DISCUSS: The growing challenge of deer management

Michigan’s deer population has steadily increased due to a combination of mild winters, abundant food and the declining hunter participation. As the deer population grows, so too does the pressure on Michigan’s farmers. More deer in the field means more crop damage, and the toll on Michigan agriculture can be significant.

In recent years, Michigan has taken steps to boost hunting with extended antlerless firearm seasons, discounted licenses for antlerless deer, and expanded use of legal firearms during muzzleloader season. These changes have had a positive impact. 

Thanks to new hunts and extended seasons, Michigan’s 2024-25 deer harvest increased 5% from the previous year. Even so, more action is needed.

In the late 1990s, harvest numbers were nearly double the 300,000 reported for 2024. One major factor has been the drop in hunter participation, which now stands at 600,000 — down almost 25% from 25 years ago. Fewer hunters makes it difficult to achieve the necessary harvest levels to control the deer population.

According to the DNR, about 35% to 40% of the herd must be harvested annually to maintain a stable deer population. Harvest numbers have improved, but Michigan is still falling short of these goals. Current harvest levels are insufficient to stabilize or reduce the deer population, which continues to grow and pressure farms.

Michigan Farm Bureau has a long history of fighting on behalf of farmers and has extensive wildlife-management policy. Policy #90 emphasizes that “wildlife management of all species in Michigan should be based on sound biological science that ensures a healthy balance in population, alleviates property damage, and reduces the risk of disease transmission.” It also supports programs that promote increased harvest and reduce agricultural damage.

So: What can be done to better manage Michigan’s deer population and reduce the damage they cause?

MFB Legislative Counsel Andrew Vermeesch specializes in areas of transportation, energy and natural resources.

Questions:

1. How can we encourage more hunters to participate and increase the overall harvest of deer, especially does, during the hunting season?
2. What strategies can be employed outside of hunting season to manage the deer population, including culling, utilizing damage permits and other management tools?
3. How can county Farm Bureaus help encourage more hunters to take antlerless deer and promote deer donations to help feed those in need?
4. What role should farmers play in deer management, and what additional tools can be put in place to mitigate crop damage?

Include your name & CAG affiliation with your responses:

• EMAIL: [email protected]
• MAIL: MFB CAG Responses, ATTN: Ashley Frazee, 7373 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI 48917