More than 50,000 deer were harvested during the first days of the regular firearm deer season as Michigan’s season continues. Officials warn of challenges ahead. (Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources)

(This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)

Michigan hunters have already passed the 150,000 deer mark this fall, including more than 50,000 taken since opening weekend of the regular firearm deer season.

During all deer seasons last year, hunters killed nearly 300,000 deer, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

As of Tuesday, 58,226 deer were harvested during this year’s regular firearm season, which began Saturday. That total includes 42,509 bucks, according to the DNR.

The DNR says 157,247 deer have been killed since the season began on Sept. 13, including 101,671 bucks and 55,547 does during the Liberty, Independence/youth hunts and early archery season.

Sanilac, Saginaw, Hillsdale, Gratiot and Montcalm counties recorded the highest harvests so far during regular firearm season, with a combined 7,825 deer, while Keweenaw, Wayne, Luce, Baraga and Alger counties reported the lowest totals so far at 403 deer.

Michigan officials warn that lingering damage from the March ice storm in northern Michigan and a deer disease outbreak in the southern Lower Peninsula may complicate hunting this season.

In the southern Lower Peninsula, deer numbers are strong but face localized losses from the spread of epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a viral illness transmitted by small flies. The disease has been confirmed in 16 counties so far and could continue spreading until the first hard frost.

Officials push safe practices

The state urges hunters to handle all firearms as if loaded, wear blaze orange, avoid trespassing, hunt with partners, carry communication devices, and maintain a check-in plan.

Hunting while intoxicated is a misdemeanor that can lead to weapons confiscation.

Experts also warn that a single gunshot can damage hearing. In-ear plugs and electronic muffs can reduce noise while preserving awareness, and hunters of all ages are encouraged to build strong hearing protection habits to prevent permanent damage, including tinnitus.

Key dates and rules

Regular firearm season runs through Nov. 30, followed by muzzleloading season from Dec. 5 to 14.

Archery season resumes Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. The season extends through Jan. 31 in Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne and parts of St. Clair counties.

Hunters must first buy a base license, then purchase deer licenses based on how many deer they plan to hunt. A universal antlerless tag costs $20, while combination tags range from $28 to $190 and allow two deer harvests.