MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – This Friday is the start of Michigan’s firearm deer hunting season. 19 News has a preview of what hunters can expect during this year’s hunting season.
Ryan Pizziola of Wilderness Outfitters in Ishpeming is a lifelong outdoorsman and hunter. His store has everything you need for a successful hunt. Pizziola believes this season will produce more deer harvests than in previous years because of last year’s mild winter
“We’re seeing an uptick in deer. We’re hearing more deer being seen. People are excited this year, which is very positive for our community and our great UP,” said Pizziola.
The optimism continues at the Michigan DNR office in Marquette. But as Wildlife Biologist Brian Roell points out, warmer temperatures can slow the deer down.
“Particularly during the daylight hours, when those temperatures are up, you know, past 40 and into the 50s. Because, like I said, You got to remember, they got their winter coats on. They can overheat rather quickly,” explained Roell..
If you are successful in your hunt, you must still register your kill
“That is mandatory, that you register your deer,” said Roell. “And you can do that on your own. You can do it on a smartphone. You can do it from a computer. If you don’t have access to either of those, you can call us at any of the DNR stations. We can do it for you.”
Roell also warns motorists to be extra vigilante when driving
“This time of year, those deer are definitely out and about, particularly in the evening and later hours when it’s cooler,” said Roell.
Deer hunting is permitted from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. To order your limited edition 2024 Michigan DNR deer hunting patch, and to see exactly what time you may start hunting each day, please visit their website michigan.gov/dnr
