2023 Deer Season Information

  • Liberty hunt: Sept. 14 – 15, 2024      

  • Early antlerless firearm: Sept. 21 – 22, 2024

  • Independence hunt: Oct. 19 – 22, 2023  

  • Archery: Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 – Jan. 1, 2023

  • Regular firearm: Nov. 15 – 30, 2023

  • Muzzleloading (Zones 1, 2 and 3): Dec. 1 – 10, 2023

  • Late antlerless firearm: Dec. 11, 2023 – Jan. 1, 2024

Helpful URLs:

Direct DNR website URLs:
Hunter education: Michigan.gov/HunterEducation
DNR regulations summaries: Michigan.gov/DNRRegs

Deer Season 2022

As always we would like to thank all of customers for their business throughout the 22’-23’ season! Deer hide demand seemed to be consistent throughout the season. Pricing was congruent with previous years, which was average at best. The leather market continues to battle with high shipping costs, increased chemical and supply costs, and challenging staffing issues. At the moment product is able to be moved, but the price is nothing to be overly excited about. Based on conversations at the conclusion of the season, we anticipate good demand for deer hides in the future, but time will tell.

Cattle Hides…The word that comes to mind is “disappointing.” We have seen little to no movement in this market. As anticipated, we saw some upward movement after the Chinese New Year, but it was extremely short lived as the market softened quickly there after. Gelatin and the split market demand seemed to be the main contributing factor for this. We are expecting no good news until after the summer months, but really hope that to be incorrect. Again…time will tell.

Deer Season 2020

Grand Rapids Hide Company would like to wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season. We are still accepting deer for the season and will be doing so through the end of January. Due to the continued uncertainty of how the Covid-19 virus will be affecting global spending at the consumer level, deer hide prices seem to be trading lower then hoped for compared with last years’ market. The beef hide market remains quite depressed, but has shown some positives in the fall months. As always we will continue to monitor the world leather markets and hope for the best. Stay safe this winter!

Comparing Real and Faux Leather

Below you will find a snippet from an Ebay write up discussing real leather versus faux. (Full article here) Each type has many different qualities with both advantages and disadvantages. At Grand Rapids Hide we strive to educate our customers with not only hide updates but any pertinent information related to our industry. When considering a leather purchase ensure you know all the facts. Cheers!!

Advantages of Authentic Leather

There is nothing like the smell and feel of real leather. Real leather gives an aura of luxury and prestige. Because no two animal hides are exactly the same, each piece of authentic leather has unique natural characteristics. The leather becomes softer and more attractive over time, which makes it more comfortable. Leather also has a soft, yet strong texture, making it hard-wearing. Many real leather products are also treated to help prevent stains. Leather is easy to take care of when maintained properly; it only needs a regular wiping with a clean, damp cloth.

Disadvantages of Authentic Leather

Real leather is much more expensive than its counterpart. If leather is in constant sunlight, the color may fade. Leather is very porous and absorbent, so drops of liquid will quickly soak into the item if not wiped up promptly. If the leather is not protected, this can result in a stain.

Advantages of Faux Leather

Faux leather has a similar look and feel to genuine leather, while being much more affordable. Some people prefer faux leather simply because no animals are harmed in the making of the material. Faux leather is made from a machine, which ensures that the fabric has an even, consistent color throughout. It can also be dyed into many different colors, and is usually fade resistant.

Disadvantages of Faux Leather

Faux leather has about a third of the life span of real leather. It cracks and splits much easier than real leather, and becomes more uncomfortable over time. It does not develop luster like real leather. Faux leather is very thin and does not offer the warmth of real leather. It also smells like plastic or rubber.