06/23/2026
🦌 ATTENTION MICHIGAN DEER HUNTERS! 🦌
The Michigan DNR has proposed a framework for a new "Earn a Second Buck" (EASB) Pilot Program set to launch for the 2027 deer hunting season. If you hunt in southern Michigan, here is a breakdown of how it works:
🚨 Critical Step: You Must Choose Early!
Decide Before You Buy: At the exact time of purchase, you must choose whether or not you want to participate in the 5 county EASB pilot program.
The Upfront Bundle: If you opt-in, you will buy the new EASB license product ($40 for residents; $28 for seniors). This includes:
Tag 1 (EASB Single Deer License): Valid for one antlered deer OR one antlerless deer.
Tag 2 (Universal Antlerless License): Valid for one antlerless deer only.
📅 The 5-Year Evaluation Plan
This isn't a one-and-done change. The DNR is implementing a 5-year evaluation timeline running through a sunset date of January 2, 2032. Biologists will collect pre-pilot data this fall (2026) and analyze harvest results from 2027 through 2030 to scientifically measure how much this structure helps manage the local deer population.
🔓 How to Unlock the "Bonus Buck" Tag
To legally bag a second buck under this program, you have to earn it:
Harvest an antlerless deer in an active pilot county using Tag 1, Tag 2, or a universal antlerless license.
Report your harvest directly to the DNR.
Unlock the Option to Purchase Tag 3 (The Bonus Tag) for $20 (residents/seniors) or $170 (non-residents).
⚠️ Antler Restrictions: Your earned Bonus Tag can be used on an antlerless deer OR a second buck—but that buck must have at least 4 antler points on one side.
📍 How the Science Works: "Treatment" vs. "Control" Counties
To prove whether this program actually successfully increases antlerless harvest, the DNR is using a peer-reviewed, paired scientific study. They have matched 5 "Treatment" counties (where the new EASB rules apply) with 5 nearby "Control" counties (where rules remain completely normal).
By comparing the data between the pairs, biologists can isolate the real impact of the program from outside factors like bad weather or disease. The specific county pairings are:
Barry (Treatment) 🆚 Allegan (Control)
Hillsdale (Treatment) 🆚 Lenawee (Control)
Ingham (Treatment) 🆚 Isabella (Control)
Kalamazoo (Treatment) 🆚 Washtenaw (Control)
Lapeer (Treatment) 🆚 Livingston (Control)
🔍 Enforcement & Compliance
To protect data integrity, the DNR retail sales system will be linked directly to harvest reporting. Conservation officers will conduct targeted field verifications and follow-ups with a selection of hunters who report an antlerless harvest to unlock their Bonus Tag.
The Natural Resources Commission is reviewing this framework this summer ahead of 2027 implementation.
Would you opt-in to this program at the counter? Let us know below! 👇
Full info at-
WCO amendment 7 of 2026
https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/Boards/NRC/2026/July-2026/Signed_07WCO2026.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawSm8w1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR72dx3dk_PZtpFkJzTEGzZRkkCpEGj27EkCBo46ZDZQ8a2wGGGksVnsVA4-5g_aem_-9OIHI_o1862sx4-6ZJM4g
The NRC meeting will be at 9am on July 8th, 2026 in Lansing, Michigan
Info- Midnr
Michigan NRC
State of Michigan
