10 things to know about deer from the Detroit Free Press

We’ll kick things off -- as the first shots around the state are heard just before sunrise -- with a primer on what you need to know about deer hunting in Michigan.  •

The herd: The state has about 1.6 million deer. They’re in every county from Monroe to Gogebic in the western UP. The largest concentrations have shifted in recent decades from northern to southern Michigan and the Thumb. 

 The hunters: Michigan expects to sell about 600,000 licenses for the firearms season. The number of hunters has been dropping for years, after a peak in the mid 700,000s. Opening Day is typically the biggest day – and most successful for hunters – of the season. But a lot of hunters who work or go to school will be waiting for the weekend to start the chase.  •

EHD: You’ve probably never heard of epizootic hemorrhagic disease but it’s a serious problem in some counties in southern lower Michigan this year where more than 12,000 deer have died due to the virus, transmitted by a biting fly known as a midge. Infected deer eventually bleed to death. Those hunting in the area of an outbreak are likely to see far fewer deer this season. Last week the DNR issued an order limiting the number of anterless deer hunters may kill in a handful of counties. 

Buck Pole: Small towns in popular hunting areas in Michigan and around the nation enjoy a  tradition — especially on Opening Day — of having buck poles, which are wooden (usually) structures where hunters bring their deer and have them hoisted with block and tackle off the ground to display for casual and serious observers. Hanging the deer quickly also serves the purpose of letting any residual blood drain from their body cavities and begins the aging process which tenderizes the venison.  

Weather: Ask any veteran Michigan deer hunter and you’ll find that Opening Day weather can range into the upper 60s to the low single digits. Most hunters prefer crisp mornings with temperatures a little below freezing and light or no wind — this morning is a good example from mid-Michigan north. It lets you hear the deer coming before they can spot you. Hunters also love a little fresh snow on the ground. It lets you easily see whether deer have been in your area recently and, if you shoot one, snow allows hunters to easily follow a blood trail.  

Trophies: Michigan doesn’t produce the nation’s biggest Whitetail deer, but — especially in southern mid-Michigan counties and remote areas of the Upper Peninsula — hunters do claim plenty of bucks worthy of a mount above the fireplace mantle. 

 Culture: Deer hunting is about the hunt, of course, and like anything worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Those who prepare, study deer habits, make sure they’re well concealed and well dressed (so as not to squirm when they get cold) are generally the most successful. But deer hunting also is about the camaraderie of camp where tales of past hunts grow bolder by the year. Many spouses, family and friends of deer hunters also embrace the annual ritual of gun season. Some businesses depend on it.  

Venison: Most Michigan hunters eat what they shoot. Meat processors will slice, grind and bag up the 35 to 55 pounds of venison that most deer produce into vacuum sealed bags. They’ll also make jerky sticks and other sausage products for hunters. The meat is extremely lean.  

 Help the Hungry: Successful hunters (or their spouses who don’t want a load of venison in the freezer) have an option that’s for a good cause. Call Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger at 586 552-6517 or go to the organization’s website www.sportsmenagainsthunger.org. It’ll give you the names of deer processors enrolled in the program. You can donate all or a portion of your venison to the program.  

Wen it’s done: The end of the firearms season doesn’t end Michigan deer hunting. After a short pause in December, muzzle loaders -- about 200,000 licenses are sold -- get their chance and archers and crossbow hunters, whose season began Oct. 1, can take to the field again on Dec. 1 (or hunt through the firearms season if they have a firearms license).
Contact Bob Campbell at bcampbell600@freepress.com or 313 223 4549.