OAKFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — It’s the biggest day of the year for Michigan deer hunters: Regular firearm season begins Friday.
There was plenty of excitement Thursday, evidenced by the many cars coming in and out of Hilltop Sports west of Greenville for last-minute pickups of gear, tags, ammunition and even guns.
Owner Derek Drye said the shop has been busy as the season approaches and has been serving more customers this year compared to last. He attributed that to some younger hunters heading out.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is encouraging hunters to take more antlerless deer than normal, saying it will help mitigate the effects of a large herd. The number of hunters has dropped over the years, contributing to the overabundance.
Drye reminded hunters that safety should be their top priority:
“Know what you’re doing. Pay attention. Look what’s beyond the target. Main thing is just everybody slow down a little bit and enjoy the time out there. It’s not just about the harvest,” he said. “Slow down and enjoy it.”
Regular firearm deer season runs through Nov. 30. Muzzleloading season follows from Dec. 6 to Dec. 15. Details about late antlerless hunting periods can be found on the DNR’s website.