As a lifelong hunter of Michigan, I have seen firsthand the condition of our deer population and how it is affected by hunting practices. Recently, I have observed a worrying trend of young bucks being harvested before they have had a chance to fully mature. This is why we need to institute a rule that would require all bucks harvested by Michigan hunters to have no less than 4 points on one side.

Such a rule will ensure sustainable hunting practices, promote healthier and stronger deer population, and ultimately, sustain our hunting tradition in the future. Michigan Public Radio reported that more than 600,000 licensed hunters participate in deer hunting season each year, and their hunting practices significantly affect the overall health of the deer population (MPR, 2018).

By enforcing this rule, we would not just protect individual bucks until they are fully grown, but also enhance the overall population of bucks — leading to stronger herd dynamics and better hunting conditions. After all, Michigan Department of Natural Resources points out that deer hunting contributes to the management of deer populations and helps keep them at levels compatible with available habitat and human activities (MDNR, 2020).

Let's make deer hunting in Michigan more sustainable and valuable. Help us to ensure that bucks are given the chance to mature before being harvested. Please sign this petition to enforce a minimum 4-point (one side) buck harvesting limit for all Michigan hunters.