Michigan: Late Antlerless Deer Season Begins Today

Contact: DNR Wildlife Division, DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov, 517-284-9453

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the 2016 late antlerless firearm deer hunting season begins Monday, Dec. 19. Below is the list of the deer management units (DMUs) that are open and closed for this private-land-only hunt.

A valid private-land antlerless deer license is required for this season, which runs Dec. 19 through Jan. 1, 2017.

The 2016 Michigan Antlerless Deer Digest has further rules and regulations for antlerless deer hunting. More information also is available by visiting mi.gov/deer or calling the nearest DNR Customer Service Center.

Don’t forget, all hunters must wear hunter orange during this season.

Late antlerless season:

Is open, on private lands only, within DMUs 003, 005, 006, 008, 009, 010, 013, 015, 025, 028, 029, 030, 037, 038, 044, 045, 046, 047, 050, 051, 056, 058, 063, 073, 074, 081, 082, 135, 311, 312, 332, 333, 341, 354, 361, 419 and 487.

Is closed in the Upper Peninsula and DMUs 016, 018, 020, 024, 026, 040, 043, 053, 057, 065, 067, 069, 072, 083, 115, 145, 174, 245 and 273.

See a map of the open and closed DMUs for late antlerless firearm season.

Hunters are reminded that chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been confirmed in free-ranging deer in Ingham and Clinton counties. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. To learn more about chronic wasting disease, please visit www.michigan.gov/cwd.

In DMU 333, there is an unlimited antlerless deer license quota and mandatory testing of all harvested deer. Deer taken during the late antlerless season in DMU 333 are required to be submitted to one of five deer check stations located throughout the Core CWD Area (DMU 333) and CWD Management Zone. Those hunting in DMU 419 are strongly encouraged to submit their deer for testing.