Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
MI
Michigan Deer Hunting: Combo Tags, Season Dates & APR Rules (2026)
Deer hunting in Michigan starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $20 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $20 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 1 – Nov 14 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Michigan Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Michigan deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Firearm Regular.
For Michigan deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Base license required first; single deer license is $20 and the nonresident base license is separate. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Michigan, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Michigan
Michigan deer costs are easy to misread if the base license is ignored. The single deer license is $20 for both residents and non-residents, but every adult deer hunter also needs a base license first. For non-residents, the base license is the larger cost driver and is listed here from the current public fee chart at $151. Michigan uses deer management units, universal antlerless licenses, and some antlerless access permits, so hunters should check the current DNR deer regulations for the DMU and tag type they plan to use. CWD testing is voluntary, with DNR sampling options and carcass guidance changing by surveillance focus.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Michigan Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Michigan offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Michigan Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$20
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$20
Over-the-counter tag available
Base license required first; single deer license is $20 and the nonresident base license is separate
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Michigan deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Michigan license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Michigan with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Michigan
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula rotational counties
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula rotational counties
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 2 per combo license
1 antlered; antlerless with additional tags per DMU
Allowed Weapons
Bow and crossbow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Michigan Department of Natural Resources . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Michigan — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Michigan?
Testing is currently voluntary. The DNR utilizes a rotational testing strategy, offering free drop boxes and mail-in kits for specific focus counties each season.
What are the antler restrictions in Michigan?
They are highly variable. While a basic tag may only require a 3-inch antler, restricted tags on combo licenses frequently require a minimum of 3 or 4 points on one side depending on your DMU.
Is baiting legal in Michigan?
Recreational feeding and baiting are completely banned throughout the entire Lower Peninsula and in specific CWD Core Surveillance Areas in the UP to prevent disease transmission.
How much does a Michigan deer license cost?
Michigan's single deer license is $20 for both residents and non-residents. A deer combo license is $40 for residents and $190 for non-residents. Adult hunters must also buy the separate base license first.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Michigan?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Michigan. The non-resident base license is the main cost driver, and the single deer license is added on top. Deer licenses are generally available without a statewide deer draw, but DMU rules, antlerless permits, APR rules, and CWD guidance still matter.