Mi Deer Hunters Now Required to Report Successful Harvest Online

The rules for harvesting Michigan deer have changed again and new this year is mandatory reporting of harvest on the DNR website.

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New Michigan Deer Hunting Rule

Whether you bow, gun or muzzleloader hunt for Michigan whitetail deer the Department of Natural Resources is making it mandatory to report your harvest on their website.

It's a simple task and should help the DNR keep better records. Now they don't have to waste a couple of trees sending me envelope after envelope wanting to know how my harvest is.

Mixed Emotions from Michigan Deer Hunters About New Harvest Reporting Rule

I saw this thread on the Michigan Whitetail Hunters Facebook Page. As you can see above hunters are all over the place with this new rule. Dave Dunlop said, "Just wondering, how do people expect the DNR to manage the herd better if they don't know what the harvest numbers are." Dunlop makes a great point.

I also think having accurate numbers will help. I will also be the big fart in the church that thinks Michigan should go to a one-buck rule per season. I saw this work in Indiana and their buck-to-doe ratio is spot on and would like to see that in Michigan.

Jason Dinsmoore raises a good question, "what happens if you don't report and take it to a processor? Are you refused?" He does answer his own question by saying, "You have to show a confirmation email to the processor or taxidermist."

How To Tag Your Michigan Deer

Tagging your Michigan deer is easy. All you need is a sharp knife or a pair of scissors. You can see the highlighted areas on the tag above the DNR want you to notch out.

Notching out your deer tag is self-explanatory but the DNR wants the sex of the whitetail. Month and date you harvested the deer, and how many points are on each side of the buck.

The DNR recommends using a zip tie or shoelace to put your notched tag on. Just peel off and zip or tie around the antler of a buck or put a small hole in a does ear and run the tag through there.

You need to tag your deer immediately after your harvest. Then once you get back to camp or home, break out the smartphone or computer and report your harvest to the DNRs website.

Report Michigan Deer Harvest on DNRs Website

The DNR wants you to report your harvest within three days of your kill.

The DNR has made this easy and simple and even put together a nice video that will dial you right in. See below.