MI DNR Looking for Volunteers for a DMI ?

[mike1m]

Early in 2024 the MI DNR put out that they were looking for some to help with their "Deer Management Initiative". It was mention on the Michigan Out of Doors TV Show sad part is that the MI DNR Elk / Deer Specialist mention they would accept Anti Hunters & Non Hunters ( okay about Non Hunters but why mention Anti Hunters?) on thier Panel? Why would you allow this it would set a "Precenedence" and that would then have a foot in the Door and a seat at the Table. Why would they think Anti Hunters would Not go against all things Hunting?
Sad The MI DNR have a Plan that address many of the concerns they are looking at yet in the 2016 Michigan Deer Management Plan aren't following. Why Not Follow  those Ideas and Take All Involved ( not just a small % email and or mail out a survey to All Hunters since they have mosts Mailing Adddress?) into Account when they Come Up with Changes. Yet they have Not Followed It as It States several things that the MI DNR & MI NRC have Overlooked in their approach! Sad that They have a "Plan" Yet only take small parts of it to referenece nothing More! 

Just some Observations of why the MI DNR continue to Lose MI Deer Hunters! Including their Over Estimate of Deer Numbers across the State! SAD!

mike1m 

[ridge]

I agree with you completely. They have also placed a member of U.P. Tribe on the NRC while the Consent Decree is being challenged. She had also worked with the DNR Director prior to being seated on the NRC. As the democrats hold an edge in the state legislature nothing will be done about it. My personal opinion is that the Gov. is doing everything that she can do get back at the NRC and sportsmen for the rejections of her past nominees. She is also getting as much of her liberal agenda through while she can and that includes messing up hunting and fishing.

[mike1m]

There is several concerns If You saw the MUCC Article that the MI DNR is skirting Prop G yet nothing has changed but that the MUCC had an Article in their Magazine back in July 2022 I think. You also can wonder how the New MI DNR Director has any expertise in Resource Management his prior job was the Director of the Michigan Lottery. Does not mention his Background or Education in Wildlife and Resources. Just that he is appointed by the Governor! But so is the Commissioners on the NRC and Some see the newest Members including the current Chairman has his Agenda also not Following How the NRC was to function following also the 1996 Prop G Legislation. Few are Questioning the Direction Michigan is Heading.Seems to have changed since the MI DNR took over Belle Isle from Detroit which has added costs to the MI DNR Operating Budget. Which has always been questioned as to having the Funds to do the Job. 
just some observations
mike1m

[ridge]

Your points are valid. IMO under the present legislature and governor there will, unfortunately, be no change. IMO the new deer regulations will be even worse than they already are. Proposal G was thrown out of the window long ago.

The NRC is and maybe has been nothing more than a political tool. It, often, seems to ignore what is best for the natural resources and the sportsmen.

[mike1m]

Totally Agree. Once the next 3 Years are over we will have a New Governor and That will help with the Backwards Thinking of the MI NRC & MI DNR. Maybe It is Time to Push for a New Ballot Initiative to get Michigan Back On Track similar to the Prop G. But seems the MUCC is not willing to Push  what they acknowledge as the MI DNR Skirting of Prop G. Looks Like Michigan Deer Hunting has suffered and will continue to with Those Appointed and Working at the MI DNR! 
We can Only Hope the Next Governor is willing to follow and amend Prop G and Get the State back on a Sure Footing The State seems to have Lost Direction and Losing Hunters is Okay.
Could it be that some have dropped out because the lack of ease to get a Deer Tested for CWD and who wants to take the Chance of eating tainted Deer Meat? Also If Baiting is again allowed in the Upper Peninsular and there was CWD once there why Not Allow it in the Lower Peninsular as they have for the Youth Hunt and Liberty Hunt? Just attach a fee so the MI DNR has some Money to Better Manage the Deer Herd as a Resource?
Guess talking about Losing Hunters is just a Way to suggest More Deer need to be Harvested when actual Deer Numbers aren't what They put in their 2023 Open Letter to Michigan Deer Hunters requesting More Buy and Use Antlerless Licenses. Guess That will be their Talking Point and then the Push for a One Buck Rule as many are saying It Is Needed yet when Most rarely see 2 Bucks and might take only 1 if That Year? But There is no Concentrated Effort to Show the MI NRC & MI DNR what is needed. I read the Threads about the recent 2 NRC Meetings and They did not go into much as Details just that there was some talk about Lower Deer Numbers but No Specifics of what some Commented on. They could have pointed out what the Topics that were mentioned and about but again that is why there is little transparency just what they want to Push as their Agendas...

Just got an Offer off 55K for my property might be time to Cut and Run with the Poor Management of Michiagn Deer Herd they seem to like referring to but Not follow what is State in the 2016 Plan. Sad State of Affairs we have. When Deer Hunting Put a lot in Michigan Economy helping small town out with Hunter's Dollars in Food, Lodging and such.

mike1m 

[ridge]

By the inclusion of anti and non hunters into this "Initiative", the DNR has provided themselves the perfect cover if this little project ends up in the ditch. It also adds a large depth of insulation should the results [even DNR unspoken desired ones] anger a large group of hunters. MUCC and other notable groups had leadership accepted into this "team" if they applied. The DNR could not have done a better job of creating THE PERFECT STORM.

Hunters have been leaving deer hunting for many reasons, most of which could be summarized under the category of DNR MISMANAGEMENT as you stated. They will IMO use this initiative and their all-state MAPR pen in an attempt to transfer this onus or responsibility to the big hitters and trophy groups that have been pushing hard for state-wide MAPRs.

They have everybody's hand in to this thing stirring the kettle so to speak. When hunters are set against hunters the only thing that can be stirred up is trouble with a capital T. That is an observation that was made by a noted outdoorsman whose name escapes me at this moment.

From where I sit, the most reasonable approach is to continue with putting your personal hunting plans into motion; blinds, food plots, property use, hunting partners if any, etc. Work on that which you can and leave the rest into the Hands of the Lord. When the nicer warmer weather gets here enjoy it.