The deer hunting season has ended in most parts of the state, and the newest deer population figures have sent tongues spinning. With total harvest estimates falling, urban regions are bracing for the impending deer crisis, and municipal governments in West Michigan are looking for answers.
Norton Shores authorities are overjoyed with the performance of their deer management program, which concluded on January 1. Hunters in the neighborhood banded together and bagged 45 more deer.
“We didn’t know what kind of response we were going to get,” said Norton Shores Parks and Recreation Superintendent Brian Clarke, who was pleasantly surprised. “We got an overwhelming response, actually, for volunteers to come in and do the deer hunt with us.”
The archery hunt was carried out by the best of the best volunteers, ensuring that parks remained open and safe. Archery hunting requires hunters to get up close and personal with their targets while limiting public risk.
“The deer don’t fear you. “They are fearless,” Clarke explained. “I mean, they’ll stand in the street or whatever, putting pedestrians in danger.” It endangers automobiles.”
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced a significant reduction in deer harvest counts for the 2023 season, leaving many puzzled.
While some counties, such as Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne, have extended their urban archery season, others have retired their bows for the year.
Meanwhile, the state has experienced an increase in car-deer collisions or near-misses, which Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley is all too familiar with.
Kentwood, Grand Rapids, and nearby communities have joined forces with the DNR to develop a coordinated response to the deer problem.
“I don’t want to put drivers at risk for the huge population of deer,” he said. “How do we go about doing this?” How do we deal with this? “I believe the most important thing is information, information, information.”
The communities in Kent County have committed to sharing their findings after meeting with a DNR representative in late 2023. According to rumors, considering a cull is not completely off the table.