Michigan 83 County Whitetail Deer Ranking: 2022 Bucks and Does

Mmmm, Mmmmm, MMMMMM! Venison sticks, burgers, chili, and back strap season is here! Michigan deer hunters rejoice. It's the most wonderful time of the year, deer season in Michigan.

Related: See the Incredible Racks on the DNR Lansing Poachers' Wall of Shame

I should let you know that I am not a hunter. It's not that don't support the sport but, I am one of the lucky few that is allergic to deer dander. That said, I'm able to eat venison (sans hair) without an issue, so I certainly enjoy reaping the rewards of someone else's successful hunt.

Ranking Michigan Counties By Deer Harvested

Growing up in Brooklyn I worked at Knutson's Sporting Goods and one of our biggest days was November 15th, the opening day of firearm deer season in Michigan. It's on this day every year that Mid-Michigan deer hunters gather to either have their deer weighed and displayed on the Buck Pole, or to gaze in wonderment at other hunters' successful harvest.

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While working at Knutson's, I saw a few folks who were offended by the whitetails being displayed and would raise a stink about it, and they are entitled to their opinion. But, the next time one of the nay-sayers drives or walks by a similar November 15th gathering, I'd encourage them to look beyond what they find offensive and focus on the community of people coming together.

People enjoy the Michigan outdoors in different ways, but the hunting population of Michigan is the largest family that you've never met. Stories get swapped, lies are told truths are stretched to their limit, and delicious food is shared. They also generate a TON of revenue for area businesses according to the Michigan United Conservation Club:

Michigan’s 700,000 hunters and 1.1 million anglers: $8.9 billion from hunting and $2.3 billion from fishing stemming from purchasing gear and clothing, booking hotel rooms, buying meals and more.

So, until November 15th rolls around, let's take a detailed look at how many deer were taken in Michigan, county by county: