Michigan Farm Bureau is calling on members, hunters and supporters to speak up as the Natural Resources Commission considers proposed deer regulation changes that could limit tools used to manage overabundant deer populations and reduce crop damage on farms across the state.
The proposals under consideration include a one-buck rule, reduced antlerless bag limits through Deer Management Unit-based limits and Antler Point Restrictions.
Supporters can send a message to the Commission at https://bit.ly/ActNowDeerRegs or by texting MIDEER to (855) 374-5673.
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“Michigan farmers live with the consequences of deer overpopulation every day, and their voices need to be part of this conversation,” said Justin Tomei, Michigan Farm Bureau associate legislative counsel. “Any move to a one-buck structure should be paired with incentives such as Earn a Second Buck that encourage antlerless harvest, because restricting antlered harvest alone does little to manage overpopulation in many areas.
He added that the state should also maintain strong antlerless harvest opportunities in the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula where many agricultural regions still have high deer concentrations.
“We’re asking members, hunters and supporters to contact the Natural Resources Commission and urge them to adopt balanced, science-based policies that protect farms, support hunter participation and responsibly manage Michigan’s deer herd.”
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