LANSING, Mich. — The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have released their predictions for the 2019 deer hunting season.
DNR have been observing the deer in their areas and looking at the food sources that will sustain the deer this fall, according to a press release.
For the Upper Peninsula, the DNR says in terms of the numbers of deer, it appears that few deer succumbed to the harsh winter conditions. The DNR says deer numbers appear similar to last year. In terms of food, the DNR said most areas are reporting good to great production of soft mast, fruit with a fleshy interior, especially wild apples. The DNR said a few areas are also reporting good acorn production. The DNR said buck sightings have been limited, but those that have been observed look very healthy with antler development appearing average.
For the northern Lower Peninsula, the DNR said it was a mild winter which allowed deer populations to continue to increase across much of the region. In terms of food, the DNR said growing conditions have also been good across the region with good rainfall during the early summer months. The DNR said scouting to find these areas will be crucial. The DNR said observations of bucks have been similar to last year across the entire northern Lower Peninsula. Nutrition has been good, which has led to healthy deer body conditions and good numbers of bucks.
For the southern Lower Peninsula, the DNR said winters generally have minimal impact on deer with this past winter being no exception. The DNR said deer numbers appear to be similar or higher than last year with excellent fawn production. In terms of food, heavy rainfall caused many crops to be planted late or not at all. The late harvest could have a direct impact on deer, according to the DNR. The DNR said deer, including bucks, are abundant in many areas with numbers and conditions appearing similar to last year.
If you are planning to hunt this deer season, the DNR says to take the time to scout and review current regulations.
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