DNR notes increase in deer observed

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has compiled information deer hunters may find helpful before they hit the field this fall.

This year, both the overall number of fawns seen, and the number of twins and triplets across the state has increased. In addition to an increase in the number of fawns being reported, the overall number of deer being observed appears to be up as well. The 2017 deer season is forecast to have similar to slightly increased success rates compared to last year.

Abundant food and cover in the form of crops, and scattered swamps and woodlots, provide good habitat across the southern Michigan landscape.

DNR officials say the high-quality habitat, combined with relatively mild winter conditions, typically results in a more abundant and productive deer population compared to other regions of the state. The 2017 harvest should be much like last year, with perhaps a slight increase given the current conditions.

Harvest in the southern Lower Peninsula can depend heavily on the percentage of standing corn, according to the DNR. If corn harvest is delayed going into the firearms season, a reduced deer harvest can be expected.