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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nov. 12, 2015
Contact: David Jentoft, 906-635-5281, ext. 56171 or John Pepin, 906-226-1352
DNR check stations ready for firearm deer hunting season in the Upper Peninsula
 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources deer check stations are ready for the start of the upcoming firearm deer hunting season in the Upper Peninsula.
If the archery season is any indicator, there likely will be some great bucks harvested in the weeks to come.
“We’ve had some really nice deer checked here in Marquette over the past few weeks,” said DNR deputy public information officer John Pepin. “Some hunters think last winter’s big snowfall just before the start of the firearm deer hunting season may have been a blessing in disguise.”
Up to 4 feet of snow fell in some parts of the U.P., which made it difficult, if not impossible, for many hunters afield.
“With those hunters not being able to reach their camps, hunters think some of the older bucks that might have been harvested last year weren’t,” Pepin said.
There are 15 check stations across the U.P. where hunters may voluntarily bring their harvested deer. Biologists check the age of the deer and take note of the health of the animals.
 Biologists also record which county and township the deer was harvested in.
Hunters checking their deer with the DNR are rewarded with a Successful Hunter – Deer Management Cooperator patch.
A deer head (antlers must still be attached on bucks) or entire carcass must be presented to receive a patch. Patches are not available by mail.
The DNR has an online map pinpointing the locations of deer check stations throughout the state and hours of operation. Hunters also are urged to call ahead whenever possible to confirm hours and days of operation.
DNR check stations also will have information available for hunters on keeping chronic wasting disease from reaching the U.P. The DNR kicked off an information campaign this week and has a great deal of educational materials available online at www.michigan.gov/cwd.
For more information on deer hunting, including rules and regulations, a hunting prospects report and other information, visit www.michigan.gov/deer.
/Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Suggested captions follow.
Patch: Hunters who check their deer with the DNR receive a Successful Hunter – Deer Management Cooperator patch.
Check Station: There are 15 DNR deer check stations situated across the Upper Peninsula. Hours and dates of operation are posted online. Here Bill Rollo, a DNR wildlife technician, ages an 8-point buck at the Marquette DNR check station shot by Jim Michelson of Negaunee.
Deer: A 3-year-old, 9-point buck shot by Derek Smith, 23, of Marquette was checked in this week at the DNR check station in Marquette. Some hunters think last winter’s big snowfall before opening day of the firearm deer hunting season may have been a blessing in disguise.
Buck: DNR wildlife biologist Kevin Swanson, left, inspects a 9-point buck shot by Dennis Campbell of Marquette. The 3 ½-year-old deer was harvested in Marquette County./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
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