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    • Michigan’s firearms deer season opens on November 15, 2024
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    Michigan’s firearms deer season opens on November 15, 2024

    Online Niel Posted on

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    LANSING — Michigan firearms deer hunters will take to the field Friday morning in hopes of bagging a trophy buck or enough deer to fill their freezer this winter.

    Firearms season is the fifth time this fall that hunters can take deer. 2025 will see five more seasons, allowing hunters to take antlerless deer or use such things as muzzle loaders.

    Officials hope hunters choose to take more teams this year than the state the deer population swells. There may be as many as 2 million deer in the state.

    When does firearms deer season open in Michigan?

    The firearms deer season opens Nov. 15 and ends Nov. 30, though additional hunting opportunities continue into 2025, the state said in its guide to deer hunting rules and regulations.

    What hours are legal to hunt in Michigan?

    You can generally hunt from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunrise. Exact times depend on the time zones designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. On November 15, the earliest time is 6:54 am in eastern Michigan. Michigan’s westernmost stretch opens 18 minutes later.

    The opening time moves about 1 minute later each day, the DNR schedule says.

    Where can I use a shotgun to hunt in Michigan?

    Hunters in the Southern Lower Peninsula are only allowed with rifles, certain firearms and handguns.

    The dividing line between the northern area and the southern restricted firearms deer area begins at Lake Michigan and generally runs along M-46 and M-57 across the state, ending at Saginaw Bay, near Kawkawlin. The exact line is available in the state deer hunting regulations.

    How far from buildings should I hunt?

    Firearm hunters must stay 150 yards or 450 yards from buildings.

    2 million deer: Michigan is urging hunters to shoot more animals as the deer population increases

    What are the hunting seasons in Michigan?

    • The Freedom Hunt, September 14-15, is for those 16 or younger or people with disabilities.
    • Antlerless firearms early season, Sept. 21-22 and late season, Dec. 16-Jan. 1, allows hunters to take an unstocked deer with a single license in the Lower Peninsula.
    • Archery season is from October 1st to November 14th.
    • The Independence Hunt is October 17-20 and is open to those with disabilities.
    • Muzzleloader season is December 6-15.
    • The urban archery season is January 2-31, 2025. It takes place in Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb Okaland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne to manage “ongoing conflicts between man and deer.”
    • The extended antlerless firearm season is January 2-12, 2025. It is in Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee Counties , Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair (excluding DMU 174), Washtenaw and Wayne.

    Are there any rules about what deer I can shoot?

    Yes, licenses restrict the type of deer you can take. Some licenses allow hunters to take antlerless deer or antlered bucks up to 3 inches. In other areas, hunters may be required to take an antlerless animal or one with horns longer than 4 inches.

    The rules also prohibit shooting animals swimming or in water.

    Can I harvest albino and piebald deer?

    Yes, albino and piebald deer can be taken subject to 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 they hope to take, and whether they live in Michigan. Non-resident adults can pay up to $190 for deer or $266 to hunt deer and fish.

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

    Do I need a permit 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.

    Individuals who are qualified to hunt under the Mentored Hunting Program are exempt from the hunter safety requirement. A valid hunter education safety certificate from another state meets the requirements.

    Youth ages 10 to 16 who are hunter safety certified 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 are not they have a learner’s permit. .

    Where can I find hunting grounds near me?

    You can generally hunt on land you own if it meets safety regulations. You can also hunt on other private lands with permission. You can find hunting spots by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt.

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

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