REGION- Firearm deer hunting season is right around the corner, and many hunters are busy scouting land, watching trail cameras and preparing equipment for opening day. To ensure a safe season, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing best practices and tips to avoid the most common violations and mistakes they see every year.
Here are 10 best practices for hunters to remember:
- Properly tag your deer
Remember, too, that reporting your deer within 72 hours of harvest is just as important as tagging it. Everything hunters need to know is available on the DNR’s Hunt, Fish app.
- Know your firearm and how it functions
- Know your target and what’s beyond it
Each year, conservation officers investigate property damage caused by firearms. Rifle rounds travel long distances – hunters are responsible for where bullets end up.
- Respect landowner rights
If you’ll be hunting near someone else’s property, contact the landowner ahead of time; don’t wait until you’re tracking game. Most of the time, a friendly call or visit to your neighbor will remedy the situation.
- Share public land
Brush, constructed blinds and tree stands on public land are just that – public. Regardless of who constructed, purchased or tends to these blinds, when they’re on state-managed public land, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Public land cannot be posted or reserved.
Tree stands used on public land must be portable and have one of the following affixed in legible English that can easily be read from the ground: the hunter’s name and address, complete driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number. Hunting platforms cannot be affixed or attached to any tree by nails, screws or bolts.
- Leave the land better than you found it
- Wear hunter orange
- Know and follow baiting regulations
Baiting and feeding are banned in the entire Lower Peninsula.
- Hunt in-season, during legal hours
- Be respectful to other hunters
For more information on the firearm deer season, hunting safety, lands open to hunting, hunting digests and more, visit Michigan.gov/Hunting.
