1978 Michigan DNR Successful Deer Hunter Patch Original Yellow Orange Deer

This original 1978 Michigan DNR Successful Deer Hunter Patch is a 3 inch square embroidered hunting award featuring a bright yellow background, orange border, and brown and white buck design.

The patch is in good vintage condition with bright colors, readable lettering, and no noticeable stains. The embroidered border remains intact, with minor thread wear and loose threads visible on the reverse.

Michigan began its Successful Deer Hunter patch program in 1972, giving hunters an annual embroidered patch when they brought harvested deer to official check stations. The program helped the state gather information about Michigan's deer population. This 1978 patch represents the sixth year of that tradition and offers a small piece of Michigan's hunting history.

Details

• Item: Original 1978 Michigan Successful Deer Hunter Patch
• Item Type: Embroidered hunting award patch
• Era: 1978
• Materials: Embroidered textile with woven mesh backing
• Color: Bright yellow, hunter orange, dark brown, and white
• Maker and Mark: Michigan Successful Deer Hunter program. No manufacturer's label visible.
• Pattern or Model: 1978 Successful Deer Hunter annual patch
• Style: 1970s Michigan hunting memorabilia
• Dimensions: 3 inches by 3 inches
• Special Features: Embroidered 1978 date, brown and white buck illustration, bright orange stitched border, yellow background, and SUCCESSFUL MICHIGAN DEER HUNTER lettering.

Condition Grade: Good

Positives

• Graded Good: This 1978 Michigan hunting patch retains its bright original colors, recognizable deer illustration, and complete embroidered border.
• The yellow fabric background remains bright across the front.
• The orange embroidered border surrounds all four sides.
• The words SUCCESSFUL MICHIGAN DEER HUNTER remain clearly readable in dark brown embroidery.
• The orange 1978 date is prominently displayed in the lower left corner.
• The buck illustration retains its dark brown antlers, face, body, and white accents.
• The deer's raised tail remains clearly defined in the lower center of the design.
• The embroidered details retain their texture and color.
• The square shape is intact, with slightly rounded corners.
• The woven backing remains attached across the reverse.
• No noticeable stains are present on the front.
• The patch is suitable for a framed hunting memorabilia display or a collection of Michigan annual deer hunting patches.

Issues / Wear

• Minor surface wear is visible along the embroidered border.
• The upper edge has a small area of darker discoloration near the center.
• Small dark specks are visible on the yellow background.
• A few loose thread ends are visible on the reverse.
• The reverse shows exposed embroidery threads and slight unevenness in the backing.
• Minor fuzzing and thread irregularities are visible along portions of the orange border.
• No significant staining is visible on the front.

If you collect Michigan DNR hunting patches, this original 1978 Successful Deer Hunter award offers the bright yellow and orange design used during the early years of the program. Its readable embroidery and recognizable buck illustration make it a good addition to a collection of Michigan outdoor history. If it's the one you've been looking for, it's ready to come home.