So, what now?

[Pinefarm]

When do you think the DNR will decide about what to do with antlerless permits for 2002? Do you folks have imput on the subject? If so, what's your recommendation likely to be? Do you think we still need as many antlerless permits in counties where no TB has been found? What would you like the deer per square mile to be in non-TB counties? I'd imagine unlimited permits are still warranted in TB positive counties, but are we reaching our goal for non-TB counties? Thanks.

[farmlegend]

When it comes to deer density per square mile, that depends entirely upon the prevailing habitat in the area.

If habitat can only support 10 deer per square mile, I would like to see a density of about 6 deer/sq mile. Likewise, I'd like higher densities in richer areas, with deer levels at about 60% of carrying capacity.

Habitat quality is the key when discussing deer densities. We don't do anyone any favors, including the deer, when we manage for higher densities than the habitat can comfortably provide for.

And if the habitat is poor, that's where efforts need to be focused.

[Pinefarm]

We should also take hunter density into account. There's around 30 hunters per square mile around me on Nov. 15. With only 10 deer per mile and lots of antlerless permits, we'd have more of what we have now. I think in area's with very high hunter density, we need over 20 deer per mile.

[farmlegend]

Yes, but if the habitat can only support 10 deer per square mile and you have 20, remember, those 20 deer will be causing more and more habitat destruction throughout the calendar year. And the habitat will never recover until you reduce those deer numbers to a level which permits it.

And deer numbers recover more rapidly than does depleted habitat.

[Pinefarm]

Farmlegend, I know what you're saying, but if we have another 3-4 years like this, I'll just sell fishing stuff because the deer hunters won't come back if they don't see a deer every other day or so. Know what I mean?

[Pinefarm]

Anyways, I don't want to get too far away from my question. What is the recommendation going to be?

[Fierkej]

Hi,
Chief Humphries, Dr. Schmitt, Dr. Obrien, or Mr. Urbain will make recommendation regarding the Antlerless License Quotas to the NRC at their meetings in April and May. Director's Action on the Anterless License Quotas will be taken in June. I encourage you to attend the NRC meetings in April or May and make your recommendations to the NRC.
I will not be able to post the recommendations or the decisions until after they are made in April, May, and June.

NRC information (http://www.dnr.state.mi.us/nrc.asp)

Jean

[Pinefarm]

Thanks, I'll try to make a meeting or e-mail someone ahead of time.