By Glen Wunderlich

Wildlife management strategies in Michigan have produced some rather dubious results over the years and recent results depict an ongoing trend.  For example, deer/vehicle collisions are up 6 percent over the past 10 years making Michigan second in the nation at 97,856 in 2011/2012.  At an average cost of $3,000 per incident, all Michigan drivers share in the expense through insurance premiums.  At the same time, hunters have killed one-percent less antlerless deer over the past three years.  We are also in second place in the country for the most antlered bucks taken by hunters, but the figures reflect a whopping 59 percent being adolescents.  That percentage places Michigan at the very top (or, bottom, if you will) when it comes to quality hunting opportunities.  We continue to kill more juvenile deer than any other state.

Is it any wonder why Michiganders travel to neighboring states to spend their hunting dollars?  If ever we are going to turn it around, we must change strategies.  The antler point restrictions being proposed in northern Michigan will prove to be a wise decision, but more needs to be done.  And, the DNR’s proposed fiscal year 2014 budget displays a bold move toward that end. Read more