(Provided by Michigan DNR)

Q: How did the hunting license structure change for deer hunters this year?

A: The Department of Natural Resources has adopted a license structure that differs from the past, but is similar to those in a number of other states. Under the new structure, all hunters must purchase a base license ñ what other states commonly call a conservation stamp or sportsmenís license ñ in order to purchase additional licenses. The base license costs $11; revenue generated from the sale of base licenses will be used to fund conservation programs, such as habitat improvement as well as DNR law enforcement activities. With the introduction of the base license, the stand-alone small game license was eliminated; all licensed hunters may hunt small game.

Changes were also made to the deer license structure. The DNR has eliminated the separate archery and firearm licenses and has given hunters the choice of buying a single deer license for use during the archery, firearm or muzzleloader seasons, or a combination deer license, which includes two tags good during the same seasons. Hunters who opt for the single deer license may "not" buy an additional antlered deer license.

Q: Is it true there were changes to types of firearms allowed in the shotgun zone (southern Michigan)?

A: Yes, for the first time, deer hunters will be allowed to use centerfire cartridge rifles in the limited firearm zone (previously known as the shotgun zone), but they are limited to straight-walled cartridges that are commonly used in handguns. The technical description of allowable cartridges are those that are .35 caliber or larger with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum case length of 1.8 inches. Additional details are on page 17 of the 2014 Hunting and Trapping Digest.

Q: What are the hunter orange regulations?

A: Deer hunters must wear an orange garment (cap, vest, coat, etc.) that is visible for 360 degrees around the hunter as an outermost layer. Camouflage orange garments are acceptable as long as the garment is not less than 50 percent hunter orange.

Q: Can I bow hunt during the firearm season?

A: Both bows and crossbows are legal to use during the firearm deer season. However, hunters must follow all firearm season regulations, including wearing hunter orange.

Q: Is it legal to hunt over bait?

A: Yes, in most areas of Michigan it is legal to place deer bait from Sept. 15 through Jan. 1. Bait - defined as any grain, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable, hay or other food material used to lure deer ñ is limited to a total of two gallons at each hunting site and must be scattered directly on the ground in a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Baiting is prohibited in four counties -Alpena, Alcona, Montmorency and Oscoda - in order to reduce the spread of bovine tuberculosis in the deer herd.