Michigan DNR Ushers in a New Era of Deer Management
OutdoorHub 02.09.12
With the approval of the Michigan Deer Management Plan on May 6, 2010, the Department of Natural Resources committed to establishing a Deer Advisory Team (DAT) for eachMichiganregion. Each DAT corresponds to the boundaries of the DNR Hunting and Trapping Zones — Zone 1 being the Upper Peninsula, Zone 2 the Northern Lower Peninsula and Zone 3 theSouthern Lower Peninsula.
“The regional Deer Advisory Teams are a critical connection between the public and the DNR,” said Russ Mason, DNR Wildlife Division chief. “Informed input and improved communications are essential for successful deer management inMichigan.”
The inaugural meeting ofSouthern Lower Michigan’s Deer Advisory Team (SLDAT) is set for Friday, Feb. 17. The meeting will be held at the University Quality Inn, 3121 East Grand River,Lansing, M 48912, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The SLDAT will serve as an advisory team to the DNR’s Wildlife Division on deer management issues unique to theSouthern Lower Peninsula. The goal of the team is to serve as a conduit between the public and the Wildlife Division to develop mutual understanding regarding major opportunities and challenges facing white-tailed deer management.
The DATs are made up entirely of volunteers who have a direct connection with deer management issues, either as private citizens or as representatives of organizations with constituents in the region that are affected by hunting and deer management. All members were selected by the Wildlife Division with consent of the Natural Resources Commission, and will serve for either two or three years. Team members will attend local open houses, which will be opportunities to share information and gather public input in their regions.
“We are really excited to see these teams come together and meet for the first time.” stated Brent Rudolph, Deer and Elk Program leader for the DNR. “This ushers in a new era of co-managingMichigan’s deer with the public, and provides us with an opportunity to focus in on regional issues.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting as observers, although the meeting is not open for public comment. Questions and comments from the public will only be taken if time permits.
If you have topics you would like the SLDAT to discuss, email Brent Rudolph at rudolphb@michigan.gov or share your comments at http://deer.fw.msu.edu/involved/slteam.php/.
