LANSING — Deer season won’t be back for a while now, but that doesn’t mean the Department of Natural Resources isn’t thinking about the deer.

The DNR is inviting the public to review and provide input on its draft updated Michigan Deer Management Plan. Officials say stakeholder input and scientific information were used to update the plan last year.

The new draft focuses on goals like managing white-tailed deer populations at levels that don’t degrade vegetation upon which deer and other animals depend — and providing quality recreational hunting opportunities as the primary tool to achieve deer management goals.

Click here to read the draft report. It will be available for review through July 8th. Comments can be submitted to dnr-wildlife@michigan.gov or via mail to DNR Wildlife Division, 525 West Allegan Street, Lansing, MI 48909.