LANSING, Mich. — The woods are supposed to go silent across Michigan this week. A five-day quiet period ahead of firearm deer season began Tuesday, Nov. 10, and lasts through Saturday, Nov. 14, the day before the traditional opener.
During those five days, the Department of Natural Resources rules make it illegal to carry or possess a rifle, or a shotgun loaded with buckshot, slugs, ball loads or cut shells, in places deer use. Small game hunters, waterfowl hunters and trappers are exempt.
Hunters can still haul a gun to camp or to a target range, as long as it is unloaded and cased or riding in the trunk of a vehicle. Target shooting on your own land is also fine, provided nobody tries to take game.
The idea is to give deer a break. The DNR has described the pause as a reset that lets animals settle back into normal routines right before the opener, which should improve hunters odds once the season starts.
Regular firearm season runs Nov. 15 through Nov. 30. Licenses have to be in hand before anyone hunts; the quickest option is the state Hunt Fish phone app, and stores that sell licenses and DNR service centers also carry them. Online eLicense sales by mail are paused through Nov. 30 so tags arrive in time, and resume Dec. 1.
Every deer hunter afield from Nov. 15 to 30, including bowhunters, must wear hunter orange on the outer layer, visible from every direction. Kills must be tagged before the deer is moved and reported within 72 hours.
Other reminders from conservation officers: stay at least 450 feet from any occupied home, cabin or barn unless the landowner agrees, no baiting in the Lower Peninsula, and shoot only in the window that opens a half hour before sunrise and closes a half hour after sunset. Violations can be reported to the Report All Poaching line at 800-292-7800.
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