Michigan's firearm deer season is starting on Saturday and will last 15 days.
"It's always a fun time of the year," said Brent Rudolph, deer specialist for Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR). Whether you're a hunter or just an appreciator of getting out in a little bit of the cooler weather."
He says that deer hunting is a big tradition in Michigan with 90% or more of hunters hunting deer. According to MDNR's 2024 wildlife report, there was 1.6% increase from 2023 in how many people purchased a deer hunting license. However, the number of people who bought a deer hunting license in 2024 was 9% lower than in 2014.
Rudolph says there are two different options when it comes to purchasing deer hunting licenses.
One of these options is a single deer license, which gives hunters the opportunity to hunt one deer. The other option is a combination license, that gives hunters the chance to hunt two deer.
Rudolph says they have a new online deer harvest reporting process in the recent years and "is a requirement that we've had for several years now."
There is a hunt/fish mobile app where hunters can purchase licenses, permits, report harvests, see regulations and much more.
Rudolph says that reporting deer is an important resource for the MDNR because it gives a live look into how the season progresses. But hunters can also face penalties or fines if they don't report their harvest.
For first time hunters or young hunters, there are requirements to pass a hunter safety course or be hunting with a mentor. There is more information on MDNR's 2025 deer hunting regulations summary.
"We certainly know with any hunting experience you always have to be aware of and treat any firearm like it's loaded," Rudolph said. "And be aware of where you're pointing it, be absolutely certain of your target and of what's beyond it."
According previous reporting from WCMU, chronic wasting disease is important to look out for in deer. This disease can only be confirmed through testing, even though there are signs to look out for.
Rudolph says this disease occurs when a deer consumes a folded protein it eventually leads to misshaped proteins spreading in their brain, and causes holes to form.
The symptoms to look out for in deer include disorientation, a lack of awareness of surroundings, signs of weight loss and being able to easily walk up to them.
There has not been any evidence of chronic wasting disease spreading to humans, but it is important to get the deer tested.
"We just encourage at any time it's difficult to know what's happening without close examination and lab tests in some instances," Rudolph said.
The MDNR also offers free testing kits for hunters and on the hunt/fish mobile app, there are locations to take deer in to get tested.
Rudolph says it's important to be aware of the area in which you're hunting, because local communities can completely restrict hunting.
There is also a safety zone, which means you need permission if you're 150 yards of a building to be able to hunt with a firearm.
According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Michigan hunting and fishing generates $11.2 billion in economic activity a year.
"Even though the majority of people in Michigan don't engage in the activity, they still benefit from both the traditions of the time spent outdoors," Rudolph said. "And certainly the economic impact of the expenditures that people participate in as they're out there each year."
We note the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is a financial supporter of WCMU. We report on them as we do with any other organization.
