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IDNR Report
Indiana sportsmen have until March 20 to comment on deer hunting regulations proposed by the DNR.
The Indiana Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has opened a public comment period for the proposed changes before they vote on final adoption.
Most proposed changes intend to simplify Indiana’s deer hunting rules to make them easier to understand.
Proposed changes include:
- A statewide bag limit of six antlerless deer.
- A newly created County Antlerless Bag Limit instead of season antlerless bag limits. Because of this change, the bonus antlerless license would be the multiple-season antlerless license that could be used in the archery, muzzleloader, and firearms seasons.
- Hunters would not be able to harvest an antlerless deer on Fish & Wildlife properties with a firearm.
- The use of crossbow equipment would be allowed with the archery license.
- The minimum caliber for a muzzleloader would be reduced from 0.44 inches to 0.40 inches.
- If a deer is unfit for human consumption, DNR staff would be able to issue an authorization to take an antlerless deer in its place that will not count toward the statewide bag limit or county limit.
- Adding the deer Reduction Zones and County Antlerless Bag Limits.
- Removing the Special Antlerless Firearms season.
Public comments can be submitted online at IN.gov/nrc/rules/rulemaking-docket/ via the “Comment on this rule” link in the Rulemaking Docket for the Deer Hunting Amendments. Comments can also be mailed to: Natural Resources Commission, Indiana Government Center North , 100 North Senate Ave., Room N103, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
The deadline for public comments is March 20. A public hearing will be held on March 20 from 4 to 8 p.m. ET at the Garrison at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis; you can attend in person or online anytime during that timeframe. To attend the public hearing, starting at 4 p.m. on March 20, go to Microsoft Teams and enter Meeting ID: 296 491 887 327, Passcode: xTCuyW.
Sign up for updates online at wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes.
For more information on the proposed rule changes, visit wildlife.IN.gov/rule-regulation-changes/.
Questions about the proposed deer rule changes should be directed to 812-334-3795 or indeerhotline@dnr.IN.gov
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By JOHN PEPIN, Deputy Public Information Officer, Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Michigan Deer Harvest Info
The 2023 firearm deer season is officially complete. Although there are still deer hunting opportunities happening in December, we know most of our 2023 hunter effort is officially in the books.
The license sales and harvest data are mixed throughout the state.
Harvest figures
The reported deer harvest for the entire state is down compared to last year by a total of 11% or almost 30,000 deer. This is certainly significant in the eyes of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and something that is being closely watched. There are many factors that can contribute to the reduction of harvest.
Reported deer harvest in Michigan as of Dec. 5, 2023 (all deer seasons) decreased compared to the autumn of 2022 by 26% in the Upper Peninsula, 16% in the northern Lower Peninsula and 7% in the southern Lower Peninsula.
Taking a look at where the highest harvest totals are within Michigan’s 83 counties, it is no surprise that they come in the southern portion of the state. Significantly milder winters and abundance of food from agriculture continue to support high deer density where these conditions exist.
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MDNR Report
The 2023 muzzleloader season began Friday and ends at the close of shooting hours on Sunday, Dec. 10. When heading out to enjoy your season, remember that legal equipment and other regulations vary based on where you are hunting.
“As the goals of deer management have changed, so do regulations around muzzleloader season,” said Chad Stewart, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist. “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recognizes the abundant deer population in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula and is focusing on ways to increase antlerless harvest. The DNR wants hunters to have every opportunity to maximize success and help manage the deer population in southern Michigan.”
Due to low hunter success during muzzleloader season, the DNR extended the late antlerless season in 2020, while reducing the muzzleloader season in the southern Lower Peninsula.
Additionally, in the southern Lower Peninsula, any firearm legal during the traditional firearm season (Nov. 15-30) can be used during the muzzleloader season.
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MDNR Report
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters across the state that deer harvest reporting is once again required this hunting season.
Now in its second year, mandatory harvest reporting of all deer is designed to provide the most efficient and effective data for deer management and conservation. In 2022, 208,408 hunters submitted a harvest report, and nearly 83% of those hunters were able to complete their report in under five minutes.
“We know Michigan’s deer hunters care about quality hunting opportunities and healthy deer herds,” said DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart. “Each online harvest report takes just a few minutes but provides critical information about hunting experiences and deer abundance all over the state. That means better management recommendations for Michigan’s deer population.”
To facilitate the reporting process and ensure a smooth experience, the DNR offers these tips: