COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The number of deer harvested during firearms season in both Branch County and statewide declined in 2025.
During the two-week firearms season that ran from November 15th through the 30th, Branch County hunters harvested 2,273 deer compared to 2,291 in 2024. That included 1,410 antlered deer.
Hillsdale County saw a slight increase. Hunters harvested 2,969 deer during the two-week period compared to 2,857 in 2024, while in St. Joseph County, the number was significantly lower where 1,718 deer were taken this year compared to 2,229 a year ago.
Statewide the number was also down from 2024. 129,464 were harvested this firearm season, 7,060 less than last year.
Maybe it’s time to add another week.
The alternative is to just continue to clean up the roadkill.