Hunting

Just in time for opening day of the firearm deer season, the US Department of Defense has temporarily closed a portion of Camp Grayling used every year by dozens of hunters.

In an effort to change management of Michigan's white-tailed deer population, policymakers are proposing a "one buck rule" to begin in 2027.

New permit zones were introduced this year, along with new rules for reporting harvests, a new electronic kill tag system and a youth hunting permit opportunity.

The department's revenue relies heavily on hunting and fishing licenses. These fees haven't increase since 2014 and are controlled by the state legislature.

The changes are to the license options, management units and mandatory harvest reporting. Applications for Michigan's turkey hunters close Feb. 1.

Michigan's shortest hunting season is set for Feb. 7 in Black Lake in Cheboygan County. It will last for four days or until six fish have been harvested, whichever comes first.

Michigan's elk season could last longer for the 2026 hunting season under a new proposal from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

A state program for deer donations led to 140,000 pounds of ground venison for Michigan food banks in the last fiscal year.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says there is a new online deer harvest reporting process for hunters that they must follow.

Fines for not following the ban can be issued.