Michigan
Firearm deer season opens Friday in Michigan. Here’s what you should know
Deer Hunting in Michigan: 8 fast facts to know
Explore the key facts about deer hunting in Michigan, including population statistics, hunting seasons, licensing requirements, and the role of hunting in conservation efforts.
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.
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.
Michigan
Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 8-9-0
Evening: 9-0-2
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
Midday: 8-7-2-6
Evening: 5-6-3-7
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
QS-KS-AS-5C-5D
Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
11-20-31-32-38
11-18-28-29-34
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing
09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79
Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.
To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:
Michigan Lottery
Attn: Claim Center
101 E. Hillsdale
P.O. Box 30023
Lansing, MI 48909
For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.
If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:
- Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325
For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.
When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?
- Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
- Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
- Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Michigan
‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos
CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.
Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.
“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.
One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.
“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”
With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.
“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”
What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.
“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”
This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.
Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.
The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.
This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.
Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.
Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.
For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.
Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.
Michigan
Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority
Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.
The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.
Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.
“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.
For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.
“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.
In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.
“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.
Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.
“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc
However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.
“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.
From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.
Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.
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