When does deer hunting start in Michigan?

When Does Deer Hunting Start in Michigan?

Michigan is a hunter’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to bag a big buck and enjoy the outdoors. As one of the leading destinations for deer hunting, it’s essential to understand when the season kicks off to make the most out of your hunting adventure.

About Deer Hunting in Michigan

Deer hunting has a rich history in Michigan, with the first sanctioned season established in 1920. Today, Michigan has approximately 5 million acres of public land dedicated to deer hunting, including forests, wetlands, and open fields. Over 700,000 hunting licenses are issued each year, making Michigan one of the most popular destinations for deer hunting.

Hunting Seasons in Michigan

Before we dive into when the deer hunting starts, let’s take a closer look at the regulated deer hunting seasons in Michigan:

• Archery: September 22 to February 15, with exceptions for youth seasons (typically in October)
• Modern Gun: Early October, with a mandatory waiting period for anterless only (more on this below)
• Firearms Season for Antlered Only: Late November and Early December
• November- December Antlerless only, with a two-tag minimum

The Wait is Over – Archery Season Begins! (Mid-September to February)**

Mark your calendars! Archery season typically begins in late September and extends into the winter months of January and February. During this time, hunters are permitted to use archery gear (bows, recurve, and crossbow) with a minimum bow arm-guard and a self-opening quiver. It’s a prime opportunity for mature buck enthusiasts to get ahead of the game.

• Target Species: Adult male whitetail deer, typically during the peak antler-growth period, is when the bucks have completed shedding their summer velvet

Key Dates:

• Archery Season: Mid-September to February

Tips & Tricks:

• Look for areas with standing crops or food sources for mature deer
• Choose quiet routes and avoid major travel trails
• Scan high-disturbance zones (rubs, bedding sites) for signs of active bucks

Acknowledge the Limitation – Modern Gun (Firearm) Season!** (Late November-Early December)**

Get ready for action-packed days! During modern gun season, rifles are the primary weapon, aiming at antlered bucks only with an antler diameter not exceeding 3.0 inches. This limit encourages maturity and helps promote sustainability for the deer herd. Always remember to purchase and apply for the anterless-only tag prior to firearm season.

Important Points to Note:

• Maximum Party Size: Six licensed individuals per party

Anterless Deer Hunting (Only!**, Late November-Mid-January)**

This no-pressure season for mature female deer (also referred to as does and ninos) allows two tagged adult females per licensed adult hunter and helps keep the deer herd under control. Key goals of this season: Control female deer populations to improve population dynamics and contribute to age structure.

Regulations & Reminders:

• Both tags must be of antlerless and same-tag type ( e.g., either both tags with whitetail deer (white and dark) patterns, respectively)
• Report tags taken to the appropriate authority to ensure accurate counting
• Consider purchasing online before license sales close; ensure internet access and know about pre-sale deadlines ( check state website for guidelines and guidelines)

Hunter Education and Essential Hunting Guidelines**

Before venturing out to the woods, hunters need to ensure their preparation levels are on-point.

Hunter Education Programs and Workshops

Register online with the Michigan DNR Hunter Education Program if required ( typically includes new hunters, U.S. residents, non-U.S. residents aged 11+).

In-Front-of-the Gun Chasis (IFWG)

or In-Front- Gun-Check-Shooter-Screen (GFVGCG) – This simple quiz has several types such as deer, turkey or elk depending on the seasons the tag is for.)

Tips from the Pros: Never let your guard down. Scout before hunting for more-effective hunting strategies.
Maintaining your gear – and don – and – for peak performance.

With its multiple hunting seasons spread over more than six months, deer hunting in Michigan requires commitment, patience, and responsibility. By reviewing Michigan DNR regulations and rules regularly, you ensure up-to-date insights about dates, licensing options, weapon, permit ( anterless-deer), mandatory restrictions (e.g. , and overall respect the wildlife and recreational habitats).

Remember, practice smart gun safety, harvest more doe than buck tags as prescribed, and abide by ethical hunting practices in support of a healthy wild environment

Stay tuned in 2019 for all michigan-specific seasonal hunts and never hunt.