Ahead of tomorrow’s season opener, here are eight things hunters should know:

1. This seasons’ harvest may increase.

   • Last season, there were about the same number of hunters as in 2023; however, more deer were harvested in 2024. With this past year's unusual agricultural season and above-average snowfall last winter that had minimal impact on deer mortality, there is reason to believe that this year's harvest numbers will increase once again.

2. Online harvest reporting is required.

   • If a hunter harvests a deer, it must be reported to the Michigan DNR for data collection. This can be done online at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport or through the DNR mobile app. A deer must be reported within 72 hours of the harvest and must still be traditionally tagged. A harvested deer that is not reported may lead to a civil fine of up to $150.

3. Baiting is illegal in the Lower Peninsula.

   • For both private and public land, baiting for deer is illegal throughout the entire Lower Peninsula. The only exception is for hunters with specific disabilities and during the Liberty and Independence hunting periods.

4. "Hunter Orange" is mandatory for hunters and non-hunters.

   • Bright colors, especially hunter orange, are a must for hunters or "helpers" heading into the woods or fields. Bright clothing, especially outer layers and hats, helps with safety and visibility. This also applies to hunters using archery equipment during the firearm season period.

5. Universal doe tags are $20.

   • To help control the deer population, the Michigan DNR is allowing hunters to purchase universal antlerless deer licenses for just $20 online. One hunter can purchase up to 10 antlerless licenses per year. Each license is valid for public and private land.

6. The extended firearm antlerless season varies by county.

   1. All West Michigan counties are eligible for both the regular firearm deer season (Nov. 15-30) and the late antlerless firearm deer season (Dec. 15-Jan. 1). If you don't happen to get a deer in those two seasons, there is an extended late antlerless firearm deer season (Jan. 2-11) for hunters in Isabella, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties.

7. Deer can be donated to local drives.

   • If you don't have room in the freezer, there are three locations that will take donations to help fight hunger. These locations are Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare, Jay's Sporting Goods in Gaylord, and Mac's Rustic Sport Shop in Howard City. These donations will be taken Nov. 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Nov. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

8. There are two hunter appreciation days.

   • On Monday, Nov. 17, and Monday, Dec. 1, the Cadillac DNR Customer Service Center will host Hunter Appreciation Deer Drop-Ins. Any hunter can bring in a deer or lower jaw for aging tests and receive free hunting accessories. These events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information or specific hunting regulations, visit the Michigan DNR hunting website here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/regulations/deer.