Michigan’s Liberty Hunt, a firearm deer hunt on private or public lands for youth and hunters with disabilities, is back statewide Sept. 11-12. Hunters 16 or younger and eligible hunters with disabilities can participate. A list of qualifying criteria is available in the 2021 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.
Like last year, the hunt now is open to those deaf or hard of hearing, a qualification that was added at the request of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council.
“People with disabilities can experience difficulty with mobility, climbing into a tree stand, sighting in game, hearing game approaching or holding a firearm,” said Hannah Schauer, DNR Wildlife Division communications coordinator. “The Liberty Hunt provides opportunities for people with disabilities to get outdoors and try a new sport or continue to enjoy one they love.”
To give people opportunities to hunt on DNR-managed public lands, some accessible hunting locations offer track chairs, elevated hunting blinds or hunting blinds equipped with adaptive gear. Learn about accessible outdoor recreation opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.
Valid licenses for this hunt include a deer, deer combo or antlerless deer license, deer management assistance permit, or mentored youth license. Antler point restrictions do not apply. This hunt’s bag limit is one deer.
For those participating in the Liberty Hunt:
Hunters with disabilities may bait Sept. 6-13.
Youth hunters may bait now through Sept. 13 in areas of the Upper Peninsula where baiting is legal. Youth hunters may not use bait in the remainder of the state.
Additional regulations for all seasons can be found in the 2021 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer.
All hunters taking part in this season must wear hunter orange. Hunters of all ages and experience levels are urged to put safety first. Find hunting safety tips and resources
