Deer Drop-In Mondays: DNR Thanks Michigan Hunters in 2025

If you've never heard the phrase "Deer Drop In Mondays," don't panic—deer will not be showing up unannounced, demanding snacks and wi-fi. It's the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) new way of saying thank you to hunters.

RELATED: Michigan Deer Harvest 2024: Bucks and Does by County

What Are Deer Drop-In Mondays?

Across the State of Michigan, the DNR is hosting Hunter Appreciation: Deer Drop-In Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Monday of the month through December 2025. These events are designed to give hunters a chance to meet face-to-face with DNR staff, ask questions, swap some stories, and grab some free swag.

I had an opportunity to stop by the first event at the DNR Customer Service Center in Lansing, and it didn't disappoint. I spoke with DNR Representative Emily Freeman, who manned a table full of patches, stickers, hand warmers, and even field-dressing gloves—because nothing says "thank you" like a free pair of gloves you'll definitely forget in your truckbed.

Do You Need to Bring a Deer?

And while you can bring in your harvested deer (or even just the lower jaw for aging), it's not required. In other words, you won't have to drag a dressed buck through the DNR's lobby.

It's your chance to talk to a DNR officer without having one approach you in the field, and you panic and start mentally reviewing every hunting regulation you've ever read, wondering what you did.

RELATED: DNR: Michigan's 2024 Deer Harvest Underreported by Nearly 75,000

When and Where to Drop In

Most of the time, Michigan's DNR officers are there to help. So mark your calendar for the second Monday of the month through December, find the location nearest you by clicking here, and drop in so they can appreciate you.