Applications for Michigan's 2026 reserved deer hunts and reserved deer youth hunts will be accepted July 15 through Aug. 15.
Hunters may apply for reserved hunts at Shiawassee River State Game Area, Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and Sharonville State Game Area. Many reserved public land hunts are limited to hunters with disabilities or have other eligibility requirements established by the local land manager, so be sure to review hunt requirements before applying.
Important dates
- Application period: July 15 through Aug. 15.
- Drawing results available: Aug. 31.
- Leftover licenses available (if quota remains): Sept. 3, beginning at 10 a.m.
Who can apply
- Michigan residents and nonresidents are eligible.
- Reserved deer youth hunt applicants must be 16 years old or younger.
Hunters may apply for one reserved deer hunt choice or one reserved deer youth hunt choice. Partnership applications are available for parties of up to two eligible hunters. Both hunters must use the same party ID, and either both applicants will be selected or neither will be selected.
Please note that nonambulatory hunts at Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge are not part of the 2026 drawing. Those hunts are being administered directly by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Hunters interested in those opportunities should contact the refuge for additional information.
For complete information on reserved deer hunts, eligibility requirements and available hunt locations, visit the Reserved deer hunts webpage.