Michigan Archery Deer Season 2026-27
Opens in 4 daysMichigan's archery deer season opens October 1, 2026 for the early segment (through November 14) and resumes December 1, 2026 through January 1, 2027 for the late segment.
Zones & dates
- Opens in 4 days
Statewide
Early Archery
- Opens
- October 1, 2026
- Closes
- November 14, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 65 days
Statewide
Late Archery
- Opens
- December 1, 2026
- Closes
- January 1, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
Legal equipment
Michigan allows compound bows, recurve bows, and (in most cases) crossbows during archery season, each meeting the state's minimum specifications. Some equipment rules — broadhead design, crossbow eligibility, and any zone-specific restrictions — vary and are set by the wildlife agency each year. Confirm the current equipment list with Michigan's wildlife agency before you hunt.
Tags and antlerless rules during archery
Tag allowances and antlerless-only windows vary by zone and by segment within Michigan's deer season — some of the dates in the table above are antlerless-only, while others allow either sex. Review each zone row for its specific rules, and confirm current tag limits, antler-point restrictions, and any special antlerless permits required for the archery season with Michigan's wildlife agency.
How archery overlaps firearm seasons
Early archery closes November 14, just before the regular firearm season opens November 15. Late archery then resumes December 1, one day after regular firearm season closes November 30, and continues through the late antlerless firearm window (December 7 – January 1) in the Lower Peninsula.
What changed for 2026-27
Season dates are set annually by Michigan's wildlife agency and can shift from year to year based on herd surveys, weather, and management goals. The dates above reflect the official 2026–27 season as published by the Michigan wildlife agency; check the source link above for any addenda issued after publication, and always reverify before you hunt.
Frequently asked questions
Early archery opens October 1, 2026, and late archery opens December 1, 2026.
Nearby states
Regulations change every year and can vary by county or unit. Hunting Season by State is a reference tool, not a substitute for the official regulation book — always verify dates, zones, and bag limits with the state wildlife agency before you hunt.