Michigan Reports First Illegal Deer Kill of Firearm Season

Michigan's firearm deer season kicked off and already an illegal deer kill occurred in one of the most unlikely places in the state.

Buck Fever Can Make Hunters Do Dumb Things

Buck fever is not a deer who has the flu or COVID-19, but it is something some deer hunters get during firearm deer season. So, what is buck fever?

To break down buck fever, it's an intense, physiological response to the excitement of seeing a big buck often causing hunters to experience a rush of adrenaline that leads to symptoms like uncontrollable shaking, and a racing heart. This can impair focus and motor control, making it difficult to aim and shoot successfully.

Buck fever can also cause hunters to make some bad choices in order to bag a big buck at all costs, even fines, jail time, and even loss of hunting privileges.

First Illegal Deer Kill of Michigan’s Firearm Season Confirmed

Have you heard the term, "if it's brown, it's down?" Many Michigan hunters have lived by that motto meaning when they see a deer during firearm season they shoot it. It may not be the best hunting strategy (its not), but most hunters follow the rules provided by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Have you heard of Brownstown Township, Michigan? It's not in the Upper Peninsula, nor even the upper Lower Peninsula. Heck, it's not even located in a rifle zone, it's just south of Detroit.

According to WXYZ, police responded to a report of possible gunshots near Telegraph and West Road in Brownstown Township thinking it had to do with a domestic issue. When police arrived to the scene they discovered the shots came from an alleged illegal deer hunt.

Brownstown Township Police and the DNR searched the area and found the hunting spot, a shell casing, a dead deer, a suspect, and a .270 rifle that was stashed in the woods. Note: this is not a rifle-designated area.

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It's illegal to hunt with a firearm in Brownstown Township. The suspect will be criminally charged, his firearm has been seized, and will lose his hunting licenses. Not a good start to the 2025 firearm deer season.

👇BELOW: Michigan's 2024 Whitetail Deer Harvest 83 County Review👇