The random checking of deer heads for chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis is being suspended in the Eastern Upper Peninsula (EUP) this year by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), although monitoring will continue in other areas of the state.

With state budget cuts this year, the DNR is placing its focus on downstate areas where the diseases have been found. Also factoring into the DNR's decision is the EUP's record of no reported cases of chronic wasting disease, said Terry Minzey, a DNR wildlife biologist from the Newberry office.

Last year, the random checking program was offered across the U.P. on a limited basis with a goal of testing 20 heads from each county, said Mr. Minzey.

Even though disease is not a problem in the Upper Peninsula, he said, hunters still should be observant and report any emaciated deer or those who appear sickly. Hunters may also bring heads in for testing.

"We'll do target testing, but we're not doing random testing," he said.

To have a deer checked that is harvested over a weekend, keep it cool and bring it to a station Monday, said Mr. Minzey.

This year, the DNR is offering three EUP deer check stations in Newberry, Shingleton, and Sault Ste. Marie from Sunday, November 15, through Tuesday, November 24. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

A deer check station also will be at the north end of the Mackinac Bridge in St. Ignace Monday, November 16, and Tuesday, November 17.

Check stations are available as follows:
Newberry Operations
Service Center
5100 State Highway M-123
Newberry
(906) 293-5131
November 15 noon to 4:30 p.m.
Cusino Field Office
M-28 West
Shingleton
(906) 452-6236
November 15, noon to 4:30 p.m.
November 16-25 and November
30, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sault Ste. Marie
Field Office
2001 Ashmun
Sault Ste. Marie
(906) 635-5281
November 15, noon to 4:30 p.m.
November 16-25 and November
30, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.