Muzzleloader season begins on Friday in Michigan. What to know.

(CBS DETROIT)The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters of weapon laws as the state’s muzzleloader season kicks out on Friday.

“Muzzleloader season regulations have evolved along with the objectives of deer management,” stated Chad Stewart, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in a statement. “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is concentrating on methods to enhance antlerless harvest because of the southern Lower Peninsula’s robust deer population. In order to assist control the deer population in southern Michigan, the DNR wants hunters to have every chance to succeed.

Here are some facts regarding the hunting season.

When does the muzzleloader season end?

On December 15, the muzzleloader season comes to an end.

Additionally, the season for hunting deer using antlerless firearms extends from December 16 to January 1. For the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, the DNR extended that season from January 2–12.

Regulations for three hunting zones

The muzzleloader season is divided into three hunting zones.

Only muzzleloading rifles, shotguns, or black-powder pistols may be used to harvest deer in Zone 1, or the Upper Peninsula, during the muzzleloader season. In the Upper Peninsula, certified hunters with disabilities are permitted to use a modified bow or crossbow.

All lawful firearms, including those used during the normal firearm season, are permitted to be used by hunters in Zone 2 on the Lower Peninsula during the muzzleloader season.

Hunters may use a crossbow, bow, or weapon that satisfies the following criteria for harvesting deer in Zone 3 (the limited firearm deer zone):

At CBS Detroit, DeJanay Booth-Singleton works as a digital producer. She discusses a range of subjects, including politics, business, and crime.

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