Michigan’s 2024 Whitetail Deer Season: Schedule Updates and 2023 Harvest Recap

Here we go again, Michigan hunters. Another whitetail deer season is upon us, and with it comes some rule changes and schedule updates. It's time to hang the camo in a tree, sharpen your arrows, and get your sights right. Here's the lowdown on Michigan's 2024 deer season. Keep scrolling for a county-by-county recap of Michigan's 2023 season to see which county bagged the most deer, broken down by bucks and does.

2024 Michigan Whitetail Deer Season Dates

There might be a couple of seasons you've never heard of. For instance, have you ever participated in the Extended Urban Archery hunt? According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), here's a breakdown, beginning to end, of Michigan's whitetail deer season.

Liberty Hunt: September 14 - 15, 2024

This hunt is for Michigan's young and disabled hunters. During this time period, Michiganders 10 - 16 and those younger than 10 accompanied by a mentor at least 21 years of age can hunt both private and public lands.

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2024 will mark the last year that hunters will be able to take bucks during Michigan's Liberty Hunt, as it moves to does only in an effort the DNR claims will address Michigan's staggering deer population and its impact on farmers and motorists.

Early Antlerless Firearm: September 21 - 22, 2024

Michigan has a significant deer population problem that costs the state and residents millions every year. This season is for those looking to stock their freezers with venison and get an early jump doing it. Plus, you could harvest the deer that was meant for a loved one's windshield.

Independence Hunt: October 17 - 20, 2024

This is another chance for Michigan's hunters with disabilities to take center stage. Four days of hunting bliss.

Archery: October 1 - November 14 and December 1, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Some argue Michigan's archery hunters are some of the state's best stewards of the land. Archers comb every inch of their land while disturbing as little as possible. This year, Michigan archery hunters will have two chances to bag a trophy.

These aren't the only archery seasons on the calendar for Michigan, but they are the only two that happen statewide. More on that in a bit.

Regular Firearm: November 15 - 30, 2024

The main event. This day is marked on Michigan calendars and counted down to Christmas. The DNR is pleading with hunters to target does and let the smaller bucks grow. Not only is this good herd management, but it will also help Michigan's farmers and drivers breathe a little easier.

RELATED: Michigan's State Record Whitetail Buck: A Jackson County Beast

Of course, if you get a shot at taking a new Michigan monster and breaking a record that has stood since 1996, that totals 198 inches on Boone and Crockett's scoring.

Muzzleloading: December 16, 2024 - January 1, 2025

For the traditionalists and firearm enthusiasts who love the smell of black powder in the morning.

Late Antlerless Firearm: December 16, 2024 - January 1, 2025

Are you beginning to see a pattern yet? The DNR wants you to harvest does and eat delicious backstraps for an entire year. For those who haven't filled their chest freezers yet, here's a final shot.

Extended Urban Archery: December 1, 2024 - January 31, 2025

This one might be news to you. Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties are three of the states worst for car/deer collisions. This extended hunt is a means to put an end to the deer-on-car violence.

RELATED: This 'Tradition' Will Kill Michigan Whitetail Hunting

Now that you've updated your schedule let's take a look at Michigan's 2023 deer season.