DNR Looking at New Ways to Manage Deer Herd And You Can Help

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking a ways to better manage the deer population and they are asking for your help in this project.

Get our free mobile app

Michigan Deer Management

If you have ever read any of my previous deer-hunting articles, you know I have been complaining about the management of Michigan's deer herd could use some improvement.

For those who don't hunt, you might think there are deer everywhere because you see them all the time or live in an area where no one is allowed to hunt and deer show up in your yard all the time. Yes, there are lots of deer in Michigan, but managing them to be a healthy well-balanced herd (buck-to-doe ratio) that offers hunters on state, federal, and private land a great hunting experience. At the same time keeping the number of deer at a level that keeps them healthy vs the amount of food in their areas, predators, and lots of other variables.

Michigan DNR Launching New Deer Management Study

When I saw the DNR's press release about the new management study that will be taking place with two different teams, one in the Upper Peninsula and one in the Lower Peninsula, I immediately got very excited.

I like how the DNR set up the two different teams with one in the U.P. and one in the L.P. because they are two different scenarios. The U.P. has a lot more predators with Wolves, Bears, Cougars, and Coyotes, and less farmland. The L.P. has more farmland, and more people which means more vehicles hitting deer but fewer predators with minimal bears but lots of coyotes. Plus, fewer people are hunting in both the U.P. and L.P.

The most exciting part of this study is the DNR is open to hearing from people like you and me who are on the frontlines of Michigan's deer herd. The DNR is allowing you and me as well as organizations to apply to be a part of the conversation. I am going to fill out an application and if you would like to click here. You have until January 31 to apply. If you would like to just send your thoughts to be considered in the conversation you can email DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov but include the term "DMI" in the subject line.