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How to Report Your Deer Harvest in Michigan (2026): The 72-Hour Rule

Updated October 21, 2026

Every successful deer hunter in Michigan has to file a harvest report, and several Michigan processors ask for the confirmation number at drop-off (see our processor checklist). Here's what the DNR says, in plain steps. Everything below links to the DNR page it came from.

The deadline: 72 hours, or before the processor, whichever comes first

Report within 72 hours of recovering your deer and before you transfer possession to anyone else, such as a meat processor or taxidermist. ^[source]
In practice: if you're driving straight to the processor, report before you get there.
Anyone holding a deer after the 72-hour window should be able to show the confirmation number. ^[source]
Who has to report: all successful deer hunters with a state-issued deer license, including Deer Management Assistance Permits. ^[source] Processing the deer yourself doesn't exempt you. ^[source]

How to report (about 3–5 minutes)

Online: go to Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport on a phone or computer and enter your kill tag license number and date of birth. No tag number handy? Log in to eLicense and use the Harvest Report tab to see your tags. ^[source]
App: use the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app (Google Play and Apple App Store). ^[source]
Save the confirmation number. You get one when the report is done, with an option to have a copy emailed. ^[source] Write it down or screenshot it for the processor.

No signal in the woods? A family member or friend can report for you. They'll need your kill tag license number, date of birth, and details of the harvest and where you hunted. ^[source]

New for 2026: eHarvest tags

Licenses bought in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app come with an eHarvest tag on your phone, which you validate electronically instead of attaching a paper kill tag. It works with or without cell service. ^[source]
If the deer is no longer personally attended by you, a durable tag with your license number in permanent ink must be securely attached. That durable tag isn't required when the deer is at your primary residence or taken directly to a processor or taxidermist. ^[source]
Licenses bought from a retailer still come with a paper kill tag; licenses bought through eLicense get a paper tag by mail (10–15 business days). ^[source]
An eHarvest tag is not a harvest report. You still have to report within 72 hours or before transferring the deer. ^[source]

Disease testing comes after the report

You must finish your harvest report before submitting a deer for CWD or TB testing. ^[source] In 2026 the DNR's focused CWD collection is in Newaygo, Mecosta, Montcalm, Kent and Ionia counties, and hunters outside the focused areas can get a free lymph-node test kit. ^[source]

Mistakes, help and penalties

Made a mistake on your report? Call the DNR licensing and customer service center at 517-284-6057, Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m. ^[source]
Need help reporting? Call the Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 (weekday business hours) or email DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov. ^[source]
Penalty: failing to report, or to keep your confirmation number, is a civil infraction with a fine of up to $150. ^[source]

Quick checklist before the processor

Harvest report filed, confirmation number saved.
Tag validated (paper kill tag attached, or eHarvest tag validated in the app).
Called ahead: see 12 questions to ask a processor.
Season dates: Michigan deer season dates 2026–27.
Donating? See how to donate venison in Michigan.

This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. The 2026 Deer Hunting Regulations Summary and the DNR's harvest reporting page are the official word.