Michigan's Rifle Line Is Gone for 2026

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission eliminated the Limited Firearms Deer Zone in the Lower Peninsula effective with the 2026 deer seasons. All legal firearms, including bottleneck cartridges, may now be used throughout the Lower Peninsula, and firearms larger than .22 rimfire are permitted statewide.

Every 2026 Michigan Deer Season Date

Everything That Changed for 2026

• The Limited Firearms Deer Zone in the Lower Peninsula is eliminated. All legal firearms, including bottleneck cartridges, may be used throughout the Lower Peninsula.
• Firearms larger than .22 rimfire are now permitted statewide.
• The Statewide Muzzleloader Season drops from 10 days to three and is renamed the December Firearm Deer Season. In the Lower Peninsula, any legal firearm may be used during it.
• The Late Antlerless Season opens earlier — the Monday following the December Firearm Deer Season — and runs through Jan. 1.
• The Extended Late Antlerless and January Archery seasons are eliminated. All deer hunting concludes after Jan. 1.
• The antlerless access drawing in the Upper Peninsula is eliminated. DMUs 351 and 352 are rescinded; U.P. hunters use universal antlerless licenses in DMUs 022, 122, 155, 255, 121 and 055.
• Residents with a valid senior deer, senior deer combo, or senior antlerless license may use a crossbow during the Late Archery Deer Season in the U.P.
• The DNR may set universal antlerless license use limits by DMU or county, reviewed and published annually.