Michigan Archery Deer Harvest Tops 66,000

Hunters have reported more than 66,000 deer statewide through the fifth weekend of Michigan's archery season.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Hunting

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a bare-wood tree stand beside a hardwood forest edge with amber leaves and a faint deer trail through frosted undergrowth. — Michigan hunters have reported more than 66,000 archery-season deer statewide through the fifth weekend, with Montcalm County leading the state with 1,994. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Michigan's archery deer harvest has surpassed 66,000 deer through the fifth weekend of the season, according to the Department of Natural Resources. The statewide total rose by 23,931 deer since the October 30 report.

Why it matters

Harvest totals give hunters and wildlife managers a current picture of deer activity across the state as the season transitions toward firearm hunting. Regular reporting helps the DNR track harvest levels by county.

The DNR's hunter-reported totals show 47,233 antlered and 19,338 antlerless deer harvested so far, an increase of 23,931 since October 30. The figures do not yet account for the season's full duration or compare directly with prior-year harvests.

The players

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The state agency that manages Michigan's wildlife, public lands, and hunting regulations, and compiles the statewide deer harvest reports.

The details

Montcalm County leads the state with 1,994 deer harvested, followed by Newaygo County with 1,950 and Kent County with 1,798. Hunters report harvests online by entering a kill tag license number and date of birth, or through the eLicense Harvest Report tab.

October 30: Prior statewide harvest report used for comparison.
November 9: Archery season opening day for the regular firearm-season transition, one week from the current report.

Seasonal Patterns

The DNR's running tally of hunter-reported harvests gives a week-by-week view of Michigan's archery season, allowing comparison of county totals as the season progresses toward firearm hunting.

Hunters who harvest deer can report online at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport by entering a kill tag license number and date of birth, which takes only a couple of minutes. Reporting keeps harvest data current as the season moves toward firearm hunting.

The takeaway

Reporting a harvest takes only minutes and helps the DNR track deer activity across counties. Hunters who log their kills contribute to more accurate statewide data.