Firearm deer season begins Saturday

Sales of Michigan deer licenses are down this year despite a weekend start to the annual hunting season.  The Detroit News reports just over 1 million licenses were sold from March through Sunday, the lowest number in the past six years. The traditional firearm season starts Saturday.  Some out-of-state hunters say they won’t pursue deer because of the higher cost. A hunter from another state will typically pay $171, a 24 percent increase. Pat Ison of Toledo, Ohio, returned equipment to a Cabela’s store in Dundee.  For adult residents, the state is charging $11 for a new base license, on top of $20 to get a deer.  Matt Poet at Jay’s Sporting Goods in Clare says some people have walked away from the counter.  (AP)