DNR proposal would expand deer hunt on Lake Michigan’s largest island

BEAVER ISLAND, MI -- There may soon be expanded deer hunting opportunities on Lake Michigan’s largest island.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering a proposal that would extend antlerless-only hunting on Beaver Island by 20 days.

The proposal, which aims to simplify hunting regulations and control the island’s deer population, would add both early and late antlerless firearm deer seasons for the 2026-2028 hunting seasons.

Currently, the DNR allows the following deer hunting seasons on the island: Liberty Hunt, early and late archery segments, Independence Hunt, regular firearm and muzzleloader seasons.

Adding early and late antlerless firearm seasons would simplify regulations across the Beaver Island Archipelago and the remainder of mainland Charlevoix County,