LANSING, Mich. — Bowhunters across Michigan have reported close to 30,000 deer so far in the early archery season, and the mix is tilting more toward does and fawns than it did a year ago, according to harvest totals hunters have filed with the state Department of Natural Resources.
Antlered bucks account for 62.4% of the reported harvest, or 18,715 deer, against 11,264 antlerless animals. At this point in 2025, bucks made up about 72.3% of the early archery take, so the current pace would leave the antlered share roughly 10 points lower if it holds.
Newaygo County tops the county list with 897 deer, including a state-high 613 bucks, and Montcalm County is close behind at 867. St. Clair County leads the state in antlerless deer with 315. The statewide count climbed by 5,121 deer from the Oct. 19 update, as the season heads into its fourth weekend.
Reporting is required. The DNR says deer and turkey hunters must file a report within 72 hours of a successful harvest, or sooner if the animal is handed off to another person, a processor or a taxidermist, and anyone holding a deer after that window should be able to show the confirmation number.
Hunters can file at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport using the license number on their kill tag plus their birth date, through an eLicense account, or with the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The department says the process takes about three to five minutes, and a family member or friend may file on a hunter’s behalf with the license number and hunt details.
Hunters who need help can reach the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
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