Michigan Deer Season 2025: Schedule Updates for Dates, Licenses & Rules!
Planning your whitetail adventure in the Great Lakes State? This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need for the 2025-2026 cycle, from precise archery and firearms dates to wildlife management zones, tagging rules, and license info. We’ve compiled the latest information from official sources so you can focus less on paperwork and more on your time in the field.
🗓️ Michigan Deer Seasons at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of the primary whitetail periods for the upcoming cycle:
| Season Type | Dates (2025-2026) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Hunt (Youth) | September 13-14, 2025 | For hunters 16 & under and those with disabilities |
| Early Antlerless Firearm | September 20-21, 2025 | Lower Peninsula only |
| Independence Hunt | October 16-19, 2025 | For hunters with disabilities |
| Archery | October 1 – November 14, 2025 and December 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Statewide |
| Extended Archery | Through January 31, 2026 | Select counties only |
| Regular Firearm | November 15-30, 2025 | Statewide |
| Muzzleloader | December 5-14, 2025 | Zones 1, 2, and 3 |
| Late Antlerless Firearm | December 15, 2025 – January 1, 2026 | Lower Peninsula only |
| Extended Late Antlerless | January 2-11, 2026 | Select Lower Peninsula counties |
📍 Detailed Breakdown: Seasons by Method
Michigan offers diverse opportunities for whitetail pursuit across several distinct segments. The state is divided into three zones (1, 2, and 3) and numerous Deer Management Units (DMUs), each with specific regulations .
🏹 Archery Seasons
- Regular Archery (Oct 1 – Nov 14, 2025 and Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026): This extended period is perfect for those who enjoy a challenging and quiet hunt. Either-sex harvesting is allowed, but standard bag limits apply .
- Extended Archery (Through Jan 31, 2026): Available in select counties including Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair (except DMU 174), Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne. This helps manage urban deer populations .
🔫 Firearms Seasons
Regular Firearm Season
- Dates: November 15-30, 2025
- Details: This is the most popular time to be in the woods. Hunter orange is mandatory. This season is open statewide with any legal firearm .
Special Firearm Seasons
- Early Antlerless (Sept 20-21, 2025): Limited to private lands in select DMUs in the Lower Peninsula .
- Late Antlerless (Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 1, 2026): Open on private and public lands in Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding 115, 145 and 245) .
- Extended Late Antlerless (Jan 2-11, 2026): Available in select Lower Peninsula counties .
⚙️ Muzzleloader Season
- Dates: December 5-14, 2025
- Details: This season varies by zone:
- Zone 1: Muzzleloaders only
- Zones 2 & 3: Any legal firearm allowed
👧 Special Opportunity Seasons
Liberty Hunt (Youth)
- Date: September 13-14, 2025
- Details: A dedicated weekend for young enthusiasts and hunters with disabilities. Participants may take one deer of choice, and antler point restrictions are waived. Hunter orange is required .
Independence Hunt
- Dates: October 16-19, 2025
- Details: This special four-day period is designed for hunters with disabilities. Participants may take one deer .
⚖️ Key Regulations Every Hunter Must Know
Staying legal and ethical is paramount. Here are some crucial rules for your pursuit :
- Bag Limits: The annual bag limit allows for multiple deer. A hunter can take up to two antlered deer statewide (except in DMU 117, where the limit is one). For antlerless deer, hunters can purchase up to 10 universal antlerless licenses, allowing a theoretical maximum of 12 deer per hunter when combined with the two antlered deer .
- Antler Point Restrictions (APRs): These vary by region:
- 19 Specific LP Counties: The restricted tag of the deer combo license requires a four-point antler restriction.
- Upper Peninsula: The deer combo license imposes a three-point restriction on the regular tag and a four-point restriction on the restricted tag .
- Tagging and Reporting: You must immediately tag your harvested animal before moving it and report your harvest within 72 hours through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or other approved methods .
- Baiting Regulations: These differ across regions:
- Upper Peninsula: Baiting is allowed from September 15 to January 1, with a volume limit of two gallons scattered over a minimum 10×10 foot area.
- Lower Peninsula: Baiting and feeding are generally banned, with exceptions for hunters with disabilities during specific hunts .
- Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Regulations: There are restrictions on bringing certain deer parts into Michigan from other states. Hunters in CWD-affected areas have specific reporting and transportation requirements .
🎟️ License & Tag Information
License Requirements
- All hunters must first purchase a Base License, which allows hunting of small game and is a prerequisite for additional licenses.
- Hunters born after January 1, 1960, must complete a hunter safety course.
- For deer specifically, you need a Deer License (single or combo) or Antlerless Deer License.
- Special Permits: Deer Management Assistance Permits and Reserved Deer Hunt Access Permits (lottery-based) are available for specific situations and properties.
Fees
While exact fees are subject to change and should be verified, typical resident costs include :
- Base License: ~$11
- Deer License (single): ~$20
- Deer Combo License: ~$40
- Antlerless Deer License: ~$20
Non-resident licenses are higher. Always check the official Michigan DNR website for the most current fee structure.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a crossbow during archery season?
A: Yes, with an important exception: In the Upper Peninsula, crossbows are prohibited during the late archery season .
Q: What are the weapon requirements for muzzleloader season?
A: In Zone 1, only muzzleloaders meeting specific legal definitions are allowed. However, in Zones 2 and 3, hunters can use any legal firearm during this period .
Q: Are there any unique rules for the Extended Archery season?
A: The extended archery season through January 31, 2026, is only available in specific counties (Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac [except DMU 174], St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne) to help manage deer populations in urban interface areas .
Q: Do I need to bring my deer to a check station?
A: While physical check stations are used, most harvest reporting is now done electronically via the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or online within 72 hours of harvest .
✅ Conclusion
Preparing for your whitetail adventure in Michigan is all about knowing your dates, understanding the zone-specific rules, and ensuring you have the correct licenses and permits. The 2025-2026 cycle offers diverse opportunities across archery, firearm, and muzzleloader periods, extending into mid-January in some areas. Remember to prioritize safety, respect the regulations designed to conserve our wildlife and prevent disease spread, and most importantly—enjoy your time in Michigan’s diverse and beautiful landscapes.
ℹ️ For the most absolute, authoritative, and current information, always refer to the official Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website before your hunt .
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