Lower Peninsula Muzzleloader Season Gets New Name

For 51 years in Michigan, there was a 10-day muzzleloader season existed for whitetail deer. It has since changed significantly, including a new name and updated structure.

Background on Michigan Muzzleloader Deer Season

Black powder firearms have been used in Michigan for hunting and protection for over 160 years, dating back to the Civil War era. The state’s dedicated muzzleloader hunting season was later established in 1975.

When Michigan first established its muzzleloader hunting season, it began on the first Friday in December and ran for 10 days. While some hunters use muzzleloaders for bear, turkey, or coyote, the season itself has been dedicated exclusively to whitetail deer.

Read More: One-buck rule set to reshape Michigan hunting

Beginning in 2020, in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, hunters have been allowed to use any legal firearm during the December muzzleloader season. For the 2026 season, two additional changes have now been implemented.

New Name Announced for Lower Peninsula Muzzleloader Season

The muzzleloader season has been reduced from 10 days to three, running December 4–6, 2026, and renamed the December Firearm Season to reflect that all legal firearms are permitted.

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Michigan’s Late Antlerless Firearm Season will begin the Monday after the December Firearm Season and run through January 1, 2027.

👇BELOW: 2025 Michigan Deer Season All Seasons Harvest Report👇