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
