COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Mchigan’s archery deer hunting season is officially underway, having kicked off Thursday across the state. Running through November 14, this year’s season marks a major technological shift for bowhunters with the introduction of a new digital tagging law.
For the first time, hunters can opt for electronic harvest tags through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hunt Fish app instead of using traditional paper kill tags.
These digital tags can be validated on a smartphone immediately upon harvest—even without cellular service—though hunters are still required to report their deer within 72 hours.
In Branch County archery participation remains high, , where bowhunters are eager to build upon recent successful seasons.
The county remains a hot spot for bow hunters across all of southern Michigan, following a strong 2025 where 1,043 deer were harvested during the fall archery season. timeframe.
According to the DNR harvest portal, Branch county hunters harvested seven deer on the opening day and those numbers are expected to rise rapidly as the season enters it’s first full weekend.
While traditionalists can still use paper tags, state wildlife officials expect the new digital convenience to streamline tracking data as the season progresses.
Comments