The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is gearing up to vote on a new set of deer hunting regulations in response to concerns from locals about the increasing deer population in the state. Some of the proposals being considered include the use of drones to aid in deer recovery efforts, extending early and late antlerless seasons on public land, and expanding the Hunter Access Program to provide more hunting opportunities for residents. The decision to revise deer hunting regulations comes at a time when state officials estimate that there are now over two million deer in Michigan, according to WEMU, a local radio station based in the state.
One of the major concerns raised by locals is the significant impact deer have had on agriculture, with reports of deer causing financial burdens for farmers by damaging crops. Jackie Beougher, the owner of Beougher Farms in Merrill, Michigan, shared her frustration with Midland Daily News, stating that deer have been eating her crops for several years. She explained, “When seeds come up out of the ground, they start nibbling on them, especially soybeans. They love the soybeans… Then when (the deer) get big, and the corn is ripe, just before we pick it, they’re coming around… eating like four rows.” Beougher emphasized the need to address the deer population issue, stating that it is not their responsibility to feed the deer.
Malcolm Brubaker, a neighbor of Beougher and an experienced hunter of 40 years, has been actively involved in reducing the deer population in the area. He mentioned that whenever he goes hunting, he posts on social media, allowing neighbors to come and collect the meat from harvested deer. Brubaker shared, “I developed a little Facebook post, and in two hours I had 45 people willing to come and they said they would love deer meat for their uncle, a deer for their parent.”
A survey conducted by the Deer Management Initiative in partnership with the Michigan DNR revealed that a significant percentage of Michigan residents view deer damage to farm crops and agriculture as a major concern. Approximately 28.95% reported that deer damage to farm crops/agriculture was moderately important, while 19.47% considered it to be very important. Additionally, the survey indicated that 40.75% of respondents believed that deer hunting opportunities were very important.
The DNR is scheduled to vote on the proposed changes to hunting regulations on July 11, as confirmed by officials with the department in a statement to Fox News Digital. The decision to revise hunting regulations comes amidst challenges such as a decline in the number of hunters, issues with predators, and changing weather patterns, which have all contributed to the challenges in managing Michigan’s deer population, as reported by Fox 2 Detroit in 2023.
In conclusion, the proposed deer hunting regulations in Michigan aim to address the concerns raised by locals regarding the increasing deer population and its impact on agriculture. The use of drones, extending hunting seasons, and expanding hunting opportunities are among the strategies being considered to manage the deer population more effectively. The vote on the new regulations by the Michigan DNR on July 11 will be a crucial step in addressing the deer population issue and ensuring a balance between wildlife conservation and agricultural sustainability in the state.
