MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – On an average year in the UP, the cold temperatures give many species the hint that it’s time to migrate, however, Wildlife officials are saying there was not much deer migration this year.
Due to the lack of snow, there was plenty food supply and safe shelter for deer to stay in what’s called ‘deer ranges’. The largest drawbacks for deer that the DNR is watching out for, are potential late snowstorms. They mentioned that snowstorms this close to spring can push deer into their migrating habits and could create potential hazards on the roads.
“Anywhere from March 1 through the end of April I would say it’s possible to see migrating deer traveling from their winter to summer ranges, all of that is out the window this year I don’t think you can go off the normal year,” commented DNR Wildlife Technician Caleb Eckloff.
DNR noted that because the warm weather kept a lot of deer from migrating, they expect a favorable deer hunting season.