DNR: Deer numbers look good in Northern Lower Peninsula, not as plentiful in UP
GAYLORD — As bow hunters await the opening of the archery deer season in the state at sunrise on Sunday, Oct. 1, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said the deer numbers appear to be plentiful in some locations in the Northern Lower Peninsula.
Meanwhile in the Upper Peninsula, a harsh winter last year may keep deer numbers low.
"Winter was mild across much of the Northern Lower Peninsula and the deer herd didn’t appear to have any negative impacts coming into the spring. Hard mast seems to be plentiful and widely distributed, and it looks like a good year for red oak and white oak acorns. Early season efforts around oaks could prove beneficial for hunting success," said Chad Stewart, deer, elk, and moose management specialist with the DNR.
Antler growth seems to be good across the region compared to previous years. So while there are some great bucks to be had, if one doesn't present itself while you are hunting, consider harvesting a doe this year and passing on younger bucks to try and help manage the herd, added Stewart.
Stewart said last year's winter in the Upper Peninsula was considered severe again.
"While there were no reports of major deer mortality events attributed to this winter, it will continue to keep deer numbers low across much of the region. While areas with good deer numbers will exist, the reality is that many hunters will likely continue to experience low numbers and potentially little sign of deer activity in many areas," he said.
The Upper Peninsula Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Zone (including parts of Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties) has been removed. As a result, hunters in this area can resume baiting and feeding practices.
"Our archery harvest has been relatively stable over the past five years, though we were down a bit last year with an estimated harvest of 103,000 deer. Typically, we see over 120,000 deer taken during archery season, so it will be interesting to see how this year compares," Stewart said.
"We will continue to have our online harvest reporting requirement, and are asking hunters to complete the report within 72 hours of harvesting a deer. The best way to report your deer is through our mobile app, found by searching MI DNR Hunt Fish in any app store, or reporting online at mi.gov/dnrharvestreport," Stewart added.
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The bow season runs through Nov. 14 and then resumes on Dec. 1 until Jan. 1, 2024. The gun hunting season begins on Nov. 15 and ends on Nov. 30.
The Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger (MSAH) program is a way for hunters to share their harvest by donating a deer. Since 1991, MSAH has connected donors, wild-game processors and charities that feed individuals in need. An all-volunteer organization, MSAH is operated entirely by sportsmen and women concerned about making a positive difference in their communities. Together, they have assembled a network of processors and charities to help channel wild game donations to those in need, according to the DNR.
— Contact Paul Welitzkin at pwelitzkin@gaylordheraldtimes.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: DNR: Deer numbers look good in Northern Lower Peninsula, not as plentiful in UP
