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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Venison isn't beef! Prep it properly to maximize its unique flavor.Whether a hunter is motivated by filling the freezer, bagging a trophy, or just doing his part to help manage the stateís deer population, those who are successful go home with many pounds of fresh venison that can be prepared and enjoyed in a multitude of ways.
But with so many options for cooking venison, it can be difficult to know where to start.
The first rule of thumb, according to Michigan wild game chef Dan Nelson, is to avoid treating venison as a substitute for other more common proteins, instead choosing preparations designed to enhance venison's unique qualities.
Nelson is the chef at Eagle Eye Country Club near Lansing and cooks wild game dishes for Gourmet Gone Wild (www.gourmetgonewild.org) - a program supported by the Michigan DNR, Michigan United Conservation Clubs, Michigan State Universityís Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and the Boone and Crockett Club - designed to introduce young professionals to the benefits and techniques of cooking with wild game.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan 2014 firearm deer season wrapped up Nov. 30, and challenging conditions and lower deer numbers in some areas likely have led to fewer deer being taken this year. Each year the DNR generates preliminary estimates of the firearm deer harvest shortly after the season closes. Those estimates are later replaced by a rigorous assessment of harvest and participation over all deer seasons using an annual hunter mail survey.
The 2014 firearm deer season harvest appears to have decreased in all regions this year, but particularly in the Upper Peninsula. Experiences can differ widely within regions. DNR biologists estimate that, compared to 2013, the harvest was down approximately 30 to 40 percent across the Upper Peninsula, decreased perhaps as much as 10 percent in the northern Lower Peninsula, and was down about 5 percent in the southern Lower Peninsula.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan DNR reminds hunters that the 2014 muzzleloader deer season opened Friday (Dec. 5) throughout the state.
"Having a statewide opener for muzzleloading season really eases confusion hunters have on when and where this season starts," said DNR deer biologist Ashley Autenrieth.
Zones 1 and 2 will remain open until Dec. 14. Zone 3 has seven more days of muzzleloader hunting, with the season ending Dec. 21. For hunting zone information, see the 2014 Hunting and Trapping Digest.
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By Louie Stout
Michianas gun season has produced a mixed bag of results nice big-bodied bucks with good racks, but the numbers appear to be down.
At least thats the report weve received from Michiana meat processors who say business with gun hunters has been down after a productive bow season in October.
Of course, assessing Indianas deer season isnt as reliable as it once was now that the state allows hunters to check in deer online or smart phones. In previous years, Hoosiers were required to take their kills to an official check station. Michigan has a voluntary check-in.
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(Provided by Michigan DNR)
So, just what information does DNR biologists take into consideration when developing recommendations for managing Michigan's deer population?
What contributing factors and trends were weighed before developing antlerless quotas and other regulations for the Deer Management Unit (DMU) where you hunt?
Just what is the DNR thinking when it comes to deer management in this state?
Now you can find out the answers to these and other questions that you may have regarding the rationale behind deer management decisions.
The DNR Wildlife Division has created a clickable map www.michigan.gov/documents that links to a report for each DMU in the state. Just click on a DMU number and you'll be taken to the biologist report, which provides the same background information that was delivered to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) with Department recommendations on public- and private-land antlerless license quotas and other regulations for each area.
Also, if you're still looking for a good hunting spot, don't forget to check out Mi-HUNT www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_14793_55471---,00.html, the interactive public hunting lands locator application that works on your computer, tablet or smartphone! Plus, if you're looking for a nearby deer check station www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/deercheck_439367_7.html just text "Deer Check" to 468311, and you'll receive a link back to our deer check station map.