Michigan DNR encourages antlerless deer harvests

Bow hunters have already entered the woods. In less than a month deer rifle hunting season will open in Michigan. This year the Michigan Department of Natural Resources shares the importance of an antlerless harvest. While many hunters often focus on finding a trophy buck to tag, doe tags can still put meat in the freezer.

The department says that many areas of the lower peninsula have an overabundance of deer. This can lead to various problems including vehicle collisions, damage to crops, and further spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease. In contrast, the Upper Peninsula faces challenges in some areas where deer are not as common, while other areas have seen growth in deer populations. Strategies by the Natural Resources Commission and Department of National Resources approach deer population management through a regionalized approach across the state.

Downstate in southwest Michigan the Department of Natural Resources has found an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease or EHD. The viral disease can have large impacts on local populations and cause high mortality rates. The Department says a hard frost should mitigate the transmission of EHD in Southwest Michigan. Those interested in learning more about deer hunting regulations, and antlerless deer harvests, or want to purchase tags for the upcoming rifle season can find more information here.