Michigan Archery Harvest Doubles in a Week, Bucks Still Dominate

Michigan bowhunters have more than doubled their reported harvest since last Monday, October 5. Nice work. Now, about those antlerless tags: are we saving them for a special occasion?

Michigan's 2026 Early Archery Harvest Tops 15,000

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) harvest report, updated at 11:11 a.m. October 12, lists 15,750 harvested during early archery. That's 8,196 reports, up from 7,554 in last week's update, an increase of 108.5%.

This is a running report, so it serves as a snapshot of where this season is likely headed.

Michigan's Deer Harvest Is Still Heavy on Bucks

An antlerless deer is seen in a residential area in East Lansing, Michigan.

Hunters have reported 9,693 antlered deer and 6,057 antlerless deer so far in the early archery season, which began on October 1. Antlered deer account for 61.5% of the harvest, compared with roughly 62% last week.

The antlered lead has grown from 1,826 to 3,636. Bigger totals. Same enthusiasm for headgear and less for a full freezer.

Antlerless includes does and some male deer. This report doesn't tell us buck ages or rack sizes.

RELATED: 2025 Michigan Car-Deer Accidents: 83-County Breakdown

I understand buck fever. But where herds need thinning and regulations allow, antlerless tags deserve attention. Nobody has ever sent venison chili back because it didn't come with eight points.

Which Michigan Counties Lead the Early Archery Harvest

St. Clair holds a narrow lead (total bucks and does):

1. St. Clair
   • 491
2. Lapeer
   • 483
3. Newaygo
   • 471
4. Montcalm
   • 446
5. Genesee
   • 428

Early archery continues through November 14. Hunters are required to report harvests within 72 hours or before transferring possession, whichever comes first.

Fill the freezer. The slow cooker doesn't need a trophy room.