‘One-buck rule’ for Lower Peninsula passes

LANSING, Mich. (WNEM) – After hours of debate, change is coming to Michigan deer hunting.

On May 13, the state’s Natural Resources Commission passed the “one-buck rule,” limiting hunters in the lower peninsula to one antlered deer per year, down from two, starting in 2027.

The goal is to improve buck‑to‑doe ratios, tackle disease, and set clear, measurable benchmarks for each deer management zone.

“Michigan has some of the best hunting traditions of wildlife resources in the country,” said a Department of Natural Resources commissioner. “We owe it to the hunters conservationists’ landowners and future generations to ensure our decisions are grounded in sound science made in the best long-term interests of the resources.”

The updated framework would guide seasons, tags and disease response – with regular progress reports to the commission through June of next year.

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