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DMU 273 reserved deer hunting information
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What is Deer Management Unit (DMU) 273?
Deer Management Unit (DMU) 273 is a cooperatively managed public hunting area in Saginaw County comprised of both the Shiawassee River State Game Area (SRSGA) and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR). DMU 273 is defined in the Michigan Wildlife Conservation Order, Chapter 12, Sec. 12.73b, available at Michigan.gov/Hunting.
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Can I see the map and available hunt units?
Detailed descriptions of the boundaries for DMU 273 can be found online at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or by contacting a DNR Customer Service Center.
Hunt Area
Hunt Unit
Description of Area Open to Hunting
SRSGA
1
State Game Area – Managed Waterfowl Hunting Areas: Excludes general hunting areas (Hunt Unit 2) and all non-huntable/restricted areas, such as the SRSGA/State Wildlife Refuge, safety zones, etc.
SRSGA
2
State Game Area – General Hunting Areas (General “A” Areas): Excludes managed waterfowl hunting areas (Hunt Units 1) and all non-huntable/restricted areas, such as the SRSGA Wildlife Refuge, safety zones, etc.
SNWR
3
National Wildlife Refuge: Excludes closed tracts of land and all non-huntable/restricted areas. View detailed area maps online at | FWS.gov.
Map
Figure 1: DMU 273 Hunt Area Map. Additional information and detailed maps (including parking lot locations) are available online at Shiawassee River State Game Area and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, or try the DNR’s interactive mapping application, available at Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
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What are the season dates, hunt units, permit descriptions, hunt types and permits available for DMU 273?
Shiawassee River State Game Area (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Hunt Unit
Season Dates
Permit Description
Hunt Type
Permits Available**
Hunt Number
1 & 2
Sept. 10 – Sept. 11
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regs (Youth Hunt)
30
0101
1 & 2
Oct. 1 – Oct. 15
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0102
1 & 2
Oct. 16 – Oct. 30
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0103
1 & 2
Oct. 31 – Nov. 14
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0104
2 Only
Nov. 15 – Nov. 22
Unit 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0105
2 Only
Nov. 23 – Nov. 30
Unit 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0106
2 Only
Nov. 15 – Nov. 19
Unit 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0107
2 Only
Nov. 20 – Nov. 24
Unit 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0108
2 Only
Nov. 25 – Nov. 30
Unit 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0109
2 Only
Dec. 2 – Dec 6
Unit 2 State regs
State Regulations
50
0110
2 Only
Dec. 2 – Dec. 6
Unit 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0111
1 & 2
Dec. 7 – Dec. 11
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0112
1 & 2
Dec. 7 – Dec. 11
Units 1 & 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0113
1 & 2
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18
Units 1 & 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0114
1 & 2
Dec. 12 – Dec. 18
Units 1 & 2 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0115
1 & 2
Dec. 19 – Jan. 1
Units 1 and 2 State Regs
State Regulations
50
0116
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Hunt Unit
Season Dates
Permit Description
Hunt Type
Permits Available**
Hunt Number
3
Sept. 10 – Sept. 11
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regs (Youth Hunt)
10
0201
3
Sept. 10 – Sept. 11
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regs (Youth Hunt)
5
0202
3
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regulations
20
0203
3
Oct. 1 – Oct. 7
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
60
0204
3
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regulations
35
0205
3
Oct. 28 – Nov. 3
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
60
0206
3
Nov. 15 – Nov. 16
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
*Non-ambulatory Only
9
0207
3
Nov. 15 – Nov. 16
Unit 3 Any Deer
*Non-ambulatory Only
9
0208
3
Nov. 17 – Nov. 18
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
*Non-ambulatory Only
9
0209
3
Nov. 17 – Nov. 18
Unit 3 Any Deer
*Non-ambulatory Only
9
0210
3
Nov. 19 – Nov. 23
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regulations
25
0211
3
Nov. 19 – Nov. 23
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
60
0212
3
Nov. 26 – Nov. 30
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regulations
25
0213
3
Nov. 26 – Nov 30
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
60
0214
3
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8
Unit 3 Any Deer
State Regulations
25
0215
3
Dec. 2 – Dec. 8
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
60
0216
3
Dec. 16 – Dec. 22
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
70
0217
3
Dec. 26 – Dec. 30
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
State Regulations
50
0218
* Non-Ambulatory hunts at Shiawassee NWR are subject to special restrictions and requirements.
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Are hunt drawing statistics available from a previous draw?Yes, you can find hunt drawing statistics for DMU 273 here for the State Game Area side and here for the National Wildlife Refuge side.
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Are there antlerless-only hunts available on DMU 273?
Yes. Antlerless-only hunts are offered on both Shiawassee River State Game Area and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge throughout the season. Refer to the hunt table on this web page to identify which hunt periods and hunt numbers are antlerless-only hunts.
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Does DMU 273 offer a youth hunt or a season for the Liberty Hunt weekend?
Yes. DMU 273 has reserved deer hunts for the September youth deer/Liberty Hunt weekend. Youth that apply for the Liberty Hunt are also eligible to apply for one access permit during the regular deer season. Youth hunters 10-16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. Youth under 10 years old who are hunting under the Mentored Youth Hunting License must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21 years old. Additional restrictions apply; see Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting for details.
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Does DMU 273 offer any non-ambulatory hunting opportunities?
Yes. Non-ambulatory hunts are offered at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge for hunters with permanent mobility impairment whose disability requires use of a personal assistive mobility device, such as a wheelchair. If you apply for a non-ambulatory hunt, the Refuge will reach out prior to the hunt to corroborate non-ambulatory status.
Non-ambulatory hunt participants must contact hunt coordinators prior to September 15. Contact information and details can be found at FWS.gov.
Non-ambulatory hunts are subject to cancellation without refund. These assistive hunts are administered by volunteers and may be cancelled based on results of a Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission risk assessment. Notification of cancellation will be given to successful hunters by October 15.
There are no non-ambulatory hunts offered at Shiawassee River State Game Area.
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How many access permits can I apply for?
From July 15 – August 15, you can purchase one reserved deer application valid for a specific reserved deer management unit during specific hunt period. You may only purchase one application per year.
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How much is an application?The application fee for a drawing entry is $5.
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How are successful applicants selected in the drawing?
A limited number of reserved deer hunt access permits are available for specific areas and dates. Hunt applicants will be selected by random drawing.
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How do I know if I was successful in the drawing?
You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results. They will be available at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses on August 29 or you can call 517-284-WILD (9453).
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What happens if I’m selected in the drawing?
If you’re selected in the drawing, you may obtain a deer hunt access permit for the area and season dates for which you were selected.
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Can I transfer my reserved deer drawing success?No. Access permits are not transferable.
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Where can I obtain a deer hunt access permit?You can obtain a deer hunt access permit from any license agent, or online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
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How many deer can I harvest with a deer access permit?You can harvest one deer.
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How do I know if I’m eligible to apply in the drawing?
Non-ambulatory hunts at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge are subject to eligibility restrictions and requirements (non-ambulatory hunt numbers: 0207, 0208, 2009, and 0210). Hunters may apply for other DMU 273 hunts without restriction.
Youth up to 16 years of age may apply for the youth hunt (Liberty Hunt) as well as one regular season hunt choice. Adults are not eligible to apply for the youth hunt but may accompany a successful youth applicant during the hunt.
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What identification do I need to apply for the drawing?You will need to have a valid Michigan driver’s license OR a State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State) OR a DNR Sportcard (issued by license agents or at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
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How do I apply for the hunt?First, look at the area map provided on this web page and choose the hunt unit you want to hunt. Next, look at the 2022 DMU Hunt table on this web page to find your desired season dates for the units you chose. Make a note of the corresponding hunt number(s) and be sure to select this number when purchasing your application. You can purchase an application at any license agent or online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses. Finally, check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof of your application.
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How many hunts can I apply for on DMU 273?You may only apply for one hunt period on either Shiawassee River State Game Area or Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
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Can I apply to hunt in a group with other hunters?
Yes, you may apply in a hunt party with up to one other applicant. All applicants in a hunt party will receive an access permit if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.
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How do I apply with a hunting party?One of the hunt partners applies first and selects a hunt choice (unit/dates) for the party. A new “party ID” number will be created and printed on the application receipt. The first partner must provide the party ID to the remaining partner to use when they apply, so that all party members have the same party ID on their applications. Be sure to verify the party ID number is identical on all receipts. Applying in a partnership with more than two party members total will result in a forfeiture of eligibility for a reserved deer hunt.
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The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. What do I do?You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. Applicants who submit an invalid application will be ineligible for the drawing.
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What are the hunt period applications numbers from last year?
Shiawassee River State Game Area (Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Hunt No.
Permit Description
Season Dates
Quota
Eligible
Selected
Percent Selected
Leftover Permits
0101
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations09/11/2021 – 09/12/2021
30
51
30
59%
0
0102
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations10/01/2021 – 10/15/2021
35
137
35
26%
0
0103
SRSGA Units 1 & 2
State Regulations10/16/2021 – 10/30/2021
35
167
35
21%
0
0104
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations10/31/2021 – 11/14/2021
35
155
35
23%
0
0105
Unit 2
State Regulations11/15/2021 – 11/22/2021
35
105
35
33%
0
0106
Unit 2
State Regulations11/23/2021 – 11/30/2021
35
77
35
45%
0
0107
Unit 2
Antlerless Only11/15/2021 – 11/19/2021
35
1
1
100%
34
0108
Unit 2
Antlerless Only11/20/2021 – 11/24/2021
35
2
2
100%
33
0109
Unit 2
Antlerless Only11/25/2021 – 11/30/2021
35
4
4
100%
31
0110
Unit 2
State Regulations12/03/2021 – 12/07/2021
25
40
25
63%
0
0111
Unit 2
Antlerless Only12/03/2021 – 12/07/2021
35
5
5
100%
30
0112
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations12/08/2021 – 12/12/2021
25
47
25
53%
0
0113
Units 1 & 2
Antlerless Only12/08/2021 – 12/12/2021
35
3
3
100%
32
0114
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations12/14/2021 – 12/20/2021
25
12
12
100%
11
0115
Units 1 & 2
Antlerless Only12/14/2021 – 12/20/2021
35
2
2
100%
33
0116
Units 1 & 2
State Regulations12/21/2021 – 01/01/2022
40
22
22
100%
18
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
Hunt No.
Permit Description
Season Dates
Quota
Eligible
Selected
Percent Selected
Leftover Permits
0201
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
09/11/2021 – 09/12/2021
10
5
5
100%
5
0202
Unit 3 Any Deer
09/11/2021 – 09/12/2021
5
56
5
9%
0
0203
Unit 3 Any Deer
10/01/2021 – 10/07/2021
15
111
15
14%
0
0204
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
10/01/2021 – 10/07/2021
50
9
9
100%
41
0205
Unit 3 Any Deer
10/29/2021 – 11/04/2021
30
308
30
10%
0
0206
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
10/29/2021 – 11/04/2021
50
16
16
100%
34
0207
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
*Non-ambulatory11/15/2021 – 11/16/2021
9
2
2
100%
7
0208
Unit 3 Any Deer
*Non-ambulatory11/15/2021 – 11/16/2021
9
15
9
60%
0
0209
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
*Non-ambulatory11/17/2021 – 11/18/2021
9
0
0
N/A
9
0210
Unit 3 Any Deer
*Non-ambulatory11/17/2021 – 11/18/2021
9
10
9
90%
0
0211
Unit 3 Any Deer
11/19/2021 – 11/23/2021
20
127
20
16%
0
0212
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
11/19/2021 – 11/23/2021
50
28
28
100%
12
0213
Unit 3 Any Deer
11/26/2021 – 11/30/2021
20
106
20
19%
0
0214
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
11/26/2021 – 11/30/2021
50
33
33
100%
17
0215
Unit 3 Any Deer
12/03/2021 – 12/09/2021
20
156
20
13%
0
0216
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
12/03/2021 – 12/09/2021
50
21
21
100%
29
0217
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
12/17/2021 – 12/23/2021
70
37
37
100%
33
0218
Unit 3 Antlerless Only
12/27/2021 – 01/01/2022
50
1
1
100%
29
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Is my reserved deer hunt access permit a hunting license or kill tag?No. Your reserved deer hunt access permit is NOT a hunting license or kill tag. Hunters must possess the appropriate access permit AND appropriate deer license to harvest a deer in DMU 273. Hunts must follow all 2022 statewide deer hunting regulations as well as rules and regulations established for each managed area.
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I was selected for a reserved deer access permit. Where can I obtain my access permit?
You may acquire your access permit online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or from any license agent. Prior to acquiring your access permit, you must first have purchased or have a current base license in your virtual shopping cart on the DNR’s online license system before the access permit shows as available.
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I obtained my access permit online. When will I get my access permit?There is no fee for the access permit. Access permits obtained online will be sent to you in a confirmation email. The access permit will appear on the second page of the PDF in the confirmation email. Access permits will NOT be mailed to successful applicants.
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I was selected in the drawing but can’t obtain my access permit. Why not?A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. While an application may be purchased prior to obtaining your base license, you must purchase your 2022 base license before you can obtain a reserved deer access permit.
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Do I need a deer license to use my reserved deer access permit?Yes. A valid deer license is required to obtain and use a reserved deer access permit. The deer license must be an appropriate deer license that can be used to harvest deer in DMU 273, according to 2022 statewide deer hunting regulations.
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How many deer can I harvest during my hunting period on DMU 273?
You can harvest one deer per deer access permit. The access permit must be validated and attached to the harvested animal along with an appropriate validated kill tag.
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Are there always leftover access permits available?There is no guarantee that leftover access permits will be available for any hunt unit.
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How do I know if I am eligible to obtain a leftover access permit?You are eligible to acquire one leftover reserved deer access permit regardless of whether you acquired an access permit through the application drawing.
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How do I purchase a leftover access permit?If any access permits remain as of September 6 at 10 a.m. EST and you have a current base license, you may obtain a leftover reserved deer access permit online or from any license agent on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for leftover access permits.
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Can I scout DMU 273 prior to my hunt period?Ability to scout DMU is dependent on the time of year. Shiawassee River State Game Area is open to users from January 2 – August 31 of each year without the need for a permit. Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge should be contacted for area-specific scouting information.
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Are there specific times designated for scouting DMU 273?Yes. There is a designated scouting weekend on Shiawassee River State Game Area. For 2022, the designated scouting weekend is Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5.
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Can I use a tree stand or ground blind during my hunt in DMU 273?Yes. Tree stands and ground blinds may be used on DMU 273 within the Shiawassee State Game Area and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge. All statewide land use rules and regulations regarding tree stands and ground blinds must be followed. You may not use screw-in tree steps anywhere on DMU 273.
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What equipment can I use to harvest a deer in DMU 273?
All firearm, bow and arrow, and crossbow use in DMU 273 must follow statewide regulations for the current season in the Limited Firearm Deer Zone. Legal weapons follow statewide regulations for the season in which a hunt period occurs in. For more information, refer to the 2022 Michigan Hunting Digest, available at Michigan.gov/Hunting under “Rules and Regulations”. Hunters are also encouraged to review the Wildlife Conservation Order for complete hunting regulations and legal descriptions.
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Who do I contact if I have questions about hunting on DMU 273?
Shiawassee River State Game Area (SRSGA), 225 East Spruce Street, St. Charles, MI 48655. For assistance, contact the Bay City DNR Customer Service Center, 3580 State Park Drive, Bay City, MI 48706. Phone 989-684-9141.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge (SNWR), 6975 Mower Road, Saginaw, MI 48601; Phone 989-777-5930 opt. 3. SNWR hunting information is available online at FWS.gov. Contact local office with questions about pre-hunt scouting or other area-specific concerns.