Get Ready for an Epic Deer Hunting Adventure Nov. 15-30
If there’s ever a call to the wild, it resonates across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in November. The crisp air, bare branches and whitetail deer on the move set the stage for an unforgettable adventure, a true connection with the wilderness. From dawn on November 15 to the end of the month, firearm deer hunting season lures hunters into our woods to take on the challenge. The adrenaline rush of bagging a trophy deer awaits — get ready to brag!
Hunting deer with a firearm is a centuries-old tradition in the U.P. So much so that some Michigan businesses and schools close for several days so hunters can join family and friends at local lodgings and deer camps. Hunters bring their traditions of what lucky flannels to wear, what foods and drinks to enjoy, games to play and bets to make on who will bring home the biggest deer.
Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned hunter, we welcome you to our ancient hunting grounds. Below are some tips on how to stay safe and make wonderful memories.
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Hunting
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Take a hunter safety course. To purchase a Michigan hunter’s license, an individual born after January 1, 1960, must complete an approved hunter safety course. You can complete the course in one of three ways:
- Online + register for a separate in-person field day
- Home study course + register for a separate in-person field day
- Traditional classroom course — includes a minimum of 10 hours of in-person classroom time and practice in the field. This course is held over a minimum of two days. The in-person field day covers outdoor shooting, blood trailing, tree stand safety demonstrations and survival skills.
Non-Michigan residents can buy a Michigan hunting license with a valid hunter education safety certificate from another state.
- Purchase a Michigan hunting license from an approved retailer. Hunters will need a Michigan Base Hunting License PLUS at minimum one Deer Hunting License. Hunters typically purchase a deer combo license, but other license options are listed in the link above.
- Know Michigan’s deer hunting rules and hunt only in designated areas. The U.P. has thousands of acres of public land and private land open to public hunting. For tips and rules on when and where to hunt, download the Hunt Fish mobile app, access the Deer Hunting Regulations Summary online and use the interactive MI-Hunt map.
- Only bait deer in the U.P. outside of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance areas. Details of what you can use for bait and how you can distribute it are explained in the Summary’s Hunting Methods Section.
- Immediately tag your deer before moving or field-dressing it. Validate your kill tag and fasten it to the animal’s antler, lower jaw or lower leg so the tag remains securely attached. Suggestions for the best ways to affix the tag and transport your harvested deer are in the Summary’s After the Harvest Section.
- For a deer check station near you, visit Michigan.gov/DeerCheck. Here is a directory of Wild Game Processors, too.
Tips for a Successful Deer Hunt
Besides the MI-Hunt map, hunters like to download the Onyx Hunt app. Made by hunters for hunters, it gives accurate boundaries for public and private land. To help you get the most out of your hunting experience, we asked seasoned hunter Ben Holt to share his insights:
- Find Your Spot.
Look for oak trees dropping acorns — deer can’t resist them. Seek areas near running water, where your footsteps will be quieter, but remember, it’s illegal to shoot a deer in water. - Stay Patient and Observant
Hunting isn’t just about the deer; it’s about the experience. Take in the beauty around you, from owls on the hunt to wild turkeys strutting through the woods. Slow down and reconnect with the natural world. - Track With Care
After your shot, wait a half-hour before tracking your deer to avoid pushing it farther. When you follow the trail, respect private property if the deer moves across boundaries. - Share the Harvest
Don’t need a whole deer? Join the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger program and share your success with those in need. Visit SportsmenAgainstHunger.org for more information.
Stay Safe and Hunt Smart
Hunting is exhilarating, but safety comes first. Here’s how to keep your adventure fun and injury-free:
- Head to the range and get familiar with your firearm. Know your equipment before hitting the woods.
- Know where other hunters are, and always communicate your location to a friend or family member. Keep safety top of mind.
- Wear plenty of hunter orange — deer won’t mind, and it will keep you safe. Pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit, and always carry a compass and flashlight. In the U.P.’s rugged terrain, cell service can be spotty, so it’s crucial to have backup navigation.
- Only fire when it’s safe, and always be aware of what’s beyond your target. The wilderness is unpredictable — staying cautious ensures everyone enjoys a successful hunt.
Let’s Go Hunting!
Whether you bag a trophy buck, tag a doe or simply immerse in the calmness and beauty of the U.P.’s untamed wilderness, join us this November. It’s time to break free from your everyday routines and embrace the adventures that await.
You will find welcoming places to stay with the amenities and rates you want, restaurants dishing up hearty meals and breweries, distilleries and pubs where you can quench your thirst and share your stories. Our hunting grounds are ready. See you this November.
Share with Us
After the hunt, we'd love to hear your stories and see your photos! Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our content collector below.