After a critical review of the Wildlife Conservation Order, the Department of Natural Resources has determined that ALL qualified participants in the upcoming Sept. 21-22 Liberty Hunt are exempt from antler point restrictions (APRs) in the following areas:
Zone 1
The new 12-county APR area – Emmet, Antrim, Charlevoix, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Manistee, Mason, Lake, Osceola, Missaukee and Wexford counties
Deer management unit (DMU) 487
Previously the DNR had stated only individuals hunting under a mentored youth license were exempt from APRs during the Liberty Hunt.
The Liberty Hunt is the two-day hunt for youth (those age 16 and younger) and 100-percent disabled veterans.
APRs WILL remain in effect for all qualified Liberty Hunt participants in the following areas:
DMU 045 – Leelanau County and North Fox Island
DMU 115 – Beaver and Garden Islands
DMU 117 – Drummond Island
DMU 122 – Norway Unit
DMU 135 – East Tawas
Antler point restrictions remain in effect for all hunters during the other deer hunting seasons, except for youth hunting under the mentored youth license. Hunters using a mentored youth license must adhere to antlerless-only season restrictions. Mentored youth licenses are available for hunters age 9 and younger.
The DNR apologizes for any inconvenience this may have caused and wishes everyone an enjoyable hunting season.
