Recently, new species were added to the invasive species list in Michigan.  This addition makes it illegal to sell, import, and introduce the species. There are different consequences for a violation involving a restricted species versus a prohibited species. A violation involving a restricted species is a misdemeanor and results in potential imprisonment for not more than two years. There may also be a fine between $1,000 and $10,000. A violation involving a prohibited species is a felony and results in potential imprisonment for not more than two years. There may also be a fine between $2,000 and $20,000.

The new invasive species include the water-hyacinth, water lettuce, Japanese barberry, glossy buckthorn, callery pear, and common buckthorn.

Invasive Species

Invasive species are those that are not native and whose introduction causes harm, or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. Invasive species harm ecosystems by rapidly reproducing and spreading, allowing them to outcompete native species and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem.

Invasive Species Program

Michigan’s Department of Agricultural and Rural Development (MDARD) created the Invasive Species Program to protect the state’s natural resources, agriculture, and economy. The program focuses on early detection, rapid response, and management of invasive species. This approach involves the use of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), federal partners, local governments, tribal communities, and the public.

The Invasive Species Program aims to prevent introductions of invasive species, detect and identify new infestations, and respond rapidly to contain and eradicate harmful species before they spread. The program prevents the introduction of invasive species through education and community outreach. It supports public awareness campaigns to ensure that the public understands the risks of invasive species and take proactive measures. The program also uses advanced diagnostics and monitoring to detect and identify new infestations.

The Invasive Species Program provides a list of prohibited and restricted species in the state of Michigan. There is also information that includes details for identifying invasive species and instructions on how to report them.

New Invasive Species

MDARD determines that a species is invasive by utilizing the Weed Risk Assessment (WRA) set out by the United States Department of Agriculture. The WRA reviews scientific literature to determine the likelihood of a plant becoming established and spreading. It also examines the potential impacts that the species might have on the environment, human health, and production systems.

Once a species is identified as invasive, MDARD classifies the species as either restricted or prohibited. Restricted species are those that are established in the state and have the potential to harm human health or to severely harm natural and agricultural resources. Prohibited species are those that are not widely distributed in the state and have the potential to harm human health or to severely harm natural and agricultural resources.  

On May 20, 2026, Michigan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) added six invasive species to the list of prohibited and restricted species. The new invasive species include the water-hyacinth, water lettuce, Japanese barberry, glossy buckthorn, callery pear, and common buckthorn.

The water-hyacinth and water lettuce were classified as prohibited species because they are non-native and have a high risk of being a major invader. They also have a high potential to cause harm to human health or to severely harm natural and agricultural resources. The Japanese barberry, glossy buckthorn, callery pear, and common buckthorn were classified as restricted species because they are distributed in Michigan and have a high risk of being a major invader. They also have a high potential to cause harm to human health or to severely harm natural and agricultural resources.

The prohibited species are restricted 30 days after the order is signed. The water-hyacinth and water lettuce will be restricted starting June 19, 2026. The restricted species, Japanese barberry, glossy buckthorn, callery pear, and common buckthorn, will be restricted beginning January 1, 2028.

Bottom Line

Know your plants!  Otherwise, you could land on law enforcement’s radar and possibly face serious consequences.  At the Law Office of John Freeman, we can help if you run into a problem. Contact us today.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) recently approved several major changes to Michigan’s deer hunting regulations for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. These changes will significantly impact hunters across the state, particularly with the elimination of the firearm zone restriction in the Lower Peninsula in 2026 and the implementation of a new one-buck harvest limit beginning in 2027.

For hunters, understanding these changes is important not only for compliance, but also to avoid potential criminal or licensing consequences for violating Michigan’s hunting laws. As a hunter himself, Mr. Freeman understands. You need a law firm that understands both the legal side of hunting regulations and the realities hunters face in the field.

Major Changes to Michigan’s 2026 Deer Hunting Regulations

Some of the most significant changes for the 2026 deer season include:

• Elimination of the Limited Firearm Deer Zone in the Lower Peninsula. Hunters in the Lower Peninsula will now be permitted to use all legal firearms, including rifles with bottleneck cartridges, throughout the region. Previously, many areas restricted hunters to limited firearms such as shotguns or straight-walled cartridges. Firearms larger than a .22 rimfire will now be permitted statewide.
• Reduction of the muzzleloader season. The statewide muzzleloader season will be shortened from 10 days to three days and will begin on the first Friday in December. In the Lower Peninsula, hunters may use any legal firearm during this season, which will now be called the “December Firearm Deer Season.”
• Changes to antlerless hunting in the Upper Peninsula. The antlerless access drawing system will be eliminated, and Deer Management Units (“DMUs”) 351 and 352 have been rescinded. Hunters in the Upper Peninsula will only be permitted to use universal antlerless licenses in specified DMUs during the 2026 season.
• Elimination of late hunting seasons. Michigan will eliminate the Extended Late Antlerless Season and the January Archery Season, resulting in all deer hunting seasons ending after January 1.
• New limits on antlerless licenses. The DNR will now have authority to establish limits on the number of universal antlerless licenses hunters may use within certain DMUs or counties.
• Changes to the Early Antlerless Firearm Season. The DNR has made several changes to deer hunting regulations in recent years, and the information currently available on its website appears to contain conflicting dates. In a DNR announcement outlining the 2026 deer season regulations, the agency states that the Liberty Hunt and Early Antlerless Firearm Season will run concurrently on September 12–13, 2026. However, the Deer Hunting Season Calendar published on the DNR website lists different dates, indicating that the Liberty Hunt will take place September 12–13, 2026, while the Early Antlerless Firearm Season will occur September 19–20, 2026. Hunters should monitor DNR updates for clarification regarding the applicable season dates. See the screenshots below as they indicate this conflicting information.

Michigan Dep’t of Nat. Res., Natural Resources Commission Approves Deer Regulation Changes for 2026 and 2027 (May 15, 2026).

Michigan Dep’t of Nat. Res., Hunting Season Calendar

Michigan’s New One-Buck Rule Beginning in 2027

One of the most significant regulation changes beginning in 2027 is Michigan’s new statewide one-buck harvest in the Lower Peninsula.

Under the new regulation:

• A hunter will only be permitted to harvest one antlered deer per license year in the Lower Peninsula.
• A single deer license will be valid for one deer with at least three antler points on one side or for one antlerless deer.
• A deer combination license will allow hunters to harvest one antlered deer and one antlerless deer, or two antlerless deer.
• Existing DMU-specific antler point restrictions will remain in place.

Is the Michigan DNR Legally Allowed to Make These Changes?

Yes. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources possesses broad authority under Michigan law to regulate wildlife management and hunting throughout the state.

 The DNR is a principal executive department created by statute and is responsible for managing and protecting Michigan’s natural resources. The agency operates under the authority of the Natural Resource Commission (“NRC”), which possesses delegated rulemaking authority under Michigan law.

The NRC is a seven-member public body appointed by the Governor. The Commission has authority to adopt hunting regulations, including deer season structures, firearm restrictions, licensing requirements, and harvest limitations. Unfortunately, it seems like politics is a factor in how they operate.

The DNR has the authority to protect, preserve, and manage lands under its control. The DNR operates under the NRC and is responsible for implementing numerous statutory mandates concerning wildlife, forest, parks, waterways, and environmental protection.

Because these regulations carry the force of law, hunters should remain informed regarding the new rules before the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons begin. Otherwise, you can unintentionally become a criminal defendant.

Contact Michigan’s Outdoor Lawyer Today

Questions about Michigan’s new hunting regulations? Facing hunting related charges or licensing issues? The Law Office of John Freeman understands both the law and the hunting community. With more than 30 years of legal experience and a lifelong background in hunting, John Freeman has the knowledge necessary to help hunters navigate Michigan’s changing regulations and defend against hunting related allegations. Contact us today for a free evaluation and legal consultation.

Michigan has issued warnings regarding the growing invasive threat posed by feral hogs spotted across rural areas of Michigan. So, what can you legally do to protect yourself against these wild hogs?

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) advises the public to not approach feral swine. Instead, individuals should report the sighting, take a photo if it is safe to do so, and contact a local conservation officer. Of course, this advice assumes you are not a hunter.

Is There a Hog Hunting Season in Michigan?

Michigan is one of the twelve states that allows feral hogs to be killed year-round.  I have personally shot them in Texas and Tennessee, but never in Michigan. In Michigan, feral hogs are not treated as a traditional game species with a designated “hog season.” Instead, feral hogs may be shot during regular hunting hours while an individual is lawfully participating in an open hunting season and otherwise complying with Michigan hunting laws and local firearm ordinances.

Why Michigan Regulates Feral Swine Differently

Michigan treats feral swine differently from traditional game animals because they are considered an invasive species that can damage crops, spread disease, and harm native wildlife populations. As a result, the state’s laws are focused more on eradication and control rather than conservation.

Michigan law allows certain individuals to kill feral swine under limited circumstances. What does this actually mean? Michigan law grants broad authority to animal control officers and law enforcement officers to kill swine running at large on public or private properties.

When Private Citizens May Kill Feral Swine

Does the law grant private citizens this right? Yes, but only under certain circumstances.

A private citizen may kill feral swine if they possess either:

• A valid concealed pistol license (CPL), or
• A valid Michigan Hunting license.

However, the rules differ depending on the location of the swine.

On public property, qualifying private citizens may kill swine running at large. On private property, however, a person may only kill the swine if they:

• Own or lease the property.
• Have permission from the owner or lessee, or
• Are accompanying the owner or lessee.

Important Limitation Under Michigan Law

Even though Michigan law permits the killing of feral swine under certain circumstances, it does not override local firearm discharge or hunting ordinances.

For example, if a city or township prohibits the discharge of firearms or bans hunting with certain weapons in a particular area, individuals must still comply with those local restrictions. A person cannot legally fire a weapon in an area where local ordinances prohibit it, even when attempting to remove feral swine.

The unauthorized killing of swine may subject an individual to penalties pursuant to MCL 324.40118. Violations may result in misdemeanor charges, fines, possible jail time, court costs, and revocation of hunting privileges.

Questions About Other Hunting Rules and Regulations?

It is important to stay informed about what is classified as an invasive species under Michigan law and to understand the legal restrictions surrounding feral swine removal. That’s why we encourage you to research these matters to avoid running into legal trouble with state or local officials.

If you have additional questions regarding hunting or fishing laws, attorney John Freeman can discuss your specific circumstances and help answer your questions regarding Michigan’s hunting and fishing regulations.

At John Freeman, we know that courts are more likely to side with the prosecution in violent crime cases. Still, the law states that you are innocent until proven guilty, and our firm adheres to this principle. The State already has ample resources to dig up dirt on you, which is why our violent crimes defense attorney is ready to put his knowledge to work for you.

What is Considered a Violent Crime in Michigan?

A violent crime places your freedom and future at stake. Thankfully, our violent crimes defense lawyer has successfully defended clients against the following charges:

• Assault and battery
• First-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter
• Extortion
• Armed robbery
• Sex crimes
• Firearm, gun, and weapon crimes
• Allegations of domestic violence
• Kidnapping
• Child abuse

Potential Prison Time and/or Fines

Serious charges call for a serious punishment. Since violent crimes are considered the most heinous acts under the law, the severity of the offense dictates the severity of sentencing. For example, Michigan law defines first-degree murder as applying to any of the following:

• A willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing;
• Committing a murder during the commission of another crime; or
• Murdering a police officer or correctional officer.

A trademark characteristic of first-degree murder is premeditation and malice aforethought. This is the intentional, unjustified killing of someone underscored by an evil intent. Malice aforethought is the mental state required to convict someone of first-degree murder in most states, including Michigan. First-degree murder is a class A felony, so a guilty finding is punishable by life in prison with no eligibility for parole. The Michigan Constitution bans the death penalty, so the harshest penalty under the state law is life in prison.

Second-degree murder encompasses any other murder that does not involve premeditation or deliberation. It is a lesser charge that carries the potential for life in prison, although there is no minimum penalty. A lesser offense, manslaughter, may be classified as either voluntary or involuntary, differing in whether the defendant had the intent to kill or acted in gross negligence. Manslaughter is considered a crime of passion, which may be brought about by a triggering event, but is not a premeditated act. Both a voluntary and involuntary manslaughter conviction carries a maximum prison sentence of 15 years, a fine of $7,500, or potentially both.

Statute of Limitations

A statute of limitations is a time limit within which the State can bring charges against a defendant. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for criminal offenses depends on the type of crime committed. Particularly heinous crimes, such as murder, have no statute of limitations.

Others, such as child sex trafficking, come with a strict 25-year statute of limitations. Even if there is a basis for taking legal action, after this amount of time, the State will not press charges against an individual. If you would like to discuss the limitation period and other details of your case, do not hesitate to speak with our Michigan violent crimes defense attorney.

Speak with Our Michigan Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been charged with a violent crime, your top priority should be acquiring legal representation. At the Law Office of John Freeman, our Michigan violent crimes defense attorney has over 30 years of experience honing his skills in the criminal justice system. He successfully represented individuals in complex cases, facing multiple charges or multiple counts for the same offense. To discuss your rights, contact our office online or by phone at (248) 519-2313 to arrange your free consultation.

If you are currently under federal investigation or have received a target letter, you want an attorney who has experience in the federal court system. As a former federal prosecutor, our Michigan federal crimes defense attorney at the Law Office of John Freeman is prepared to advocate aggressively for your rights.

Investigating Early to Shift Your Case Trajectory

When our former federal prosecutor investigates your case, he will figure out where the government’s weaknesses lie. This will entail assessing the facts to determine if there were any procedural errors. A procedural error may include a broken chain of custody, Constitutional violations, or gaps in surveillance.

Perhaps the most common Constitutional violation is an illegal search and seizure. Federal investigators must obtain a warrant or get your consent before searching your home or any place you have a reasonable expectation of privacy. In a zest to uncover evidence, federal investigators may attempt to bypass this law by claiming that an exigent circumstance applied. An exigent circumstance would allow a federal investigator to enter your home without first obtaining a warrant.

For example, the hot pursuit exception allows law enforcement to chase a suspect into a private residence when they have probable cause to make an arrest and the arrest was initiated in a public place. However, law enforcement may use the hot pursuit exception, but it may not apply to your situation. If our federal crimes defense lawyer determines that evidence was illegally obtained, he will file a motion with the court to suppress any applicable evidence from the record.

Preparing for Trial

As the accused, you want someone who can craft a narrative that reduces your criminal liability while using legal principles to support it. Federal criminal cases are based on the Federal Rules of Evidence and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. These regulations establish the timeline for pre-trial phases, admissibility of evidence, and discovery rules. Discovery is the exchange of information between parties, and it is a crucial element of any criminal case.

Additionally, our Michigan federal defense lawyer will secure expert witnesses with scientific or technical knowledge to assess the alleged crime. These expert witnesses can poke holes in the prosecution’s case by identifying flaws in the investigative process or pinpointing the unreliability of certain evidence.

Our federal crimes defense lawyer will craft cross-examination questions that discredit an eyewitness’s credibility. When impeaching a witness, prior out-of-court statements made by that witness can be used against them (a hearsay exception). Careful preparation will undermine the prosecution’s ability to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Consult with Our Michigan Federal Crimes Defense Attorney Today

The U.S. government prosecutes federal criminal offenses aggressively, placing you at risk of severe punishment. If you or a loved one has been notified that you are under a grand jury investigation, the Law Office of John Freeman would like to hear from you. Having presented over 160 cases to a Grand Jury as a federal prosecutor, Attorney John Freeman is familiar with the government’s indictment strategies. You should feel at ease knowing that you are working with experienced counsel. To schedule a free consultation with our Michigan federal crimes defense lawyer, contact us online or by calling (248) 519-2313.