Natural Resources Commission approves deer hunting changes

Changes approved at last Thursday’s Natural Resources Commission meeting will make it easier to do antlerless deer hunting within a couple hours’ drive. Deer Management Units in the South-Central UP will participate in a new universal antlerless permit program. Mid-zone units, which do not include the Copper Country, are saddled with some restrictions. Because of the effect of winter weather on herds, a deer hunting access permit must accompany the universal license. The permits will be made available via a lottery system for those jurisdictions. Hunters during archery season are allowed to target antlerless deer except for seven DMUs in the Upper Peninsula, including all three in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties.

Another change involves supplemental feeding. It can be done without a license between January 1st and May 15th. Recreational feeding will be limited to two gallons per day. The new rules will be published by the summer and take effect immediately thereafter.