LANSING (AP) -- Michigan wildlife officials say it appears that slightly more deer were killed in this year's firearms hunting season than during the same period in 2010.
The Department of Natural Resources said Friday that initial estimates suggest the harvest ranged from unchanged to 10 percent higher in the Upper Peninsula.
The northern Lower Peninsula also appears to have had a roughly 10 percent increase.
The take appears to have dropped by five to ten percent in the southern Lower Peninsula. Preliminary estimates are based on field reports, license sales and activity at deer check stations. Final numbers will be tallied after a survey is conducted next year.
The DNR says mild weather the past two winters may be causing the deer population to rise following prior declines.
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