while bow hunting for deer. However, this does not apply if you are:
Yes. During firearm deer seasons, you can use archery equipment if you follow all firearm season regulations, including the hunter orange clothing requirement and APRs.
The “quiet period” is Nov. 10–14. During this time, you cannot carry afield or transport any rifle (including rimfire) or shotgun if you have buckshot, slug, ball loads or cut shells. The following exceptions may apply:
Yes. You can use a pneumatic gun to hunt deer if it meets the firearm requirements for the season, species hunted and zone you are hunting in.
If you are deer hunting during a firearm deer season, you must abide by the following firearm restrictions or use a bow or a crossbow. Legal firearms include:
Yes. You cannot hunt deer with a semi-automatic shotgun or semi-automatic rifle that can hold more than six shells in the barrel and magazine combined.
Handguns can be used while hunting during any season in which a firearm is allowed if following the rules listed below. The rules listed below may not apply to those having a concealed pistol license or specifically exempt by law from a CPL and carrying their handgun in accordance with their license or exemption.
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license or a license to purchase, carry or transport issued by your home state to legally carry or transport a handgun in Michigan. For more information about statewide handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL, or concealed weapons and firearms laws, contact your local police department.
If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in Zone 1, you can only possess, carry afield or take a deer with a muzzleloading rifle, muzzleloading shotgun or black-powder pistol, loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black-powder substitute. In the Upper Peninsula (Zone 1), only certified hunters with a disability or a resident senior (beginning Sept. 12, 2026) can use a crossbow or a modified bow during the muzzleloading season.
If you are hunting deer during the December firearm deer season in Zone 2 or Zone 3, you can use all legal firearms to take a deer.
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use lead-free ammunition when hunting a deer. Some national wildlife refuges require the use of lead-free ammunition. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Firearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when you are afield outside the legal hunting hours.
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle, including snowmobiles:
These rules apply whether your off-road vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times, when carried in or on an off-road vehicle:
These rules apply when the vessel is under power and until forward motion has ceased. Once the vessel is no longer under power and forward motion has ceased, firearms can be loaded. When carried in or on a motor-propelled boat or sailboat, while the vessel is under power or forward motion is occurring, rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
Yes. If you have a valid standing vehicle permit, you can transport or possess an uncased firearm with a loaded magazine on a personal assistive mobility device if the action is open.
Yes. You can transport your registered handguns while en route to and from your hunting or target shooting area. However, handguns, including BB guns larger than .177-caliber and all pellet guns, must be unloaded in the barrel and magazines and in a closed case designed for the storage of firearms and cannot be readily accessible to any occupant of the vehicle. These rules do not apply to a pistol carried under authority of a concealed pistol license or properly carried under authority of a specific exception from the requirement of a CPL.
You cannot use an artificial light (including vehicle headlights) to locate wild animals at any time during November and all other days of the year between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. You cannot use an artificial light on a highway or in a field, wetland, woodland or forest while having a bow, crossbow, firearm or other device capable of shooting a projectile in your possession. It is a violation of federal law to shine at any time on any national wildlife refuge.
Yes. Deer hunters can use an artificial light one hour before and one hour after shooting hours while carrying an unloaded bow, crossbow or firearm when traveling on foot to or from their hunting location.
Yes. You can use a scope with illuminated crosshairs or a lighted pin sight on a bow to hunt game during legal hunting hours.
Yes. Some roads or areas may be closed to off-road vehicle or snowmobile use. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact the nearest DNR office for closures.
Yes. You cannot operate an off-road vehicle or a snowmobile between the hours of 7 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m. on any area open to public hunting during the Nov. 15–30 firearm deer season. The time restrictions on the use of off-road vehicles and snowmobiles do not apply to the following situations:
Yes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for deer hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot harvest a deer if it is in a body of water. It is unlawful to chase, pursue, shoot or kill a deer when it is swimming in a stream, river, pond, lake or other body of water.
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including deer.
No. You cannot hunt or pursue wild animals from a car, snowmobile, aircraft, drone, motorboat, personal watercraft, off-road vehicle or other motorized vehicle, or by a sailboat. Special permits may apply. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility for more information for hunters with disabilities.
No. You cannot hunt deer while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
No. BAITING IS BANNED IN THE ENTIRE LOWER PENINSULA. This includes both public and private lands. Exception: During the Liberty and Independence hunts only, hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements may use bait in areas where baiting is banned.
Yes. You can use bait while hunting deer in the Upper Peninsula. The following baiting regulations apply:
No. In the Lower Peninsula, youth hunters cannot bait deer during the Liberty Hunt.
Yes. In the Upper Peninsula, youth hunters participating in the Liberty Hunt can bait deer Sept. 7–13, 2026. The bait can be any food type. Bait cannot be left on Commercial Forest lands unless the landowner gives permission. Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed 2 gallons. Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
Yes. In the Lower Peninsula, hunters with disabilities participating in the Liberty Hunt can bait deer Sept. 7–13, 2026. The bait can be any food type. All bait must be removed from the bait site by the final day of the season (Sept. 13). Bait cannot be left on Commercial Forest lands unless the landowner gives permission. Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed 2 gallons. Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
Yes. In the Upper Peninsula, hunters with disabilities participating in the Liberty Hunt can bait deer Sept. 7–13, 2026. The bait can be any food type. Bait cannot be left on Commercial Forest lands unless the landowner gives permission. Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed 2 gallons. Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
Yes. Hunters with disabilities who meet the Independence Hunt qualifications can use bait during the Independence Hunt. The bait can be any food type. Hunters with disabilities can begin baiting on Oct. 10 and continue through Oct. 18 for the Independence Hunt. All bait must be removed from the bait site by the final day of the season (Oct. 18). Please remember that, although you can place bait five days prior to the start of the Independence Hunt, you can only hunt over the bait during the season, Oct. 15–18. Bait cannot be left on Commercial Forest lands unless the landowner gives permission. Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed 2 gallons. Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed.
Yes. You can plant a food plot to attract deer on private lands. You cannot construct or maintain a food plot or artificial garden to attract wildlife on public lands. Food plots are naturally occurring foods, standing agricultural crops or food placed as a result of using normal agricultural practices and are not considered to be bait or feed.
Yes. You can use food-scented materials — whether composed of natural or synthetic materials — made inaccessible for consumption by deer and placed in a manner to prohibit physical contact with deer. Examples include oil-based attractants, scented wicks, etc.
You cannot possess or use lures or attractants in an area frequented by game animals that contain or claim to contain cervid urine or other bodily fluids originating from cervids, except for products produced by manufacturers that are actively enrolled and participating in either the official Responsible Hunting Scent Association or Archery Trade Association Deer Protection Program, which have been tested for the presence of chronic wasting disease by a qualified laboratory and certified that no detectable levels of chronic wasting disease are present and are clearly labeled as such.
No. FEEDING IS BANNED IN THE ENTIRE LOWER PENINSULA. This includes both public and private lands.
Yes. You can feed deer in the Upper Peninsula when following the rules for recreational or supplemental feeding. Visit Michigan.gov/Deer for feeding regulations.
Yes. You can use a decoy to hunt deer during the deer seasons.
Yes. You can use electronic devices that imitate deer calls while hunting deer during the deer seasons.
No. You cannot hunt deer with a dog.
Yes. You can use a dog to locate a down or mortally wounded deer if the dog is kept on a leash or the tracker can demonstrate control of the dog and those in attendance do not possess a bow, crossbow or firearm. If accompanied by a licensed dog tracker, a hunter may possess a firearm, a cocked crossbow or a bow with nocked arrow, only at the time and point of kill. If the tracking is done at night, artificial lights ordinarily carried in the hand or on the person may be used. A dog that barks while tracking the deer may not be used on public lands.
Before leaving the location, remove plant debris, dirt and mud from your dog to protect its health and habitat quality.
Yes. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, you can enter on foot the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. You cannot be in possession of a firearm when retrieving a dog from private property. You should not remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
Bovine tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium bovis. It primarily affects the respiratory system and can infect most mammals. While human and avian TB have limited transmission to animals, bovine TB can spread to any mammal, including humans. In Michigan, there is a core area in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula where bovine TB is endemic among white-tailed deer. The disease spreads when infected and uninfected animals come into close contact, through respiratory secretions and contaminated feed. Bovine TB develops slowly over years, starting in the lymph nodes and progressing to lung and chest cavity lesions. Less than 40% of deer infected show lesions that are visible to a hunter. It is a significant challenge for managing livestock and wildlife. Preventive measures and understanding the disease’s transmission and development are important for control and protection.
Yes. Bovine TB is an infectious disease that worldwide, primarily affects cattle; however, other animals may become infected. Bovine TB has been detected in Michigan deer every year since 1994. Positive deer are routinely found in 11 counties of the northeastern Lower Peninsula, but cases do periodically occur in other areas of the state. Visit Michigan.gov/BovineTB to learn more.
Yes. The DNR works in partnership with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to establish surveillance goals in order to detect changes in the occurrence of bovine TB in free-ranging white-tailed deer. While deer heads are accepted statewide for bovine TB testing, in 2026 focused surveillance is taking place in Alcona, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and Roscommon counties. Testing deer from these counties is critical to meeting the state’s goals and managing the disease in deer and cattle. Laboratory testing is the only way to determine if a deer is infected with bovine TB. Go to Michigan.gov/DeerCheck to find check station and drop-box locations and hours. To learn more about bovine TB in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/BovineTB. You can check your deer TB lab results at Michigan.gov/DNRLab.
Chronic wasting disease is a contagious, neurological disease that impacts the nervous system of deer, elk and moose. It causes the brain of infected animals to deteriorate in a distinctive spongy manner, leading to weight loss, unusual actions, loss of body functions and death. The infectious agents responsible for CWD are not classified as either bacteria or viruses, but rather as prions. Prions are proteins that are believed to be capable of causing infections, even though they lack the nucleic acids usually found in infectious agents.
Yes. CWD has been detected in Michigan deer. Since the initial finding of CWD in 2015, free-ranging deer in Allegan, Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Genesee, Gladwin, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Midland, Montcalm, Ogemaw and Washtenaw counties have been positively confirmed with CWD. Any deer seen acting abnormally should be reported to the Michigan DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/CWD for more information on CWD or to report a sick-acting deer.
CWD testing will be available on a limited basis for areas with focused surveillance goals. For 2026, focused surveillance is taking place in Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties. Carcasses from deer with CWD-like symptoms will be accepted statewide, year-round. Laboratory testing is the only way to determine if a deer is infected with CWD. Go to Michigan.gov/DeerCheck to find check station and drop-box locations and hours. You can check your deer CWD lab results at Michigan.gov/DNRLab. For any county not included in the 2026 CWD or bovine TB focused surveillance areas, CWD testing is available by picking up a free lymph node submission kit. Visit Michigan.gov/CWD and click on “Get my deer tested” for more information and a list of locations where kits are available.
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, is an acute, infectious, often fatal disease contracted by wild ruminants but most commonly affecting white-tailed deer. EHD is spread to deer through the bite of an infected midge. EHD occurs in summer and is characterized by multiple deer found dying or dead in or near bodies of water. EHD outbreaks are often intense in very small areas with areas a few miles away seeing little to no impact. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/EHD.
The DNR encourages you to learn how to identify and report invasive species at MISIN.MSU.edu. For more information on invasive species management or your local cooperative invasive species management area, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the landowner’s permission. You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at Michigan.gov/RussianBoar or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Invasive plants and animals can cause significant harm to wildlife habitat, reduce hunting opportunities and damage equipment.
Invasive species are often spread unintentionally. Microscopic organisms and aquatic vegetation readily attach to equipment, and they are unknowingly transported from one waterbody to another. Plants may also spread in dirt, mud and debris on people, pets and equipment. Forest pests can travel in firewood when moved to new locations.
To help prevent the spread of invasive species and protect habitat, hunters should take the following precautions:
No. The use of drones to pursue wildlife in any manner, either during legal hunting hours or after, is illegal. You may not take game or fish using an unmanned vehicle or unmanned device that uses aerodynamic forces to achieve flight or using an unmanned vehicle or unmanned device that operates on the surface of water or underwater. Attempting to locate and/or recover game, either dead or wounded, is an act which falls within the definition of “take.”
No. Immediately after harvesting and before field-dressing or moving a deer, you must validate your paper kill tag and securely attach the paper kill tag to the antler, lower jaw or lower leg of the deer. You cannot transport or possess a deer unless the validated paper kill tag is attached to the antler, lower jaw or lower leg of the deer.
To validate your paper kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as instructed on the paper kill tag.
You must securely and permanently attach the entire paper kill tag to the deer’s antler, lower jaw or lower leg. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at a license agent is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across the back of the paper kill tag so the tag can be folded in half and to tape it in place as needed. Do not stick or wrap the paper kill tag directly onto the antler of a deer. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses is to put a wire or cord through the prepunched holes on the paper kill tag. Tie the wire or cord to the deer’s antler, lower jaw or lower leg in such a manner that the paper kill tag remains securely attached. Make sure the paper kill tag is completely legible and visible for inspection. The paper kill tag must remain attached until you process or butcher the deer or until the deer is accepted for processing and recorded by a commercial processor or taxidermist. Note: If the antlers or head are returned to the person submitting the deer to the commercial processor, the paper kill tag must accompany the head or antlers.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before field-dressing or moving a deer, you must validate your eHarvest tag. You cannot transport or possess a deer unless the eHarvest tag validation has been completed.
To validate your eHarvest tag, you must use your mobile device to access the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and complete the following steps:
If you have an eHarvest tag, you do not need to attach a tag to the harvested deer if the deer remains in your possession or is physically stored at your primary residence or you transfer the deer directly to processor or taxidermist. However, a durable tag with a license number must be attached to the deer if you are no longer present with the deer to display your eHarvest kill tag data on your phone.
You must attach a tag made of durable material to your deer when you are no longer personally attending the deer and unavailable to display your eHarvest tag data on your phone. A durable tag must include your license number legibly written in permanent ink and be attached to your deer in a secure and permanent manner. A durable tag must remain attached to the deer until one of the following conditions is met:
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. You cannot transport or possess a deer unless a validated kill tag is attached to the antler, lower jaw or lower leg of the deer or you have validated your eHarvest tag. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of any bird or animal, except for processed or butchered deer as noted above.
Exception: If you submit the head for bovine tuberculosis or chronic wasting disease testing, you must have the kill tag and disease tag receipt in your possession. Nonresidents may need to comply with restrictions in other states for importing game taken in Michigan.
Yes. A deer harvested in Montcalm County in its entirety; Otisco, Orleans, Ronald or North Plains townships in Ionia County; or Nelson, Spencer, Courtland, Oakfield, Grattan or Cannon townships in Kent County cannot be possessed or transported outside of those listed areas, unless:
Yes. However, you must apply for a permit. You cannot possess a carcass or parts of a roadkill deer outside of the county where the deer was killed by collision with a motor vehicle except for deboned meat, quarters or other parts of the cervid that do not have any part of the spinal column or head attached: antlers; antlers attached to the skull or skull cap cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue; hides; upper canine teeth; or a finished taxidermist mount. This is part of the DNR’s efforts to respond to and manage chronic wasting disease in the state. Roadkill salvage permit applications are available at Michigan.gov/RoadKillPermit.
Yes. You can bring only the following parts from a free-ranging or captive deer, elk, moose or other cervid hunted within another state or province into Michigan:
Hunters bringing an entire head, carcass or other prohibited parts into Michigan will be subject to penalties such as fines, jail time and revocation of licenses. In addition, the illegally imported cervid will be confiscated.
If you are notified by another state or province that a deer, elk, moose or other cervid you brought into Michigan tested positive for CWD, you must contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section within two business days (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 517-336-5030 and provide details. In addition, the U.S. Department of Agriculture may have regulations on importation from Canada; contact the USDA at 301-851-3300.
A deer must be reported within 72 hours of harvest or before you transfer possession, whichever comes first.
Beginning in 2022, there was a new requirement of all successful deer hunters to report their deer harvest through the DNR’s website or mobile app. The system will allow a near real-time estimate of deer harvest as it occurs.
All successful deer hunters with a state-issued deer license, including those with deer management assistance permits, are required to report their deer harvest. NOTE: Hunters who wish to submit a deer head for TB or CWD testing must first report their harvest. Heads will not be accepted without a harvest report.
Each paper kill tag and eHarvest tag has a unique, underlined license number that must be used for the harvest report. You must use the correct license number from the paper kill tag or eHarvest tag you used to harvest the deer with. You can report your harvest through eLicense (Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses) or the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Once your harvest report is completed, you will be given a confirmation number and the option to receive a copy by email.
To report your harvest through eLicense:
To report your harvest through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app:
If you have a paper kill tag, you must continue to attach a paper kill tag to a harvested deer. The paper kill tag should remain with the head if the head and body of the deer are separated. If you have an eHarvest tag, you must ensure your eHarvest tag validation has been completed. Go to the Validating harvest section for more information about durable tagging requirements. Anyone in possession of a deer after the harvest reporting timeframe expires should be able to present the confirmation number.
Yes. Even if you process the deer yourself, it still needs to be properly tagged and reported via the harvest reporting system.
No. A hunter does not have to be in immediate physical possession of the deer when reporting the harvest, but it may be helpful to answer some of the questions, like how many antler points are on the left beam of the animal you harvested. Hunters will have to report their harvest before giving their deer to a processor or taxidermist.
All successful hunters will be asked to report the unique kill tag license number that was attached to the deer, the hunter’s date of birth, the township (selected from map grid), the type of deer harvested, number of antler points and date of kill. In addition, some hunters will be asked an additional management-related question such as what type of hunting device was used to take their deer. Most hunters should be able to complete the process in about three minutes.
Providing the location of harvest on a map allows the DNR to improve deer management in two important ways. First, the DNR will finally have a way to look at deer harvest patterns in relation to habitat features on the landscape independent of county or deer management unit boundaries. Second, the location you provide will be precise enough to support important deer disease surveillance efforts.
Data that identifies you or the specific location of your harvest will not be disclosed except where specifically required by law. The DNR will utilize harvest data to better understand deer populations and hunter activities for management purposes. Please provide a complete and accurate report of your harvest.
The harvest reporting system allows for a family member, friend or hunting buddy to easily report a harvest for you. If you have questions about reporting your harvest or need assistance, please call 517-284-9453 or your local DNR customer service center during normal business hours. You can also email DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov for assistance.
Yes. The penalty for failing to report a deer harvest or retention of a deer harvest confirmation number is a civil infraction including a civil fine of not more than $150.
After a hunter has successfully reported a harvested animal, the hunter will be issued a harvest confirmation number. This confirmation number will serve as proof that the hunter has legally reported the harvest.
By linking every harvested deer to a unique kill tag license number, the DNR can track all harvested deer reported by a hunter and investigate potential problems. Conservation officers can verify the confirmation number through their laptop computer or mobile device app.
The successful hunter is required to report the harvest before transferring possession of the deer (e.g., before taking it to a processor or giving the deer to a friend or taxidermist). When transferring the possession of a harvested deer, the hunter should provide the harvest confirmation to the person accepting the animal. The person who accepts the animal should record the confirmation number. This confirmation number is proof that the hunter has legally reported the harvest.
Since the 1950s, the DNR has used mail surveys that were sent to randomly selected hunters to estimate harvest. Estimates were accurate if the hunters responding to surveys were representative of all hunters. This assumption generally is easier to make when most hunters in the sample respond to the survey. Unfortunately, the proportion of hunters returning mail surveys has declined from an average of more than 70% in the early 2000s to 33% in 2021. Low response rates can lead to inaccurate estimates. Because declining response rates are not likely to reverse, another approach to estimating harvest was needed.
Michigan is one of the later states to adopt mandatory harvest reporting. With declining response rates for deer harvest surveys, it makes sense to switch to a new way to collect deer harvest data.
Yes. The system will provide real-time summaries of the number and types of deer harvested by county and management unit.
No. The DNR will continue to do its traditional post-season deer harvest survey for a few years to compare harvest estimates from both the old and new systems, but eventually the traditional mail survey will be reduced in scale and frequency.
Check stations have provided data regarding the type harvested, as well as sites for collecting disease samples for bovine tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease. However, they’ve never been integral for estimating season-long deer harvest, and it is too labor intensive and expensive to operate enough check stations to collect sufficient representative data across the entire state. While check stations won’t go away completely, there will be fewer of them. These locations will primarily serve as disease sample submission sites for bovine TB and CWD.
Yes. The new reporting system should make it easier for hunters to understand whether they are in a location where the DNR is looking for volunteers to submit their deer for testing. If hunters indicate they are in one of the disease surveillance zones, they will see a message on the harvest report confirmation page asking them to submit their deer head for testing, along with locations of where they can submit their deer head or sample for testing.
Check stations will focus on places where the DNR needs to gather physical samples for disease testing. This allows us to maximize our use of staff resources for disease surveillance purposes. Harvested deer must be reported using the harvest reporting system. Hunters will continue to have the opportunity to submit samples to Michigan State University and Wisconsin labs directly for a fee.
Yes. However, deer check station locations and hours of operation have been reduced as data collection techniques have changed and have become more efficient than traditional check stations. Drop-box locations and participating cooperators such as taxidermists and processors are available for hunters wishing to submit their deer’s head for testing. Visit Michigan.gov/DeerCheck for check station locations and hours of operation.
Health assessors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan DNR determined that samples of wild game from the floodplains of the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River downstream of Midland contained high levels of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Wild game tested included deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose. As a result, the MDHHS advises that hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to deer:
For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, including a map of the area covered by these advisories, go to the MDHHS website at Michigan.gov/Dioxin.
Traditional ammunition containing lead may fragment, leaving small lead particles on the path through the game in meat and internal organs. Some of these particles may be too small to be seen or felt when field dressing and processing game. Being exposed to any lead can be a serious issue for developing bodies and nervous systems, so those most at risk of health effects from eating wild game meat that contains lead are young children and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Wildlife consuming discarded meat and internal organs from animals harvested with lead ammunition may be affected as well. To minimize the risk to wildlife and people, the following steps are recommended:
Keep yourself and others healthy by taking care of your harvested meat. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends proper food safety practices when handling and processing game meat, as well as any other meat or poultry. When field-dressing deer from the bovine TB areas in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, remember to wear a mask and gloves (such as latex gloves) to protect yourself.
Yes. Commercial meat processors who accept wild game for processing and storage are required to register with the DNR. Registration is free. To register, visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot buy or sell game animals, dead or alive, except as provided by Wildlife Conservation Order 4.3, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
The Hunters Feeding Michigan program connects donors, wild game processors and charities to help feed individuals in need. Each deer donated will provide an estimated 160 high-protein and nutritious meals.
Yes. The DNR encourages hunters to support the effort to provide processed deer meat to local families in need. You can donate your harvested deer to Hunters Feeding Michigan. Testing for chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis may be required. Harvested meat must be processed by a licensed processor to be accepted by the program. All donated deer must be whole, tagged, harvest-reported and field-dressed. An updated list of participating processors is available at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.
Yes. You can help offset the cost of processing and packaging venison by making a monetary donation when you purchase your hunting or fishing license, at any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the DNR Hunt Fish app. A monetary donation can be made at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan by anyone at any time.
The deer management cooperator patch program is coordinated by Safari Club International Michigan Involvement Committee, in partnership with the Michigan DNR.
Safari Club International Michigan Involvement Committee was formed in 1980 with representatives from Michigan’s SCI chapters to work with the Michigan DNR on funding wildlife conservation and research projects that might not otherwise be supported. At the time, only four chapters existed, yet they built one of the most influential partnerships between SCI and a state wildlife agency. Their first major effort was reintroducing moose to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in 1985 and 1987, relocating 61 animals from Ontario, Canada.
Hunters, collectors and other interested individuals can purchase a deer management cooperator patch for $10, including postage and handling.
No. You can only purchase current-year deer management cooperator patches.
Deer management cooperator patches can be ordered online at https://www.scimic.org.
No. It is unlawful to possess live game or protected animals taken from the wild except under a permit issued by the DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for more information.
Michigan is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement where participating states share information about fish and game violators and honor each other’s decision to deny licenses and permits. If your hunting, fishing or trapping license is revoked in Michigan, you may lose your privileges in the other 45 participating states as well. And, if your license is revoked in any of those states, it also may be revoked in Michigan.
The fine for an illegally harvested deer is $1,000 per animal. Additional fines are added if the illegally harvested deer was an antlered deer. An antlered deer with eight to 10 points will include an additional $1,000 fine AND a $500 fine per point. An antlered deer with 11 or more points will include an additional $1,000 fine AND a $750 fine per point. Revocation of licenses will be for the current year plus three years. If the illegally harvested deer was antlered, the first offense includes an additional two years of license revocation and the second offense includes an additional seven years of license revocation.
If you witness a natural resource violation or have information on the illegal killing of game animals in Michigan, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
