DNR officials say there are multiple reasons for the decrease, less check stations and more significantly, the warm weather.
Monday, November 23, 2009 at 4:39 p.m.
Read more: Local, Deer, Hunting, Firearm Deer Season, Population
MARQUETTE -- With hunting season in full swing, deer check stations throughout the U.P. are reporting a drop-in checked deer.
The Marquette check station is reporting a 16 percent decline in deer, however, those deer do look healthy.
Both Baraga and Crystal Falls have a large decrease in checked deer, and Newberry has checked in 49 deer this year, down from 88 last year.
DNR officials say there are multiple reasons for the decrease, less check stations and more significantly, the warm weather.
"This kind of weather with the natural food availability out there, deer just aren't going to move, like I said, they have their winter coats on now so it's pretty hot for them," explained Brian Roell, DNR Wildlife Biologist.
The Escanaba check station has seen the same numbers as last year's hunting season.
Officials believe there will be an increase in bagged deer during muzzle loading season.
