Richard P. Smith

Proposed amendments made by Natural Resources Commission members at a meeting this month could dramatically change major modifications to the Michigan deer season that had already been recommended prior to the meeting.
It is now “wait and see” for the state’s hunters.

Based on results from the Michigan DNR’s annual UP Deer Camp Survey, deer hunting success during the 2025 firearms season was identical to the year before – and on par with average results over the years the survey has been conducted.
In both the 2024 and 2025 hunts, 24% of hunters bagged a buck both years and saw an average of 2.7 deer per hunter day each year. The long-term average for the number of deer seen per hunter day is 2.9.

Perceptions that a one-buck bag limit would improve deer hunting in Michigan are being challenged by an example of the regulation in Drummond Island.
A one-buck limit has been in effect on the 125-square mile island at the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula since 2017. Antler point restrictions are in effect for deer hunters on the island, too. Bucks must have at least three points on one antler to be legal for hunters to shoot there.