Current Issue
DNR to create deer management plan
(DNR)—The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of creating a management plan for Michigan white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer generate various levels of interest among Michigan’s citizens. This interest covers a large range of issues with many different perspectives. To prepare a strategic management plan for deer, issues and perspectives need to be identified, science-based information provided and stakeholder perspectives explored. The deer planning team developed the following planning process, which will be used to develop a citizen-approved strategic deer management plan.
During the summer of 2009, public surveys were conducted by Michigan State University to gain a better understanding of Michigan citizens and their views on deer and deer management.
DAT recommendations are to be presented to the Natural Resources Commission in October 2009.
Drafting of the deer management plan is scheduled for winter 2010.
The draft management plan is scheduled to be presented to the public in spring 2010, along with receiving input at open houses.
The plan is to be presented to the director and Natural Resources Commission for approval next summer.
Tribal Involvement—Under the 2007 Inland Consent Decree, the DNR will be consulting with tribal governments on deer management throughout the planning process. Information from these meetings will be incorporated into the deer management plan. Tribes will also have the opportunity to review draft plans as they are developed.
Michigan Deer Advisory Team—The primary responsibilities of this team are to identify the important values to consider for deer management based on the information compiled at the regional meetings and formulate recommendations for the DNR. These will be facilitated discussions and all DAT recommendations will be reached by consensus.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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Hunters reminded that utility land is private property
With hunting season underway, Consumers Energy is reminding people that hunting is not allowed on the utility’s property.
The ban protects the safety of neighbors, utility workers and others. It also addresses the concerns of neighboring landowners that irresponsible hunters will use Consumers Energy property to trespass.
“Responsible hunters do not hunt on the private property of others,” said James Feahr, Consumers Energy’s land management field representative. “We ask that Consumers Energy land be treated the same as other private property, and we appreciate the vast majority of hunters who follow the law and do not trespass.”
Anyone observing hunting on utility land is asked to contact their local law enforcement agency or Consumers Energy’s corporate security office at 1-800-760-3295.
In particular, Feahr noted increasing problems with people building deer blinds and placing bait piles on Consumers Energy land. Blinds reported to or discovered by utility field representatives are “red tagged” and are subject to demolition and removal within seven days. Cost of removal is charged to the owner of the blind when ownership can be determined. Last year, about 40 trespassing blinds were tagged across the state.
Consumers Energy does not rent land for hunting purposes, or provide verbal or written permission to do so. The utility does offer cash rewards of varying amounts for information leading to the arrest and arraignment of those who damage company equipment or property with gunshots. Information about gunshot vandalism can also be given to local law enforcement agencies or the utility’s corporate security department at 1-800-760-3295.
In addition, the use of dirt bikes, ATVs or other off-road vehicles is not allowed on utility property.
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