Michigan is out of control and pandering to hunter and farmer interests by seeking to institute a Wolf killing season..............Deer herds are robust and hunter take is being projected +10% from 2011 levels..............Why is there a need to thin Wolf numbers when the Michigan outdoor comunity should be looking to further expand their numbers, therefore continuing to regenerate our woodlands----------a by-product of that effort would be that the deer that do roam the forest and fields would be healthier and stronger

U.P. deer harvest: Firearm hunters enjoy increased opportunities

 

By Scott Brand;dooreading.com

 

 

• 

Preliminary estimates from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reveal that the 2012 deer harvest could be up as much as 10 percent compared to 2011.
Each year, according to a DNR press release, estimates of the firearm deer harvest are released shortly after the conclusion of the 16-day season. While the Upper Peninsula seemingly had a better year, it remains to be seen how hunters below the Mackinac Bridge fared with preliminary data showing it could be anywhere between down 5 percent and up 5 percent.
Wildlife biologists use those preliminary numbers for assessment until a more complete picture is obtained through the annual hunter mail survey which won’t be completed until well into 2013.
Official numbers from the Mackinac Bridge show 6,460 deer have crossed in pick-ups, trailers and tied to the roofs of vehicles, compared to 5,731 in 2011. A spokesperson for the Mackinac Bridge Authority said that figure reflects a 13 percent increase.
That assessment was consistent with local observation.
“My impression from my customers is its a much improved season over previous years,” said Brian Harrison of Leitz’s Sport Shop early today. “It’s been a pretty good season.”
Harrison said he has heard of lots of deer harvested in the 8-10 point range and his personal hunting experience showed more buck sign than he had seen in a decade.
“I hunted four days from daylight to dark,” he said. “I just never saw him.”
Harrison also indicated that hunter excitement remains high even for those who didn’t harvest an animal to date. He said their prevalence of trail cameras are still showing plenty of good animals out there and as a result he has been doing a brisk business in muzzleloaders and accessories as hunters prepared to re-enter the woods with the smokepoles in hand.
Lou Hank, who just recently closed the doors of Hank’s Sport Shop, said he has received mixed reports.
“From what other people are saying, some are seeing absolutely nothing and others are seeing lots of deer,” said Hank expressing the belief that 2012 was “a little better.”
At the Hank hunting grounds, there were four in camp who combined to take two bucks — a 6-pointer and an 8-pointer — during the firearm season.
Hank said he saw the same two bucks every day he was out, but held off on the 6-pointer and the spike, waiting for a bigger buck to come wandering through. He also said that while he is currently empty-handed, he hasn’t closed the books on the 2012 season with plans to continue through the month of December with both a muzzleloader and bow.
Rick Johnson, owner and operator of Johnson’s Sport Shop on Drummond Island, said he has been checking deer in for the last 15 or so years. His assessment of the 2012 season was that it was similar to 2011, which he considered to be a down year.
“The biggest I’ve seen so far is a 10-point,” he said of the 85 or so deer he has taken in so far. “They’re smaller deer.”
In the Rudyard area, there appears to be a bumper crop of deer taken this season, according to a spokesperson for Love Meats.
“We’re definitely up this year,” said Processor Ben Eckola early today, estimating the business has processed well over 200 deer to date with more anticipated with the muzzleloader season opening today.

Preliminary estimates from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reveal that the 2012 deer harvest could be up as much as 10 percent compared to 2011

.
Each year, according to a DNR press release, estimates of the firearm deer harvest are released shortly after the conclusion of the 16-day season. While the Upper Peninsula seemingly had a better year, it remains to be seen how hunters below the Mackinac Bridge fared with preliminary data showing it could be anywhere between down 5 percent and up 5 percent.

Wildlife biologists use those preliminary numbers for assessment until a more complete picture is obtained through the annual hunter mail survey which won’t be completed until well into 2013.
Official numbers from the Mackinac Bridge show 6,460 deer have crossed in pick-ups, trailers and tied to the roofs of vehicles, compared to 5,731 in 2011. A spokesperson for the Mackinac Bridge Authority said that figure reflects a 13 percent increase.

That assessment was consistent with local observation.“My impression from my customers is its a much improved season over previous years,” said Brian Harrison of Leitz’s Sport Shop early today. “It’s been a pretty good season.”Harrison said he has heard of lots of deer harvested in the 8-10 point range and his personal hunting experience showed more buck sign than he had seen in a decade.
“I hunted four days from daylight to dark,” he said. “I just never saw him.”

Harrison also indicated that hunter excitement remains high even for those who didn’t harvest an animal to date. He said their prevalence of trail cameras are still showing plenty of good animals out there and as a result he has been doing a brisk business in muzzleloaders and accessories as hunters prepared to re-enter the woods with the smokepoles in hand.

Lou Hank, who just recently closed the doors of Hank’s Sport Shop, said he has received mixed reports.“From what other people are saying, some are seeing absolutely nothing and others are seeing lots of deer,” said Hank expressing the belief that 2012 was “a little better.”

At the Hank hunting grounds, there were four in camp who combined to take two bucks — a 6-pointer and an 8-pointer — during the firearm season.Hank said he saw the same two bucks every day he was out, but held off on the 6-pointer and the spike, waiting for a bigger buck to come wandering through. He also said that while he is currently empty-handed, he hasn’t closed the books on the 2012 season with plans to continue through the month of December with both a muzzleloader and bow.