As the last leaves of autumn fall and Michigan gears up for the chill, it’s time to talk turkey—and deer. Especially deer, because as every local knows, November isn’t just about pumpkin pie and planning for Thanksgiving. It’s about getting ready for one of the most anticipated events in the hunter’s calendar: the Buck Pole! So, whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting to blend into the camo crowd, let’s make sure you’re Buck Pole ready with TCH Gear’s best picks for Firearm Deer Hunting Season.
Essential Apparel: Outfitting for the Outdoors
Dressing appropriately for November hunts is critical. With Michigan’s unpredictable weather, having layers that can handle rain, snow, and the chilling wind is essential.
- Thermal Jackets: Our Heated Camo Jacket features battery-powered heating elements to keep you warm even on the coldest mornings.
- Waterproof Boots: Check out our Hunter’s Waterproof Boots, designed to keep your feet dry and warm on slippery terrain.
- Gloves and Hats: Don’t forget accessories like our Insulated Gloves and Thermal Beanie to protect your extremities, which are crucial for comfort and dexterity.
Advanced Hunting Gear: Tools of the Trade
Whether you prefer a bow or a rifle, having the right weaponry and enhancements can significantly impact your success.
- Rifles: Our selection includes the Precision Rifle, known for its accuracy and reliability during the deer season.
- Scopes and Optics: Enhance your shot with our Vortex Riflescopes, perfect for those long-range targets.
Bowhunting
- Bows: For archers, the Ravin Crossbows are a favorite, offering top-notch mechanics and whisper-quiet operation.
- Arrows & Broadheads: Pair this bow with our Ravin Hunting Arrows for the ultimate performance.
- Broadheads: We have lots of Vortex products for bowhunters too like the Vortex American Archer Broadheads.
Tech for Tracking and Communication
In the depths of Michigan’s forests, staying connected and navigating effectively can make all the difference.
- GPS Devices: Our Pathfinder GPS is rugged and ready for any terrain, ensuring you never lose your way.
- Two-Way Radios: Communicate with your hunting party without fail using our Clear Signal Hunting Radios.
Storage Solutions and Maintenance
Protecting and maintaining your equipment is essential, especially in cold and damp conditions. Proper storage and regular maintenance can prevent gear issues and keep your equipment performing at its best.
- Weatherproof Case: Safeguard your gear from moisture and fog with our Durable Weatherproof Case.
- Defogging Product for Optics: Ensure a clear view during your hunt with our Defogging Wipes to prevent fog buildup on scopes and optics.
- Hunting Oil: Keep your firearm in top condition with our High-Performance Hunting Oil, specially formulated for cold-weather performance.
2024 Buck Pole Event: Friday, November 15
Kick off Michigan’s Firearm Deer Hunting Season on Friday, November 15, 2024 with our Annual Buck Pole Event! This cherished tradition invites the community to gather, share stories, and showcase trophy bucks.
Get Your Logo on the Buck Pole
Become a Sponsor and get your logo displayed year-round on our Buck Pole! Sponsors are being featured on our Facebook page and recognized at the event.
Event Details
- Location: TCH Gear, 1899 Rogers Rd, Grawn, MI 49637
- Date: Friday, November 15, 2024
- Time: Starts with the first buck and wraps up at 9:00 PM
- Entry: Bring in your big buck on event day to participate!
Activities and Highlights
- Big Bucks & Good Times: See local hunters’ trophy bucks and enjoy a fun evening celebrating the season.
- Food & Campfire: Warm up with great food, coffee, and cocoa.
- Raffle: Enter for a chance to win from our incredible $5,000 prize pool!
- Tipi Display: Explore the unique Tipi display from Secret Creek!
- Processing: Game Bǒy Mobile Wild Game will be on-site
Offering Free processing for the 1st Buck of the Day! - WTCM Radio: Maddie will be LIVE from 9:00 – 11:00 AM.
Enjoy impressive bucks, savor great food, warm up by the campfire, and check out Secret Creek’s new Tipi display. Whether you’re here to compete or just for the fun, all are welcome!
Michigan Hunting Hours
In Michigan, hunting is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check precise Sunrise and Sunset Times for your area, as they may vary slightly across locations.
Grawn, MI (Zone 2) Approximate Times on November 15, 2024:
- Sunrise: 7:39 AM — Hunts Begin: 6:43 AM
- Sunset: 5:16 PM — Hunts End: 5:46 PM
MI Hunting Zones
Michigan is divided into three main deer hunting zones, each with its own specific regulations. For hunters near Grawn, you’re likely hunting in Zone 2. Make sure to confirm specific zone regulations if you’re exploring new areas. For detailed maps and regulations, refer to the Michigan DNR Hunting Rules and Regulations.
Zone Time Zones
- Zones 2 & 3: Eastern Time Zone
- Zone 1: Split between Eastern and Central Time Zones
Zone 1: Upper Peninsula
- Climate & Terrain: Encompasses the entire Upper Peninsula, known for its colder temperatures and rugged terrain. Cold and rugged, making hunting conditions more challenging.
- Time Zones: Split between Eastern and Central Time Zones
- Season Adjustments: Firearm season dates and bag limits may vary slightly to account for climate and population management goals.
- Antlerless Permits: Limited due to lower deer densities. Hunters can check permit availability on the Michigan DNR eLicense System.
- Tagging & Reporting: Hunters must tag harvested deer immediately and report the harvest within 72 hours through the Michigan DNR Harvest Reporting Page.
- Special Regulations: Certain Deer Management Units (DMUs) in this zone may have antler point restrictions or antlerless hunting closures to protect the population.
Zone 2: Northern Lower Peninsula (including areas like Grawn and Traverse City)
- Climate & Terrain: Covers the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, including popular areas near Grawn and Traverse City. Diverse landscapes with moderate weather, creating favorable conditions for deer populations.
- Time Zones: Eastern Time Zones
- Season Adjustments: Firearm and archery seasons follow state-wide dates but may include local adjustments for specific DMUs.
- Antlerless Permits: More widely available than in Zone 1, especially in high-density areas. Hunters can purchase these through the Michigan DNR eLicense System.
- Tagging & Reporting: All deer must be tagged immediately upon harvest, with reporting required within 72 hours via the Harvest Reporting Page.
- Special Restrictions: Some areas may enforce antler point restrictions or extended seasons.
Zone 3: Southern Lower Peninsula
- Climate & Terrain: Includes the southern part of the Lower Peninsula, with a mix of forest and farmland habitats. Mixed farmland and forested regions with milder temperatures, creating an ideal habitat for deer.
- Time Zones: Eastern Time Zones
- Season Adjustments: Often features extended hunting seasons to manage the larger deer population.
- Antlerless Permits: Abundant in Zone 3 due to high deer densities. Hunters should check permit availability on the Michigan DNR eLicense System.
- Tagging & Reporting: Hunters must tag all deer immediately and report the harvest within 72 hours on the Harvest Reporting page.
- Special Considerations: Higher hunter density can impact noise levels, which may affect deer behavior and the experiences of other hunters.
Tags, Licensing, and Deer Harvest Reporting
To legally hunt in Michigan, ensure you have the proper licenses and tags. Deer hunting licenses are available directly from the Michigan DNR Website and at local retailers across the state.
- Deer License: Required for all hunters, with options for both archery and firearm seasons, and must be purchased prior to hunting.
- Antlerless Tags: Additional tags are necessary if you plan to hunt antlerless deer, with specific regulations that vary by zone and unit.
- Deer Harvest Reporting: Michigan requires hunters to report deer harvests within 72 hours of recovery, aiding to support wildlife management and conservation efforts, and in state-wide deer population tracking and management.. Submit your harvest report at the Michigan DNR Harvest Reporting Page.
Don’t Miss Out—There’s Still Time to Get Your License!
Planning to join us for the Buck Pole event? Hunters still have time to purchase licenses online through the Michigan DNR’s eLicense System or at local retailers across the state before the event. Make sure you’re fully licensed and ready for the season!
Stay Safe and Gear Up!
Ready to take your deer hunting to the next level? Preparation is everything—not just in choosing the right spots or times but in how well you equip yourself. Head over to TCH Gear to explore our extensive collection of hunting gear designed with you in mind. Let’s make this hunting season your most successful yet!
Over $5,000 in Prizes—Are You Ready to Win?
Buck Pole 2024 is shaping up to be the best one yet—don’t miss it!