Early reports of '09 firearm deer season typical to recent years

Fri, Nov 20, 2009    to del.icio.us

The 2009 firearms deer season is underway and the first few days have been typical of recent years, the Department of Natural Resources said.

Good weather — a lack of snow and little rain, warm temperatures and generally light winds — created excellent conditions for sitting outdoors. Hunter numbers are about the same as last year, though Upper Peninsula personnel report a slight decrease in hunter numbers, especially in the west end. Hunter attitude seems good statewide.

Hunter success is similar to last year statewide, though a reduction in the number of DNR deer check stations makes it difficult to gauge. Deer are in good to very good body condition, though antler development is sub-par in the northern two-thirds of the state.

Here's a look at the first few days on a regional basis:

Upper Peninsula — Hunters have brought in a large number of two and one-half year-old bucks, though a number of them have been spikes or small fork-antlered deer. The number of deer checked is down. Some hunters have complained of low deer numbers. License agents report high sales of firearms licenses compared to combination licenses.

Northern Lower Peninsula — Most deer checked do not appear to have a lot of body fat, which was not unexpected after last winter. More older bucks are coming to check stations, though antler development is below par. Overall harvest appears to be down somewhat. Some hunters expressed concern about low deer numbers.

Southern Michigan — Hunter success appears to be a little bit better than last year with more older bucks being harvested. Hunting pressure appears to be up significantly on public land over last year. Both body condition and antler development of deer are good. The slow corn harvest is a major subject of discussion among hunters, though many report seeing good numbers of deer. Conservation officers are busy with increased complaints of illegal baiting.

Firearms deer season continues through Nov. 30 with archery season resuming Dec. 1. For more information about hunting opportunities in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.