Firearm deer season opens Friday in Michigan. Here’s what you should know

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

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

Firearm season is the fifth period this fall during which hunters may take deer. An additional five seasons will take place into 2025 allowing hunters to take antlerless deer or use such things as muzzleloaders.

Officials are hoping hunters choose to take more does this year as the state’s deer population swells. There may be as many as 2 million deer in the state.

When does firearm deer season open in Michigan?

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

What hours are legal to hunt in Michigan?

Generally, you may hunt from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.  The exact times depend upon time zones designated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. On Nov. 15, the earliest time is 6:54 a.m. in eastern Michigan. The furthest western portion of Michigan opens 18 minutes later.

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

Where can I use a rifle to hunt in Michigan?

Southern Lower Peninsula hunters are only allowed shotguns, certain firearms and handguns.

The dividing line between the northern zone and the southern limited firearms deer zone starts 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’s deer hunting regulations.

How far from buildings should I hunt?

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

2 million deer: Michigan urges hunters to shoot more does as deer population swells

What are the Michigan hunting seasons?

• The Liberty hunt on Sept. 14-15, is for those 16 or younger or individuals with disabilities.
• Early anterless firearm season, Sept. 21-22, and late season, Dec. 16-Jan. 1, allows hunters to take an anterless deer with a single license in the Lower Peninsula.
• Archery season is Oct. 1 to Nov. 14.
• The Independence hunt is Oct. 17-20 and is open to those with disabilities.
• Muzzleloader season is Dec. 6-15.
• Urban archery season is Jan. 2-31, 2025. It takes place in Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb Okaland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne counties to manage “ongoing human-deer conflicts.”
• The extended late anterless firearm season is Jan. 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 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 bucks with antlers as short as 3 inches. In other areas, hunters may be required to take an anterless animal or one with antlers longer than 4 inches.

Rules also forbid shooting animals swimming or in water.

Can I harvest albino and piebald deer?

Yes, albino and piebald deer can be taken following all deer hunting regulations.

How much is a deer hunting license?

License fees vary greatly, depending upon the hunter’s age, how many deer they hope to take, and whether they live in Michigan. Adult non-residents can pay as much as $190 for deer or $266 to hunt deer and fish.

Single deer licenses for those 17 to 64 are $20 or $76 if you also want to fish. Senior citizens are $8 or $43. Various other fees also may apply to licenses.

Do I need a license to hunt?

Yes. In addition, if you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter safetycertificate or previous hunting license (other than an apprentice license) to purchasea 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 requirement.

Youth 10 to 16 years old, and who are hunter safety-certified, must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older to hunt, unless they are hunting on land their parent or guardian lives on and they don’t have an apprentice license.

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 visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt.

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