The 2025 hunting season is set to kick off this month as Michigan’s Liberty hunt for participants 16 and younger, is scheduled for Sept. 13-14.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says all youth hunters must have a deer hunting license.
Additionally all youth hunters younger than 10 must be licensed through the mentored youth hunting program and accompanied by a qualified mentor.
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 state agency says.
A slew of new regulations will be in effect during the upcoming hunting season. Among them:
Deer harvest reporting remains mandatory, according to a report from the DNR.
Here’s what else to know about deer hunting season in Michigan:
Deer hunting rose 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.
2025-26 Michigan deer hunting season dates
Dates for 2025-26 deer hunting seasons in Michigan:
Hunters can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
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: New deer hunting regulations, season dates for 2025. What hunters need to know
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
