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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Although early winter snow in Michigans Upper Peninsula was mild compared to the past few years, precipitation late in the season resulted in above-average snow depths that are continuing well into spring. These conditions are challenging deer in the region, and are expected to lead to lower survival and fawn recruitment rates than seen during the last few years.
Winter conditions are a significant factor for the U.P.s deer herd. Mild winters, such as those experienced from 2010-2012, provide favorable conditions for over-winter survival and allow pregnant does to produce healthy fawns. Harsher winters with deep snows restrict movement and challenge energy reserves. Those conditions affect survival rates, particularly for deer living in harsher conditions, and put additional stress on pregnant does.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Crossbow use in Michigan is on the rise.Although the overall number of hunters in Michigan has been on a slight decline, the DNR reports that a recent survey shows growth in one method of deer hunting crossbows.
In 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.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
Photo courtesy stevepricephotos.com
Whitetail DeerHunters took advantage of new equipment regulations and extra hunting dates to harvest a record 136,248 deer during the 2012 season, according to data the DNR gathered from designated check stations and from a recently implemented online and phone reporting system.
The total harvest represented a 6 percent increase over the 2011 seasons harvest and topped the previous record of 134,004 deer set in 2010.
We started down the path to strategically reduce the deer herd in order to balance the ecological, recreational, and economic needs of all Indiana citizens, said Mitch Marcus, wildlife chief for the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife. To meet that strategy, we initiated several regulation changes to make it easier to take antlerless deer. It appears the regulations may be working.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
Indiana Conservation Officers investigated two separate hunting accidents Dec 1 which hospitalized the victims.
Jason Dudley (46) of South Bend and Joseph Morehead (60) of Milford sustained serious injuries when each hunter fell from their deer hunting tree stands.
Jason Dudleys hunting partner heard a crash about 150 yards from where he was hunting and found Dudley lying at the base of his tree. He fell approximately 15 feet.
The partner called 911 and Dudley was transported to Memorial Hospital in South Bend and treated for facial lacerations and right shoulder and back pain. He was not wearing a safety harness.
Morehead was also hunting with a partner approximately 50 yards apart when he fell while attempting to descend from the tree. Morehead was wearing a harness but it was not attached to the tree as he began his descent. Morehead used a tree branch as a hand-hold as he was attempting to lower his foot to the metal foot pegs he was using when the branch broke.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
A young Warsaw deer hunter is lucky to be alive after surviving a freak accident when his tree stand gave out and left him hanging upside down on the Tri County Fish and Wildlife Area in Kosciusko County last week.
Clarence "Daven" Gasaways deer stand broke causing him to fall backwards and become stuck upside down in the remaining foot platform of his stand for 30 minutes.
The quick response of local and state officials likely saved Gasaway from serious injury or even death, as hanging upside down for an extended period can cause loss of consciousness and asphyxia if left in this position for too long.