MI DNR Looking for Information Via a Online Survey

[mike1m]

Thought I would post this if any are Interested in giving their Concerns with MI DNR Deer Management Practices;

www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/deer?utm_campaign=dmi+deer+survey&utm_medium=pr&utm_source=govdelivery

mike1m

[ridge]

I see on my notice that April 16 was the deadline for taking part in the survey. Thank you for your post. It was one of the items that I did not get done. I apologize for that. People that contacted me after taking the survey felt that the survey was narrow and that the questions suggested their own answers. Most felt that the DNR was seeking answers that they predetermined. To me, it seemed skewed toward the nonhunter so I hope as many hunters as possible expressed their opinions.  

[mike1m]

Appears the MI DNR have posted some "podcasts" about their DMI Meetings. Odd part is that they are trying to Use Old Studies in an Attempt to Push their Agenda /Points. One of their Guests mentioned a 1967 Deer Study.But with the Current Enviromental Issues that study would be Outdated as to the current things happening as to the Habitant. As well as what seems to have Changed 20 years ago, the MI DNR was all for Private Land Owners to Enhance their Landscape for Wildlife then shortly After from my contact with the Then MI DNR to advised I was wasting my Time planting Deer Food Plots as it would have little Difference. Yet I have been planting them for 28 years and they are not  Just a "Shot Plot" they are for a Year Round Food Source and some are not even where I set Up or Hunt at! This  seems to change as those in the MI DNR Change Staffing and turn into a Different Direction what seems to be Important at the Time. When any Habitant Improvements will go a long way. And The last 10 Years we have had Mild Winters in the Northen Lower Peninsular where the food sources are not buried under under a foot of Snow! Whwre they have to work to get to what is under the snow! Sad part is they are Trying to Sell Us on Something when they and the state aren't doing their part now. As years ago the MI DNR would Plant State Lands with food sources but now they want Land Owners to apply for Grants to do that. And Then wonder why more are not Hunting Public / State Lands because the deer aren't drawn to them for food. They should be talking how to Better the Michigan Landscape not looking back at Old Outdate Studies why has there not been a newer study done from MSU? Plus they "Mentioned" the 2016 MI Deer Management Plan BUT it was not about Using Proven / Sound Science to make their Points! They mentioned Clear Cutting okay but what do they replant ? Pines that are only browsed on when there is a Hard Winter. Why Not Plant Trees that Offer other Natural Browse for such times! Like I keeping seeing they are Pushing their Agenda  that some accept is good detail ideas. Sad that They never have done much, so soon after they switch / chnage their direction and Ideas! Way to OFTEN!

Just some Observations.

mike1m  

[ridge]

I agree on all points. At the latest deer report they have stated that they are happy because there are more hunters and the harvest is up with the exception of the U.P. I don't see it. IMO they are creating their own conclusions. Are the incredibly terrible 10 antlerless permits being counted as individual hunters? Along with others on various facebook pages, I do not see an increased or surplus deer herd with the possible exception of small areas in zone 3. IMO the DMI is a tool that the DNR/NRC will use to support their own agenda and the hunters that provide the financial support will lose again. This new NRC seems to have been infiltrated with antihunters thanks to the governor. Where is the oversight of the Michigan Senate?

[mike1m]

Sad we are Stuck with what we have as to the MI DNR & MI NRC! The DMI is using MSU Professors talking about Old Studies that were done years Ago and trying to show it is relevant today when many things Have Changed as to the Climate and Habitant. And Then add in they mentioned the 2016 MI Deer Mgt Plan briefly Yet Pick and Choose what they use, it sure is not Sound Scientific Management. How is IT the MUCC talks how the MI DNR is "Skirting" Prop G But Then Does NOTHING About It? Sure is Odd that they make a Point then Do Nothing. Sad! Michigan Hunters have Lost! ( Tradition, Culture and Recreation Opportunities we Once HAD!) So many things Wrong and will Continue with the Leadership we have for Our State Govt. ( How does some that has little to no background, experience or education in resource management get the MI DNR Director Job) Would you not Want someone that has some Kind of Background & Knowledge but oh wait he was the Director of the MI Lottery so he gets the Job! That Shows how Far off the State Leadership is just to make Changes! Guess we Get what We get! Little!  
mike1m