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 Midwest.
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 Your Hunt
Drawing directly from Michigan DNR regulations, harvest data, and community insights, this resource helps hunters plan effectively, stay compliant, and make the most of every day in the woods.
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 broadhead and draw-weight standards under DNR regulation.
The Upper Peninsula offers prime archery hunting terrain with diverse forest types and abundant deer populations
Archery season rewards early preparation reduced hunting pressure and cooler weather make for quiet, productive sits. Using fixed-blade broadheads, tuning sights, and ensuring proper arrow balance improve shot precision and harvest success.
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.
Firearm Season Management Zones
| 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
Proper gear preparation is essential for success
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.
Best Hunter-Friendly Lodging in Iron County, Michigan: Where to Stay for Deer Season 2025
Visit the Iron County Lodging Association to explore properties offering convenient access to the Ottawa National Forest, Lake Ottawa Recreation Area, and Ge-Che Trail Corridor.
Many accommodations cater directly to hunters with:
- Game-cleaning areas and equipment storage
- Proximity to forest road systems and trailheads
- Flexible check-in/out times during peak season
Chicaugon Lake Inn
AmercInn by Wyndham
Lakeshore Motel Ice Lake
Pioneer Lodge
Tall Pines
Ski Brule
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.
Final Thoughts
Michigan's 2025 Deer Season blends time-honored 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.
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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.