RE: Western Michigan Deer Hunters?
I was born and raised in West Michigan, and have hunted all-over, mostly East of Ludington (for 16 years).
In-general, pretty much everywhere in Michigan is POUNDED! That area in-particular is hit amung the hardest anywhere. Sorry if this isn't what you want to hear, but it's the truth. Nearly everyone uses bait and shoots ANY buck that walks in-front of them. There are a few decent spots around, but very few bucks reach 2-1/2, let alone 3-1/2 or older.
I moved to Iowa 2 years ago because after hunting out of state, I couldn't stand hunting in Michigan anymore!