Michigan Gun Season Deer Harvest Numbers Drop Significantly
Posted 2024-12-09 by
Hunters took 5,000 fewer whitetails this season than during the 2023 season
Michigan deer harvest numbers for the 2024 gun season have dropped significantly. (Photo by Tom Reichner)
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) reports the deer harvest numbers for the 2024 regular firearm season are the lowest in at least six years.
The Lansing State Journal reports that according to the MDNR, hunters took 132,810 deer (84,429 bucks and 48,381 does or antlerless deer) in 2024 — approximately 5,000 fewer than reported for 2023 and more than 20,000 fewer than in 2022 when hunters took 154,940 deer. Hunters claimed 84,429 bucks and another 48,381 does or antlerless deer.
According to DNR statistics, the trend for all deer hunting season categories is continuing downward. In 2020, hunters took 411,000 deer. Since then, that number has fallen each year to 274,299 in 2023.
Through November 30, with muzzleloading and other seasons remaining, Michigan hunters have taken just 230,765 deer.
Firearm hunting season ended on November 30. Muzzleloader season is December 6-15. The second half of archery season began Dec. 1 and runs through January 1, 2025 for much of the state, with the season extending through January 31 for a few counties.
Statistics provided by the DNR to the Michigan Wildlife Council, show a total of 456,100 people purchased hunting licenses through October 31, 2024.
Overall, hunting license purchases were virtually flat, with just 19 fewer sales than the 456,119 bought over the same period in 2023.
