DNR Limits Number of Deer Hunting Permits

Deer season in Michigan is a holiday of its own to many people but this year the DNR may have to play Grinch to help the deer population in the long run.
A deadly disease-- known as EHD has killed thousands of deer already this year and it's forcing the state to pull back on this year's hunting permits.
About 13 thousand dead deer across 30 Michigan counties.

Brent Rudolph, Michigan Department of Natural Resources: "In terms of the number of counties affected, we've never had anything like this."
That's why the Natural Resources Commission has decided to cap the number of deer hunting permits per person.
This year hunters can only get 5 permits for private land instead, of 10 and 2 permits on public land, instead of 5.
Rudolph: "If you hunt right in those areas, you may see dramatically fewer deer than you've seen in the past."
But the new rules have some hunters concerned.
Tom Cullimore: I wont know til the dust clears that this is a good measure -- but I think it probably is but they've got to do something."
Cullimore runs a program called HOPE, which donates venison to food banks.
Cullimore: "Last year was the best year ever, I got 214 deer."
But he's worried this year may not be so good.
Cullimore: "Were not seeing the deer at all on this farm the way we used to-- not at all."
With fewer deer out there and fewer permits available, that could mean less food for needy families.
Cullimore: "I'm hoping not but I'm afraid its gonna be so. When those don't come into me then I cant take care of the food banks the way I like to."
The good news is, the Natural Resources Commission says it's unlikely any more deer will get the disease.
Rudolph: "If we have a good frost which we've had in many places - it'll kill the adult midges that transmit that virus."
But the number of deadhttp://www.wlns.com/story/20049219/dnr-caps-number-of-deer-hunting-permits

2012 Deer Hunting: Status and Prospects report

2012 Deer Hunting: Status and Prospects report Click Here

 Michigan DNR sent this bulletin at 11/07/2012 09:23 AM EST

Although surveys show that the leading reasons many individuals participate in deer hunting is simply the opportunity to spend time outdoors with friends and family, harvesting a deer is still very important to many deer hunters. No amount of hunting guarantees a harvest, but preparation and hard work are keys to producing the best chance to see and take deer, or to mentor a new hunter through a safe and enjoyable season. The 2012 deer season is expected to be a successful year for many hunters, and as always, will certainly offer the exciting challenge we call “hunting.”

The “2012 Deer Hunting: Status and Prospects” report – available for download below – provides information about resources and approaches for preparing for deer season each year, some background on deer in each region of the state and perceptions on hunting activity up to this point in the season.

Buck Pole

Sorry We haven't had much time lately but I thought I would Post a few Picture of our Hunting Season so far.

Some Pitures From The Tree Stands

MI DNR Baiting and Feeding Deer

Rules for Baiting and Feeding Deer

 MI DNR Baiting and Feeding Deer

In the rest of Michigan, the following baiting rules apply:
"Bait" means a substance composed of grains, minerals, salt, fruits, vegetables, hay or other food materials, which may lure, entice or attract deer as an aid in hunting.

Baiting may occur only from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1. Bait volume at any hunting site cannot exceed two gallons. Bait dispersal must be over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. Bait must be scattered directly on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum volume allowed. To minimize exposure of deer to diseases that may be present, the DNR recommends not placing bait or feed repeatedly at the same point on the ground, and only baiting when actively hunting. . In the rest of Michigan, the following rules apply to feeding for recreational viewing: "Feed" means a substance composed of grain, mineral, salt, fruit, vegetable, hay or other food material, that may attract deer or elk for any reason other than hunting. The feed material may be of any food type. The volume of feed at any residence cannot exceed two gallons. Feed may be no more than 100 yards from a residence on land owned or possessed by that person. The feed must be scattered on the ground. It can be scattered by any means, including mechanical spin-cast feeders, provided that the spin-cast feeder does not distribute more than the maximum daily volume allowed. The feed must be scattered or dispersed at least 100 yards from any area accessible to cattle, goats, sheep, new world camelids, bison, swine, horses or captive cervidae. Food plots, naturally occurring foods, standing agricultural crops or food placed as a result of using normal agricultural practices are not considered to be bait or feed.

DNR announces EHD now found in 24 counties

Contact:  Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030; or Ed Golder, 517-335-3014
Agency: Natural Resources

Sept. 24, 2012
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health announced that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has been confirmed in 24 Michigan counties. For a list of all 24 counties, visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases and click on EHD, which is located in the center of the page under Spotlight.
The disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by a type of biting fly. A constant characteristic of EHD is its sudden onset. Deer can suffer extensive internal bleeding, lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, infected deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.
At present, just over 4,200 dead deer have been reported in 24 counties. The DNR expects more dead deer to be found as farmers harvest their crops and hunters take to the field.
"Since July, the DNR, in cooperation with many, helpful volunteers, has been monitoring the EHD outbreak," said Brent Rudolph, DNR deer and elk program leader. "This is a horrible disease for hunters, DNR personnel and other wildlife enthusiasts to see affecting deer."
Rudolph explained that the first, hard frost should kill the flies. These insects have thrived this year due to the dry, hot summer. This year has seen a number of major outbreaks across the country, and EHD has been documented in all neighboring states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.
The DNR has received numerous calls from hunters who have asked if deer seasons will be closed this year. They will not be closed; the deer seasons will go as planned this year.
Other callers have voiced concern with harvesting an EHD-infected deer. They have asked if deer infected with EHD are safe to eat. EHD does not affect humans, so edibility of the venison is not affected by this disease. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus either from the midge or from handling and eating venison.
Hunters in affected townships should anticipate seeing fewer deer this year. However, because EHD die-offs are localized, hunters in adjoining townships may not notice any differences. States that have had similar pronounced outbreaks in the past have consistently seen deer numbers in such localized areas rebound within a few years.
"We will continue to monitor this unfortunate situation," said Russ Mason, DNR Wildlife Division chief. "I understand how important the deer resource is to people. EHD is affecting me and my family as well because we are deer hunters. When we consider regulations for next year, there is no doubt that we will be factoring in the impact of this disease along with other influences on the deer population. Most likely, there will be changes to our management of deer in southern Michigan."
The DNR encourages hunters to stay aware of confirmed outbreak areas and adjust, if appropriate, their hunt and harvest plans.
Anyone discovering concentrations of dead deer or those seeking more information can contact their local wildlife biologist at the nearest DNR office. Office locations can be found at www.michigan.gov/wildlife under Wildlife Offices.
Because dead deer do not harbor EHD and cannot infect other deer, it's fine to leave carcasses where they are found. It's also fine to bury dead deer at a sufficient depth so that no parts are showing above ground. Finally, carcasses will be accepted at landfills that accept household solid waste.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Department of Natural Resources Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct. 2, 2012

Contact: Brent Rudolph, 517-641-4903; Ashley Autenrieth, 989-732-3541; or
Ed Golder, 517-335-3014 

Archery deer season now open statewide
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the archery deer season opened statewide on Monday, Oct. 1. The season runs through Nov. 14, then reopens after the firearm deer season for late archery hunting Dec. 1 through Jan. 1. Autumn is a great time to enjoy the outdoors in Michigan and bow hunting can be done when the weather is mild.
During the archery season, an archery license, combination license regular tag or combination license restricted tag can be used to harvest either an antlerless deer or a qualifying buck. Antlerless-only licenses are also valid during the archery season.
If a hunter chooses to harvest a buck with an archery tag or combination license, the following restrictions apply:

• Using an archery tag: bucks must have one antler at least 3 inches long, except in DMUs 117, 135 and 245, where one antler must have at least two points, and in DMUs 045, 115 and 122, where one antler must have at least three points.
  
• Using a combination license regular tag: bucks must have one antler at least 3 inches long, except in DMU 245, where one antler must have at least two points, and in DMUs 045, 115, 487 and the entire Upper Peninsula (U.P.), where one antler must have at least three points.
  
• Using a combination license restricted tag: bucks must have at least four points on one side.

Hunters are limited to purchasing only two kill tags for bucks each year – either an archery tag and a regular firearm tag, or a combination license with two kill tags valid during both the archery and firearm hunting seasons. Regardless of the types of licenses purchased, if two bucks are harvested, one of them must have at least four points on at least one antler. Also, if a buck is harvested in the U.P. or DMU 487 with an archery tag, a second buck cannot be taken from that same hunting unit (U.P. or 487) with a regular firearm license. Hunters are encouraged to be familiar with the antler point restrictions in their chosen DMU before purchasing a license.
All archery and firearm seasons are open to crossbow hunting, except in the U.P., where deer hunters cannot use crossbows after Nov. 30 unless they have a disability permit. The free crossbow stamp is still required for all crossbow hunters.
Hunters are also reminded that the baiting of deer is prohibited in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties, and within the townships of Oscoda, Plainfield, Wilber, Au Sable and Baldwin in Iosco County. Elsewhere, baiting may occur only from Oct. 1 to Jan 1. No more than 2 gallons of bait may be present at any hunting site at a time, and it must be spread out over a minimum 10-foot by 10-foot area. If hunters do choose to use bait, the DNR suggests they not place bait repeatedly at the same point on the ground, and only place bait out when they are actively hunting. This will minimize the chance of transmission of any disease that may be present, either deer-to-deer at bait sites or through contamination of bait.

DeerandDeerHunting.com's Foodie Friday

DEER & DEER HUNTING

Foodie Friday: Braised Venison

 By Alan Clemons, Managing Editor

We asked Stacy Harris, author of Happy Healthy Family, for a recipe and this is what she offered!
“This Braised Venison recipe is easy and seriously delicious,” Harris said. “It is one that you will make weekly and is perfect for the hunting camp! I used my Dutch Oven, but this dish would work equally as well in a Crock Pot and can be prepared quickly using a Can Cooker.”

Braised Venison

2 pounds venison roast, cut into 1 inch cubes

1 1/2 cup red wine

Kosher salt and pepper

5 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

6 ounces no nitrate bacon, chopped

4 carrots, peeled and roughly chopped

2 yellow onions, chopped

4 ribs celery, roughly chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound potatoes, cut into 2 inch cubes

1 pound button mushrooms, halved

1 tablespoon thyme

2 tablespoons oregano

2 tablespoons rosemary

1 quart beef stock

16 ounces canned tomatoes, crushed with your hands

1. In a large bowl, place venison and red wine. Marinade in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for at least 2 hours. While reserving wine marinade, remove the venison to a rack and dry with a paper towel. Venison needs to be dry to brown properly. Liberally salt and pepper the venison.
2. In a Dutch Oven or large cast iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil until almost smoking. Brown venison in batches adding oil to the pan as needed. Remove venison to a plate and set aside.
3. Add bacon, carrots, onions, celery, and garlic to the pan and cook over medium-high heat until browned and onions are translucent (about 6 minutes). Add potatoes, mushrooms, thyme, oregano, rosemary, reserved wine, beef stock, tomatoes, and 1 tablespoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil and add venison back to the pan. Cover and simmer for 2 hours. Turn the heat off and allow to sit uncovered for 30 minutes. This seems to allow the meat to tenderize even more. Serve with crusty bread! So, so good!

Michigan Deer Season

2012 Special Antlerless Deer Seasons
Firearm antlerless deer hunts will take place in some Lower Peninsula DMUs on the
following dates:

Early Antlerless Deer Season: September 22 - 23, 2012 Late Antlerless Deer Season: December 17, 2012 - January 1, 2013

Youth and 100 Percent Disabled Veteran Firearm Deer Hunting Days A youth and 100 percent disabled veteran firearm deer hunt will take place on all lands in Michigan September 22-23, 2012. Youth 16 years of age or younger may participate in this special hunt. Hunters under the age of 10 must be licensed through the Mentored Youth Hunting Program and accompanied by a qualified mentor. Regular Firearm Statewide Nov. 15-30