LANSING, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says there are several opportunities for public comment on the DNR's recommended deer hunting regulation changes ahead of the fall hunting seasons.
The recommendations range from a baiting and feeding ban for the surveillance area in the Upper Peninsula for core chronic wasting disease and a moderate increase in antlerless deer licenses for the U.P. Other proposed changes include redefining bait to get rid of natural or synthetic food-scented materials not consumed by deer, and moving the Liberty Hunt to the second weekend in September to avoid conflict between hound bear hunters and youth deer hunters.
You can read more about the changes by clicking here and here.
“Most any time changes are proposed to deer hunting regulations in Michigan, you can count on a great deal of interest from hunters across the state,” DNR Wildlife Division chief Russ Mason said in a release. “It is very important hunters have opportunities for their voices to be heard on what we are recommending before any decisions are made.”
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will decide which regulations will go forward over the next three months, and they will be holding monthly public meetings throughout Michigan. Those wanting to give their comments can go to them by attending the meetings, by writing through email at NRC@michigan.gov or by mail to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at P.O. 30028, Lansing, MI 48909.
Check out the list of meetings below.
May 9, 2019: Public Comment to the Michigan Natural Resource Commission: Meeting at Lansing Community College, Gannon Bld., 422 N. Washington Square, Lansing. To sign up in advance for public comment at any NRC meeting, contact Cheryl Nelson, assistant to the Natural Resources Commission, by phone at 517-284-6237 or by email at NelsonC@michigan.gov.
May 22, 2019: Upper Peninsula DNR Listening Session: 1-3 p.m. EDT.Michigan Technological University, Memorial Union Building, Ballroom A, Houghton. Comments will be recorded and provided to the NRC. NRC Chairwoman Vicki Pontz is scheduled to be in attendance.
May 22, 2019: DNR Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council meeting: 5:30-8 p.m. EDT, Michigan Technological University, Memorial Union Building, Ballroom A, Houghton. A brief update from the May 9 NRC meeting will be presented, along with other topics. Public comment on all topics occurs during this regularly scheduled meeting.
June 10: Upper Peninsula DNR Listening Session: 2-4 p.m. EDT. Munising Township Hall, Wetmore. Comments will be recorded and provided to the NRC. NRC Commissioner Dave Nyberg is scheduled to be in attendance.
June 10: DNR’s Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council meeting: 6-8:30 p.m. EDT, Munising Township Hall, Wetmore. A brief update from the May 9 NRC meeting will be presented, along with other topics. Public comment on all topics occurs during this regularly scheduled meeting.
June 13, 2019: Public Comment to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission: Detroit Zoological Society, 8450 West Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI.
July 11, 2019: Public Comment to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission: MSU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, 4125 Beaumont Road, Lansing, MI
