The 2011 deer hunting season in Michigan looks to be better than the last several years with the herd being above average throughout the state. The 2010-11 winter saw warmer average temperatures and lower snowfall rates throughout most of the region. This allowed for more deer to survive through the winter season and does to give birth to healthier fawns.
Upper Peninsula
The lower to middle Upper Peninsula should deer an increase in deer sightings. The age structure and shooting restriction on bucks will mean more large antlered deer in the woods. Hunters in the northern reaches of the Upper Peninsula can expect the same to slightly higher deer sightings. The northern herd depends on how early they start their trek to the southern yarding grounds where they spend the majority of the winter.
Northern Lower Peninsula
Hunters in the Northern Lower Peninsula are once again allowed to use bait to attract deer. This should increase the amount of deer taken during the 2012 Michigan deer hunting season. The threat of deer illnesses has seemed to pass which means the amount of hunters could increase as they are less worried about tainted venison. The lack of doe permits issued on public land is starting to show promise as the deer herds are increasing in size.
Southern Lower Peninsula
The southern Lower Peninsula hunters can expect to have a season on par with the previous hunting season in terms of harvest numbers. The deer seem to be more visible this season so far and have not totally entered their nocturnal state. The dry fall we are encountering is helping hunters by reducing the amount of crops still standing entering the latter archery and gun seasons. This also helps with visually spotting game and getting a better count on the populations and health of the herd.