MICHIGAN — For many Michiganders, Nov. 15 is like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and their birthday all rolled into one because it is the start of firearm deer season.
The two-week hunting season ends on November 30th, but there are several other seasons that allow for hunters to get out in the field in some way up until January 31st.
Michigan Hunting Season Dates:
- Liberty (youth) Hunt: Sept. 13-14, 2025
- Early Antlerless Firearm: Sept. 20-21, 2025
- Independence Hunt: Oct. 16-19, 2025
- Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 & Dec. 1 -Jan. 1, 2026
- Extended Archery: Dec. 1 - Jan. 31, 2026, for select counties (Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw & Wayne
- Regular Firearm: Nov. 15-30, 2025
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 5-14, 2025
- Late Antlerless Firearm: Dec. 15 - Jan. 1, 2026
- Extended Late Antlerless Firearm: Jan. 2-11, 2026
Expect the woods to be a popular place this weekend because, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, about 180,000 deer were harvested during the two-week regular firearm season in 2024, which is about half of the total deer taken from all seasons combined last year.
And after a slower-than-expected start to archery season the DNR expects the number of successful hunters in the field this year for firearm to add to the numbers by a lot.
It's important to remember that with all the extra hunters in the woods and fields this weekend, you will need to be aware of your surroundings. If you are hunting, make sure you have your license, wear hunter's orange, and treat your firearm as if it were loaded at all times. If you are not hunting but want to hike or bike in areas where hunters might be, avoid being in the woods or trails at dawn or dusk (when deer are most active), and it would be a good idea to wear bright clothing or even hunter's orange so you are visible.
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