Strong 2025 Deer Season Preview: Michigan’s Best Spots

If you're gearing up for Michigan's 2025 archery deer season, last year's numbers give us a pretty good preview. Hunters across the state tagged 77,060 deer during the 2024 whitetail archery season (early segment), according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The 2024 Michigan archery season was a buck-heavy one. 55,290 antlered deer were harvested, with 21,770 does tagged. Translation: plenty of venison chili and jerky were made.

Top Harvest Counties in Michigan

Leading the pack in 2024 was Jackson County, with a massive 2,278 deer. Not far behind were Saginaw (2,131), Lapeer (1,906), Montcalm (1,828), and Allegan (1,824). If your hunting spot is in one of these counties, expect competition.

Lower vs. Upper Peninsula

Michigan's southern Lower Peninsula dominated harvest totals, while the Upper Peninsula stayed quieter. Counties like Alger (78), Baraga (87), and Schoolcraft (124) barely cracked the triple digits. Still, ask a Yooper and they'll remind you it's not about numbers—it's about bragging rights.

Antlered vs. Antlerless

Michigan hunters seem to be looking for mounts, as opposed to filling the freezer, with two and a half times more antlered deer harvested than antlerless. That's great for taxidermists, but herd balance—not so much.

What to Expect in 2025

The numbers suggest another strong year ahead. Southern counties will continue to see high harvests, while northern Michigan and the U.P. will give hunters solitude and a challenge. Whether you're chasing a wall-hanger or just looking for some back straps, this season is set up to be as, if not more productive, than the last.

RELATED: Michigan Deer Harvest 2024: Bucks and Does by County

Sharpen those broadheads, was the string, and get ready—archery season in Michigan isn't just about the deer. It's finding your spot on the scoreboard. For a county-by-county look at the entire 2024 harvest, keep scrolling.