Michigan Deer Harvest Surge in Firearm Season’s First 10 Days – Sanilac Looks To Lead The State for 3rd Year in a Row

Hunters report a Michigan deer harvest record start to the 2024 firearm deer season, with over 97,000 deer taken in just the first 10 days.

Record-breaking Deer Harvest in Michigan’s Thumb Region

Michigan’s 2024 firearm deer season is off to a roaring start, with over 97,225 deer harvested statewide in the first 10 days, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The data reveals 67,951 antlered and 29,2745 antlerless deer brought down during the early days of the season. Sanilac County, part of the Thumb Region, leads the state with an impressive 2,961 deer harvested, 2,095 of which were antlered.

As of last Friday, the Huron Daily Tribune reported a substantial 24,000-deer increase compared to the early reports from just days prior. Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola Counties combined for 6,714 deer, highlighting the Thumb Region as a hotspot for hunters this season.

Statewide Totals Reflect a Strong Start

Outside of the Thumb, Menominee County in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) also stood out with 2,601 deer harvested, driven by robust antlered deer numbers. Other high-performing counties included Montcalm (2,155) and Gratiot (2,111) in the Lower Peninsula. These numbers highlight the importance of accessible hunting areas and strong participation.

Counties like Clinton and Hillsdale also exceeded 2,000 deer harvested, while Newaygo County recorded 2,268, including an impressive 846 antlerless deer. Across the board, hunters took advantage of the expanded hunting opportunities offered by the DNR, especially the discounted licenses for late antlerless firearm seasons.

Policies Supporting Record Harvests

This year, the DNR implemented a discounted $5 antlerless license for the new extended late antlerless firearm season, starting in January 2025. The expanded hunting framework applies across dozens of counties, allowing hunters to maximize their opportunities while managing the deer population.

Sanilac County’s dominance in early-season totals exemplifies the benefit of accessible permits and proactive management strategies. Across the state, hunters aim to match or exceed 2023’s numbers, which concluded with nearly 275,000 total deer harvested.

Broader Impacts and Future Projections

The robust early turnout aligns with Michigan’s ongoing efforts to balance deer populations, ensuring sustainable ecosystems while reducing human-deer conflicts such as crop damage and vehicle collisions. As the season progresses, the DNR will continue monitoring trends to adjust future regulations and support conservation goals.

Hunter enthusiasm remains high, buoyed by favorable weather and strategic policies. With firearm season extending until November 30 and multiple hunting opportunities beyond, this season promises continued success for Michigan’s hunting community.

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