This story has been updated to correct the time you can hunt.

LANSING — Michigan’s gun-toting deer hunters will take to the field Friday morning in hopes of scoring a trophy or enough venison to fill their freezers this winter.

Gun season is the fifth period this fall in which hunters can take deer. Five additional seasons will take place through 2025, allowing hunters to take antlerless deer or use items such as muzzleloaders.

Officials hope hunters will choose to harvest more goats this year as the state the deer population is increasing. There could 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 closes Nov. 30, although additional hunting opportunities continue through 2025, the state said in its firearms hunting rules and regulations guide. deer.

What times is it legal to hunt in Michigan?

Generally, you can hunt from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Exact times depend on time zones designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The earliest time on November 15 is 6:54 a.m. in eastern Michigan. The westernmost part of Michigan opens 18 minutes later.

Opening time moves about 1 minute later each day, the DNR calendar shows.

Where can I use a rifle to hunt in Michigan?

Hunters in the southern Lower Peninsula are only allowed to use shotguns, certain firearms, and handguns.

The dividing line between the northern zone and the southern zone restricted to deer with firearms 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 deer hunting regulations.

How far from buildings should I hunt?

Gun hunters are required to stay 150 yards or 450 yards from buildings.

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What are the hunting seasons in Michigan?

• The Liberty hunt on September 14 and 15 is open to people 16 years of age or younger or people with disabilities.

• Antlerless firearm season start, Sept. 21-22, and season end, Dec. 16-Jan. 1, allows hunters to take one antlerless deer with a single permit in the Lower Peninsula.

• The archery season runs from October 1 to November 14.

• The Independence Hunt takes place October 17-20 and is open to people with disabilities.

• Muzzleloader season runs from December 6-15.

• The urban archery season runs from January 2-31, 2025. It is held in Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb Okaland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties to manage “ ongoing conflicts between humans and deer.”

• The extended antlerless firearms season runs January 2-12, 2025. It takes place in Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee. , Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, Shiawassee, St. Clair (excluding DMU 174), Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Are there any rules about what deer I can shoot?

Yes, permits limit the type of deer you can take. Some permits allow hunters to take antlerless deer or deer with antlers as short as 3 inches. In other areas, hunters may be required to take an animal without antlers or with antlers longer than 4 inches.

The rules also prohibit shooting at animals swimming or in water.

Can I harvest albino and piebald deer?

Yes, albino and magpie deer may be taken in accordance with all deer hunting regulations.

How much does a deer hunting license cost?

License fees vary greatly depending on the age of the hunter, the number of deer they hope to harvest, and whether or not they live in Michigan. Adult nonresidents can pay up to $190 for deer or $266 to hunt deer and fish.

Single deer licenses for ages 17-64 cost $20, or $76 if you also want to fish. Seniors are $8 or $43. Various other fees may also apply to licenses.

Do I need a license 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 a learner’s license) to purchase a license.

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

Youth ages 10 to 16 who are hunter safety certified must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older to hunt, unless they are hunting on land where their parent or guardian lives and They don’t have a learner’s permit. .

Where can I find hunting grounds near me?

Generally, you can hunt on land that you own if it meets safety regulations. You can also hunt on other private lands, with authorization. You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt.

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

This article was originally published in the Lansing State Journal: Michigan firearms deer season opens November 15, 2024