Hunters will likely encounter fewer deer in the Eastern Upper Peninsula this year, according to a forecast published by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Fewer yearlings and fawns are attributed to harsh winter conditions across the U.P. last year and high snow depths.

"In general, hunters should expect to see fewer deer in 2009 than they experienced over the last few years in the U.P.," said Terry Minzey, DNR Eastern U.P. wildlife supervisor. The DNR has made fewer antlerless deer licenses available this year because of the reduction in the deer herd.

The cold, snowy conditions have harmed the deer herd in two ways, according to the DNR. The winter weather caused some deer to die before spring, including some pregnant does, which results in fewer total deer and fewer fawns.

"Winter is one of the big factors that really contribute to deer survival through the year," said David Jentoft, wildlife unit biologist for Chippewa and east Mackinac counties. "The longer the winter is and the harsher it is, the tougher it is on the deer herd."

Mr. Jentoft said since deer are an "edge species," hunters are likely to find them in areas where two types of environment meet, likely near cover like lowland conifer swamp areas as the weather turns colder and in agricultural areas.

While there may be fewer deer, there may also be fewer hunters.

"On a statewide basis, there is a decreasing trend in hunters this year," he said. "We do encourage people to come out and hunt this year. Hopefully, everyone will be safe and enjoy the hunting and experiencing the season."

As to the uneven distribution of deer in the U.P., higher numbers of deer are expected in the south near Lake Michigan and fewer are expected in the north near Lake Superior. The DNR also expects more deer and bigger bucks to be found in agricultural areas and fewer deer and smaller bucks to be found on public lands and in heavily forested regions.

"The largest bucks with the heaviest and largest antlers typically come from agricultural areas, but nice bucks are also taken from forested areas where access is limited and they have an opportunity to grow older," said Bob Doepker, DNR Western U.P. wildlife supervisor.

In the northern Lower Peninsula, the DNR reports a similar deer population to the last few years and the number of antlerless permits was increased in some parts of the region, while no antlerless permits were offered in Emmet, Cheboygan, Otsego, and Roscommon counties.

"Despite a more severe winter this past year, deer came through in good condition," said Larry Visser, DNR Northwestern Management Unit wildlife supervisor. "A few fawns were lost, especially on private land providing poor quality wintering habitat. Fawn production appeared to be good this spring, although there were some reports of more does with only single fawns."

The production of fruit and nuts, or mast, is reported to be good in the Upper Peninsula this year, while the DNR reports it to be low in the northern Lower Peninsula, with the exception abundant apple production throughout the area and high numbers of acorns in the eastern part of the region.

The plentiful mast, where available, will help concentrate deer and provide excellent nutrition for the upcoming winter, according to the DNR forecast, which says hunters targeting these areas should have good success.

In the northwestern counties of the lower peninsula, the DNR reports a similar or slightly larger whitetail population, despite the severe winter last year.

EUP Deer Harvest Numbers

The DNR reports that 12,820 deer were killed in the Eastern Upper Peninsula during all hunting seasons in 2008, 1,376 fewer than were killed in 2007. In 2006, only 11,754 deer were killed during all seasons.

Deer Management Unit 049, which formerly included all of Deer Management Units 349 and 249, saw 2,755 deer harvested in 2008, 243 fewer deer than in 2007. Deer Management Unit 017, which includes Cedarville, Hessel, and areas north, saw 2,827 deer harvested in 2008, 88 fewer deer than in 2007.

Drummond Island, which is Deer Management Unit 117, saw 729 deer killed in 2008, 42 more than were killed in 2007. Deer Management Unit 048, which stretches along the shore of Lake Superior from Munising to Sault Ste. Marie, saw 1,410 deer killed in 2008, 175 fewer than in 2007.

Deer Management Unit 021, which includes parts of Schoolcraft, Delta, and Alger counties, saw 3,295 deer killed in 2008, 683 fewer than in 2007. Deer Management Unit 121, which includes southern sections of Delta and Schoolcraft counties, saw 1,804 deer killed in 2008, 229 fewer than in 2007.