Michigan Deer Season Dates 2026–27
Updated October 21, 2026
These are the deer season dates the Michigan DNR lists on its hunting season calendar. Some seasons only apply in certain areas (DMUs) — check the DNR hunting digest for your area before you go.
| Season | 2026–27 dates |
|---|---|
| Early antlerless firearm | Sept. 12–13, 2026 |
| Liberty hunt (youth & hunters with qualifying disabilities) | Sept. 12–13, 2026 |
| Archery | Oct. 1 – Nov. 14, 2026 and Dec. 1, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027 |
| Independence hunt (hunters with qualifying disabilities) | Oct. 15–18, 2026 |
| Regular firearm | Nov. 15–30, 2026 |
| December firearm (Lower Peninsula DMUs) | Dec. 4–6, 2026 |
| Muzzleloader (Upper Peninsula DMUs) | Dec. 4–6, 2026 |
| Late antlerless firearm | Dec. 7, 2026 – Jan. 1, 2027 |
What this means for getting your deer processed
- Opening week of firearm season (from Nov. 15) is the busiest time for processors. Some shops pause intake to catch up — for example, Great Lakes Custom Meats in Howell says it sometimes closes its gate after opening week and asks hunters to call first. [source]
- Some processors set a last drop-off day. KAS Deer Processing in South Lyon lists Jan. 3, 2027. [source]
- Report your harvest before you hand the deer to a processor. The DNR says hunters must report within 72 hours or before transferring possession (to another person, a processor or a taxidermist). [source]
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