New Kent Co. System Connects Farmers With Deer Hunters

It's not always easy for deer hunters to get access to private hunting land from farmers. Kent County has adopted a system where farmers can connect with hunters to help manage their deer population.

Managing Michigan's Deer Population

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Michigan’s deer herd is considered overpopulated in some counties across the state. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has introduced new ideas and incentives to encourage hunters to help manage deer populations.

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The DNR can do a great deal to manage deer populations on public lands, but its influence is limited on most private property. Some of the largest deer herds are found within city limits and on private land where hunting pressure is low or nonexistent, making population management more challenging.

Read More: New Michigan Deer Rule Could Let Hunters Earn a Second Buck

Kent Co. Adopts New Link Between Farmers, Deer Hunters

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The Kent County Deer Management Coalition is taking a proactive approach to managing the county’s deer population by partnering with private landowners and farmers. Its online platform, Deer Connections, works much like a dating app, connecting landowners with hunters and giving property owners a way to invite hunters onto their land.

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FOX 17 reported that Kent County ranks first in Michigan for deer-related car crashes. Kent County Road Commission Director Jerry Byrnes said, "It's a better idea to hunt deer and use their meat than to whack them with your car and deal with the damage while the deer suffers and goes to the dump."

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If a hunter wants to be connected with private land owners to attempt to hunt their property, can set up a profile at deerconnections.com. The landowner sifts through hunter profiles and selects hunters they may be willing to allow onto their property much like matching on a dating app.

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I think I’m going to set up a profile to see if my sons and I can find a decent piece of land to hunt. Hunting pressure in our area is so high that many deer have either moved out or become primarily nocturnal.

👇BELOW: 2025 Michigan Deer Season All Seasons Harvest Report👇