• Starboard Choice Marine
  • Moore Boats
D&R Sports Center
Clear H2O Tackle


(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR reminds hunters that the 2014 muzzleloader deer season opened Friday (Dec. 5) throughout the state.

"Having a statewide opener for muzzleloading season really eases confusion hunters have on when and where this season starts," said DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth.

Zones 1 and 2 will remain open until Dec. 14. Zone 3 has seven more days of muzzleloader hunting, with the season ending Dec. 21. For hunting zone information, see the 2014 Hunting and Trapping Digest.


By Louie Stout

Michiana’s gun season has produced a mixed bag of results – nice big-bodied bucks with good racks, but the numbers appear to be down.

At least that’s the report we’ve received from Michiana meat processors who say business with gun hunters has been down after a productive bow season in October.

Of course, assessing Indiana’s deer season isn’t as reliable as it once was now that the state allows hunters to check in deer online or smart phones. In previous years, Hoosiers were required to take their kills to an official check station. Michigan has a voluntary check-in.


(Provided by Michigan DNR)

So, just what information does DNR biologists take into consideration when developing recommendations for managing Michigan's deer population?

What contributing factors and trends were weighed before developing antlerless quotas and other regulations for the Deer Management Unit (DMU) where you hunt?

Just what is the DNR thinking when it comes to deer management in this state?

Now you can find out the answers to these and other questions that you may have regarding the rationale behind deer management decisions.

The DNR Wildlife Division has created a clickable map www.michigan.gov/documents that links to a report for each DMU in the state. Just click on a DMU number and you'll be taken to the biologist report, which provides the same background information that was delivered to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) with Department recommendations on public- and private-land antlerless license quotas and other regulations for each area.

Also, if you're still looking for a good hunting spot, don't forget to check out Mi-HUNT www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_14793_55471---,00.html, the interactive public hunting lands locator application that works on your computer, tablet or smartphone! Plus, if you're looking for a nearby deer check station www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/deercheck_439367_7.html just text "Deer Check" to 468311, and you'll receive a link back to our deer check station map.


(Provided by Michigan DNR)

The Michigan DNR encourages hunters to stop by a DNR deer check station www.michigan.gov after their successful harvest for DNR staff to collect important data from their deer and to receive their 2014 cooperator patch.

A deer head (antlers must still be attached on bucks) or entire carcass must be presented to receive a patch. Data the DNR collects at check stations contributes key information to aid in management decisions made throughout the state.

As part of continued efforts to be mobile-friendly, the DNR now has made it easier to find locations to check deer. Smartphone users now can text "Deer Check" to 468311 and they will receive a text back with a link to the DNR's interactive deer check station locator map. Hunters can utilize their smartphone's GPS function to find the deer-check location closest to them and†then get turn-by-turn directions to that location to have their deer checked.


(Provided by Michigan DNR)

Bucks will be target of hunters in gun opener. Photo courtesy Michigan DNR.Bucks will be target of hunters in gun opener. Photo courtesy Michigan DNR.As Michigan's firearm deer season quickly approaches, hunters are busy preparing gear, scouting, choosing hunting sites, and making sure everything is in order for the day that some Michiganders revere as a state holiday.

Amidst the flurry of preparations, hunters will also want to take some time to read up on hunting prospects and become familiar with new deer license options for the 2014 season. Read on for the pre-hunt information all deer hunters need to know this year.

Licensing changes

*Those who have already purchased their 2014 deer license will know that with the recent hunting license restructure a change was made to simplify the deer license system by eliminating the separate archery and firearm season deer licenses and creating a single deer license.

The single deer license allows for the harvest of one deer in the archery or firearm seasons (a legal buck or doe during archery, or a legal buck during firearm or muzzleloader). Hunters may choose between the new single deer license or, as in the past, can purchase a combination deer license, which includes one regular and one restricted deer tag.