Michigan Hunters First Saturday Opener in 11 Years — See Last Year’s Top Counties

Well, Michigan hunters, the big day's coming — and this year, November 15 falls on a Saturday for the first time since 2014. Translation: no fake cough calls to the boss, no midweek sneaking out "for lunch" with your rifle in the truck. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) knows what this means: more hunters in the woods, more deer harvested (hopefully for our car insurance rates), and way more blaze orange at the gas station at 5 a.m.

In 2024, Michigan hunters bagged 373,300 statewide (the DNR's estimate, which is nearly 75,000 more deer than reported by hunters) — a slight bump from the year before. This year's Saturday start could send that number soaring faster than a buck spotting a guy in head-to-toe Cabela's.

Economic Ripple Expected For 2025's Firearm Deer Season Open in Michigan

Every truck stop, diner, and hunting store from Jackson to the U.P. is ready to cash in. Tom Knutson, of Knutson's Sporting Goods in Brooklyn, Michigan, says a Saturday opener means "30 percent more." 30 percent more license sales, which means 30 percent more hats, boats, ammunition, and, potentially, 30 percent more deer harvested.

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A weekend opener also brings a chance for a youth infusion into the outdoors. With no school to report to, young hunters can enjoy the sport without missing class or practice.

The Top 5 Counties for Deer Harvested in 2024

Curious who was the County Harvest Champion for last season? Here's a look at the top 5:

1. Sanilac County — 9,544 deer
2. Saginaw County — 7,928 deer
3. Jackson County — 7,748 deer
4. Tuscola County — 7,136 deer
5. Lapeer County — 6,981 deer

RELATED: Michigan Danger Zones: 2024 Car - Deer Crashes by County

If you're wondering how your county stacked up in 2024, keep scrolling for a county-by-county look at last year's harvest.