LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The Michigan Division of Pure Sources (DNR) stories that deer hunters taking part in archery season may see a powerful statewide harvest regardless of heavy snow in components of the Higher Peninsula and a illness outbreak within the decrease.
Hunters ought to pay attention to a number of components earlier than heading out into the wilderness. The deer inhabitants could have decreased in areas that have heavy snowfall and areas affected by the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic illness (EHD).
Moreover, the devastating March 2025 ice storm may affect the looking season, inflicting blocked trails, downed bushes, and different injury.
“Overall, the 2024 deer season was a pretty good one, with hunter participation and deer harvest all generally steady or increasing from the prior year,” mentioned Brent Rudolph, administration specialist for the DNR’s Wildlife Division, in a information launch despatched to six Information.
“Variability within each region occurs every year, but for 2025, the wild cards include the borderline severe winter conditions in the U.P., potential ice storm impacts on access to hunting locations in the northern Lower Peninsula, and the ongoing EHD outbreak in the southern Lower Peninsula. Hunters always benefit from being prepared, and these are extra factors to look out for this year.”
The DNR stories that EHD is attributable to a virus transmitted to white-tailed deer by a biting midge (or small fly).
The illness isn’t sustained within the deer inhabitants, and outbreaks haven’t had vital long-term results on Michigan’s deer. Nevertheless, the illness’s affect could be drastic in small areas and will persist for a number of years.
EHD has been confirmed in eight counties as of September: Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Jackson, Lenawee, Mecosta, Van Buren, and Washtenaw.
Venison can nonetheless be consumed even when a deer has been contaminated with EHD. There isn’t any proof that people can contract the virus both from the midge or from dealing with and consuming venison.
Michigan’s statewide archery deer season runs Oct. 1-Nov. 14 and Dec. 1-Jan.1, 2026. The statewide common firearm season is Nov. 15-30, and muzzleloader season is Dec. 5-14.
Data relating to deer looking season dates, licenses, and rules is offered on-line.
