DMU 273 reserved deer hunting information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How much is an application?

The application fee for a drawing entry is $5.

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.

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).

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.

Can I transfer my reserved deer drawing success?

No. Access permits are not transferable.

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.

How many deer can I harvest with a deer access permit?

You can harvest one deer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Regulations	09/11/2021 – 09/12/2021	30	51	30	59%	0
0102	Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	10/01/2021 – 10/15/2021	35	137	35	26%	0
0103	SRSGA Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	10/16/2021 – 10/30/2021	35	167	35	21%	0
0104	Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	10/31/2021 – 11/14/2021	35	155	35	23%	0
0105	Unit 2 State Regulations	11/15/2021 – 11/22/2021	35	105	35	33%	0
0106	Unit 2 State Regulations	11/23/2021 – 11/30/2021	35	77	35	45%	0
0107	Unit 2 Antlerless Only	11/15/2021 – 11/19/2021	35	1	1	100%	34
0108	Unit 2 Antlerless Only	11/20/2021 – 11/24/2021	35	2	2	100%	33
0109	Unit 2 Antlerless Only	11/25/2021 – 11/30/2021	35	4	4	100%	31
0110	Unit 2 State Regulations	12/03/2021 – 12/07/2021	25	40	25	63%	0
0111	Unit 2 Antlerless Only	12/03/2021 – 12/07/2021	35	5	5	100%	30
0112	Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	12/08/2021 – 12/12/2021	25	47	25	53%	0
0113	Units 1 & 2 Antlerless Only	12/08/2021 – 12/12/2021	35	3	3	100%	32
0114	Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	12/14/2021 – 12/20/2021	25	12	12	100%	11
0115	Units 1 & 2 Antlerless Only	12/14/2021 – 12/20/2021	35	2	2	100%	33
0116	Units 1 & 2 State Regulations	12/21/2021 – 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-ambulatory	11/15/2021 – 11/16/2021	9	2	2	100%	7
0208	Unit 3 Any Deer *Non-ambulatory	11/15/2021 – 11/16/2021	9	15	9	60%	0
0209	Unit 3 Antlerless Only *Non-ambulatory	11/17/2021 – 11/18/2021	9	0	0	N/A	9
0210	Unit 3 Any Deer *Non-ambulatory	11/17/2021 – 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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are there always leftover access permits available?

There is no guarantee that leftover access permits will be available for any hunt unit.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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