Ceme24 - yes - you are correct. actually the last day we can hunt here in Michigan is New years day so technically I have another 45 days that I can hunt. It just is the peace in the woods having them all to myself with the deer that I speak of with the early bow season.
Back in the day late December was an awesome hunt but anymore there is some version of firearm season open from Nov. 15 through to the end with late antlerless hunting in most of southern Michigan.
Don't get me wrong - I totally respect the rifle season and love the time honored tradition for all those that participate in their right to deer camp ect. But it certainly makes hunting with my method tough. My sales territory includes the thumb and they have a pretty good QDM thing going on up there. I like to take a long drive visiting clients and buck poles on opening day taking pics of all the hogs that fall on November 15th. Statistics say that 1/2 of the deer that fall in Michigan each year will be shot today. Most by noon. Fowlerville has a buck pole every year on opening weekend and I just wonder where those studs were last week???
Thanks all and best of luck -
Bob