Michigan Hunters Now Have the Option of Digital Harvest Tags

Beginning with the 2026 license year, Michigan hunters now have the option to use digital harvest tags through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app instead of traditional paper tags.

This change allows hunters who harvest deer, turkey, bear, and several other species to validate their harvest directly through the app by answering a few questions about the animal and the harvest. The digital system is optional — hunters can still use traditional paper tags if they prefer.

For many hunters, this update is simply a matter of convenience. But it also reflects the continued modernization of Michigan’s hunting system, making it easier to manage licenses, report harvests, and track wildlife data.

For organizations like Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, these changes are important to follow because they affect how hunters document their harvest before donating venison.

Every year, thousands of Michigan hunters choose to donate deer to help feed families in need across the state. Proper tagging and harvest reporting remain an important part of that process, and we encourage hunters to make sure their harvest is properly validated before bringing a deer to a participating processor.

Michigan’s hunting community has a long tradition of stewardship — not only of wildlife and habitat, but also of the people who share our communities.

Programs like Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger help ensure that the harvest from Michigan’s woods can help fill freezers and food pantries across the state.

If you’re interested in supporting this mission, consider:

• Donating a deer this fall
• Supporting a local processor
• Making a financial donation to help cover processing costs

Together, Michigan hunters can continue to make a real difference for families in need.