(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Michigan DNR Director Keith Creagh signed an emergency order this week that decreases antlerless license purchase limits for deer management units (DMUs) where the most EHD-related die-offs have occurred. Unfortunately, this has been a common site in Michiana ponds, swamps, creeks and lakes. EHD inflicted deer often seek comfort in water to offset high fevers they suffer while battling the deadly virus. (Michigan DNR photo)
Effective immediately, the purchase limit for DMU 486 is five private land antlerless deer hunting licenses per hunter. Also effective immediately, the public antlerless license purchase limit per hunter is two for each of the following DMUs: 012 (Branch), 034 (Ionia), 039 (Kalamazoo), 041 (Kent), 044 (Lapeer), 076 (Sanilac), 078 (Shiawassee), 079 (Tuscola) and 080 (Van Buren).
Individuals who purchased antlerless licenses prior to this emergency order are not required to return licenses. This order only applies to antlerless licenses purchased on or after Nov. 8, 2012.
Were encouraging hunters to use their best judgment, Rudolph said. If a hunter is in an area of an outbreak, backing off or not taking an antlerless deer at all is an appropriate thing to do.