Seeing more deer? Here’s why.

MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WLNS) – If you’ve noticed more deer out this summer, you are not alone.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources acting Deer Management Specialist, Chad Fedewa, confirmed the deer population has been increasing. In some areas, hunting regulations are being changed to address the issues.

“We’ve been seeing an increase in deer numbers. particularly in the southern part of the state. but especially in and around urban and suburban areas,” Fedewa said.

Less hunters and deer who have gotten very comfortable around people are some reasons for the population increase, according to Fedewa.

“With a lack of a large number of predators, they have a pretty easy time in these areas. They’ve done really well to adapt and they have all the food they need and all the space they need,” Fedewa said.

Some areas allow firearm hunting and others do not, and some towns, like Meridian Township, allow archery hunting and hold police deer culls. Captain Bart Crane of the township’s police department told 6 News why.

“The reason we do the cull in the first place is first to protect motorists driving on the road.  Vehicles get damaged and people get hurt,” Captain Crane said.

Even though statewide numbers are up, Captain Crane said the Township was able to reduce car-deer accidents from 180 a year to around 100.

“I think that’s attributed to the point that where most car-deer accidents are occurring is where we are trying to remove the deer from those areas,” Captain Crane said.

Not every area has police-led deer culls though, so with fewer hunters, how is the D.N.R. addressing the overpopulation?

Here in mid-Michigan, the upcoming antlerless firearm hunting season has been extended for areas that allow it. It is now open from January 2nd to the 12th. An antler-less license is also available for only 5 dollars, to bring in more hunters.

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