Michigan — September 9, 2026
Hunters are venturing out into Michigan fields and forests. There is a lot of new information and regulations to be aware of, so here is a primer on this year’s latest news.
Deer Hunting
Deer hunting season dates, regulations and more are available in the 2026 Hunting Regulations Summary, available at Michigan.gov/Deer.
Liberty Hunt: Sept. 12-13 – open to youth and hunters with disabilities
- Statewide on public and private lands.
- Liberty Hunt information begins on page 6 of the Hunting Regulations Summary.
- Information for hunters with disabilities begins on page 7 of the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Early antlerless firearm: Sept. 12-13
- Antlerless deer only.
- Open on public and private lands in Lower Peninsula DMUs (excluding 145 and 245).
- See page 9 of the Hunting Regulations Summary.
Important Information:
You can purchase a license over the counter from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or – new for deer this year – through the DNR Hunt Fish app. Hunters who purchase a deer license through the DNR Hunt Fish app will receive a digital eHarvest tag on their mobile device immediately. ‘
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers eHarvest as a digital tagging option for hunters who prefer to validate their harvest using a mobile device rather than a paper kill tag.
eHarvest allows hunters to tag harvested animals electronically in the field using the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Participation in eHarvest is optional. Traditional paper tags and point of sale tags remain available.
Hunters who choose eHarvest validate their harvest directly in the Hunt Fish app immediately after the animal is taken. Once validated, the tag is recorded and timestamped on the hunter’s device.
- A cellular connection is not required at the time of validation.
- When using an eHarvest tag, a physical tag is not required as long as the harvested animal is attended by the hunter.
- If the animal is not attended, the hunter must attach a physical tag made of durable material with the license number written in permanent ink. This follows the same rules that apply to traditional paper tagging.
- A physical tag is not required when the animal is transferred directly to a processor or taxidermist or when it is stored at the hunter’s primary residence.
- Deer harvest reporting is mandatory. Call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
- Universal antlerless deer license use limits have been implemented by DMUs in the Upper Peninsula and by counties in the Lower Peninsula.
- Beginning Sept. 12, 2026, resident senior hunters with a valid senior deer license, senior deer combination license or a senior universal antlerless deer license can use a crossbow during the late archery deer season in the Upper Peninsula.
- The limited firearms deer zone has been eliminated. Beginning Sept. 12, 2026, hunters can use all legal firearms across the Lower Peninsula.
- The muzzleloader deer season in the Upper Peninsula and the December firearm deer season in the Lower Peninsula have been reduced to three-day seasons, beginning the first Friday in December.
- Deer management units 351 and 352 have been rescinded and the Upper Peninsula antlerless access permit drawing has been eliminated.
- The late antlerless firearm deer season begins the Monday following the December firearm deer season and continues through Jan. 1.
- The extended late antlerless deer season and the January archery season have been eliminated.
Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey hunting starts Sept. 15.
There is no longer a drawing for fall turkey licenses. You can purchase one fall turkey license per year, valid for one bird of either sex on public and private lands within the designated fall turkey management unit.
You can purchase a license over the counter from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the DNR Hunt Fish app. Hunters who purchase a fall turkey license through the DNR Hunt Fish app will receive a digital eHarvest tag on their mobile device immediately.
Find more information at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Small Game Opener September 15
Small game seasons open statewide Sept. 15 for the following species:
- Cottontail rabbit and snowshoe hare
- Fox and gray squirrel (black phase included)
- Ruffed grouse
- Woodcock
- All woodcock hunters must get a free woodcock stamp, which includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program (HIP).
Season dates, bag limits and small game hunting regulations are available in the 2026 Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary and at Michigan.gov/SmallGame.
Tree Stand Safety Reminders
September is National Tree Stand Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time to brush up on what you need to know about hunting from a tree. A few things to remember:
- Always maintain three points of contact (one hand and two feet or two hands and one foot) when climbing up to or down from the stand.
- Wear a full-body harness that is properly attached above your head.
- Ensure your tree stand is securely attached and stable before using it.
- Use a haul line to get your hunting gear to and from the stand.
Watch this short tree stand safety video for more tips.
Genesee County Pheasants Forever Youth Shoot
Sunday, Sept. 27, at noon
Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club
9046 South Irish Road, Grand Blanc
The sporting clay shoot, open to youths 18 and under at no cost, is funded by the Genesee County Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The Grand Blanc Huntsman’s Club will provide assistance and expertise for the event. The event includes:
- One round of sporting clays with 50 targets.
- Awards and door prizes.
- Refreshments and lunch.
- Pheasants Forever youth membership.
All participants must have a parent/guardian signature of permission and signed waiver form. This form will be available during check-in.
All participants must preregister by Sept. 22, and the shoot is limited to the first 40 applications received.
For more information or questions, contact Jay Blair at 810-869-1311.
If you are heading out to hunt this fall, Be Safe, Be Smart, Know and Follow the Law and Regulations, Have Fun.
Many more regulations and changes have been implemented for the 2026 Hunting Season. This article is just a primer with highlights. Be sure and check the 2026 Hunting Regulations Summary for all details before heading afield.
