Michigan · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Michigan Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Sep 12 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Liberty Hunt | Statewide | Sep 12 – Sep 13 |
| Early antlerless firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs (excl. 145 and 245) | Sep 12 – Sep 13 |
| Archery (early) | Statewide | Oct 1 – Nov 14 |
| Archery — South Fox Island special hunt | DMU 245 | Oct 1 – Oct 28 |
| Independence Hunt | Statewide | Oct 15 – Oct 18 |
| Firearm — South Fox Island special hunt | DMU 245 | Oct 29 – Nov 26 |
| Regular firearm | Statewide | Nov 15 – Nov 30 |
| Archery (late) | Statewide | Dec 1 – Jan 1 |
| December firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs | Dec 4 – Dec 6 |
| Muzzleloader | Upper Peninsula DMUs | Dec 4 – Dec 6 |
| Late antlerless firearm | Lower Peninsula DMUs (excl. 145 and 245) | Dec 7 – Jan 1 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | 2 antlered deer statewide (1 antlered in DMU 117). |
|---|---|
| Liberty Hunt | 1 antlered deer + multiple antlerless deer (one per valid kill tag). |
| Independence Hunt | 1 deer, either antlered or antlerless. |
| Antlerless | Governed by universal antlerless deer license limits, set by DMU in the UP and by county in the LP (1–10 depending on area). |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (September 12, 2026) 06:48 — 20:27
Rule: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (Zone A base; add zone offset from MDNR map for other zones). Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Michigan sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Michigan hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Michigan license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Michigan licenses & permits — Michigan Department of Natural Resources →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Michigan?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is September 12, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Michigan?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 1, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Dates from the 2026 Michigan Deer Hunting Regulations Summary. Most rows are printed without a year; years above are assigned from the publication title and one row that carries an explicit year (Dec 7 – Jan 1, 2027). The Archery late-segment close of 2027-01-01 is inferred. All Upper Peninsula DMUs are closed to the early and late antlerless firearm seasons. Isle Royale (Keweenaw County) is closed to deer hunting. Antler point restrictions vary by DMU and license type — see the summary.