The Michigan firearms deer season’s five-day quiet period is Sunday through Thursday. During that time, unless hunting for small game, waterfowl or fur harvesting, it is illegal to carry or possess a rifle or shotgun with buckshot, slug load, pellet load or cut shell in an area frequented by deer. Unloaded firearms securely contained or carried in the trunk of a vehicle may be transported to or from a hunting camp. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

Across Michigan, hunters are preparing stands, blinds and camps for the upcoming firearms deer season, which begins Friday. While there’s understandable excitement for the premiere, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding everyone to respect the state’s five-day quiet period from Sunday through Thursday.

During these five days, unless hunting for small game, waterfowl or fur harvesting, it is illegal to carry or possess a rifle or shotgun with shot, slug load, pellet load or cut shell in an area frequented by deer. Unloaded firearms securely contained or carried in the trunk of a vehicle may be transported to or from a hunting camp.

“Hunters know they’re in for another Michigan firearms deer season as we enter the five-day quiet period,” said Capt. Pete Wright of the DNR Law Enforcement Division. “Those critical days create a window of time, right before the opening, when hunters can catch their breath and the forest gets a chance to calm down.

“This period is like hitting a reset button, allowing deer to return to their everyday patterns, which in turn increases the chances of a successful hunt.”

Small game or waterfowl hunters and fur harvesters may still carry the appropriate firearm for the season. Small game and waterfowl hunters may carry shotguns with pellet shells to hunt small game, but may not possess buck shot, slugs, pellet loads or cut shells during this time. Fur harvesters may carry rimfire firearms (.22 caliber or smaller) while actively hunting or controlling trap lines during the open fur season.

See the 2024 Deer Hunting Regulations Summary for more information.

Contact the poaching hotline at 800-292-7800 to report trespassing, shooting or other related violations.