Michigan Approves One Buck Limit For Lower Peninsula Hunters, Ends January Deer Hunting Seasons And Expands Rifle Use Statewide

LANSING, MI - Michigan hunters will soon face some of the biggest deer hunting regulation changes in years after the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved a new one buck limit for Lower Peninsula hunters beginning in 2027, along with ending January deer hunting seasons, shortening muzzleloader season, and removing firearm restrictions that previously limited certain rifles in parts of the state.

The changes were approved Wednesday after months of discussion, recommendations from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and public feedback from hunters across Michigan. The commission said the changes are aimed at balancing deer populations, hunter opportunity, and long term herd management.

One of the largest changes approved removes the long standing Limited Firearm Deer Zone in the Lower Peninsula. Hunters will now be allowed to use all legal firearms statewide, including rifles using bottleneck cartridges that were previously restricted in many southern Michigan hunting areas.

The statewide muzzleloader season will also shrink from 10 days down to just 3 days beginning in 2026. The shortened season will start on the first Friday in December and will now be called the December Firearm Deer Season in the Lower Peninsula because hunters will be allowed to use any legal firearm during that hunt.

The commission also voted to eliminate the January archery season and extended late antlerless seasons, officially ending deer hunting seasons after January 1 moving forward.

Additional changes approved for 2026 include allowing senior hunters with qualifying licenses to use crossbows during the late archery season in the Upper Peninsula and moving the late antlerless season earlier so it begins immediately following the December firearm hunt.

Beginning in 2027, hunters in the Lower Peninsula will be limited to harvesting one buck per season. Under the new license structure, a standard deer license will allow either one antlered deer with at least three points on one side or one antlerless deer. Combo licenses will allow hunters to harvest one buck and one antlerless deer, or two antlerless deer.

The NRC also approved a new “earn a second buck” pilot program for parts of southern Michigan beginning in 2027. Under the pilot program, hunters in selected counties will first need to harvest an antlerless deer before becoming eligible to take a second buck with a four point antler restriction. The DNR says participating counties will be announced later.

The Michigan DNR is expected to release updated hunting regulations and season details through its Hunt Fish app and printed hunting guides before the 2026 season begins.

Do you support Michigan’s new one buck limit and expanded rifle use rules, or do you think the state is changing deer hunting too much?