Early indicators show improvement in firearm deer season

[Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources]

MARQUETTE — Almost as fast as it came, 2016’s firearm deer season in Michigan is over. Compared to last year’s disappointing hunt, early observations this year indicate improvement.

While exact totals aren’t available quite yet, Michigan DNR officials say that this season seems to have been going a little better. Check station activity was up 35 percent from last season, although it is still down 35 percent from the ten-year average. This year, 43 more antlered bucks were checked in at the Marquette station this year than they were last.

Deer have reportedly had good body condition and antler development, and hunters have reported seeing more deer overall.