Some big changes are coming this fall as state wildlife officials roll out updated hunting rules for the 2026 season.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has eliminated the Limited Firearms Deer Zone, or “Shotgun Zone”–opening up all legal firearms across the Lower Peninsula starting September 12th
Several key season dates have shifted as well. The early antlerless firearm season now runs September 12th through 13th alongside the Liberty Hunt.
In December, firearm and muzzleloader seasons have been shortened to three days, running December 4th through 6th. The late antlerless season kicks off immediately after, on December 7th.
DNR officials also confirmed that extended late-season hunting in January has been eliminated.
In the Upper Peninsula, senior hunters can now use crossbows during the late archery season. Additionally, the U.P. antlerless drawing is gone, with universal license limits now set by county or deer management unit.
Hunters also have a new digital eHarvest tag option through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, though traditional paper tags remain fully valid. Regardless of tag type, successful hunters must report their harvest within 72 hours.
