While the fall in participation has occurred in Michigan — and nationwide — for some time, this year the DNR reports that only 19 fewer purchased hunting licenses than last year, totaling 456,100. Below is a county map of total deer harvested in 2023, and the change from 2022.

Many would argue Nov. 15 a statewide holiday: it's the start of firearm deer season. It will run two weeks starting Friday through Nov. 30. For many families, it's tradition to grab their most flattering hunter orange and stake out.