Michigan DNR Proposes Major Deer Hunting and Fishing Regulation Changes for 2026 Season

Michigan's 2026 hunting and fishing season has kicked off with the Department of Natural Resources rolling out a slate of significant rule changes that will affect hunters and anglers across the state.

The Michigan DNR announced proposed modifications to deer hunting regulations and fishing rules that will be presented at the upcoming Natural Resources Commission meeting on April 8, with final decisions expected at the May 13 commission gathering at Treetops Resort Conference Center in Gaylord.

Proposed Deer Hunting Changes

One of the most significant proposed changes involves reducing the statewide buck bag limit to one per hunter for the 2027 season. The DNR has also proposed restructuring license combinations:

• The combo license would be sold as one either-sex regular tag and one antlerless deer restricted tag in the Lower Peninsula
• In the Upper Peninsula, the combo license would either be an antlerless deer tag in archery only or a 3-point antlered deer during all seasons
• The restricted tag would be for antlerless deer during the archery season only

The Natural Resources Commission will discuss these recommendations and take additional public comments before making final decisions.

The proposal also includes shortening the statewide muzzleloader season to just three days (Friday through Sunday) and renaming it "December Firearms Season" in the Lower Peninsula.

Additionally, the DNR plans to combine the Liberty and Early Antlerless hunts to the second weekend in September, and move up the late antlerless season to begin after the December Firearms/Muzzleloader season concludes.

Fishing Season Regulation Updates

Michigan's 2026 fishing season, which officially began on April 1, brings several important updates that will affect anglers throughout the state.

Lake Superior Changes

New daily possession limits have been established for lake trout and splake at Stannard Rock and Big Reef. These areas are now limited to one lake trout or splake combined, as defined on pages 9 and 20-21 of the Michigan Fishing Regulations.

Upper Peninsula Walleye Protections

Two Upper Peninsula lakes - Lake Independence and Teal Lake in Marquette County - have received new walleye protections:

• The minimum size limit is now 15 inches
• All walleye between 18 and 23 inches are now protected from harvest and must be released
• The daily possession limit is five walleye, with no more than one greater than 23 inches allowed per day

Burbot Possession Limit

A new daily possession limit of five burbot has been established for the 2026 season.

Underwater Spearfishing Expansion

The state has expanded underwater spearfishing waters in the Great Lakes, with some exclusions. Monthly reporting is no longer required, though anglers must still obtain a free license.

New Lake Sturgeon Opportunity

A catch-and-immediate-release fishing opportunity for lake sturgeon has been added to the Menominee River, from the Grand Rapids Dam to the Sturgeon Falls Dam. This new season runs from the first Saturday in June through the first Sunday in March.

Clarification on Artificial Lures

The use of bead fishing on the hook or pegged or attached to the line no further than 4 inches above the eye of a single-pointed hook has been defined as an artificial lure for clarification purposes.

Making It Easier for Anglers

Michigan DNR Spokesperson John Pepin emphasized efforts to make it easier for residents to obtain and display fishing licenses.

"On the DNR hunt/fish app, you can also buy your license right on the hunt/fish app, and then you can have it on your phone," Pepin said. "And another thing is, if you're out in the woods fishing, and a conservation officer comes and wants to see your license, you can just show it to them on your phone."

The DNR is trying to make it easier to obtain and display fishing licenses through both the physical and digital copies of this year's fishing digest, with updated regulations appearing in red text.

The Economics of Michigan Fishing

The fishing industry remains a significant economic driver in Michigan. An annual fishing license for Michiganders costs $26, while the cost is $76 for non-Michigan residents. Licenses can be purchased in stores or online.

John Healey, a clerk at Wilderness Sports in Ishpeming, noted the business impact of the new season. "We've had people coming in looking for trolling rods, or dipsy divers or downriggers, downrigger rods, and line counter reels. I think a lot more people are going out on a big lake," Healey said.

Pepin highlighted Michigan's unique position as a fishing destination. "Especially in Michigan, the Great Lakes State, all the inland lakes that we have, we actually have more inland lakes than Minnesota does, so, there's plenty of places to fish, not to mention the thousands of miles of streams and such, and creeks, too, so, it's a big deal."

Public Input Process

The DNR has released a full 48-page document of recommendations for public review. Michigan residents were given the opportunity for public comment on the proposed regulations before the January 23 cutoff.

The Natural Resources Commission will present the DNR's recommendations and take additional public comments before making final decisions. The commission will discuss the DNR recommendations and take additional public comments, with decisions made at the May 13 NRC meeting at Treetops Resort Conference Center, 3962 Wilkinson Road, Gaylord, Mich.

Context for Hunters

The Michigan elk hunt provides context for the DNR's conservation approach. The state received a record-breaking 47,493 applicants for only 260 elk licenses in 2025. Brent Rudolph, the deer, moose and elk specialist with the DNR, explained that the state is "working on viewing the uniqueness that they bring to the communities where they're around, and then balance the efforts to manage their population to minimize potential conflicts."

In 2025, Michigan hunters shot 153 elk, and the DNR estimates the state's elk population to be around 1,100 animals. The five-year average success rate for fulfilling quotas has been around 72%, while the 2025 success rate was 64%.

The DNR's approach to hunting and fishing regulations reflects its ongoing effort to balance conservation needs with providing quality opportunities for Michigan residents. The proposed changes to both deer hunting and fishing regulations will be finalized during the Natural Resources Commission's April meeting, with the department working to minimize conflicts with other hunting seasons and address concerns from various stakeholder groups.