Many areas in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula have too many deer. This overpopulation can cause problems for people, such as more vehicle collisions, damage to crops and gardens, and the spread of wildlife diseases where they exist.

New hunting regulations have been put in place, designed to encourage hunters to harvest more antlerless deer. Hunters play a critical role in helping to manage deer numbers, which is important to protect public safety, reduce property damage and limit disease spread.

If you’re hunting in an area with high deer numbers or an area where chronic wasting disease or bovine tuberculosis are present, consider taking a doe this year to do your part in managing Michigan’s deer herd.

Purchase a universal antlerless license for $20 online at eLicense, through the DNR Hunt Fish app or anywhere DNR licenses are sold.