Each fall, in mid-September, Michigan holds an incredible two-day deer hunt that is strictly for junior hunters 16 and younger, as well as for other individuals with qualifying disabilities. Called the Liberty Hunt, it is much more than merely another day noted on the calendar for many participating enthusiasts; it is often their very first real opportunity to hunt from a blind or treestand with an accompanying responsible adult or guide.
The 2025 Liberty Hunt will occur on the 13th and 14th of September. This hunt has been scheduled prior to the early antlerless season, giving hunters a peaceful weekend to focus on safety, learn new things, and possibly even get their first buck.
These two days are often filled with the kind of moments that stick with us—the nervous anticipation before sunrise, the shared thermos of hot chocolate, and that hushed silence when a deer finally steps into the clearing. For those of us who grew up hunting, this season is a way to pass the torch. And for first-timers, it’s the gateway into a lifelong appreciation of Michigan’s woods, wildlife, and outdoor traditions.
Eligibility Requirements for the Liberty Hunt
To participate in the Liberty Hunt, hunters must meet specific eligibility criteria:
- Youth Hunters: Must be 16 years of age or younger and accompanied by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years old. The adult cannot carry a firearm or bow but can assist in other ways, such as tracking or calling.
- Hunters with Disabilities: Must possess a qualifying disability as defined by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This includes certain physical disabilities that prevent the use of archery equipment, veterans with 100% disability ratings, or individuals with blindness or other qualifying conditions.
License and Equipment Requirements
Participants in the Liberty Hunt must have the appropriate hunting licenses:
- Youth Hunters: Need a base license and a deer license. A mentor hunting license is also available for younger hunters, providing a more accessible entry point into hunting.
- Hunters with Disabilities: Must also have a valid base license and deer license. Additional permits may be required depending on the hunter’s disability status.
The Liberty Hunt allows the use of firearms, crossbows, and other legal equipment for deer hunting. Hunters must follow all firearm safety rules and regulations as outlined by the DNR, including wearing hunter orange.
Benefits of the Liberty Hunt
1. Prime Hunting Conditions
The Liberty Hunt takes place in mid-September, offering hunters the advantage of early-season deer behavior. Bucks are often still in their summer patterns, and deer are generally less wary than they will be later in the season. This can provide an excellent opportunity for hunters to observe and learn about deer movements and behavior.
2. Mentorship and Education
The Liberty Hunt is not just about harvesting deer; it’s about education and mentorship. The hunt provides a unique environment where seasoned hunters can teach important skills like scouting, deer calls, field dressing, and ethical hunting practices. It’s an invaluable experience that helps young and disabled hunters build confidence and develop a lifelong passion for the outdoors.
3. Special Access and Accommodations
For hunters with disabilities, the Liberty Hunt offers the chance to participate in an environment designed with their needs in mind. The DNR and many hunting organizations provide accessible hunting areas, including blinds and trails that accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids, ensuring that every hunter has the opportunity to fully participate.
What’s New for 2025?
After a few seasons where only antlerless deer were fair game during the Liberty Hunt, Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission has brought back the option to harvest an antlered deer. This will be in effect from 2025 through 2029, under a sunset provision. That change alone makes this season a bigger deal, giving youth hunters the chance at a buck when deer are still relatively undisturbed.
This update opens the door for more exciting and meaningful hunts, especially for youth who have already harvested a doe and are now ready to take that next step. For some, it’s the chance to bag their first buck; for others, it’s a rare opportunity to hunt in low-pressure conditions before the general firearm season begins.
Also worth noting: baiting is legal during the Liberty Hunt, which is rare these days. Hunters can bait up to five days prior to the season start. That gives families and mentors time to prep food sites and teach young hunters how to pattern deer behavior in a real-world setting. From the edge of a clover plot to a corn-sprinkled lane in oak flats, these setups allow for closer shots, better visibility, and a more rewarding experience overall.
Key Safety Tips for the Liberty Hunt
Safety is a top priority during the Liberty Hunt. All participants should adhere to the following guidelines:
- Always Wear Hunter Orange: Michigan law requires hunters to wear a visible hunter orange hat, vest, or jacket when using a firearm to hunt. This is crucial for ensuring visibility and preventing accidents.
- Follow Firearm Safety Rules: Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, never point a firearm at anything you do not intend to shoot, and be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
- Use Proper Equipment: Make sure that all hunting gear, including firearms, scopes, and crossbows, is in good working order before heading into the field.
- Communicate Clearly: If hunting in a group, maintain clear communication to ensure everyone’s safety, especially when tracking or moving through thick terrain.
Visualizing Victory: Lessons Learned from Liberty Hunt Weekends
In the event that you’re considering taking part in the Michigan Liberty Hunt, or maybe assisting someone who is, the following recommendations are worth taking to heart to help make the experience smoother and more successful:
- Scout ahead by heading out seven or ten days prior to look for new signs, identify bedding spots, and check the deer’s habits of movement. Remember, deer are still in their late-summer patterns, usually involving shifts from feeding areas to their bed sites.
- Place trailcams in potential corridors of animal movement to make it easier to determine movement patterns and timing. That will give the hunters more confidence in their placements.
- Set Expectations: For youth and first-timers, it’s not always about the harvest. Make the goal about learning, safety, and enjoying the experience.
- Choose Cozy Blinds: Whether you choose a box blind, pop-up blind, or a natural hide blind, choose one that has easy access and superior visibility. Make the environment fun by bringing a variety of snacks, some warmers for hands, and a card game. A bright spirit can turn a bleak morning into a cherished experience.
2025-2026 Michigan Deer Season Overview
Here, in brief summary, are the latest dates for this year’s Michigan Deer Season:
Liberty Hunt (Youth & disabled): Sept 13–14
Early Antlerless Firearm: Sept 20–21 (Lower Peninsula only)
Independence Hunt (Disabled): Oct 16–19
Archery Season: Oct 1–Nov 14 & Dec 1–Jan 1 (extended to Jan 31 in urban counties)
Regular Firearm Season: Nov 15–30
Muzzleloader Season: Dec 5–14 (Zones 2 & 3 allow all legal firearms)
Late Antlerless Firearm: Dec 15–Jan 1
Extended Late Antlerless: Jan 2–11 (select counties)
Michigan Habitat and Property Issues
From the standpoint of land stewardship, the Liberty Hunt is an effective reminder of the ultimate need for habitat diversity. Mobility-limited and young hunters benefit immensely from open corridors, accessible trails, and well-placed blinds. This strategy goes beyond mere stewardship; it reflects considerate property planning.
By creating pinch points, edge habitats, and strategically placed food plots, you can really maximize your advantage during the Liberty Hunt. Keep in mind the following if your property allows:
- Elevated or ground-level blinds with ramps or easy access
- Hard-packed trails or mowed paths for wheelchairs and ATVs
- Close-range shooting lanes to help new hunters feel confident
- Staging areas near ag fields, food plots, or oaks dropping acorns
These features add to the property’s charm over Liberty Hunt weekends and maintain its long-term value for Liberty Hunt participants for years to come.
What This Means for Landowners
For owners of recreational or hunting property in Michigan, the Liberty Hunt weekend offers a desirable way to showcase the numerous advantages of their land—its accessibility, well-developed food plots, carefully planned shooting lanes, and ideal deer habitat. Consumers increasingly desire properties that not only accept youth hunting but also provide accessible experiences.
More and more families are now looking for hunting properties to consider for their children or grandkids. They want the confidence that the property is workable, with perfect spots to place a blind without having to walk a half-mile, and they would like to see deer using the property regularly throughout the season. Properties that are properly cared for, both for wildlife and human recreation, are the pearls in this market.
Leaving a Legacy
There is something emotionally poignant in seeing a new hunter take his first steps on the field. Whether it is your own kid, the neighbor’s child, or the young guest you invite to hunt on your property, that experience goes well beyond the hunting for deer.
Liberty Hunt represents the opportunity to teach more than merely skills; it is about teaching values. Patience. Stewardship. Appreciation for uncharted landscapes. In a world that speeds up daily, these are the things that are worth our slowing down.
We’ve partnered with client couples who told us their odyssey to becoming homeowner families originated one Saturday while they were in a treestand with their son or daughter. One Liberty Hunt can spark a lifelong enthusiasm for the great outdoors—and, more often than not, plant the seeds for their desire to own a piece of property they can call their own.