As 2025 comes to a close, several changes to Michigan’s hunting and fishing regulations are already shaping outdoor opportunities — with more decisions expected in the months ahead. For hunters and anglers in the White Lake area, understanding what’s changed, and what’s still under discussion, can help with planning for the year ahead.
Michigan’s hunting and fishing rules are set by the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), a seven-member board appointed by the governor. The commission meets monthly and votes on regulation changes that are researched and proposed by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
This past year brought several notable updates, along with a few unresolved issues that could affect hunters and anglers statewide.
Expanded Underwater Spearfishing Opportunities
One of the biggest changes approved in 2025 affects underwater spearfishing. The Natural Resources Commission voted to expand where underwater spearfishing is allowed for certain gamefish, including lake trout, northern pike, and walleye.
Previously, spearfishing for these species was limited to select areas of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Under the new rules, access will expand to additional waters, including parts of Lake Superior and Lake Erie, as well as expanded portions of Lake Michigan. These changes are scheduled to take effect in April.
While underwater spearfishing is not common locally compared to hook-and-line fishing, the decision reflects broader efforts to adjust fishing access statewide.
Changes for Youth, Veterans, and Disability Hunts
The NRC also revisited rules for Michigan’s Liberty and Independence hunts, which are designed for youth hunters, veterans, and individuals with disabilities outside of the regular deer seasons.
Under changes approved this year, participants in these hunts may now harvest either an antlerless deer or a buck. This update reverses a planned restriction that would have limited participants to antlerless deer only.
The adjustment was made to ensure hunters in these special seasons are not required to pass on legal opportunities due to limited deer movement during those hunts.
Turkey Hunting Rules Simplified
Turkey hunters will also see changes going forward. Michigan significantly simplified its turkey hunting regulations by reducing the number of turkey management units across the state.
For fall turkey season, the license process was streamlined and additional hunting opportunities were opened in parts of the northern Lower Peninsula. For spring turkey season, the season length was extended, youth hunting opportunities were expanded, and hunters are now required to report their harvests.
These changes are intended to make turkey hunting regulations easier to understand while expanding opportunity.
Goose Control Program Paused
One issue that drew significant public attention in 2025 involved a proposed expansion of a Canada goose control program. The plan would have allowed certain organizations — including municipalities and lake associations — to hire federal crews to round up and euthanize geese under specific conditions.
Following public backlash across the state, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources indefinitely paused the program before it was implemented. No timeline has been announced for whether the proposal will return in a revised form.
Coyote Season Still Under Review
One topic the NRC did not settle in 2025 is the length of Michigan’s coyote hunting season. After the season was shortened last year, the change sparked legal challenges and ongoing debate.
At the NRC’s December meeting, the DNR shared information outlining a possible new approach that would divide coyote regulations into a traditional hunting and trapping season and a separate management season. The commission is expected to revisit the issue in January, meaning changes could still be ahead in 2026.
What It Means Locally
For hunters and anglers in Whitehall, Montague, and the White Lake area, these updates highlight how quickly outdoor regulations can change. While not every decision directly affects local opportunities, staying informed helps avoid confusion and ensures compliance with current rules.
As always, hunters and anglers are encouraged to review the latest regulations through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and follow updates from the Natural Resources Commission as new decisions are made in the coming year.
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