Kent County leads the state in vehicular deer accidents. In 2023, deer-related incidents made up 26% of all vehicle crashes within the county. Not to mention the damage an out-of-control deer herd does to farmers’ crops.
Our Kent County hunters are great at shooting bucks, but to help bring the herd to a healthier doe:buck ratio, we need to manage the ladies. So Kent County Farm Bureau is pleased to sponsor a DOE POLE. Instead of rewarding the biggest rack, we’re rewarding the heaviest doe.
PRIZES:
| Youth Largest | $1,000 Youth = Individual under the age of 16 accompanied by licensed adult. |
| Largest Overall | $1,000 |
| Best 3 | $5,000 3 Doe tagged as a “class” for this category, think Fishing Tournament. Tags can be from one individual or multiple individuals who agree to enter their doe as a group for this category as a “team.” |
ENTRY FEE: $25, Saturday only
THANKS TO GENEROUS DONORS (Hunters Feeding Michigan, CHOICE ONE Bank, Kent County Farm Bureau) we will be able to accept up to 140 donated deer. Donated deer will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis. After we've reached 140 deer, you must take your deer with you after weighing. If your Doe is a leader, we will ask to keep your deer for display, to be returned to you after the announcement of the winners on 12/13, 6:00pm.
If you have any questions, please contact the Kent County Farm Bureau office at 616-784-1092 or [email protected].
2025 RULES:
- First Score: Deer Dressed Hanging Weight with Skin On
- The dressed hanging weight of your deer is your first score.
- Second Score: Scoring System Based on Location
- Tier 1: Kent County – 20 points
- Tier 2: Boundary County – 10 points
- Tier 3: Anywhere else in the state of Michigan – 5 points
- Total Score:
- First Score + Second Score = Total Score
- Must be Legal Hunting Harvest
- Female deer only will be accepted, no button Bucks.
- Report harvest on the DNR website.
- Provide a screenshot of the check-in page when submitting the deer.
- Why? The data will be used for continuing deer population management analysis by GVSU.
- Can harvest the deer before 12/9 and bring it in for weighing between 12/9-12/13.
- If you enter Best 3, one of those deer can count for the single largest prize.
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
Bring your deer to one of two locations between December 9 – 12, 4:00 – 7:00PM. Must have Hunting License with you at Doe Check In. Entry fee waived!
- Cedar Springs: Kent County Road Commission, 11777 White Creek Ave. NE, Cedar Springs
- Kentwood: Kent County Road Commission South Complex, 4949 Tim Dougherty Dr. SE, Grand Rapids
- Deer entries will be weighed at the Road Commission and GVSU and Calvin University students will take data for the deer population management study.
OR
On December 13 come to West Walker Sportsman’s Club, 599 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, 2:00-6:00PM.
Pay the $25 entry fee. No Cash will be accepted. Check or Electronic payment only. Must have Hunting License with you at Doe Check In.
- Doe intake 2:00 - 5:30PM
- Check leaderboard announcements on Kent County Farm Bureau Facebook page and website starting Saturday, December 13 at 4:00PM.
6:00PM prizes awarded - MUST BE PRESENT TO ACCEPT CASH PRIZES
If you are interested in donating funds towards the processing costs, please contact the Kent County Farm Bureau office at (616) 784-1092 or [email protected]
To see what Kent County is doing to manage the deer herd, go here: Deer Management Coalition.
If you have questions about the Doe Pole, please contact the Kent County Farm Bureau office at (616) 784-1092 or [email protected].
Thank you to all our partners in this event:
Kent County
Kent County Road Commission
Grand Valley State University Natural Resources Management & Wildlife Biology Programs
Calvin University Deer Tick Study
Reeman Farm Equipment
Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Hunters Feeding Michigan: The funding for 78 processed deer comes from voluntary donations made by hunters when purchasing a license. Each deer donated will provide an estimated 160 high-protein and nutritious meals. They are also loaning us two trailers.
CHOICE ONE Bank
Mac’s Rustic Sport Shop
Kent Conservation District