Michigan deer hunting season off to strong start despite disease concerns

The DNR expects a strong season but notes challenges from an ice storm, harsh winter and an outbreak of a viral disease
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease has been confirmed in 11 southern Michigan counties and may spread until cold weather kills off midges
Michigan’s archery deer season runs through Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, with some counties extended to Jan. 31

Michigan’s deer hunting season is in full swing, with archery hunters already in the woods and firearm season just weeks away.

State officials expect a productive year despite lingering challenges from the March ice storm that hit northern Michigan and an ongoing deer disease outbreak in the southern Lower Peninsula.

So far this year, there have been 31,757 reported deer harvests, including more than 9,000 during archery season, according to state stats. During early antlerless firearm season, 3,534 deer were harvested, which was slightly higher than last year, when 3,450 deer were harvested.

During the liberty hunt, a two-day season reserved for youth and hunters with disabilities, 5,337 deer were harvested, about the same as last year.

How things are looking so far

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources expects hunters will have a successful archery season despite the lingering impacts of the ice storm that devastated parts of northern Michigan earlier this year.

“Variability within each region occurs every year, but for 2025 the wild cards include the borderline severe winter conditions in the UP, potential ice storm impacts on access to hunting locations in the northern Lower Peninsula and the ongoing EHD outbreak in the southern Lower Peninsula,” Brent Rudolph, the deer, elk and moose management for the DNR, said in a press statement.

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EHD stands for epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a contagious and often fatal viral disease that affects deer.

The number of hunters in northern Michigan stayed about the same in 2024, but deer harvests increased because of a mild winter and strong fawn survival, according to the DNR’s seasonal outlook. .

Deer in the Upper Peninsula benefited from good summer conditions after a harsh winter. However, populations and overall health in areas with heavier snowfall may drop slightly compared to 2024, the DNR said. The southern UP, where winters are milder, is expected to have the highest deer numbers.

The number of hunters and buck harvests in southern Michigan remained steady in 2024, but antlerless harvests increased, according to the DNR.

Early, late, and extended antlerless seasons accounted for about 26% of the total antlerless harvest statewide, with many of those seasons open in the region.

Despite localized EHD impacts, deer populations remain strong because of mild winters and good food availability.

EHD is spread to white-tailed deer through bites from midges, or small flies. While it doesn’t remain active within deer populations or cause lasting impacts on Michigan’s herds, it can lead to severe, localized die-offs that may continue for several years.

It was confirmed in 11 counties so far this year and could spread in more counties in the southern Lower Peninsula until a good frost can kill off the midges.

“Hunters always benefit from being prepared, and these are extra factors to look out for this year,” Rudolph said.

Licenses, dates and what to know about hunting season

Archery season runs through Nov. 14 and resumes Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. In Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne and parts of St. Clair counties, the season extends through Jan. 31.

Regular firearm season runs Nov. 15 to 30, followed by muzzleloading season Dec. 5 to 14.

Hunters must purchase a base license, which ranges from $6 to $151, before purchasing a deer license specific to how many deer they want to hunt.

A universal antlerless deer tag, which permits hunters to kill doe, can be purchased for residents and nonresidents of all ages for $20.

More information can be found here.