Regular firearm deer season for Michigan hunters is set kick off in a few weeks, but that leaves plenty of time for prospective hunters to get a license before Nov. 15.
Hunting licenses can be purchased online or in multiple retailers across the state.
Before hunters take to the field this fall, they need to be aware of changes to deer hunting regulations that took effect on Aug. 1, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources says.
Here’s what to know for 2025.
Are there any new rules or regulations for 2025?
New regulations in effect during the upcoming hunting season include:
Deer harvest reporting remains mandatory, according to a report from the DNR, as do hunters younger than 10 must be licensed through the mentored youth hunting program and accompanied by a qualified mentor.
The full 2025 deer hunting regulation book is available online.
Hunters can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
When can I legally shoot a deer on opening day?
The legal start to the season is broken into four zones from east to west (as the sun rises). The eastern zone sets the time and the other three zones start 6, 12 and 18 minutes later.
In the eastern zone, the firearm season will officially open at 6:53 a.m. Nov. 15. The starting time moves later each day as the sun rises later. Hunters may not shoot deer after 5:40 p.m. on opening day, and that time moves earlier each day as daylight ends sooner.
How far away from buildings do I need to be to hunt?
Safety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, the DNR said, including any dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farmoperation. You are prohibited from hunting or shooting any wild animal or wild bird with a firearm within a safety zone, without the written permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only.
Special safety zones are established at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See NPS.gov/SLBE for more information.
More hunters took part in the sport in 2024
A report from the Michigan DNR shows in 2024, for all seasons combined, 532,926 people hunted deer, which was 1% greater than the year before.
Data shows 604,088 people purchased a license in 2024.
How much does a deer hunting license cost?
Deer license costs vary based on age and residency.
Where can I find hunting lands near me?
Generally, you can hunt on land you own if it meets safety regulations. You also can hunt on other private land, with permission. You can find places to hunt by going to Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
Some state parks allow hunting, but national wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted.
Upcoming 2025-26 Michigan deer hunting season dates
Dates for upcoming 2025-26 deer hunting seasons in Michigan:
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan’s firearm deer season is just ahead. What to know before heading out
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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