DNR Has New Rules For Michigan’s 2024 Deer Season
Another Michigan whitetail deer season is approaching, and with it, some rule tweaks from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Many of the changes mean more opportunities to bag your deer, while some mean tighter restrictions for certain Deer Management Units and zones in both the Upper (UP) and Lower (LP) Peninsulas in Michigan. Here's a closer look at updated regulations for the 2024 whitetail deer season.
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Michigan's Upper Peninsula 2024 Whitetail Deer Season Rule Adjustments
While there are statewide changes we will cover in a moment, let's examine some changes that will have a pretty significant impact on many UP hunter's bag limits and freezers. For a refresher on the 2024 schedule and deer seasons, click here.
Limited Permits Available in Michigan Upper Peninsula DMU 352
Whitetail deer hunters in Michigan's Upper Peninsula DMU 352, consisting of DMUs 027, 036, 152, and 252, will need an antlerless deer hunting access permit and a universal antlerless license. Hurry; only 500 permits will be issued for this DMU.
Antler Point Restriction in Effect For Michigan Upper Peninsula DMU 122
DMU 122 (located in the southern red-shaded portion of the map above) has implemented a 3-point antler point restriction (APR). This is done to give antlered deer a season, sometimes more, to grow and improve the strength of the herd.
Antlerless Deer Restrictions For Michigan Upper Peninsula DMU 351
For Michigan whitetail enthusiasts in the UP's DMU 351 in 2024, hunting will be closed to does for those hunting with a universal antlerless deer license. Tough luck, but rules are rules.
DMU 351 includes DMUs 017, 021, 117, 149, 249, and 349.
Whitetail Does Can Be Taken in Select Michigan Upper Peninsula DMUs During Archery
Select Upper Peninsula DMUs will be able to hunt antlerless whitetail deer with a single or combo deer license during the archery season through December 10, 2024.
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The DMUs included are 017, 021, 027, 036, 117, 149, 152, 249, 252, and 349.
Michigan's 2024 Whitetail Deer Season Lower Peninsula Updates
Michigan's hunters in the Lower Peninsula are getting a few extra opportunities and lifted restrictions in the 2024 whitetail deer season.
Michigan's Lower Peninsula Will Have an Extended '24 Archery Season
This one is still news to many hunters in Michigan, but the Extended Urban Archery Season continues in 2025 for those in Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne Counties, beginning on January 1 through January 31.
Legal Firearm Expansion in Zone 2
The use of all legal firearms during the muzzleloading season is permitted, but you must adhere to your zone's equipment requirements.
Public Land Access Update for Michigan's 2024 Whitetail Deer Season
Early and late antlerless firearm seasons now include public land. This opens up a world of possibilities for those looking to stock their chest freezers with backstraps.
Michigan's Extended Late Antlerless Whitetail Deer Season
The DNR has it out for does, and with good reason. An additional firearm season runs from January 2 - 12, 2025, with discounted licenses at $5 each. More bank for your buck doe.
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For more insight on Michigan's 2024 Whitetail Deer Season, see the DNR's Michigan Hunting Regulation Summary. Keep scrolling for a detailed county-by-county look at the 2023 hunting season.
Michigan 2023 Deer Season Review: Full 83 County Harvest Report
Gallery Credit: Scott Clow