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Michigan Deer Forecast: Hunters Should See More Whitetails in Central and Southern Areas

While a mild late winter may benefit the deer population, the late agriculture harvest could impact food sources and cover.

Michigan Deer Forecast: Hunters Should See More Whitetails in Central and Southern Areas
Michigan placed fourth in the "America's Top Whitetail States" ranking. (Shutterstock)
  • This whitetail hunting forecast for the state of Michigan is part of Game & Fish’s “Great States" project identifying the best deer-hunting states in the country. Read more: America's Top Whitetail States

Michigan Hunters Should Be Happy This Season

Hunters across the state of Michigan can expect a wide array of opportunities depending on which specific region they are hunting. The deer population remains on the lower side for those in the Upper Peninsula, but things may see an upswing as we move forward with no CWD findings in more than 2,000 test samples since 2018. Mild winter conditions towards the end of last year benefitted population numbers throughout the lower peninsula. However, a lack of rain and subsequent late harvest may impact cover and food sources deer often seek out.

Opportunities to hunt deer in Michigan start early and stretch into the middle of January with opportunities for archery, firearms and muzzleloading hunts. Special hunts such as the Liberty and Independence Hunts and antlerless-only seasons are also scheduled, providing even additional chances to fill your tags. Several extended seasons are offered should you not be able to get out earlier on in the season, providing good opportunities for a late-season harvest as long as you're willing to brave the cold.

DID YOU KNOW?

BEST BET AREAS

Counties within the central and southern portions of Michigan typically trend higher in overall harvest numbers, most likely due to more favorable weather conditions, among other factors.

Looking at total deer harvested throughout each portion of deer season for 2022 and 2023 shows regular firearm and archery seasons brought in most of the overall harvest. Comparing last year to the year prior, firearms harvest decreased while archery numbers were up. Harvest numbers amongst late antlerless, muzzleloader and other special seasons have remained steady over the past two years.

Weather will certainly play a role in hunter success this season. The average high temperature steadily drops from around 55°F in October to slightly above 30°F in January, while the average low temperature falls from around 40°F to just below 20°F. Rainfall typically remains consistent, averaging between 2 to 4 inches monthly, but snowfall totals will begin rising quickly in late November and peak mid-December through January.

The total number of deer harvested by county in Michigan shows that Keweenaw County saw the lowest count with 93 deer taken, while Sanilac County took the lead with a total of 8,311 deer harvested in 2023. Counties within the central and southern portions of Michigan typically trend higher in overall harvest numbers, most likely due to more favorable weather conditions, among other factors.

THAT'S A FACT

MONSTER NUMBERS

Michigan hunters bagged a total of 378,583 white-tailed deer in 2023.

Public hunting grounds in Michigan are plentiful. The largest of these is the Gagetown State Game Area, which spans across Huron and Tuscola counties, with over 1,400 acres, with the Cannonsburg State Game Area in Kent County not too far behind. Other large areas from which you can hunt include O'Neal Lake Flooding Wildlife Management Area in Emmet County and Cass City State Game Area in Tuscola County. A full list of public hunting grounds can be found on Michigan's DNR website.

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Although scientific evidence regarding the impact of moon phases on deer movement is limited, many hunters in the field take the changes in moonlight as gospel. And regarding what science says is typical, animal behavior can always defer from real-life behavior seen by hunters afield. Full moon days fall on October 17, November 15 and December 15. New moons can be expected on November 1, December 1 and December 30.  Deer typically becomes more active during standard daylight hours and becomes more nocturnal during a full moon and vice versa in the case of a new moon. Keep this in mind when planning your hunts to ensure you're in the woods when the deer are going to be up, moving around and feeding.





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