NRC Considering Zone 3 Firearms Antlerless Season in October
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is currently considering a 5-day firearms antlerless deer season beginning the second weekend in October for the southern half of the Lower Peninsula (Zone 3). The MDNR has recommended to the NRC an October antlerless season to help reduce the deer population in the TB-affected counties in the northeast portion of the state, with the possibly of including all of Zone 3. With the deer population as high as it is Zone 3, some NRC commissioners are seriously considering this proposal.
Do we need more does harvested in Zone 3? In general, the answer is likely a qualified yes. Our trained wildlife biologists recommend it.
But if this proposal were to be approved, what kind of detrimental effects would we witness on the quality of the remainder of the archery season during the coveted pre-rut stage? Even into the early prime-time days of November? How would the total archery harvest be affected considering the cautious nature of deer once a firearms season begins? What about safety concerns for camo-clad bowhunters in the woods at this time? Will bowhunters be required to wear blaze orange while attempting to draw a bow on a wary deer at close range? There are many interests to consider.
The NRC is scheduled to take action on this proposal at the next NRC meeting scheduled for May 8th. Between now and then, the NRC needs to hear from you if you have concerns or opinions on this matter. The members of the NRC can be contacted at the following addresses and phone numbers:
Commissioner Contact Info:
Mary C. Brown
1624 Grand Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
269-344-3738 (Office)
Keith J. Charters (Chair)
126 Spring Hill Road.
Traverse City, MI 49686
517-373-2352 (Office)
Hurley J. Coleman, Jr.
2405 Bay Road
Saginaw, MI 48602
989-752-7957 (Office)
Darnell Earley
P.O. Box 70141
Lansing, MI 48908
517-373-2352
John Madigan
831 W. Munising Avenue
Munising, MI 49862
906-387-4468 (Office)
J. R. Richardson
36658 McGuire Road
Ontonagon, MI 49953
906-885-7187 (Office)
Frank C. Wheatlake
Reed City Power Line Supply,
420 N. Roth Street,
P.O. Box 147
Reed City, MI 49677
231-796-5491 (Home)
231-832-2258 (Office)
Department of Natural Resources
Executive Division
Attention: Teresa Gloden
P.O. BOX 30028
Lansing, MI 48909
517-373-2352
[email protected]