906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
Michigan Deer Season 2025: U.P. & Iron County Guide
Michigan Deer Season 2025 delivers an exceptional opportunity for hunters to experience the state’s deep rooted hunting traditions across the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and Iron County. From rugged forest ridges to open hardwoods and wetland corridors, the U.P. offers some of the most rewarding deer habitat in the Upper Peninsula.
Drawing directly from Michigan DNR regulations, this comprehensive guide provides official season dates and regulations, details on public hunting areas and access points, local lodging and meat processing resources, disease updates, population forecasts, and ethical hunting guidance.
Planning a Trip to Iron County?
Many hunters use deer season as an opportunity to plan a weekend or longer stay in the Upper Peninsula. Staying locally makes it easier to scout, hunt multiple days, and adjust plans around weather and conditions.
Table of Contents
Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
When Does the 2025 Archery Deer Season Start and End in Michigan?
Archery Season: October 1 – November 14 and December 1 – January 1, 2026
During this season, hunters may use bows, crossbows, or other approved archery equipment that meet broad-head and draw-weight standards under DNR regulation.
Archery season rewards early preparation reduced hunting pressure and cooler weather make for quiet, productive sits. Using fixed-blade broad-heads, tuning sights, and ensuring proper arrow balance improve shot precision and harvest success.
Firearm Season Management Zones
What Are the Key Dates and Zones for the 2025 Firearm Deer Season?
Firearm Season: November 15–30, 2025
This is the most active period of Michigan's hunting year, when deer behavior peaks during the rut.
| Management Unit | Season Dates | Bag Limit |
| Zone 1 (U.P.) | Nov 15–30, 2025 | One deer per hunter with possible antlerless permits |
| Zone 2 (Northern Lower MI) | Nov 15–30, 2025 | One deer with regular firearm license |
| Zone 3 (Southern Lower MI) |
Nov 15–30, 2025 & Dec 15–Jan 1, 2026 |
One antlered deer per regular license |
Safety Requirements
Firearm season requires all hunters to wear at least 400 square inches (50%) of visible hunter orange on the upper body, including a hat or cap. This is mandatory for your safety and others.
How Is the 2025 Muzzleloader Deer Season Defined?
Muzzleloader Season: December 5–14, 2025
The 2025 Michigan muzzleloader season offers hunters a final opportunity to pursue deer in colder conditions when movement patterns are easier to predict. Late-season hunts often reward patient, disciplined shooting and careful positioning near bedding and feeding corridors
Equipment Requirements
- Muzzleloaders must load from the muzzle, except for legal breech-loading black-powder firearms
- Modern in-line, flintlock, and percussion ignition systems are all permitted
- Hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on the upper body
- Verify DMU-specific firearm restrictions before heading into the field
How Will 2025 Michigan Deer Hunting License Fees Affect Hunters?
Michigan's 2025 hunting license fees are designed to support wildlife management and conservation programs statewide. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed modest fee adjustments to ensure sustainable funding for habitat restoration, hunter education, and disease monitoring programs.
2025 License Fees
| License Type | Previous Fee | Proposed 2025 Fee |
| Resident Base | $11 |
$11 (no change proposed) |
| Resident Deer | $26 | $31 |
| Nonresident Deer | $176 | $186 |
How to Purchase
Hunters must purchase a base license before obtaining any additional deer hunting permits. Licenses are available online via the Michigan DNR Licensing Portal, or approved local retailers.
Where Are the Best Upper Peninsula Deer Hunting Locations?
Michigan's Upper Peninsula offers vast tracts of public hunting land, rugged ridgelines, and dense forest cover ideal for tracking whitetail deer. Successful hunts often depend on understanding forest boundaries, habitat types, and road access points.
Ottawa National Forest
Spanning more than 600,000 acres, the Ottawa National Forest provides exceptional public hunting opportunities with maintained forest roads, designated wildlife openings, and diverse terrain.
Hiawatha National Forest
The Hiawatha National Forest covers over 894,000 acres divided into eastern and western units. The East Unit features rolling hills with red oak mast, while the West Unit offers tamarack and cedar swamps providing thermal cover during colder periods.
Wild Game Processing Near Iron County, Michigan
Hunters in and around Iron County benefit from several trusted wild game processors who handle each harvest with care, precision, and full compliance with health regulations.
Whether you’re bringing in deer, bear, or other game, these facilities ensure your meat is processed cleanly, safely, and according to your specifications.
Prime Choice Meat Market – Eagle River, Wisconsin
Located just across the state line, Prime Choice Meat Market in Eagle River provides full-service venison processing inside a state-inspected facility known for its sanitation and consistency
Location: 1144 US Hwy 45, Eagle River, WI
Phone: (715) 479-4456
Sommers Sausage Shop – Crystal Falls, Michigan
Established in 1992, Sommers Sausage Shop in Crystal Falls has built a strong reputation among Upper Peninsula hunters for exceptional processing and community involvement.
Location: 1370 Commercial Avenue, Crystal Falls, MI
Phone: (906) 874-6032
Where to Find Michigan DNR Hunting Regulations
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides comprehensive, up-to-date hunting information to help hunters plan and stay compliant. These tools cover season dates, licensing details, disease updates, and public land access for every Deer Management Unit (DMU) in Michigan.
Essential DNR Resources:
| Annual Hunting Digest | Includes official season dates, legal equipment, bag limits, and unit boundaries. |
| MiHUNT Interactive Map | Displays public lands, access roads, and current forest conditions for planning hunts. |
| Michigan DNR Hunt Fish App | For quick access to hunting tools, licenses, and maps. Michigan’s official digital resource for hunters and anglers. |
What Are the Mandatory Reporting Requirements for Deer Harvest in 2025?
All deer harvested in Michigan’s 2025 season must be reported within 48 hours of recovery. This ensures the Michigan DNR can accurately monitor population data, adjust regulations, and manage disease surveillance statewide. Hunters can submit harvest data through The Michigan DNR Harvest Reporting Portal.
AI Travel Assistant: Plan Smarter, Travel Better
Planning a trip to Iron County doesn’t have to be complicated. Our AI Travel Assistant is here to help you build a personalized plan whether you’re visiting for an event, outdoor adventure, weekend escape, or seasonal getaway.
In seconds, you can get recommendations for things to do, where to stay, nearby attractions, and how to make the most of your time in Iron County. It’s like having a local guide available whenever you’re ready to plan.
Check the Iron County Events Calendar
There’s always something happening in Iron County. From seasonal festivals and community celebrations to live music, outdoor events, and family friendly activities, our events calendar keeps you up to date on what’s going on during your visit.
Before you finalize your plans, take a moment to explore upcoming events and see what aligns with your trip dates. It’s the easiest way to turn a simple stay into a full Iron County experience.
Final Thoughts
Michigan's 2025 Deer Season blends time honoured tradition with evolving conservation science. By following official DNR regulations, practicing ethical hunting, and utilizing modern tools like the Hunt Fish MI App, hunters in Iron County and across the U.P. can look forward to a safe, rewarding, and sustainable season in the Northwoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting and tagged archery season, iron county michigan, outdoor recreation.
-
A Winter Weekend Getaway in Iron CountyWinter in Iron County has a quieter presence. Roads empty sooner. Days move more deliberately. The landscape doesn’t ask much of you, and it rarely […]
WinterFest 2026: Celebrate Michigan Snow Culture in Iron CountyWinterFest returns to Iron County on Saturday, February 21, 2026, bringing a full day of classic Upper Peninsula winter experiences to Crystal Falls. […]
Free Fishing Weekend in Iron County (Feb 14-15)Winter in Iron County has a quieter rhythm, frozen lakes, crisp air, and space to slow down. For couples and winter travelers looking for something […]
Free Snowmobiling Weekend in Iron County (Jan 10-11)January is peak winter in Iron County. Snow cover is established, trails are groomed, and conditions are typically at their most reliable. […]
Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.