Michigan’s 2024 Archery Week #1 Whitetail Deer Harvest Report
The first week of Michigan's Early Archery Deer Season is in the books, and it's showing a bit more balance than the Liberty Hunt (September 14-15, 2024), which saw a jaw-dropping 77% antlered harvest. While still a buck-heavy hunt to date, there is a glimmer of hope. With 11,000 whitetails tagged according to the Department of Natural Resources online reporting tool, that percentage is now closer to 62%.
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Of the 11,000 harvested between the opening day of Michigan's 2024 Early Archery Deer Season, October 1st through October 8th, and as of 3:47 pm, there were 6,856 antlered harvested and 4,144 (38%) antlerless.
Michigan is Relying on Hunters to Solve Our Deer Population Problem
At first blush, it may sound cruel to discuss solving Michigan's exploding whitetail deer population through hunting. Still, unless we can find another way to stop the herd's growth, our insurance and grocery bills will continue to increase.
The statistics speak for themselves, given that Michigan had 58,806 car/deer crashes in 2023 alone. Ask a farmer if you need further convincing that deer overpopulation is causing serious issues in our state. No love is lost between Michigan's agricultural community and the whitetail deer herd.
By eliminating does from Michigan's whitetail herd, hunters are limiting the reproductive power of the deer and maybe saving your car's front end from caving in upon impact when you hit one of these creatures.
RELATED: County-by-County Look at Michigan Car/Deer Crashes in 2023
Michigan's 2024 Archery Deer Season is just a week old, but it's looking a lot more balanced than 2023. Here's a county-by-county look at week one.