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White-Tailed Deer
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The 2012 Deer Hunting Season has concluded. We hope that you were successful in your efforts but more than that we hope that you enjoyed time with family and friends and getting out to enjoy all that nature has to offer. We would like to encourage you to fill out our online Hunter Harvest Survey. This survey helps give us insight about the 2012 deer season and the more hunters we hear from the better. Anyone who participated in the 2012 deer season is encouraged to fill out a survey. Click here to fill out your 2012 Online Hunter Harvest Survey and thank you for your participation.
Check out up-to-date DNR Press Releases here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Brian Frawley, 517-241-4169; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
Feb. 19, 2013
Although the overall number of hunters in Michigan has been on a slight decline, the Department of Natural Resources reports that a recent deer hunter survey shows growth in one method of deer hunting - crossbows.
Crossbow hunter afield in tree standIn the past, only hunters with disabilities had the option to hunt with a crossbow. Beginning in 2009, crossbows were allowed in most areas of Michigan during the archery deer season in an attempt to expand hunting opportunities, retain existing hunters and recruit new hunters. Crossbow hunters were required to obtain a free crossbow stamp to determine the number of hunters who took advantage of the new method.
In 2009, the opportunity to use a crossbow was extended only to hunters 50 years of age or older in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula, while hunters of any age could use crossbows in the southern Lower Peninsula. In 2010 the age restriction was eliminated statewide.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Bill Scullon, 906-563-9247 or Debbie Munson Badini, 906-226-1352
Agency: Natural Resources
Feb. 14, 2013
Sportsmen's clubs and other non-government organizations interested in deer habitat improvement on private land in the Upper Peninsula are encouraged to apply for Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative grants now through Sunday, March 31, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced today.
A total of $50,000 will be available in 2013 through the competitive DHIPI grant process. Project proposals from organizations with a formal mission to promote wildlife conservation and/or hunting seeking between $2,000 and $10,000 in funding are eligible for consideration.
Now in its fifth year, the DHIPI grant program is designed to attract and support proposals from non-government organizations interested in improving deer habitat on non-state-owned land in the Upper Peninsula, including private property and Commercial Forest Act-enrolled land. (Projects that provide foot access to the public are more likely to be successful.)
For the full article click here.
Contact: Ashley Autenrieth, 989-732-3541 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
Feb. 6, 2013
The Department of Natural Resources' Northern Lower Deer Advisory Team (NLDAT) will meet on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at McGuire's Resort in Cadillac (7880 Mackinaw Trail).
With the approval of the Michigan Deer Management Plan in 2010, the Department of Natural Resources committed to establishing Regional Deer Advisory Teams (DAT) for each area of the state. Each DAT corresponds to the boundaries of the DNR hunting and trapping zones - Zone 1 being the Upper Peninsula, Zone 2 the northern Lower Peninsula, and Zone 3 the southern Lower Peninsula.
The NLDAT serves as an advisory team to the DNR Wildlife Division on deer management in the northern Lower Peninsula. The goal of the team is to serve as a conduit between the public and the DNR to better understand the major concerns surrounding white-tailed deer.
The Feb. 16 meeting will focus on:
the 2012 deer season
the antler point restriction proposal process
For the full article click here.
Contact: Ashley Autenrieth 989-732-3541 or Debbie Munson Badini, 906-226-1352
Agency: Natural Resources
Jan. 15, 2013
The Department of Natural Resources' Upper Peninsula Deer Advisory Team (UPDAT) will meet on Saturday, Jan. 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time at the Country Inn and Suites in Iron Mountain, located at 2005 S. Stephenson Ave.
Topics up for discussion at the UPDAT meeting include:
Buck management in the Upper Peninsula
The 2012 deer season
Multiple-year regulations
"This is a great time of year to have the UPDAT members gather around the table to talk about their impressions of the 2012 deer season and share perspectives with one another," said DNR deer program biologist Ashley Autenrieth.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Ashley Hippler, 989-732-3541; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
Nov. 20, 2012
The 2012 firearm deer season opened Thursday, Nov. 15, and the Department of Natural Resources has compiled early impressions from the first few days.
As the season opened, deer license sales were about 2 percent higher than at the same time in 2011. A total of nearly 640,000 hunters had purchased one or more Michigan deer licenses. The firearm season remains open through Friday, Nov. 30.
For the full article click here.
Nov. 8, 2012
Deer hunters and others interested in deer management in Michigan are invited to join the Department of Natural Resources at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, for "DNR Live: Deer" -- a one-hour online forum designed to answer questions from the public about the state's deer population, hunting seasons and regulations.
The video event will stream live on the DNR's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/miDNR. A Facebook account is not required to access the page and watch the livestream event.
The online forum's panel of DNR experts will include the Wildlife Division's deer and elk program leader Brent Rudolph and wildlife veterinarian Steve Schmitt, along with Law Enforcement Division Assistant Chief Dean Molnar.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural Resources
Oct. 22, 2012
The Department of Natural Resources asks hunters and other Michigan residents to continue to report sightings of dead deer to help with the department's efforts to monitor the outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) in the state this year.
Deer have died in substantial numbers in at least 29 counties this summer and fall due to EHD, and the DNR's Wildlife Division is recording reports of dead deer in these areas in order to answer questions from the public and prepare informed hunting season recommendations for 2013. The department will be taking reports of dead deer that are likely EHD-related until Jan. 1.
"Some people may have the perception that, once we have confirmed the presence of EHD in an area, we are no longer interested in additional reports of dead deer in those areas - that is not true. We want the reports," said Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. "Any and all reports, whether the deer seem to have died recently or not so recently, will help ensure we have accurate information about the extent of die-offs."
For the full article click here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Ashley Autenrieth, 989-732-3541; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
Oct. 2, 2012
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the archery deer season opened statewide on Monday, Oct. 1. The season runs through Nov. 14, then reopens after the firearm deer season for late archery hunting Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. Autumn is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Michigan and bow hunting can be done when the weather is mild.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Ashley Autenrieth, 989-732-3541
Agency: Natural Resources
Sept. 25, 2012
The second meeting of the Northern Lower Deer Advisory Team (NLDAT) is set for Saturday, Sept. 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, 104 Conservation Drive, in Roscommon, Mich.
With the approval of the Michigan Deer Management Plan on May 6, 2010, the Department of Natural Resources committed to establishing Regional Deer Advisory Teams (RDAT) for each Michigan region. Each RDAT corresponds to the boundaries of the DNR hunting and trapping zones - Zone 1 being the Upper Peninsula, Zone 2 the northern Lower Peninsula, and Zone 3 the southern Lower Peninsula.
The NLDAT serves as an advisory team to the Wildlife Division on deer management in the northern Lower Peninsula. The goal of the team is to serve as a conduit between the public and the DNR to better understand the major concerns surrounding white-tailed deer.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
Sept. 24, 2012
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health announced that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been confirmed in 24 Michigan counties. For a list of all 24 counties, visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases and click on EHD, which is located in the center of the page under Spotlight.
The disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by a type of biting fly. A constant characteristic of EHD is its sudden onset. Deer can suffer extensive internal bleeding, lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, infected deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Lisa Jackson, 517-373-1263 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources
September 5th, 2012
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that antlerless deer license drawing results and leftover antlerless license quantities are now posted on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.
Remaining antlerless deer licenses may be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. As of Sept. 5, there are over 605,000 private-land licenses available most of which are in DMU 486 (southern Lower Peninsula) and DMU 487 (northeastern Lower Peninsula) and 40,000 public-land licenses available for specific deer management units across Michigan. Licenses will be sold until the quotas are met. The season purchase limit for private-land antlerless deer licenses is five statewide, except for DMU 486 and DMU 487, which have a season limit of 10.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030; Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural Resources
Aug. 16, 2012
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health recently confirmed and announced the death of deer in Ionia and Branch counties was due to epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD). Today the two organizations have confirmed EHD in six additional counties: Barry, Calhoun, Cass, Clinton, Eaton and Montcalm. There has been a nationwide increase of EHD outbreaks due to the extended hot and dry conditions.
For the full article click here.
Contact: DNR - Steve Schmitt, 517-336-5040 or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014; MDARD - Bridget Patrick, 517-241-2669 Agency: Natural Resources
Aug. 10, 2012
The Natural Resources Commission adopted changes to chronic wasting disease baiting and feeding regulations, as outlined in the state's newly revised CWD response plan, at its regular monthly meeting Thursday in Lansing.
Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Jamie Clover Adams recently signed the first revision to the CWD plan since it was adopted a decade ago.
For the full article click here.
Contact: Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030; Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 Agency: Natural Resources
July 31, 2012
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been confirmed as the cause of death in deer found in eastern Ionia and northern Branch counties, the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Disease Lab and the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health announced today.
For the full article click here.
To view the most current Weekly Winter Severity Report, click here
Clickhere for April 10th, 2013
Click here for March 21st, 2013
Click here for February 25th, 2013
Click here for January 31st, 2013
Click here for January 17th, 2013
Click here for January 10th, 2013
Click here for December 27th, 2012
Click here for December 20th, 2012
Click here for December 13th, 2012
Click here for December 6th, 2012
Click here for November 29th, 2012
Click here for November 21st, 2012
Click here for November 8th, 2012
Deer are adapted to survive most Michigan winter weather conditions. However, research suggests that winter weather can affect deer mortality, fawn production, and deer physical condition (including antler development). Factors such as the quality and quantity of habitat types, deer population density, food availability, weather conditions of the previous summer, timing and duration of severe winter weather events, and timing of spring green-up affect the relationship between overall winter weather and the impact on the deer population. Deer may also avoid the worst winter weather by moving to wintering habitat that provides shelter from wind and snow and provides food sources to maintain energy reserves to counteract the effects of low temperatures.
Although the exact nature of a winter's impact on the deer herd can never be predicted, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) monitors winter conditions by calculating a winter severity index (WSI). The WSI reflects the estimated effect of winter weather conditions on the energy reserves of deer; the higher the index value, the larger the potential impact on the herd. More severe winters may require deer to expend more energy than they have available or may require the deer to use energy stores for survival rather than fawn or antler production. Using the WSI can help DNR biologists understand potential impacts of winter weather on the deer herd.
The current WSI system takes advantage of standard weather data available from the National Climatic Data Center. The DNR uses weekly data on air temperature, wind speed, and precipitation from weather stations throughout Michigan and the surrounding area in a series of mathematical equations to calculate a weekly index value from November through April. The WSI values from individual stations are averaged across the three regions of Michigan to give a regional perspective on winter severity. The DNR plots these values over time to provide insight into the pattern of winter severity over the course of the winter and to identify severe weather events. Extended periods of severe weather and very early or very late peaks in severity tend to have the greatest effect on deer.
Due to the complexity of the relationship between the deer population and winter conditions, no single index can predict over-winter mortality, fawn production, or physical condition. Using the WSI as a tool to qualitatively evaluate winter weather severity, the DNR can identify winters that have the potential to severely impact the deer herd. DNR biologists may also measure snow depth and make field observations of deer wintering areas to assess winter mortality and winter physical condition. The biologists use the WSI and their field observations along with a variety of other information to assess the deer population and adjust annual harvest quotas and make management decisions.
As of January 6th the following table indicates the number of deer checked throughout the state since September of 2012.
| Eastern UP Management Unit | Total | 689 |
| Adult Males | 590 | |
| Adult Females | 76 | |
| Male Fawns | 12 | |
| Female Fawns | 11 | |
| Western UP Management Unit | Total | 2680 |
| Adult Males | 2187 | |
| Adult Females | 387 | |
| Male Fawns | 61 | |
| Female Fawns | 45 | |
| Northeastern Management Unit | Total | 6475 |
| Adult Males | 3970 | |
| Adult Females | 1929 | |
| Male Fawns | 269 | |
| Female Fawns | 307 | |
| Northwestern Management Unit | Total | 2599 |
| Adult Males | 1713 | |
| Adult Females | 726 | |
| Male Fawns | 83 | |
| Female Fawns | 77 | |
| Saginaw Bay Management Unit | Total | 4660 |
| Adult Males | 2917 | |
| Adult Females | 1352 | |
| Male Fawns | 204 | |
| Female Fawns | 187 | |
| South Central Management Unit | Total | 4134 |
| Adult Males | 2294 | |
| Adult Females | 1311 | |
| Male Fawns | 265 | |
| Female Fawns | 264 | |
| Southeastern Management Unit | Total | 6520 |
| Adult Males | 3539 | |
| Adult Females | 2115 | |
| Male Fawns | 461 | |
| Female Fawns | 405 | |
| Southwestern Management Unit | Total | 3115 |
| Adult Males | 1768 | |
| Adult Females | 956 | |
| Male Fawns | 195 | |
| Female Fawns | 196 |
The Escanaba area has seen excellent weather and hunting. Highs have been in the low to mid 40s each day with lows in the low 30s to low 20s. A mix of clouds and sun with a light breeze has made for very pleasant hunting conditions. Check numbers at the Escanaba Field Office for the first three days of firearms season are the highest they have been since at least 2006 and may rise to the highest since 2004 by the end of the day. Hunters are reporting seeing more deer than in years past and many fawns. Over half of the bucks brought in have been two and a half years old or older. One eight year old doe was brought in by a veteran who has not been able to hunt the last seven years. His hunting group thought it was fitting that his doe may have been at his stand as a fawn the last time he had been out.
~Vernon Richardson, DNR Wildlife Technician (Escanaba)
Hunting conditions in the East U.P. have continued to be very good with cool temperatures throughout the day but nice enough weather that many hunters are staying afield for most of the day to take advantage of the favorable weather. Checkstations are seeing very healthy looking deer, with excellent body conditions and antler development. Hunter perceptions are that there are many more deer this year and nicer bucks. Overall people are upbeat and happy to take advantage of the excellent opening days we've had so far.
~Kevin Swanson, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Shingleton)
It was foggy this morning with temperatures in the mid to low 30's with the fog breaking up around 11:00. The afternoon was sunny and clear with temperatures in the mid 40's. It has been sunny and bright all three afternoons of deer season. Hunters reported that deer were moving pretty good in the fog and that overall deer have been moving better in the cooler mornings than in the evenings. They have also been reporting seeing a lot of rutting activity. Overall, hunters have been seeing more deer and more bucks than last year and have been reporting about the same amount of hunting pressure. The number of deer we checked-in today in Gaylord was down from the third day last year, but the three day total as compared to last year is the same. One hunter from Charlevoix County brought in a real nice buck that had 3 individual main beams. That is the first time I had seen that on a deer.
~Mark Monroe, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Gaylord)
Temps. were below freezing this morning with heavy fog that didn't burn off until around 11AM. Overall, hunters were fairly pleased with deer numbers, numbers of bucks seen, and size of bucks. A lot of 2 1/2 year and older bucks with larger diameter beams came through the check station. 60 deer were checked today, compared to 54 the same day last year. There was one deer that came through from Branch County with hoof abnormalities consistent with EHD.
~Erin Victory, DNR Wildlife BIologist (Baldwin)
In the thumb area 90% of the corn has been harvested and what wasn't is currently being harvested. Hunter numbers appear to be up in many areas but south of Cass city numbers appear to be down, especially on private land. Hunters are seeing the same number of deer or more in many areas with certain areas seeing a major increase from last year. The rut is in full swing and hunters are seeing a lot of nice bucks. The body conditions of deer being brought to checkstations are excellent, some of the best conditions that have been seen in many years. Antler development has also been very good as well; in particular 1.5 year old bucks are sportingvery nice 6 and 8 point racks. Checkstation numbers are slightly lower than last year but thatis largely attributed to hunters letting their deer hang due to the cool weather and numbers areexpected to increase over the next few days. Hunters in the area are not seeing effects of EHD (there were no confirmed cases in the area) but there is a general concern among them and ahope that they don't see EHD in the following years.
~Don Bonnette, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Cass City)
Hunting conditions were generally comfortable for the 3 day for the first three days of the firearm deer season, with partly sunny skies and light winds. Morning lows ranged from the mid-20s to 30 degrees, and daytime highs ranged from 50 degrees to the mid 50s. November 17 temperatures specifically ranged from 30 degrees at legal shooting hour to the low 50s in the afternoon, with partly to mostly sunny skies.
Hunter numbers based on car counts were variable, with Rogue River SGA (NW Kent County) opening day car counts down 15% and the Main Unit at Muskegon SGA was down 39%. However, the East Unit at Muskegon was up 5% (167 cars and 14 camps vs. 159 cars and 18 camps in 2011). It should be noted that locally the Main Unit at MSGA was the area most affected by EHD losses, and the talk locally was that deer numbers were way down.
For the first 3 days at the Muskegon SGA deer check station, overall deer numbers checked were up 15% (86 vs. 72). On November 17, we checked 31 deer at Muskegon (35 in 2011). At the West Walker Sportsmens Club deer check station, deer check numbers were similar to 2011 levels (70 vs. 73). Today, 32 deer were checked at West Walker (38 in 2011). Most to the deer brought to the check stations were bucks, and approximately 65% of the bucks checked were 1 ½ year olds. So far, the nicest buck checked was a 13 pointer from Chester Township in Ottawa County, although a number of nice bucks from southern Oceana and Newaygo County (4 ½ year class) were also brought in. Some hunters told anecdotal stories of EHD losses, but surprisingly few specific and local observations about EHD losses were made. Most of the EHD reports centered around the lower Muskegon River in Muskegon County or the eastern/central Grand River corridor in Ottawa County. We are not seeing many clinical signs of EHD (hoof damage, mouth erosions, etc.), and the deer generally seem to be in good physical condition.
Hunters generally report seeing adequate numbers of deer, even in EHD affected areas. The observed numbers may be down in these areas, but hunters have been mostly positive and fairly satisfied with the season so far. One factor may be the reports of active rutting behavior in many areas, with many bucks chasing does. The timing of the rut generally increases buck observations and opportunities for harvest.
~Nik Kalejs, DNR WIldlife Biologist (Muskegon)
The Hillsdale checkstation has checked over 800 deer in 3 days. All deer checked have looked very healthy and we are seeing excellent development in the yearling age class with body conditions and antler development. Hunters are seeing a lot of activity with deer and the rut is in full swing. We are also seeing lots of successful mentored youth and more women than we have seen in the past which is great.
~Kristin Bissel, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Waterloo)
Conditions continue to be favorable with clear skies, light winds, and temperatures starting around 30 and climbing to near 40 by afternoon in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. The number of deer that have been checked is generally up a little from last year so far. Deer coming into the check stations have been in good condition, and antler development has also been good including on yearling bucks. It appears that more 2 ½ year old or older bucks are coming in so far compared to last year. Hunter satisfaction continues to improve, with hunters generally reporting seeing more deer than last year.
~Dave Jentoft, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Sault Ste Marie)
Checkstation numbers across the U.P. are above last year and some areas are double what they were last year indicating a very positive start to the season for many hunters. Nearly all hunters are reporting seeing more deer including bucks with many hunters seeing enough bucks that they are comfortable passing on smaller bucks in order to wait for the one that they really want. Overall the U.P. firearm season is off to an excellent start and hunter satisfaction seems very high.
~Kristie Sitar, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Newberry) and Brian Roell, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Marquette)
Weather conditions in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Kalkaska and Manistee counties were near freezing at daybreak and rose into the mid 40's by afternoon both days. The weather was sunny with south winds of approximately 5-10 mph and no precipitation.
Hunter numbers appeared to be down a little bit from recent higher numbers, possibly because of the mid week opener. We did see a decent amount of deer camp and/or scouting activity on large blocks of State land right before the opener. Public land hunters have mostly reported moderate amounts of shots heard. Private land hunters have reported larger amounts of gun shots, but from localized blocks of land.
Hunters are reporting seeing good numbers of deer. A decent percentage of hunters are also reporting seeing increased numbers of bucks, compared to previous years.
As of 2:00 pm on the 16th, the Traverse City Check Station has checked about 45% less deer as compared to the first two days of Firearm Season 2011. Cooler temperatures and hunters hanging deer longer could be a factor.
Despite two brief rainy periods in October, the majority of the corn crop in the Traverse area was harvested by mid October. Scattered stands of red oak have produced locally abundant yields of red oak acorns. Antler development has been variable, but consistently good from Leelanau County, SW Grand Traverse County, and other spots where antler restrictions apply or hunting pressure is reduced. Probably due to EHD in southern MI, we have noticed a definite increase in the number of hunter concerns about abnormalities with their deer. These abnormalities have ended up consisting of such things as pneumonia, abscesses, and misc. infections.
~Steve Griffith, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Traverse City)
We have just finished a big rush for the day. We have checked about 50 deer. It is a beautiful day, with the termperature at about 30 degrees this morning and now (at 1pm) it is in the low 40's. Hunter numbers above average than last year. It appears that there are a lot of people hunting on state land. The number of shots heard this morning varied with some areas hearing a lot and others none. In general people are seeing a lot of deer, not one person has said they haven't seeing anything yet. We are seeing some very nice bucks this year with great antler development and excellent body condition. We are seeing a lot of 8 and 10 points, and we even had one 12 point brought in today.
~Jen Kleitch, DNR WIldlife BIologist (Atlanta)
The first two days of the season have started out clear and in the mid 20s with afternoon highs in the 40s. It has been sunny both days with little to no wind making conditions very comfortable for hunters. The Flat River check station has been steadily busy with numbers similar to recent years. We have had several nice 2 ½ and 3 ½ year old bucks come in from the surrounding area. All deer looked to be in good condition. We did have one deer that had some pretty severe sloughing on its hooves and a few others that have rings along the top edge of the hooves, seemingly indicating exposure to EHD. Most deer brought in have been from Ionia and Montcalm Counties. Both counties had areas that sustained high deer losses due to EHD. It seems most hunters had adjusted their expectations and harvest plans before the season. However, many people have been pleasantly surprised at the number of deer that they are seeing, even on properties that found 20+ deer dead from EHD over the summer. There have also been a couple of people in some of the areas that were hit hard from EHD that have seen a decrease in numbers, but were able to harvest a deer or two to put meat in the freezer. The overall mood of most hunters has been pretty positive despite the role EHD had in shaping the season.
~Chad Fedewa, DNR Wildlife BIologist (Flat River SGA)
The day began with clear skies and a slight breeze from the northwest at 1-2 mph and the temperature was cool and crisp at 30 degrees. Throughout the day the wind gradually changed and began blowing softly from the east; as it warmed to 52 degrees, and the sky remained clear. Hunter numbers have been somewhat reduced from last year but have remained steady throughout the morning none-the-less. Several nice bucks came into the check station along with the usual large portion of year and a half year old bucks, does and lots of 6 month old fawns. Some deer have had hoof deformities thought to be associated with EHD infections; of which our staff took pictures and submitted them to the disease lab staff for analysis. The rut seems to be in full swing and there is good deer movement throughout the area. Hunters are reporting seeing deer in moderate numbers around the game area and the surrounding private lands. In general the consensus amongst hunters seems to be positive about the deer hunt so far; however, they think that EHD has reduced the number of the deer they have been seeing.
~Ken Kesson, DNR Wildlife BIologist (Crane Pond SGA)
Hunting conditions were ideal in Southeast Lower Michigan again today. Temperatures began in the 30's and ended in the low 50's. Hunter numbers appeared down from yesterday with many people returning to work today. Hunters are seeing a lot of deer with most saying they are seeing more does than bucks. Checkstation numbers are about average with last year at this time. Hunter satisfaction appears to be up and hunters are looking forward to the next few days of the season (the weekend).
~Tammy Giroux, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Gratiot SGA) & Julie Oakes, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Holly)
Conditions in the Crystal Falls area were very good. With temperatures in the mid 20's in the morning and warming to the mid 40's by the afternoon it made for very comfortable conditions for hunters to be out and about. However, it didn't seem quite cold enough to cause the deer to move around much so hunters were staying afield longer throughout the day. It didn't seem as though there was much rut activity occuring yet but hunters were reporting excellent sightings, higher than previous years and it appeared that this year had been a very good year for fawn production. Hunter numbers appear to be similar to last year.
~Monica Joseph, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Crystal Falls)
Hunting conditions in the Eastern Upper Peninsula were similar to the West with favorable weather. The lack of snow has made tracking difficult but hunters report seeing lots of deer and have a very positive outlook on the season. The deer being brought to checkstations have good antler development and noticeably improved body conditions in comparison with previous years.
~Kristie Sitar, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Newberry)
Opening day has been better than I expected. Since 1999, today was the most deer checked on a opening day in Marquette (23 in 2012; 7 in 2011). The 14 year average is 12 deer.
We checked a lot of 2.5 year old bucks and the few 1.5 year old deer that had very nice antler development. Notably a 12 year old came in with a 4.5 year old 9 pointer with 32mm beams.
~Brian Roell, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Marquette)
Hunting oncditions were very favoarble in the Gladwin area. Hunter numbers appeared up from last year. The most notable difference this year was the number of increased deer sightings (especially bucks) for nearly every hunter that we spoke with. Hunter success was up from last year as well. Hunters were very upbeat and enjoying the weather. Deer that were checked have very healthy body conditions and many had very good antler development as well.
~Bruce Barlow, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Gladwin)
The Pigeon River area had excellent hunting conditions with temperatures in the high 20's at dawn and warming to the high 40's by the afternoon. Specifically, it was overcast with high clouds and light winds but very little snow in the area. Hunter numbers appeared down from the overall average of the last decade but they are similar to last year's numbers. The number of shots in the morning were much higher than last year as were the number of deer checked at the Gaylord checkstation today. The hunters that we talked with were upbeat and excited to be there and all of them had seen deer that morning.
~Brian Mastenbrook, DNR Wildlife Biologist/Supervisor (Northern Lower Region)
Dawn broke in Mecosta Co. with a light east breeze and cloud cover, frosty and excellent visibility. 25 F. No snow cover. Better than average hunting conditions in the a.m.
Hunters on the Haymarsh SGA reported a mix of success, bucks and does taken, warmer weather mid-day not helpful for deer movement. Average to slightly below average for vehicle/camper presence.
Corn is about half picked in Mecosta County, with low ground corn still too wet to harvest. Nearly all hunters spoken to had EHD questions.
Late bow season quite productive for those hunting corn or areas of acorn mast, spotty this year, with almost non-existent soft mast such as crabapples and dogwood. Antlers seem well developed based on archery take.
~Pete Kailing, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Mecosta County)
This report is for the Allegan State Game Area and surrounding land in Allegan County. The hunting conditions today were fair with 25 degree temps in the morning warming to the 40's with clear skies and no wind. Hunter numbers appear to be down – the car count at the Allegan SGA was the third lowest on record. The hunters have reported seeing very few deer moving and are reporting that deer numbers may be down. The deer observed at the Game Area over the past few days appear to be rutting with bucks chasing does quite heavily. The Plainwel OSC check station was at 96 deer as of 2:00pm which was right around their average number for this time on opening day.
~Mark Mills, DNR Wildlife Biologist (Allegan County)
Conditions are fairly warm down here and may be causing the deer to stay put rather than move around much. Most of the crops have been taken off but some areas of corn are still standing in St. Clair County which could be offering refuge to some deer. Checkstation activity appears to be in line with last year but hunters are reporting good numbers and are positive about the rest of the season.
~Terry McFadden, DNR Wildlife Biologist (St. Clair County)
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