Deer Hunting: Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Deer Hunting Questions

Click on the following links to read more on the appropriate topics:

Upper Peninsula and DMU 487 Deer Hunting Regulations
Application for a Private Land Antlerless Deer License
Multiple Antlerless Deer License Applications
Deer Licenses
Hunting Equipment
Hunting Hours and Property Rights
Telephone Number Requirement
Youth Hunting
Apprentice Program
Use of Dogs
Deer Processing


Upper Peninsula and DMU 487 Deer Hunting Regulations - Antler Point Restrictions


What does APR stand for?

It stands for antler point restrictions.

Where is Deer Management Unit (DMU) 487?

DMU 487 is the six-county portion of the northeastern Lower Peninsula where bovine tuberculosis is an issue within the deer herd. (Counties include Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle.)

Why were APRs enacted in DMU 487?

The DNR pursued implementation of an APR in DMU 487 due to concerns that the prevalence of bovine tuberculosis infection among deer in northeast Michigan has remained largely unchanged for the past five or more years. Rather than adopt a universal APR, the NRC enacted the same restrictions as those that have been in effect in the Upper Peninsula for the last two seasons. In combination with a new tagging option for antlerless deer (see below), the APR is intended to direct more hunter harvest to antlerless deer and away from younger bucks.

What APRs were implemented for DMU 487?

If hunters purchase a two-tag combination license, they will be subject to antler point restrictions on any buck taken in DMU 487. Regulations require that a buck taken with the regular tag on the combination license must have at least one antler with a minimum of three points (a point must be one inch ore greater in length). The restricted tag must be used for a buck with a minimum of four points on one side, as is the case when hunting anywhere in the state.

Are there restrictions if I purchase a firearm license or archery license and want to hunt in DMU 487?

There are no new antler point restrictions on these two license types for the DMU 487 area. However, if you possess either or both of these licenses, you may legally take just one antlered deer from within these six counties. A previously adopted APR for DMU 135, which covers a portion of Iosco County and so is within the DMU 487 area, remains in place. All antlered deer taken with a firearm or archery license within DMU 135 must have at least one antler with two or more points, each at least one inch in length.

Do I need an antlerless license to harvest an antlerless deer in DMU 487?

In DMU 487 and throughout the state, you can harvest an antlerless deer with an antlerless license during any season open for deer hunting, or you may use an archery or combination license for antlerless deer during the archery season. Within DMU 487 ONLY, you may also harvest an antlerless deer with a firearm or combination license within the Nov. 15-30 firearm season or the Dec. 10-19 muzzleloader season.

What are the antler point restrictions for the combination license in the U.P. and DMU 487?

To be eligible for tagging with the REGULAR combination license tag in these areas, a deer must have at least one antler with at least three points, each at least one inch in length. For the RESTRICTED license a deer must have at least one antler with four or more points, each at least one inch in length, as is the case when hunting anywhere in the state.

Is the combination license still valid for an antlerless deer during the archery season in the U.P.?

YES. That has not changed.

What bucks are legal if I hunt with a firearm or archery deer license in the U.P.?

There are no new antler point restrictions on these two license types for the U.P. However, if you possess either or both of these licenses, you may legally take just one antlered deer from within the U.P. The legal definition of a buck has not changed; the deer must have at least one antler extending three inches or more above the skull. Previously adopted APRs within individual DMUs remain in place. All antlered deer taken with a firearm or archery license in DMU 117 must have at least one antler with two or more legal points on one side. All antlered deer taken with a firearm or archery license in DMU 122 must have at least one antler with three or more legal points on one side.

What if I hunt in both the U.P. and DMU 487 or elsewhere during the deer season?

When hunting in the U.P. and DMU 487 with a combination license, the restrictions note above apply. If you possess both an archery and firearm license, you may use each license for a single antlered deer in each of these areas. Or you may take one buck from the U.P. or DMU 487 and one buck from elsewhere in the state. You are only prohibited from taking two bucks from within the U.P. or two bucks from within DMU 487.

Application for a Private Land Antlerless Deer License

Why did the DNR establish an application for a private land antlerless deer license?

In the past, in many of the DMUs in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan, the demand for private land antlerless deer licenses exceed the quota. In 2007, the last year all private land antlerless deer licenses were sold over the counter (OTC), on first-come, first-served basis, 10 DMUs sold out of private land antlerless deer licenses before 5:00 pm the first day they went on sale, one DMU sold out in 15 minutes. To provide everyone with an equal opportunity to acquire a private land antlerless deer license, the lottery was established. See the 2012 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest for additional information.

Is an application required for a private land antlerless deer license in Southern Michigan?

There is no application for DMUs in the southern Lower Peninsula and selected special regulation unit DMUs. Those private land antlerless licenses will be sold over the counter. See the 2012 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest for additional information.

Must I apply to acquire a private land antlerless deer license?

Hunters may apply for one private land OR one public land license. Any licenses that remain after the drawing will be sold until the quota is met in each DMU. However, there is no guarantee leftover licenses will be available after the drawing. To assess the potential demand for licenses in a given DMU, hunters may view drawing success rates from the previous year at Drawings. Note: Private land antlerless deer licenses in some DMUs can only be purchased over the counter (without application), beginning the same day that leftover licenses are available.

What day will the private land antlerless deer licenses for Southern Lower Peninsula go on sale?

September 10, 2012

What day will the leftover private land antlerless deer licenses for the UP and NLP go on sale?

September 10, 2012

Must I apply to purchase a leftover license?

NO. Anyone 10 years of age or older may purchase an over the counter antlerless deer license. A hunter may purchase two antlerless deer licenses a day (public or private) until the quota is reached.

How many private land antlerless deer licenses may I purchase?

Licenses will be sold until the quota is met in each DMU

Daily Purchase Limit

Private land in DMUs 486, 487

Public land in DMU 452

 Five licenses per day*
All other antlerless licenses Two licenses per day*
*In total, no more than five licenses per day may be purchased statewide.

Season Purchase Limit
Public land statewide No limit until quota met
Private land DMUs 486, 487 10 Licenses
Private land in all other DMUs 5 licenses

Multiple Antlerless Deer License Applications

May I apply for both a private land antlerless deer license and a public land antlerless deer license?

NO. Only one antlerless deer license application (either public land OR private land) may be made each year. The application and lottery is designed to provide an equitable distribution of a limited number of licenses among all interested hunters. Allowing more than one application per person could result in some individual receiving multiple licenses while others receive no licenses.

May I purchase a leftover antlerless deer licenses even though I was successful in the drawing?

YES. Once the drawing is complete, any leftover antlerless deer licenses (both public land and private land) will be sold over the counter on a first come, first served basis. Anyone may purchase a leftover antlerless deer license, up to the limit (no more than 2 from DMUs entirely in Zone1 and entirely in Zone 2, combined, and 5 private land antlerless deer licenses total) per day until the quota is reached. There is no limit on the number of public land antlerless deer licenses one can purchase. You may purchase only two antlerless deer licenses a day (either public land or private land).

May I purchase leftover antlerless deer licenses even though I did not apply?

YES. Once the drawing is complete, any leftover antlerless deer licenses (both public land and private land) will be sold over the counter on a first come, first served basis. Anyone may purchase a leftover antlerless deer license, up to the limit (no more than 2 from DMUs entirely in Zone1 and entirely in Zone 2, combined, and 5 private land antlerless deer licenses total) until the quota is reached. There is no limit on the number of public land antlerless deer licenses one can purchase. You may purchase only two antlerless deer licenses a day (either public land or private land).

Deer Licenses

How many different deer licenses may I purchase?

Hunters should consider their options carefully before purchasing a deer hunting license. A person is entitled to purchase one (1) firearm deer license and one (1) archery deer license, OR one (1) combination deer license. Hunters cannot purchase a combination deer license if they already have either an archery deer license or firearm deer license, nor may they purchase a firearm or archery deer license if they have already purchased a combination deer license. For those hunting in the Upper Peninsula or in the six-county portion of the northeastern Lower Peninsula within DMU 487 (Counties include Alcona, Alpena, Iosco, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle), consider the antlered deer regulations before purchasing your license. (See the following three questions.)

What is the combination deer license?

The combination deer license was established by the Michigan Legislature in 1998. The combination license is available from all Michigan license agents statewide or online and can be purchased at any time. If you purchase a combination deer license you will receive two (2) kill tags (one marked "regular" and one marked "restricted"). The kill tags can be used in the firearm, archery or muzzleloader seasons. The choice of when to use them is up to the hunter. A person could use both kill tags in the same season, or one tag in two different seasons. The restricted kill tag, if used on an antlered deer, must be put on a deer that has at least one antler with four or more antler points one inch long or longer. The cost of the license is the same as two ( 2) regular deer hunting licenses. The discount for seniors and youngsters is the same as the regular deer hunting license discount, and each combination license counts as two (2) licenses for multiple discount (15 percent) purposes.

How many and what size bucks (antlered deer) can I take in Michigan?

The maximum possible number of bucks a person could take under regular deer licenses in Michigan (archery, firearm or combination) is two, with one exception. In the Upper Peninsula only one antlered deer is permitted between an archery license and a firearm license. If you take two antlered deer, regardless of season or license type, one of the antlered deer must have at least one antler with four or more antler points one inch long or longer. This "four-point minimum" buck can be taken first or second; the order is not important. If using a combination kill tag, you may tag it with either tag, however, it is to your advantage to use the combination restricted tag on this "four-point minimum" buck. The remaining combination regular tag may be used for any antlered buck. Hunters also need to be aware that there are special regulations for antlered deer in the Upper Peninsula and DMU 487.

What type of deer may I take with a firearm deer license, archery deer license or combination deer license?

Firearm License: Your firearm kill tag is valid statewide, during the firearm season and the muzzleloader season, to take an antlered deer with exceptions (see below). An "antlered deer" is defined as a deer with at least one antler extending three or more inches above the skull. Within DMU 487 ONLY, you can harvest an antlerless deer with a firearm or combination license within the November 15-30 firearm season or the December 10-19 muzzleloader season.

Archery License: Your bow and arrow kill tag is valid statewide to take any kind of deer (antlered or antlerless). An "antlered deer" is defined as a deer with at least one antler extending three or more inches above the skull, with the same exceptions listed for those DMUs identified under Firearm License above.

Combination License: If you use your kill tag during the regular firearm season or the muzzleloader season, the kill tag is valid for an antlered deer only. If you use your kill tag during the archery seasons, the kill tag is valid for an antlered or antlerless deer. What you can take is the same as other hunters afield for the respective season; however, the kill tags designate what size antlered deer can legally be tagged. The combination regular kill tag can be used on any antlered deer (see definitions above) with the exceptions below. The combination restricted kill tag, if used on a buck, can only be used on a deer having at least one antler with four or more antler points one inch long or longer. The maximum number of deer any person can take under his or her regular deer licenses is two (2). If you have a combination deer license, you can legally take:

Reminders: Regardless of the kind of license you buy and season(s) you hunt, if you take two (2) antlered deer, one of the antlered deer must have at least one antler with four or more antler points one inch long or longer. This deer can be taken first or second. The order is not important.

Isn't there also a "button buck" tagging option for an antlerless deer hunter?

YES. In addition to the above options for deer hunters, a person with a valid antlerless deer hunting license and an unused firearm or combination license that kills a "button buck" (male deer with less than three-inch antlers) can tag the male deer with any deer hunting license (antlerless, firearm or either combination license). Both licenses must be in your possession at the time of the kill. All deer must be tagged immediately.

How do I obtain a license to hunt antlerless deer?

There are two types of antlerless deer hunting licenses - public-land antlerless deer hunting licenses and private-land antlerless deer hunting licenses.

Public-land antlerless deer hunting licenses are issued by application and a license quota for the DMUs. To be considered for a public-land antlerless deer hunting license, an individual needs to apply from July 15 through August 15 for the DMU where they wish to hunt that has public-land licenses available. The application can be made at any of the 1,550 Michigan license agents or online through E-license. Success in the drawing can be checked online after the drawing date listed in the 2012 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest. Selected DMUs may have leftover public-land antlerless licenses for sale over the counter starting September 6, 2011at 10 a.m.

Private-land antlerless deer hunting licenses for those DMUs in Zone 1 and Zone 2 will first be distributed by lottery, with leftover licenses sold over the counter beginning September 10, 2012 at 10 a.m. See the 2012 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest for specific DMUs. DMUs in Zone 3 and the Special Regulation Units (TB area) may be purchased over the counter or online starting September 10, 2012 at 10 a.m. A landowner's contact telephone number is required to purchase a private-land antlerless license. The outstanding quota of licenses for each DMU (for antlerless deer) may be checked online.

A special provision for youngsters 9 to 16 years of age allows them to purchase one (1) private- or public-land antlerless deer license, over the counter, on a first-come, first-served basis from July 15 through August 15 for any DMU open to the taking of antlerless deer. A youth must be 10 years old by September 16 to purchase an antlerless license. No application fee or drawing is required for youngsters to take advantage of this offer.

What is a public-land antlerless deer hunting license?

A public-land antlerless deer hunting license allows an individual to hunt for antlerless deer on publicly owned lands open to hunting and Commercial Forest Lands within the deer management unit for which it is issued. A public-land license is invalid on any privately owned lands except commercial forest properties. Click here to view a listing of Commercial Forest Lands.

What is a private-land antlerless deer hunting license?

A private-land antlerless deer hunting license is valid for taking antlerless deer only from any privately owned lands within the deer management unit specified on the license with permission of the landowner. A private-land license is not valid on public or Commercial Forest Lands.

How many antlerless licenses can I apply for or purchase?

From July 15 through August 15, a person can make one (1) application for a public-land or a private-land antlerless deer hunting license, not both.

Young hunters, ages 9 to 16, may purchase one antlerless deer hunting license over the counter July 15 through August 15. No application fee or drawing is required. These licenses are available only for deer management units open to the taking of antlerless deer. These licenses may be purchased for either public or private land. A youth must appear in person with a parent or guardian to purchase the junior antlerless deer hunting license. A youth must be 10 by September 15 to purchase an antlerless license. Youngsters 10 and 11 are restricted to archery-only hunting. Nonresidents under 17 are allowed to purchase resident licenses.

Beginning September 10, 2012 at 10 a.m., private-land antlerless deer hunting licenses for DMUs in Zone 3 and the special regulation units are sold over the counter. Licenses will be sold until the quota is met in each DMU.

I'm a convicted felon. Are there any restrictions on my purchasing a license to hunt?

NO. There are no restrictions on your purchase of hunting licenses. However, you may or may not be eligible to purchase, possess, transport or receive a firearm. For more information, call your probation or parole officer or local police department for more information.

Hunting Equipment

May I hunt deer with a bow and arrow during the November firearm deer season?

YES. In order to hunt deer with a bow during this time, you must possess a valid firearm, combination or antlerless deer license with an unused kill tag or an unused Deer Management Assistance (DMA) permit. The archery license is not valid during the November firearm deer season. If you kill a deer, you must tag it with your firearm deer license, combination deer license, antlerless deer license or DMA permit, as appropriate. You must wear hunter orange because the archery deer season is closed.

Reminder: You must have purchased a regular deer license (firearm, combination or antlerless) to hunt with or use a DMA Permit.

How many rounds of ammunition may I carry in my rifle or shotgun?

If you use a semi-automatic rifle or a semi-automatic shotgun, other than a .22 caliber rifle or smaller caliber rimfire rifle, the firearm cannot be capable of holding more than 6 rounds in the barrel and magazine combined. This restriction does not apply to bolt action, lever action, or other firearms that are not semi-automatics.

May I hunt raccoon with a .22-caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire firearm during the November 10 through 14 period?

YES. If you are a resident and have a fur harvester's license you may hunt fur bearing animals and check trap lines while possessing a .22-caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire firearm during this period.

Where may I sight-in my rifle during the November 10 through 14 period?

You may use any designated shooting range. In addition, it is permitted to sight-in a firearm on your own property if it is apparent that you are target practicing and not attempting to take game.

May I transport a firearm in my vehicle if it is broken down?

No. In order to transport a firearm in your vehicle it must first be unloaded in the barrel and magazine combined. It must then be securely enclosed in a case, or you may carry it in the trunk of the vehicle.

How many firearms may I legally carry while firearm deer hunting?

There is no restriction on the number of firearms that you may carry.

What caliber or gauge of firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol) can I use to hunt deer north of the "Rifle-Shotgun Line"?

Any caliber or gauge is legal north of the "Rifle-Shotgun Line" except a .22 caliber rimfire or smaller caliber rimfire rifle or pistol. All centerfire rifles and handguns and all shotguns are legal in this area regardless of caliber or gauge.

Hunting Hours and Property Rights

Can I hunt deer from a raised platform with a firearm?

YES. Deer hunters are allowed to hunt from a tree stand, scaffold or raised platform. When hunting on any publicly-owned lands in Michigan, your tree stand, platform, scaffold or steps must be portable (no attachment by nails, screws, bolts, etc.) and cannot be placed out any earlier than September 1, and must be removed no later than January 2. Screw-in tree steps and any device used to assist in climbing a tree that penetrates the cambium (thin layer of living cells just beneath the bark) of the tree is illegal on public lands, however, a "T" bolt or similar device supplied by a tree stand manufacturer can be used. A tree stand or raised platform on public lands, must have etched, engraved, implanted, burned, printed, or painted the name and address of the user on the raised platform in a manner which makes the name and address easily read from the ground.

Can I use my vehicle as a raised platform for deer hunting?

NO. A vehicle cannot be used as a raised platform for either archery or firearm deer hunting. Michigan law prohibits the taking of any game from in or upon a vehicle. In addition, other hunting and firearms laws regulate the possession of loaded or uncased firearms, or uncased or unstrung bows, in or upon vehicles.

What are the legal hunting hours for deer?

The hunting hours for deer are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. These starting and ending times are published in the Michigan hunting and trapping guide.

If I post my property NO HUNTING, may I continue to hunt on it?

YES. You may continue to hunt on your property. You are simply communicating your desires to others by placing the signs.

When may I shine deer?

From December 1 through October 31 of the following year, a person may shine deer until 11:00 PM. During the month of November, it is unlawful to shine.

It is always unlawful to make use of an artificial light to hunt deer or to shine deer at any time of the year with a firearm, bow and arrow or any other device capable of shooting a projectile in your possession or under your control.

This does not prohibit an individual issued a concealed pistol license, or a person that is authorized to carry a concealed pistol without a license, from possessing or carrying a pistol while shining provided that they do not use the pistol to take, or attempt to take game.

Telephone Number Requirement

Why does the DNR require a telephone number to purchase a private land antlerless license?

The DNR Law Enforcement Division requested the landowner's telephone number be placed on the license. This will aid Conservation Officers in the field should an Officer need to contact the landowner.

What telephone number must I provide?

The contact telephone number for the landowner granting permission to hunt is required to purchase a private land antlerless license. This requirement is to purchase any private land antlerless deer license; there is no exception to this requirement. The telephone number will be printed on the license.

May I use my own phone number?

YES, provided your land is within the DMU the private land antlerless license is for.

What if the landowner does not have a telephone?

The requirement is the contact telephone number for that landowner. If the landowner does not have a personal telephone, the landowner should provide the telephone number of someone who can contact the landowner.

Do I need to list all the telephone numbers of the landowners granting me permission to hunt on their property when I am purchasing a private land antlerless license?

NO. To receive a private land antlerless license, an individual must provide one telephone number of an individual within the DMU that has given them permission to hunt.

Once an individual has been issued a private land antlerless license do they have to hunt only on that property where the telephone number was provided?

NO. The license can be used on any private land within the DMU printed on the private land antlerless license for which the hunter has received landowner permission.

What is the 40 acre rule?

There is no acreage requirement to purchase a private land antlerless license for 2008.

Youth Hunting

Can a youth hunt on a non-family member's property or public land?

YES. A person under 17 may hunt on land where the parent/guardian does not live ONLY if accompanied by the parent/guardian or another person who is at least 18 years old and authorized by the parent/guardian.

Can 12 and 13 year olds hunt on public land?

YES. However, 12 and 13 year olds hunting deer, bear, or elk with a firearm may NOT hunt on public land. They can firearm hunt for bear, deer, or elk on private land only. However, they can archery hunt or firearm hunt for other game on public land.

If 12 and 13 year olds are restricted to private land when using a firearm, can they still hunt on public land with archery equipment?

YES. They can hunt on public land with archery equipment. They are restricted to private land only when firearm hunting for bear, deer, or elk. Commercial Forest Land is private land. They can use a firearm on public land to hunt game other than bear, deer, or elk.

How can my 10 or 11 year old hunt the youth firearm season if they can not purchase a firearm deer license and are limited to archery equipment?

Youths 10 and 11 year old will need to purchase and carry either an antlerless license or a combination license to participate. The youth will have to wear hunter orange.

Will my 9 year old be able to buy a junior antlerless license?

YES. During the application period of July 15 through August 15, youths 9 years old that will be 10 years of age by September 27 of the current year, may purchase one junior antlerless license.

Apprentice Program

What is the apprentice law?

On July 10, 2006, Governor Granholm signed legislation that creates an apprentice hunter program in Michigan. The program allows apprentice hunters to hunt without the otherwise required hunter education course if accompanied and closely monitored by a licensed hunter 21 years or older. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. The purpose of this program is to allow people to try hunting under close control before deciding whether or not they want to take a hunter safety class.

The apprentice program serves to attract new participants to hunting and help conserve our natural resources. Hunting is an important wildlife management tool and exceptional recreation. The DNR believes it is important to continue the hunting tradition with our youth as well as adults who may not have had an opportunity to hunt with a parent or grandparent while growing up. Furthermore, the apprentice license allows new hunters, including adults, to gain hunting experience with an adult mentor, for a limited time, without the requirement of hours of hunter education prior to the experience.

Is this only for youth?

NO, it is for anyone 10 years and up who does not have a hunter safety certificate and would like to try hunting without having to make a substantial commitment. However, the 'apprentice' regardless of their age must be with a 'mentor' who is licensed to hunt that same game and is 21 years or older.

Do regular license fees and age requirements apply?

YES. The apprentice must meet age requirements and pay all license fees and application fees.

Does the adult mentor have to be a family member?

NO. For a youth a parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old or older authorized by a parent or guardian, who is licensed to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.

At what age are Apprentice hunters required to take hunter safety?

Age is not the determinant, the number of license years is. A person may purchase an apprentice license for only two license years. After two license years, a hunter safety certificate is required. The two license years do not have to be consecutive.

Does the 'mentor' need to be licensed for the same game?

YES, but not necessarily the same hunt (example: youth deer hunt, the mentor would have to have some type of deer license to go afield with the apprentice.)

What are the requirements/responsibilities of a mentor?

The mentor must be 21 years or older and also be licensed for the same game to accompany the apprentice. Accompany means to go along with another person under circumstances that allow one to come to the immediate aid of the other person and while staying within a distance from the person that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal communication. A parent or guardian, or another person 21 years old authorized by a parent or guardian, who is license to hunt that game under a license other than an apprentice license can accompany the minor child.

The mentor cannot accompany more than 2 apprentice hunters at one time.

How is this applied to drawings and special hunts?

The apprentice must apply just like any other individual. Example: If they are successful in the elk drawing, they would have to be accompanied by another person who drew an elk hunting license and who is 21 years or older.

How does an apprentice buy an apprentice license on e-license when they are asked about hunter safety?

The E-license process has been changed to accommodate an apprentice without hunter safety.

Does this (Apprentice License) apply for youth seasons, when there is an age limit to hunt that season?

Only apprentice hunters who meet the necessary age requirements for the youth hunt may participate. However, a licensed mentor 21 years of age or older must accompany the apprentice.

When and where can I get my apprentice license?

Either on e-license or at any license agent.

Does my mentor need to be with me when I purchase my apprentice license?

NO. Anyone 17 years of age or older may purchase an apprentice license without a mentor present. If the apprentice is less than 17 years old the parent or guardian must accompany the youth to purchase the license. The mentor must be with the apprentice when they go afield.

Use of Dogs

Can I use a dog to help find a dead deer?

YES. The Department has established a uniform statewide rule for using a dog to assist a hunter in finding a dead deer. The dog must be kept on a leash and no one in attendance can possess a firearm or bow and arrow. If the tracking is done at night, a light of the type ordinarily carried in the hand may be used (e.g. flashlight, lantern). A dog that barks while tracking the deer cannot be used on public lands.

Deer Processing

Can I process or have my deer processed before I return home?

YES. You may process your own deer or take it to a processor before you return home. You do not need any type of permit from the DNR; however, until you get your deer home, you must keep the head and validated kill tag as proof of the kind of deer you took.