2022 Michigan Hunting Digest (2024)

FAQs

How many deer have been killed in Michigan 2022? ›

In total, Michigan hunters reported bagging 303,087 deer during the 2022 hunting season. While that's much less than the 2021 total (which was about 395,000), state officials say the numbers can't be compared apples to apples. That's because of the new counting method.

During the Michigan Muzzleloader Hunting Season in December, muzzleloading deer hunters can carry afield and use only a crossbow (except in the Upper Peninsula) or a muzzleloading rifle, a muzzleloading shotgun, or a black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute.

A Hunting License is required in the state of Michigan to hunt any game animal.

(7) An individual shall not hunt with a firearm within 150 yards of an occupied building, dwelling, house, residence, or cabin, or any barn or other building used in connection with a farm operation, without obtaining the written permission of the owner, renter, or occupant of the property.

Sanilac County is the highest of Michigan's 83 counties with 8,305 deer.

The Michigan state non-typical whitetail record was killed in 1976, and currently holds that spot with a net score of 238 2/8. The Turner deer unofficially green scores 267 2/8, with a net score of 237 7/8, missing surpassing the record by an incredibly small margin.

Baiting and feeding is banned. This includes both public and private lands. Exception: During the Liberty and Independence Hunts only, hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements may use bait in areas where baiting is banned. See Hunters with Disabilities section.

If you have a Concealed Pistol License in Michigan, you can carry concealed or open. If you do not have a CPL, you cannot conceal carry. When carrying a handgun without a CPL, handguns must be carried in plain view. You may not take any game with a handgun while bow hunting.

As a gun owner myself, I hate it when I have to give a customer bad news about their gun rights... But unfortunately no, a muzzleloader would be prohibited under federal law since it is still considered a "firearm" and someone with a felony is prohibited from possessing or owning a firearm.. This is the appliable law:.

Can I fire a gun in my own backyard? Michigan law doesn't technically prohibit you from firing a weapon in your backyard. However, it DOES prohibit you from firing a weapon in a place where there aren't enough safeguards in place to ensure that no one gets hurt.

Can Amish hunt year round in Michigan? ›

Can the Amish Hunt Year-Round? Amish can hunt year-round, and they can hunt whatever animal they prefer, save for protected animals. The decision about whether or not to hunt, what to hunt, and when, is mostly left up to the individual.

Hunters must maintain a 30-yard distance from property lines. Property lines are marked with red stakes. Hunting is not allowed within 450 feet of any occupied building.

If a deer runs onto private property, the hunter cannot retrieve it without the landowner's permission.. If you'll be hunting near someone else's property, contact the landowner ahead of time; don't wait until you're tracking game.

How much land do you need to hunt? This is a popular topic among hunting land buyers. Two frequently asked questions are, “How many acres do you need to hunt deer?” and “What is the minimum land needed to hunt?” For smaller or slower animals, such as turkeys and rabbits, it's best to have at least five acres.

Discharging a firearm (including a bow and arrow) is prohibited in or within 150 yards of a developed recreation site, a residence, or any place where people are likely to be. Shooting across bodies of water or a Forest Service road is prohibited. Shooting into or within any cave, mine or open shaft is prohibited.

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, more than 58,000 motor vehicle-deer crashes occurred in 2022, a substantial increase over the normal average of approximately 50,000. Nearly half of the 2022 incidents occurred in the months of October, November, and December.

With an estimated 2 million deer in Michigan, deer-vehicle crashes over the last decade have typically numbered 50,000 or so each year, according to state records. Hunters statewide cull between 300,000 to 400,000 deer annually — animals that could otherwise increase the risk of accidents on Michigan roadways.

The DNR estimates that 527,000 deer hunters took to the field in 2023, and 516,000 in 2022. About a decade ago, in 2013, 662,000 deer hunters were afield and in 2003 it is estimated that there were 743,000 deer hunters that season.