Members of the NRC voted on a package of proposed deer regulations for the fall 2021 hunting season. Major changes included the creation of a universal antlerless license, with some restrictions for U.P. hunters, as well as an extension of the urban archery season in southeast Michigan and changes to the supplemental and recreational feeding rules. The DNR’s recommendation had originally included more robust changes, however, NRC commissioner amendments repealed four of these. All four of these amendments passed unanimously, as did the entire order once these amendments had been made. As reported by the DNR, specific changes for the 2021 deer regulations include:
Deer Management Unit-specific antlerless deer licenses have been replaced with a universal antlerless license that may be used across multiple DMUs.
Antlerless licenses may now be purchased without an application in the Lower Peninsula and portions of the south-central Upper Peninsula that have DMUs open to antlerless deer hunting. Licenses may be used on public or private land.
In the mid-zone Upper Peninsula DMUs that are open to antlerless deer hunting, a deer hunting access permit must accompany the universal antlerless license. The deer hunting access permit, intended to limit participation where the population can be sensitive to harsh winter weather, will be available through a drawing.
The northernmost DMUs of the U.P. are closed to antlerless deer hunting in all seasons.
Archery hunters in portions of the Upper Peninsula may pursue antlerless deer on their deer or deer combo licenses. DMUs 127, 066, 131, 042, 031, 007 and 048 will be closed to antlerless harvest during the archery seasons.
The expanded urban archery season through Jan. 31 is now permanent in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
Upper Peninsula supplemental and recreational deer feeding regulations have changed, including:
A permit is no longer required for supplemental feeding in the Upper Peninsula.
Supplemental feeding can occur Jan. 1 to May 15.
Recreational or supplemental feeding is prohibited if a location is deemed to be a safety hazard.
All recreational feed must be given in increments of only 2 gallons per calendar day and only 2 gallons at any one time.
