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By JOHN PEPIN, Deputy Public Information Officer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Deer Harvest Info
The 2023 firearm deer season is officially complete. Although there are still deer hunting opportunities happening in December, we know most of our 2023 hunter effort is officially in the books.
The license sales and harvest data are mixed throughout the state.
Harvest figures
The reported deer harvest for the entire state is down compared to last year by a total of 11% or almost 30,000 deer. This is certainly significant in the eyes of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and something that is being closely watched. There are many factors that can contribute to the reduction of harvest.
Reported deer harvest in Michigan as of Dec. 5, 2023 (all deer seasons) decreased compared to the autumn of 2022 by 26% in the Upper Peninsula, 16% in the northern Lower Peninsula and 7% in the southern Lower Peninsula.
Taking a look at where the highest harvest totals are within Michigan’s 83 counties, it is no surprise that they come in the southern portion of the state. Significantly milder winters and abundance of food from agriculture continue to support high deer density where these conditions exist.
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MDNR Report
The 2023 muzzleloader season began Friday and ends at the close of shooting hours on Sunday, Dec. 10. When heading out to enjoy your season, remember that legal equipment and other regulations vary based on where you are hunting.
“As the goals of deer management have changed, so do regulations around muzzleloader season,” said Chad Stewart, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist. “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognizes the abundant deer population in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula and is focusing on ways to increase antlerless harvest. The DNR wants hunters to have every opportunity to maximize success and help manage the deer population in southern Michigan.”
Due to low hunter success during muzzleloader season, the DNR extended the late antlerless season in 2020, while reducing the muzzleloader season in the southern Lower Peninsula.
Additionally, in the southern Lower Peninsula, any firearm legal during the traditional firearm season (Nov. 15-30) can be used during the muzzleloader season.
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MDNR Report
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters across the state that deer harvest reporting is once again required this hunting season.
Now in its second year, mandatory harvest reporting of all deer is designed to provide the most efficient and effective data for deer management and conservation. In 2022, 208,408 hunters submitted a harvest report, and nearly 83% of those hunters were able to complete their report in under five minutes.
“We know Michigan’s deer hunters care about quality hunting opportunities and healthy deer herds,” said DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart. “Each online harvest report takes just a few minutes but provides critical information about hunting experiences and deer abundance all over the state. That means better management recommendations for Michigan’s deer population.”
To facilitate the reporting process and ensure a smooth experience, the DNR offers these tips:
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MDNR Report
Hunters can help hungry families in their community by donating deer to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization.
The group partners with the DNR to help connect donors, wild game processors and charities like food banks, pantries and shelters that help feed those in need. Hunters also can donate money to support venison processing when buying hunting licenses.
To find a participating meat processor, visit the website, www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org.
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MDNR Report
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing best practices for gun season
Firearm deer hunting season is right around the corner, and many hunters are busy scouting land, watching trail cameras and preparing equipment for opening day. To ensure a safe season, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing best practices and tips to avoid the most common violations and mistakes they see every year.
Here are 10 best practices for hunters to remember:
Properly tag your deer
Before field-dressing or moving a deer, kill tags must be filled out (including the month and date the deer was taken and the deer’s gender and number of antler points) and properly placed on the deer. Conservation officers often see the wrong kill tag on game – such as fish or turkey licenses on deer. Often, this is a simple mistake made in the dark and can be corrected by re-tagging the deer as soon as you notice the error.
Remember, too, that reporting your deer within 72 hours of harvest is just as important as tagging it. Everything hunters need to know is available on the DNR’s Hunt, Fish app.
Know your firearm and how it functions