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By Louie Stout
Deer Numbers Still LanguishingAs the deer season winds down and biologists start crunching the numbers, it remains quite apparent the Michiana deer herd is a far cry from what it was three years ago.
Sure, there were some dandy bucks killed by hunters. But the number of deer harvested based on preliminary estimates fell well short of where they were in 2012.
Some of that is by design. Both Indiana and Michigan went through a period of liberalization of doe permits to reduce crop damage and deer/car collisions.
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By Louie Stout
If your prized antlers are past the green stage and youre curious as to what they would score, John Bogucki can help you out. The North Liberty licensed deer scorer is certified for all types of big game and can get you into Boone & Crockett, Pope and Young, Muzzleloader, Indiana or Michigan record books if your animal qualifies.
He will score your trophies on an appointment basis. Call him at 574-656-4271.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Firearm deer hunting season a mixed bag in the Upper Peninsula.Michigan DNR wildlife biologists said preliminary check station data shows mixed results for the firearm deer hunting season in the Upper Peninsula.
So far, indications are there was a drop in the overall harvest. However, with hunters across the region registering a higher proportion of mature bucks, many of those deer were beautiful bucks.
After three consecutive severe winters in the region, DNR biologists predicted hunters this firearm deer season would likely see fewer deer in the U.P., especially in the 1- and 2-year-old age classes.
"It was a challenging firearm deer hunting season, as anticipated," said David Jentoft, a DNR wildlife biologist at the Sault Ste. Marie Field Office. "The number of bucks being checked is generally down, but check stations have seen a higher proportion of mature bucks coming in, particularly 3- and 4-year-olds."
DNR biologists expected more mature bucks in the harvest, with the effects of the previous yearís harsh winter weather limiting the number of yearling bucks available in the U.P. deer population this year.
Early Statistics: Preliminary estimates indicate deer check stations in the U.P. registered deer totals down about 13.5 percent through the firearm deer hunting season, compared to last year.
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(Provided by Indiana DNR)
Indiana hunters can donate deer meat to those in need or to members of their communities through two DNR programs.
The Sportsmen's Benevolence Fund and GiveIN Game program allow hunters to share their bounty with those who would like local, low-fat and high-protein meat.
The Sportsmenís Benevolence Fund benefits Indianaís food pantries. The fund was created in 2008 to help offset deer processing costs. Harvested deer are dropped off at deer processors throughout the state. Last year, more than 70,000 pounds of ground deer meat went to food pantries. Hunters can find a processor in their area by searching at dnr.IN.gov/lawenfor/3987.htm.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Conservation officers with the Michigan DNR urge deer hunters to engage in an ethical hunt: Buy a license before going out and donít loan kill tags.
Every deer hunting season, DNR conservation officers encounter individuals engaged in unethical hunting practices and tackle many cases of individuals buying a hunting license after harvesting a deer or loaning kill tags to a friend or relative.