Michigan Firearm Deer Season 2026-27
Opens in 49 daysMichigan's regular firearm deer season opens November 15, 2026 and closes November 30, 2026, with separate antlerless-only firearm windows September 12–13 and December 7 – January 1 in the Lower Peninsula.
Zones & dates
- Closed
Lower Peninsula (excl. DMUs 145, 245)
Early Antlerless Firearm
- Opens
- September 12, 2026
- Closes
- September 13, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 49 days
Statewide
Regular Firearm
- Opens
- November 15, 2026
- Closes
- November 30, 2026
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
- Opens in 71 days
Lower Peninsula (excl. DMUs 145, 245)
Late Antlerless Firearm
- Opens
- December 7, 2026
- Closes
- January 1, 2027
- Bag limit
- See official regulations for bag limits.
Legal equipment
Michigan's regular firearm season allows centerfire firearms loaded per the state's caliber and cartridge rules — some states restrict certain zones to straight-wall or shotgun-only ammunition. Confirm the exact list of legal calibers, ammunition types, and any zone-specific firearm restrictions with Michigan's wildlife agency before you hunt.
Tags and antlerless rules during firearm season
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 firearm season with Michigan's wildlife agency.
How firearm season overlaps archery and muzzleloader
Regular firearm season (November 15–30) sits between early and late archery. The Upper Peninsula muzzleloader season (December 4–6) falls inside the Lower Peninsula's late antlerless firearm window, so the two run concurrently in different regions.
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
Michigan's regular firearm deer season opens November 15, 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.