Michigan deer hunting rules are set for major changes in 2026 and 2027, including changes to season dates and a one-buck-per-season limit.
Credit: MI Dept. of Natural Resources
Author: Brielle Meyer
Published: 4:54 PM EDT May 14, 2026
Updated: 4:54 PM EDT May 14, 2026
Michigan deer hunters face major rule changes for 2026-2027 seasons after NRC approval | wzzm13.com
MICHIGAN, USA — Michigan deer hunters will see significant changes to the rules governing their seasons after the state Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved a package of updates at its May 13 meeting.
The seven-member commission, whose members are appointed by the governor, acted on recommendations developed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) following extensive public input. The DNR first presented the proposals to the NRC on April 8, 2026.
The changes affect both the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons, touching everything from season lengths and firearm rules to antler restrictions and antlerless deer licenses.
2026 changes
The statewide muzzleloader deer season will be shortened from 10 days to three days, beginning on the first Friday in December. In the Lower Peninsula, any legal firearm may be used during that season, which will be renamed the December Firearm Deer Season.
The Limited Firearms Deer Zone is also being eliminated, allowing all legal firearms, including bottleneck cartridges, throughout the Lower Peninsula. Firearms larger than .22 rimfire are now permitted statewide.
The Late Antlerless Firearm Deer Season will begin on the Monday following the December Firearm Deer Season and run through Jan. 1. The extended late antlerless firearm season and January archery seasons are eliminated, meaning all deer hunting will conclude after Jan. 1.
There will be no antlerless deer hunting access drawing in the Upper Peninsula for 2026. Hunters there may only use universal antlerless deer licenses in select Deer Management Units. Residents with a valid senior deer license may now also use a crossbow during the late archery season in the UP.
The early antlerless firearm deer season will run concurrently with the Liberty Hunt on Sept. 12-13.
2027 changes
Beginning in 2027, Lower Peninsula hunters will be limited to one buck per season. A single deer license will be valid for one deer with at least three antler points on one side, or one antlerless deer. A combination license will allow one antlered and one antlerless deer, or two antlerless deer. Existing antler point restrictions by Deer Management Unit remain in place. Upper Peninsula regulations are unchanged.
The NRC also approved a pilot “earn a second buck” program for the southern Lower Peninsula. Hunters must first harvest an antlerless deer before becoming eligible to take a second buck, subject to a four-point antler point restriction. The DNR will announce participating counties at a later date.
The 2026 deer hunting regulations summary is currently being prepared and will be available through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and the DNR website, followed by printed copies at license retailers and DNR offices statewide.