Early Michigan Archery Harvest Reaches Over 15,000 Deer

The archery season in Michigan is underway, and the state has already seen significant success among hunters. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Deer Harvest Report Summary, a total of 15,923 deer have been harvested as of 4 p.m. on Monday, October 12. This figure is expected to rise as bow hunting continues and hunters report their results within the required timeframe.

Breakdown of the Harvest: Antlered vs. Antlerless Deer

Out of the total deer harvested so far, 9,799 were antlered deer and 6,124 were antlerless deer. These figures reflect reports provided by hunters through the state's harvest reporting systems and will likely increase as additional harvests are recorded. The Michigan archery harvest data gives insight into the early trends of the 2026 hunting season.

County Harvest Totals Highlight Regional Activity

Several counties stand out for their high numbers of deer harvested:

• St. Clair County: Leading the state with 494 deer harvested, including the highest number of antlered deer at 328.
• Lapeer County: Close behind with 488 deer.
• Allegan County: Notable for having the highest number of antlerless deer harvested at 172.

Other notable county harvests include:

• Thumb Region: Huron County (228), Sanilac County (387), Tuscola County (371)
• Big Rapids Area: Mecosta County (305), Osceola County (255), Lake County (126), Newaygo County (474), Montcalm County (451)
• Manistee Area: Manistee County (132), Benzie County (58), Mason County (247)
• Midland Area: Midland County (222), Bay County (122), Gladwin County (250), Saginaw County (377)

Since the previous report on October 9, Michigan's statewide harvest total has increased by 3,504 deer, with 2,089 more antlered deer and 1,415 more antlerless deer. Newaygo County saw the largest increase among counties, rising by 111 to a total of 474.

How Hunters Can Report Their Harvest

The Michigan DNR emphasizes the importance of timely harvest reporting. Hunters are given up to 72 hours to report each deer harvested. There are two primary options for submitting a harvest report:

• Online Reporting: Hunters can visit the DNR’s website at Michigan DNR Harvest Report and enter their kill tag license number and date of birth to begin the process. They can also use the eLicense system by logging in and accessing the Harvest Report tab.
• Mobile App: The new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available in both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, providing another convenient way for hunters to report their harvests.

According to the DNR, reporting a harvest online or via the app should only take a few minutes, ensuring efficient tracking for the state’s wildlife management efforts.

Bow Hunting Season and Reporting Deadlines

The early segment of Michigan's bow hunting season is scheduled to run from October 1 through November 14. As the season progresses, harvest numbers are expected to increase with continued participation from hunters across Michigan. The timely reporting of each harvest helps maintain an accurate record for both the Michigan DNR and the hunting community.

Summary

The michigan archery harvest for early 2026 has surpassed 15,000 deer through two weekends, reflecting strong participation and effective reporting among hunters. With detailed county harvests, increases in both antlered deer and antlerless deer, and streamlined reporting options, the state’s archery season is off to a promising start.

Source: manisteenews.com.