Michigan firearm deer season opens November 15, 2024

This story has been updated to correct when you can hunt.

LANSING — Michigan firearms deer hunters will hit the field Friday morning hoping to score a trophy buck or enough venison to fill their freezers this winter.

Firearm season is the fifth this fall. hunters deer can take it. Five more seasons will be added by 2025, allowing hunters to take antlerless deer or use things like muzzle loaders.

Officials hope hunters choose to hunt more of the state this year The deer population is increasing. There may be up to 2 million moose in the state.

When does firearm deer season open in Michigan?

The state’s deer hunting rules and regulations guide states that the firearm deer season will begin Nov. 15 and end Nov. 30, but additional hunting opportunities will continue through 2025.

What hours is it legal to hunt in Michigan?

Generally, you can hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. Exact times depend on time frames established by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The earliest time in eastern Michigan on November 15 is 6:54 a.m. The westernmost part of Michigan opens in 18 minutes.

According to the DNR schedule, the opening time moves forward by approximately 1 minute each day.

Where can I use a rifle for hunting in Michigan?

Southern Lower Peninsula hunters are permitted only shotguns, certain firearms and handguns.

The dividing line between the northern reservation and the limited firearms elk territory to the south begins at Lake Michigan and runs generally across the state along M-46 and M-57, ending at Saginaw Bay near Kawkawlin. The exact line is available in the state deer hunting rules.

How far away from buildings should I hunt?

Firearm hunters are required to stay 150 yards or 450 meters away from buildings.

What is Michigan hunting season?

The Freedom hunt on September 14-15 is for those 16 and under or individuals with disabilities.
Ant-free firearm season is early, September 21-22, and late season, December 16-January. 1 allows hunters to hunt antlerless deer in the Lower Peninsula with a single license.
Archery season is between October 1st and November 14th.
The independence hunt takes place October 17-20 and is open to people with disabilities.
Muzzleloader season is December 6-15.
City archery season is January 2-31, 2025. Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb Okaland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties to manage “ongoing human-deer conflicts.”
The extended antlerless firearm season is January 2-12, 2025. Occurs in Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee. , Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair (except DMU 174), Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Are there rules about which deer I can shoot?

Yes, licenses restrict the type of deer you can buy. Some licenses allow hunters to take antlerless deer or deer with antlers as short as 3 inches. In other areas, hunters may be required to take an animal that is hornless or has horns longer than 4 inches.

The rules also prohibit shooting swimming or aquatic animals.

Can I harvest albino and spotted deer?

Yes, albino and spotted deer can be captured in compliance with all deer hunting regulations.

How much does a deer hunting license cost?

License fees vary widely depending on the hunter’s age, how many deer he hopes to take, and whether he lives in Michigan. Adults living abroad can pay $190 for deer and $266 for hunting deer and fish.

Single deer licenses for ages 17 to 64 are $20, or $76 if you want to fish. Senior citizens $8 or $43. Various other fees may also apply to licenses.

Do I need a license to hunt?

Yes. Additionally, if you were born on or after January 1, 1960, you must present your hunter safety certificate or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) to purchase a license.

Persons qualified to hunt under the Guided Hunting Program are exempt from hunter safety requirements. A valid hunter education safety certificate from another state meets this requirement.

Youth ages 10 to 16 with a hunter safety certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older to hunt, unless they are hunting on land where their parent or guardian lives and for which they do not have an apprentice license. .

Where can I find hunting grounds near me?

In general, you can hunt on land you own if it complies with safety regulations. You can also hunt on other private lands with permission. You can find places to hunt by visiting them. Michigan.gov/MiHunt.

Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted.