New Upper Peninsula deer hunting regulations
Q: Why was this regulation considered?
The "Hunters Choice Buck Tag" proposal was presented to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) by the Upper Peninsula Whitetails Association. The NRC is the body that has authority over matters involving the taking of wildlife and they chose to consider acting on the proposal. Among the reasons commissioners gave for considering the proposal was information from a DNR survey of deer hunters that showed 72 percent of hunters were dissatisfied with the number of mature bucks in the herd and 58% of people who reported hunting in the U.P. supported or strongly supported, "additional buck harvest restrictions."
Q. What is the desired result of this regulation?
The goal is to reduce the harvest of 1½ year old bucks, allowing them to become at least one year older. This is intended to increase the number of older bucks in the UP deer herd.
Q. Who will be affected by the regulation?
Only deer hunters who hunt bucks in the UP are affected by this regulation. Regulations for buck harvest in Lower Peninsula have not changed.
Q. Can I still shoot 2 bucks in the UP?
YES. However, to harvest 2 antlered deer in the UP a combination license is required and there are antler point restrictions for both tags.
Q. What are the UP antler point restrictions for the combination license?
To be eligible for tagging with the REGULAR combination license tag a deer must have at least one antler with at least 3 points, each at least one inch in length. For the RESTRICTED license a deer must have at least one antler with 4 or more points, each at least one inch in length (The antler point restriction for the RESTRICTED tag is unchanged from last year)
Q. Is the combination license still valid for an antlerless deer during the archery season in the UP?
YES. That has not changed.
Q. What bucks are legal if I hunt with a firearm or archery deer license in the UP?
The legal definition of a buck has not changed; the deer must have at least one antler 3 inches or more in length (except DMU 117 {no spike} and DMU 122 {3 pt rule}).
Q. What bucks can I take if I hunt with both a firearm and archery deer license in the UP?
You are limited to taking only one antlered deer in the Upper Peninsula during all seasons combined (youth, archery, disabled hunt, firearm, and muzzleloader) unless you possess a combination license. That one buck must have at least one antler 3 inches or more in length (except DMU 117 {no spike} and DMU 122 {3 pt rule}).
Q. What if I hunt in both the UP and LP during the deer season?
When hunting in the UP the UP regulations apply. When hunting in the LP the LP regulations apply.
Q. Can I shoot one buck in the UP with my archery or firearm license and shoot a second buck in the LP with the other license?
YES. However, one of those bucks must meet the same requirements as in previous years. That is, one of the deer must have at least one antler with 4 or more points each one inch or more in length.
Q. If I shoot a buck in the LP with less than 3 points on one antler and tag it with the regular combination license, can I transport that deer to the UP?
YES. Rules for transportation of legally tagged deer have not changed.
Q. What if I hunt on Drummond Island (DMU 117) where there is a "no spike" rule?
Drummond Island is part of the Upper Peninsula. The "no spike" rule remains in place for those hunting with a firearm or archery license. However, those individuals are limited to only one antlered deer per year in the UP. Deer hunters with a combination license must follow the UP wide regulations for combination licenses.
Q. Why was this regulation only for the UP?
The NRC considered making the regulation statewide but there was more support expressed for it by people who hunt in the UP.
Q. How long will this regulation last?
The NRC has the authority to change regulations and usually does so for deer hunting during the May, June and July meetings. There was no date specifically set for considering the regulation again at the time it was passed. DNR staff expects it will take several years to evaluate the biological impacts of this regulation. Ultimately this question will be answered by commissioners.
Q. What if I purchased a deer license prior to the regulation being adopted?
The DNR and NRC recognize that some licenses for the upcoming seasons were purchased prior to the amendment. Licenses purchased prior to June 12 will be considered grandfathered in. Those hunters will hunt under the same regulations as a hunter with the same license in the Lower Peninsula.
Q. What if I purchase a deer license after June 11 and decide I purchased the wrong license?
You have 30 days after the date of purchase to void your deer license at a local vendor. After that, you will have to have the license voided at the DNR Lansing office. Licenses will not be voided on or after the first day of the hunting season for which the license is legal. (For archery and combination licenses that date is Oct 1, for firearm license that date is Nov 15. For youths that date is Sept. 27)
Q. What hunting rules apply to me if I have a lifetime license?
For 2008 you are considered to have purchased your license prior to June 12, 2008. For all subsequent years you will be considered to have purchased your license after June 11, 2008.
Q. What if the license I purchased prior to June 12 is either lost or damaged?
Your replacement license will have the new language and the date of replacement printed on it. However, the computer license purchase records will show the original purchase was prior to June 12, 2008. The rules prior to June 12, 2008 still apply.
Application for a private land antlerless deer license
Q. Why did the DNR establish an application for a private land antlerless deer license?
In many of the DMUs in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan the demand for private land antlerless deer licenses exceed the quota. Last year all private land antlerless deer licenses were sold over the counter (OTC), on first-come, first-served basis. By selling licenses OTC in 2007, 10 DMUs sold out of private land antlerless deer licenses before 5:00 pm the first day they went on sale, one DMU sold out in 15 minutes. To provide everyone with an equal opportunity to acquire a private land antlerless deer license, the lottery was established. See the 2008 Michigan Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide for additional information.
Q. Is an application required for a private land antlerless deer license in Southern Michigan?
There is no application for DMUs in the southern Lower Peninsula and selected special regulation unit DMUs. Those private land antlerless licenses will be sold over the counter. See the 2008 Michigan Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide for additional information.
Q. Must I apply to acquire a private land antlerless deer license?
NO. However, there are 20 DMUs that are expected to have fewer private land antlerless deer licenses available than the demand for those licenses. For those DMUs an application is advisable. The remaining 23 DMUs in the UP & NLP are expected to have leftover licenses. An application can be made for one of those 23 DMUs or you can take the chance there will be leftovers and purchase one over the counter. A table of those 43 DMUs with the 2007 quota, the number of days it took to sell out of the 2007 quota, and the 2008 quota will be available during the application period. Click here for the table of those DMUs where application is optional. Click here for the table of those DMUs where application is advisable.
Q. What day will the private land antlerless deer licenses for Southern Lower Peninsula go on sale?
September 8, 2008
Q. What day will the leftover private land antlerless deer licenses for the UP and NLP go on sale?
September 17, 2008. This is the same day leftover public land antlerless deer licenses will go on sale.
Q. Must I apply to purchase a leftover license?
NO. Anyone 10 years of age or older may purchase an over the counter antlerless deer license. A hunter may purchase one antlerless deer license a day (public or private, not both) until the quota is reached.
Q. How many private land antlerless deer licenses may I purchase?
You may purchase up to 5 private land antlerless deer licenses (no more than 2 in zones 1 & 2 combined). A hunter may purchase one antlerless deer license a day (public or private, not both) until the quota is reached.
Q: Why limit the number of private land antlerless license that someone can buy?
The yearly limit of 5 private land antlerless licenses (no more than 2 in zones 1 & 2 combined) was created to distribute the harvest of antlerless deer among hunters and across the landscape. There is no yearly limit on private land antlerless license for the Special Regulation Units (TB area).
Multiple antlerless deer license applications
Q. May I apply for both a private land antlerless deer license and a public land antlerless deer license?
NO. Only one antlerless deer license application (either public land OR private land) may be made each year. The application and lottery is designed to provide an equitable distribution of a limited number of licenses among all interested hunters. Allowing more than one application per person could result in some individual receiving multiple licenses while others receive no licenses.
Q. May I purchase a leftover antlerless deer licenses even though I was successful in the drawing?
YES. Once the drawing is complete, any leftover antlerless deer licenses (both public land and private land) will be sold over the counter on a first come, first served bases. Anyone may purchase a leftover antlerless deer license, up to the limit (2 private land antlerless licenses for zone 1 & 2 combined, and 5 private land antlerless deer licenses total) until the quota is reached. There is no limit on the number of public land antlerless deer licenses one can purchase. You may purchase only one antlerless deer license a day (either public land OR private land, not both).
Q. May I purchase leftover antlerless deer licenses even though I did not apply?
YES. Once the drawing is complete, any leftover antlerless deer licenses (both public land and private land) will be sold over the counter on a first come, first served bases. Anyone may purchase a leftover antlerless deer license, up to the limit (2 private land antlerless licenses for zone 1 & 2 combined, and 5 private land antlerless deer licenses total) until the quota is reached. There is no limit on the number of public land antlerless deer licenses one can purchase. You may purchase only one antlerless deer license a day (either public land OR private land, not both).
Deer Licenses
Q. How many different deer licenses may I purchase?
Hunters should consider their options carefully before purchasing a deer hunting license. A person is entitled to purchase one (1) firearm deer license and one (1) archery deer license, or one (1) combination deer license. A person cannot purchase a combination deer license if they already have either an archery deer license or firearm deer license, nor may they purchase a firearm or archery deer license if they have already purchased a combination deer license. For those hunting in the Upper Peninsula consider the antlered deer regulations before purchasing your license. (See the following 3 questions.)
Q. What is the combination deer license?
The combination deer license was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1998. The combination license is available from all Michigan license agents statewide or on-line and can be purchased at any time. If you purchase a combination deer license you will receive two (2) kill tags (one marked "regular" and one marked "restricted"). The kill tags can be used in the firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons. The choice of when to use them is up to the hunter. A person could use both kill tags in the same season, or one tag in 2 different seasons. The restricted kill tag, if used on an antlered deer, must be put on a deer that has at least one antler with four or more antler points 1" or longer. The cost of the license is the same as two ( 2) regular deer hunting licenses. The discount for seniors and youngsters is the same as the regular deer hunting license discount, and each combination license counts as two (2) licenses for multiple discount (15%) purposes.
Q. How many and what size bucks (antlered deer) can I take in Michigan ?
The maximum possible number of bucks a person could take under their regular deer licenses in Michigan (archery, firearm or combination) is two with one exception. In the Upper Peninsula only one antlered deer is permitted between an archery license and a firearm license, if those licenses were purchased after June 11, 2008. If you take two antlered deer, regardless of season or license type, one of the antlered deer must have at least one antler with four or more antler points 1" or longer. This "four-point minimum" buck can be taken first or second, the order is not important. If using a combination kill tag, you may tag it with either tag, however, it is to your advantage to use the combination restricted tag on this "four-point minimum" buck. The remaining combination regular tag may be used for any antlered buck. Hunters also need to be aware that there are special regulations for antlered deer in the Upper Peninsula. In addition, three Deer Management Units (DMUs) have a "no spike" regulation and two DMUs have a "three-point minimum". These regulations are described in more detail in the next question below.
Note: Special regulations for some of the island hunts may allow the taking of additional bucks; however, these deer are tagged with a special permit, do not require tagging with your regular license, and do not count towards the regular bag limit.
Q. What type of deer may I take with a firearm deer license, archery deer license or combination deer license?
Firearm License: Your firearm kill tag is valid statewide during the firearm season and the muzzleloader season to take an antlered deer with exceptions (see below). An "antlered deer" is defined as a deer with at least one antler extending 3 or more inches above the skull.
Exceptions:
- If you purchased your firearm license after June 11, 2008 and if you harvest an antlered deer in the Upper Peninsula with your archery license you may not harvest an antlered deer with your firearm license in the Upper Peninsula.
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Three special DMUs have a "no spike" restriction: Deer Management Unit 135, Drummond Island (DMU 117) and South Fox Island (DMU 245). An antlered deer taken in these areas must have at least one antler with 2 or more points 1-inch in length.
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Two special DMUs have "three point on a side minimum" regulations: DMU 045 and DMU 122. An antlered deer taken in these areas must have at least 1 antler with 3 or more antler points, 1 or more inches in length.
Archery License: Your bow and arrow kill tag is valid statewide to take any kind of deer (antlered or antlerless) with the same exceptions listed under the Firearm License above. An "antlered deer" is defined as a deer with at least one antler extending 3 or more inches above the skull.
Combination License: If you use your kill tag during the regular firearm season or the muzzleloader season, the kill tag is valid for an antlered deer only. If you use your kill tag during the archery seasons, the kill tag is valid for an antlered or antlerless deer. What you can take is the same as other hunters afield for the respective season, however, the kill tags designate what size antlered deer can legally be tagged. The combination regular kill tag can be used on any antlered deer (see definitions above) with the exceptions below. The combination restricted kill tag, if used on a buck, can only be used on a deer having at least one antler with four or more antler points 1" or longer . The maximum number of deer any person can take under their regular deer licenses is two (2). If you have a combination deer license, you can legally take:
- 2 antlerless deer (archery season only), or
- 1 antlered (either season, your choice) and 1 antlerless (archery season only), or
- 2 antlered deer (both in the firearm or muzzleloader seasons or archery seasons or one in each season 2 different seasons, your choice)
Reminders: Regardless of the kind of license you buy and season(s) you hunt, if you take two (2) antlered deer, one of the antlered deer must have at least one antler with four or more antler points 1" or longer. This deer can be taken first or second. The order is not important.
Exceptions: If you purchased a combination license after June 11, 2008, the regular kill tag is valid for an antlered deer in the Upper Peninsula with at least one antler with 3 or more antler points eash 1 inch or longer. The "no spike" regulation for Deer Management Unit 135, Drummond Island (DMU 117) and South Fox Island (DMU 245) and the "three-point on a side minimum" regulations for DMU 045 and 122 apply to all hunters.
Q. Isn't there also a "button buck" tagging option for an antlerless deer hunter?
YES. In addition to the above options for deer hunters, a person with a valid antlerless deer hunting license and an unused firearm or comination license that kills a "button buck" (male deer with less than 3" antlers) can tag the male deer with any deer hunting license (antlerless, firearm, or either combination license). Both licenses must be in your possession at the time of the kill. All deer must be tagged immediately.
Q. How do I obtain a license to hunt antlerless deer?
There are two types of antlerless deer hunting licenses - "public land" antlerless deer hunting licenses and "private land" antlerless deer hunting licenses.
"Public land" antlerless deer hunting licenses are issued by application and a license quota for the DMUs. To be considered for a "public land" antlerless deer hunting license, an individual needs to make application from July 15 through August 15 for the DMU in which they wish to hunt that has public land licenses available. The application can be made at any of the 1,550 Michigan license agents or on-line through the Department's web site, http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/welcome.asp Success in the drawing can be checked on-line after the drawing date listed in the Antlerless Deer License Application Guide. Selected DMUs may have leftover public land antlerless licenses for sale over-the-counter starting September 17 .
"Private land" antlerless deer hunting licenses for those DMUs in Zone 1 and Zone 2 will first be distributed by lottery, with leftover licenses sold over the counter beginning September 17. See the Antlerless Deer Hunting Guide for specific DMUs. DMUs in Zone 3 and the Special Regulation Units (TB area) may be purchased over-the-counter or on-line starting September 9 . A landowner's contact telephone number is required to purchase a private land antlerless license. A person is limited to purchasing no more than 5 private land antlerless licenses of which no more than 2 may be from Zones 1 and 2 combined, except for the Special Regulation Units. You may purchase one license per day until the license quota is reached. The outstanding quota of licenses for each DMU (for antlerless deer) may be checked on-line.
A special provision for youngsters 9 to 16 years of age allows them to purchase one (1) private or public land antlerless deer license, over-the-counter, on a first-come, first-served basis, from July 15 through August 15 for any deer management unit open to the taking of antlerless deer. A youth must be 10 years old by September 27 to purchase an antlerless license. No application fee or drawing is required for youngsters to take advantage of this offer.
Q. What is a "public land" antlerless deer hunting license?
A "public land" antlerless deer hunting license allows an individual to hunt for antlerless deer upon publicly-owned lands open to hunting and commercial forest lands within the deer management unit for which it is issued. A public land license is invalid on any privately-owned lands except commercial forest properties. Click here to view a listing of commercial forest lands.
Q. What is a "private land" antlerless deer hunting license?
A private land antlerless deer hunting license is valid for taking antlerless deer only from any privately owned lands within the deer management unit specified on the license with permission of the landowner. A private land license is not valid on public or Commercial Forest Lands.
Q. How many antlerless licenses can I apply for or purchase?
From July 15 through August 15, a person can make one (1) application for a public land or a private land antlerless deer hunting license, not both.
Young hunters, ages 9 to 16, may purchase one antlerless deer hunting license over the counter July 15 through August 15. No application fee or drawing is required. These licenses are available only for deer management units open to the taking of antlerless deer. These licenses may be purchased for either public or private land. A youth must appear in person with a parent or guardian to purchase the Junior Antlerless Deer Hunting License . A youth must be 10 by September 27 to purchase an antlerless license. Youngsters 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Nonresidents under 17 are allowed to purchase resident licenses.
Beginning September 9, private land antlerless deer hunting licenses for DMUs in Zone 3 and the special regulation units are sold over the counter. Statewide, hunters may purchase one private land or one public land antlerless deer license each day. There is a season limit of five (5) private land antlerless licenses per person, of which no more than two may be purchased for Zones 1 and 2 combined (except for the special regulation units in Zone 2).
There is no limit on the number of leftover public land antlerless licenses a person can purchase. No application is required to purchase a leftover public land antlerless license.
Q. I'm a convicted felon. Are there any restrictions on my purchasing a license to hunt?
NO. There are no restrictions on your purchase of hunting licenses. However, you may or may not be eligible to purchase, possess, transport, or receive a firearm. For more information, see the Michigan State Police publication Michigan Concealed Weapons and Firearm Laws on their web site at http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/publications/firearms.pdf or call your probation or parole officer, or local police department for more information.
Hunting equipment
Q. May I hunt deer with a bow and arrow during the November firearm deer season?
YES. In order to hunt deer with a bow during this time, you must possess a valid firearm, combination or antlerless deer license with an unused kill tag or an unused Deer Management Assistance (DMA) permit. The archery license is not valid during the November firearm deer season. If you kill a deer, you must tag it with your firearm deer license, combination deer license, antlerless deer license or DMA permit, as appropriate. You must wear hunter orange because the archery deer season is closed.
Reminder: You must have purchased a regular deer license (firearm, combination or antlerless) to hunt with or use a DMA Permit.
Q. How many rounds of ammunition may I carry in my rifle or shotgun?
If you use a semi-automatic rifle or a semi-automatic shotgun, other than a .22 caliber rifle or smaller caliber rimfire rifle, the firearm cannot be capable of holding more than 6 rounds in the barrel and magazine combined. This restriction does not apply to bolt action, lever action, or other firearms that are not semi-automatics.
Q. May I hunt raccoon with a .22-caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire firearm during the November 10 through 14 period?
YES. If you are a resident and have a fur harvester's license you may hunt fur bearing animals and check trap lines while possessing a .22-caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire firearm during this period.
Q. Where may I sight-in my rifle during the November 10 through 14 period?
You may use any designated shooting range. In addition, it is permitted to sight-in a firearm on your own property if it is apparent that you are target practicing and not attempting to take game.
Q. May I transport a firearm in my vehicle if it is broken down?
No. In order to transport a firearm in your vehicle it must first be unloaded in the barrel and magazine combined. It must then be securely enclosed in a case, or you may carry it in the trunk of the vehicle.
Q. How many firearms may I legally carry while firearm deer hunting?
There is no restriction on the number of firearms that you may carry.
Q. What caliber or gauge of firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol) can I use to hunt deer north of the "Rifle-Shotgun Line"?
Any caliber or gauge is legal north of the "Rifle-Shotgun Line" except a .22 caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire rifle or pistol. All centerfire rifles and handguns and all shotguns are legal in this area regardless of caliber or gauge.
Baiting and Feeding
Q. May I use bait when hunting deer in Michigan ?
This depends upon where you hunt in Michigan . Deer baiting is banned in the following seven (7) counties to help control and eradicate bovine TB in Michigan : Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties . In addition, all baiting except for the trapping of furbearing animals is banned in managed waterfowl areas because it conflicts with legitimate waterfowl hunting.
If you hunt in any other part of the state, baiting for deer is currently allowed, however, deer hunters must abide by the following baiting regulations:
- Deer baiting is legal only from October 1 through January 1.
- Any type of food material is legal to use.
- The volume of bait cannot exceed 2 gallons at any hunting site.
- The bait must be scattered directly on the ground. "Scattered" means that the bait is dispersed or thrown over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area (or equivalent). The bait may be scattered by any means including mechanical spin-cast type feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute on the ground more than the maximum volume allowed.
Bait and baiting does not include the establishment or maintenance of food patches for wildlife; limbs, boughs, leaves and other foods remaining from logging practices; natural foods where they fall on the ground (e.g. apples, acorns, etc.); standing farm crops, or foods scatter as a result of normal agricultural planting and harvesting practices.
Notice: In the event Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is documented within Michigan or within 50 miles of Michigan's border with an adjoining state (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota) or adjoining Canadian province (Ontario), the Natural Resources Commission has ordered the Director to ban the use of bait and to ban all feeding of deer and elk within that peninsula or the peninsula adjacent to the state or province where CWD has been detected.
Q. Can I use salt and mineral products or salt blocks to bait deer?
YES. The regulations specifically state that any type of food material may be used to bait deer. This includes salt and mineral blocks and other salt products. Although recommended, there is no requirement that large food materials such as salt blocks be broken and scattered.
Q. Can I feed deer in Michigan ?
First, deer feeding of any kind is banned in the following seven (7) counties to help control and eradicate bovine TB in Michigan : Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties . In the other areas of Michigan feeding for recreational viewing of deer is currently allowed, however, any feeding of deer must comply with the following regulations:
- The feed must be placed within 100 yards of your residence upon property that you own, and at least 100 yards from any area accessible to cattle, goats, sheep, new world camelids, bison, swine, horses or captive cervidae;
- The feed must be placed directly on the ground. Any means of placing the feed on the ground, including spin-cast type feeders, is legal provided the volume spread does not exceed the daily volume limit;
- The volume of feed used cannot exceed 2 gallons per day per residence.
Any type of food can be used for recreational viewing. Scattering of the food is recommended but not required.
Notice: In the event Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is documented within Michigan or within 50 miles of Michigan's border with an adjoining state (Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota) or adjoining Canadian province (Ontario), the Natural Resources Commission has ordered the Director to ban the use of bait and to ban all feeding of deer and elk within that peninsula or the peninsula adjacent to the state or province where CWD has been detected.
Q. What is the difference between "baiting" deer and "feeding" deer?
"Baiting" is putting out food materials for deer to attract, lure or entice them as an aid in hunting or taking them. A person baiting deer must comply with the baiting regulations.
If you put food materials out that attract deer for any other reason, you must be feeding for recreational viewing purposes and must follow the regulations listed above for recreational viewing. Except for specific supplemental deer feeding, by permit, in portions of the Upper Peninsula , all other feeding of deer is unlawful.
Q. If I own property in an area where feeding and baiting are banned, or if I don't have time to bait or feed deer, are there other things I can legally do to attract deer on my land?
YES. A property owner can create and maintain any number of a variety of food plantings for deer and manage the property specifically to increase natural food and cover for deer. The Department encourages these alternatives to baiting and artificial feeding, even in areas where it's legal to feed and bait deer.
Q. Can I use scents that imitate food, for example apple or acorn scent, in an area where baiting and feeding is banned?
YES. Chemical scents that imitate foods are legal. They are not a food material and therefore legal to use even in areas where baiting is banned.
Q. What is the penalty for illegal baiting or illegal feeding of deer or elk in Michigan ?
Regardless of whether it's illegal feeding or illegal baiting, or whether it involves deer or elk, the potential penalty is the same statewide, although Michigan 's courts decide the exact penalty metered out in each case:
For a person without multiple offenses , the penalty would be up to 90 days, or a fine of $50.00 to $500.00, or both, and costs of prosecution. Although not typically applied to a case not involving an illegally killed animal, in addition to the usual penalties, a court may revoke hunting privileges and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) may seek that items used illegally be condemned.
For a person with multiple offenses (2 previous wildlife part convictions in 5 years) , a minimum of 10 days in jail and a $500.00 fine, up to a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of $2,000.00, plus costs of prosecution. If the severity of the case warrants, the court, in its discretion, can revoke all hunting and fishing privileges for any period of time, up to and including lifetime suspensions, and the DNR may petition the court to condemn all items used illegally.
Hunting hours and property rights
Q. Can I hunt deer from a raised platform with a firearm?
YES. Deer hunters are allowed to hunt from a tree stand, scaffold or raised platform. When hunting on any publicly-owned lands in Michigan, your tree stand, platform, scaffold or steps must be portable (no attachment by nails, screws, bolts, etc.) and cannot be placed out any earlier than September 1, and must be removed no later than January 2. Screw-in tree steps and any device used to assist in climbing a tree that penetrates the cambium (thin layer of living cells just beneath the bark) of the tree is illegal on public lands, however, a "T" bolt or similar device supplied by a treestand manufacturer can be used. A tree stand or raised platform on public lands, must have etched, engraved, implanted, burned, printed, or painted the name and address of the user on the raised platform in a manner which makes the name and address easily read from the ground.
Q. Can I use my vehicle as a raised platform for deer hunting?
NO. A vehicle cannot be used as a raised platform for either archery or firearm deer hunting. Michigan law prohibits the taking of any game from in or upon a vehicle. In addition, other hunting and firearms laws regulate the possession of loaded or uncased firearms, or uncased or unstrung bows, in or upon vehicles.
Q. What are the legal hunting hours for deer?
The hunting hours for deer are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These starting and ending times are published in the Michigan hunting and trapping guide.
Q. If I post my property NO HUNTING, may I continue to hunt on it?
YES. You may continue to hunt on your property. You are simply communicating your desires to others by placing the signs.
Q. When may I shine deer?
From December 1 through October 31 of the following year, a person may shine deer until 11:00 PM . During the month of November, it is unlawful to shine.
It is always unlawful to make use of an artificial light to hunt deer or to shine deer at any time of the year with a firearm, bow and arrow or any other device capable of shooting a projectile in your possession or under your control.
This does not prohibit an individual issued a concealed pistol license, or a person that is authorized to carry a concealed pistol without a license, from possessing or carrying a pistol while shining provided that they do not use the pistol to take, or attempt to take game.
Telephone number requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license
Q: Why does the DNR require a telephone number to purchase a private land antlerless license?
The DNR Law Enforcement Division requested the landowner's telephone number be placed on the license. This will aid Conservation Officers in the field should an Officer need to contact the landowner.
Q: What telephone number must I provide?
The contact telephone number for the landowner granting permission to hunt is required to purchase a private land antlerless license. This requirement is to purchase any private land antlerless deer license; there is no exception to this requirement. The telephone number will be printed on the license.
Q: May I use my own phone number?
YES, provided your land is within the DMU the private land antlerless license is for.
Q: What if the landowner does not have a telephone?
The requirement is the contact telephone number for that landowner. If the landowner does not have a personal telephone, the landowner should provide the telephone number of someone that can contact the landowner.
Q: Do I need to list all the telephone numbers of the landowners granting me permission to hunt on their property when I am purchasing a private land antlerless license?
NO. To receive a private land antlerless license, an individual must provide one telephone number of an individual within the DMU that has given them permission to hunt.
Q: Once an individual has been issued a private land antlerless license do they have to hunt only on that property where the telephone number was provided?
NO. The license can be used on any private land within the DMU printed on the private land antlerless license for which the hunter has received landowner permission
Q. What is the 40 acre rule?
There is no acreage requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license for 2008.
Youth hunting
Q: Can a youth hunt on a non-family member's property or public land?
YES. A person under 17 may hunt on land where the parent/guardian does not live ONLY if accompanied by the parent/guardian or another person who is at least 18 years old and authorized by the parent/guardian.
Q: Can 12 and 13 year olds hunt on public land?
YES. However, 12 and 13 year olds hunting deer, bear, or elk with a firearm may NOT hunt on public land. They can firearm hunt for bear, deer, or elk on private land only. However, they can archery hunt or firearm hunt for other game on public land.
Q: If 12 and 13 year olds are restricted to private land when using a firearm, can they still hunt on public land with archery equipment?
YES. They can hunt on public land with archery equipment. They are restricted to private land only when firearm hunting for bear, deer, or elk. Commercial Forest Land is private land. They can use a firearm on public land to hunt game other than bear, deer, or elk.
Q: How can my 10 or 11 year old hunt the youth firearm season if they can not purchase a firearm deer license and are limited to archery equipment?
Youths 10 and 11 year old will need to purchase and carry either an antlerless license or a combination license to participate. The youth will have to wear hunter orange.
Q: Will my 9 year old be able to buy a junior antlerless license?
YES. During the application period of July 15 through August 15, youths 9 years old that will be 10 years of age by September 27, 2008, may purchase one junior antlerless license.
Apprentice Program
Q: What is the apprentice law?
On July 10, 2006, Governor Granholm signed legislation that creates an apprentice hunter program in Michigan. The program allows apprentice hunters to hunt without the otherwise required hunter education course if accompanied and closely monitored by a licensed hunter 21 years or older. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. The purpose of this program is to allow people to try hunting under close control before deciding whether or not they want to take a hunter safety class.
The apprentice program serves to attract new participants to hunting and help conserve our natural resources. Hunting is an important wildlife management tool and exceptional recreation. The DNR believes it is important to continue the hunting tradition with our youth as well as adults who may not have had an opportunity to hunt with a parent or grandparent while growing up. Furthermore, the apprentice license allows new hunters, including adults, to gain hunting experience with an adult mentor, for a limited time, without the requirement of hours of hunter education prior to the experience.
Q: Is this only for youth?
NO, it is for anyone 10 years and up who does not have a hunter safety certificate and would like to try hunting without having to make a substantial commitment. However, the ‘apprentice' regardless of their age must be with a ‘mentor' who is licensed to hunt that same game and is 21 years or older.
Q: Do regular license fees and age requirements apply?
YES. The apprentice must meet age requirements and pay all license fees and application fees.
Q: Does the adult mentor have to be a family member?
NO. For a youth a parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old or older authorized by a parent or guardian, who is licensed to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.
Q: At what age are Apprentice hunters required to take hunter safety?
Age is not the determinant, the number of license years is. A person may purchase an apprentice license for only two license years. After two license years, a hunter safety certificate is required. The two license years do not have to be consecutive.
Q: Does the ‘mentor' need to be licensed for the same game?
YES, but not necessarily the same hunt (example: youth deer hunt, the mentor would have to have some type of deer license to go afield with the apprentice.)
Q: What are the requirements/responsibilities of a mentor?
The mentor must be 21 years or older and also be licensed for the same game to accompany the apprentice. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. A parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old authorized by a parent or guardian, who is license to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.
The mentor cannot accompany more than 2 apprentice hunters at one time.
Q: How is this applied to drawings and special hunts?
The apprentice must apply just like any other individual. Example: If they are successful in the elk drawing, they would have to be accompanied by another person who drew an elk hunting license and who is 21 years or older.
Q: How does an apprentice buy an apprentice license on e-license when they are asked about hunter safety?
The E-license process has been changed to accommodate an apprentice without hunter safety.
Q: Does this (Apprentice License) apply for youth seasons, when there is an age limit to hunt that season?
Only apprentice hunters who meet the necessary age requirements for the youth hunt may participate. However, a licensed mentor 21 years of age or older must accompany the apprentice.
Q: When and where can I get my apprentice license?
Either on e-license or at any license agent.
Q: Does my mentor need to be with me when I purchase my apprentice license?
NO. Anyone 17 years of age or older may purchase an apprentice license without a mentor present. If the apprentice is less than 17 years old the parent or guardian must accompany the youth to purchase the license. The mentor must be with the apprentice when they go afield.
Use of dogs
Q: Can I use a dog to help find a dead deer?
YES. The Department has established a uniform statewide rule for using a dog to assist a hunter in finding a dead deer. The dog must be kept on a leash and no one in attendance can possess a firearm or bow and arrow. If the tracking is done at night, a light of the type ordinarily carried in the hand may be used (e.g. flashlight, lantern). A dog that barks while tracking the deer cannot be used on public lands.
Deer processing
Q. Can I process or have my deer processed before I return home?
YES. You may process your own deer or take it to a processor before you return home. You do not need any type of permit from the DNR; however, until you get your deer home, you must keep the head and validated kill tag as proof of the kind of deer you took.
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