Area News Headlines
These news headlines brought to you by these fine sponsors:
Michigan Deer Hunters Face Several Changes For 2026 Season
Russ Survance
Fri, 21 Aug 2026 10:04:20 EDT
 |
click on the picture to enlarge
|
">
Michigan deer hunters will have some new rules to follow this fall, including changes involving firearms, antlerless licenses and a new way to tag harvested deer.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says the Limited Firearms Deer Zone has been eliminated. Beginning September 12th, hunters can use all legal firearms throughout the Lower Peninsula.
The early antlerless firearm season also moves to September 12th and 13th, putting it on the same weekend as the Liberty Hunt.
Other changes include new limits on the use of universal antlerless licenses. Those restrictions will vary by deer management unit in the Upper Peninsula and by county in the Lower Peninsula. The previous drawing for U.P. antlerless access permits has also been eliminated.
Several season dates are changing. The U.P. muzzleloader season and Lower Peninsula December firearm season will each run for three days, December 4th through the 6th. The late antlerless firearm season in eligible Lower Peninsula areas will then begin December 7th and continue through New Year's Day.
Senior hunters in the Upper Peninsula are also getting expanded crossbow opportunities. Beginning September 12th, qualifying resident seniors may use crossbows during the late archery season.
Another major change for 2026 is optional digital deer tagging. Hunters can purchase and use digital kill tags through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, including in areas without cellular service. Traditional paper tags will remain available.
Regardless of which tagging method is used, successful hunters are still required to report a harvested deer within 72 hours - or before transferring possession of the animal, whichever comes first.
The DNR is encouraging hunters to review regulations for the specific area they plan to hunt before heading into the field.
