Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — Michigan may reverse course on a controversial deer hunting rule before it even takes effect.
Last year, state regulators decided that beginning in fall 2025, youth and hunters with disabilities could only take antlerless deer during special early hunting seasons. The goal was to control Michigan’s booming deer population, which has been damaging crops and causing car crashes.
But that move sparked backlash. Critics argued it unfairly limited opportunities for those with disabilities and young hunters, who already have few chances to hunt. A disabled veteran told the state he didn’t want to be the one to tell someone this might be their last season — and they can’t take a buck.
Now, the state’s Natural Resource Commission is considering rolling back that rule. A new order introduced Thursday would allow buck hunting during the special hunts after all. A vote is expected at the commission’s next meeting, scheduled for May 8.
