10/22/2026
2026 R***E DEER SEASON AT SENEY NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Hunting is permitted on the refuge with a valid Michigan hunting license. Deer are not numerous, but hunters here appreciate pursuing them in a more traditional setting, where baiting and ATVs are prohibited, and they can expect a relatively solitary experience.
PLEASE CONSIDER SWITCHING TO NON-LEAD BULLETS
• Non-lead am******on is extremely effective, ensures high-quality meat free from lead fragments, and prevents poisoning of wildlife that feed on carcasses.
REMINDERS
• Follow Michigan State Regulations and the more restrictive refuge-specific requirements.
• The following are not allowed on the refuge:
o Bait or artificial lures (i.e. salt), including within your vehicle
o Off-highway vehicles (ATV’s, UTV’s, side by sides, snowmobiles, etc.)
o Drones
o Boats or flotation devices on refuge impoundments (i.e. canoes, kayaks, tubes, etc.)
• Dial 911 for medical emergencies. As soon as possible, please report all injuries or accidents occurring on the refuge as well as any illegal issues you see to (906) 630-2015.
LIMITED CAMPING OFFERED ON THE REFUGE
• Camping is permitted during r***e deer season and is the only time certain back-country roads are open.
• Camping is not allowed during the muzzleloader season for white-tailed deer.
• Your intent to camp must be registered by November 13 to receive a free camping permit.
• Except where prohibited, all camps must be set up west of the Driggs River and within 10 yards of the road.
• No camping is allowed in the Seney Wilderness Area or any research or public use natural areas.
• To register your camp, send the following information via email to [email protected] or call 906-379-2258 and leave a message:
o Your name and number of people in your party. The permit holder is responsible for all people at camp.
o Phone numbers where we can reach you now and while camping
o Arrival and departure dates and desired camp location within the refuge
o Type of camp: tent, trailer, pickup camper, other
o Vehicle information including the make and model of all vehicles on the site for the duration of camp.
CAMPFIRES: Campfires are only allowed during fi***rm deer season, as follows:
• Keep campfires small and located along roadways.
• Only downed branches and trees can be used for campfires; snags (dead, standing trees) must be left in place.
• Ensure the fire is completely out and not producing heat before leaving it unattended.
• Campfires are not allowed in the wilderness area nor in any research or public use natural areas.
• You are responsible for any damage caused by an escaped fire.
TRACKING ANIMALS INTO CLOSED AREAS
• If a harvested animal moves into a closed area, call refuge manager, Sara Siekierski, at (906) 630-2015.
• If no one answers, leave a message with contact information and tracking details.
• If you cannot reach the manager, you may track the deer without your gun. Fi****ms may not be taken into closed areas without permission.
For full refuge-specific regulations, please refer to the Seney NWR Hunt Brochure or contact the refuge office. 906-586-9851 [email protected]
Photo 1: White-tailed deer courtesy of John Hysell
Photo 2: Hunting camp courtesy of Matt Dummond
