We recently sent information about the additional deer hunts that are occurring within Ionia and Montcalm counties. We have received many calls and e-mails asking for clarification. We hope the following information will help.

Ionia and Montcalm Firearm Hunt

• Hunts are occurring Jan. 4-7 and 11-14.
• Bait cannot be used.
• Remember to wear hunter orange.
• Firearm and archery equipment can be used (must follow firearm deer season rules).
• Can hunt on public and private land in the following townships: Easton, Ionia, Keene, Lyons, North Plains, Orleans, Otisco and Ronald in Ionia County; and Bloomer, Bushnell, Crystal, Day, Evergreen and Ferris in Montcalm County. See map.
• The following licenses are valid: deer license, combination deer license, private/public-land antlerless deer licenses for DMU 354 (must be used in townships listed above within DMU 354), private/public-land antlerless deer licenses for DMU 419 (must be used in townships listed above within DMU 419).
• Antlerless deer may be tagged using the deer license or combination deer license. All other license restrictions apply.
• If you have questions, contact 517-284-9453 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Licenses are available to purchase at local license agents.

Mandatory deer check and additional information:

• Hunters participating in this hunt will be required to turn in heads of harvested deer within 72 hours of harvest for disease testing.
• Visit mi.gov/deercheck for all available check stations and self-service drop boxes.
• If you use a drop box, make sure and provide a legible, accurate phone number and harvest location information. Without this information, you may not be able to be notified if your deer has CWD (CWD Survey Tag Example).
• Avoid shooting deer in the head. This may make it impossible for lab staff to extract necessary tissue for disease testing. 

For information on how to keep antlers, etc., visit mi.gov/cwd.

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.