LANSING (AP) -- Thousands of hunters are heading to camp in Michigan's woods and fields as the firearms deer season gets underway.
     
The season runs from Monday through Nov. 30.

It's an economic boon for sporting goods stores, motels, restaurants and other businesses that cater to hunters.
     
The state Department of Natural Resources and Environment says the whitetail deer population remains higher than desired in southern Michigan and is generally too low in the Upper Peninsula, particularly on public lands.
     
Baiting deer remains illegal in the Lower Peninsula as efforts continue to wipe out bovine tuberculosis, particularly in the northeastern section.
     
The DNRE says it will operate fewer deer check-in stations than usual because of budget cuts.

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