Default Mono Sans Mono Serif Sans Serif Comic Fancy Small CapsDefault X-Small Small Medium Large X-Large XX-LargeDefault Outline Dark Outline Light Outline Dark Bold Outline Light Bold Shadow Dark Shadow Light Shadow Dark Bold Shadow Light BoldDefault Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%Default Black Silver Gray White Maroon Red Purple Fuchsia Green Lime Olive Yellow Navy Blue Teal Aqua OrangeDefault 100% 75% 50% 25% 0%The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently published the deer hunting regulations for 2026.
Published: Aug. 21, 2026 at 2:37 PM PDT
BIG BAY, Mich. (WLUC) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently published the deer hunting regulations for 2026.
The changes affecting the Upper Peninsula most are the rescinding of management units 351 and 352, along with the elimination of the extended late antlerless deer season and January archery season. Muzzle loading season has also been shortened to three days starting Dec. 4.
Changes to tag limits and season lengths are a direct result of this year’s harsh winter, which has led to a decline in deer populations. However, hunters in the Upper Peninsula say that statewide changes might not be properly representing the U.P.
The Natural Resources Commission that puts state regulations into place is made up of seven members, with only one of those members representing the U.P.
That representative is Dave Nyburg whose term ends on Dec. 31.
“We could have nobody on the commission after December 31st, so one of the things that they can do is have two people on the commission at all times,” said Bryan Reynolds, president of U.P. Whitetails of Marquette County.
Because Upper Peninsula winters are so different from those downstate, Big Bay Sportsman’s Club President Mark Bevins says deer populations and hunters face different challenges.
“I think there are folks in Lansing who think one-shoe-fits all. We have to manage differently, because the populations are different, because of the environment,” said Bevins.
Reynolds proposes that one way to get the Upper Peninsula the proper focus it deserves is to divide state NRCs into three units.
“We would have unit one which would be U.P., unit two would be the northern lower, and unit three would be the southern lower, and they should all be managed separately from the other ones,” said Reynolds.
The importance of managing and conserving deer populations is to preserve the ability to hunt for future generations.
Read more about this year’s changes here.
Exposing the Big Game 