(WWJ) With firearm deer season about to begin, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is out with some important information for hunters.
Ahead of the opening of firearm season this Wednesday, Nov. 15, the DNR wants to remind hunters that deer harvest reporting is once again required this hunting season, all across the state.
What does this mean? It means every hunter who takes a deer must make a report either through the DNR app, or online through the harvest reporting website. (Get details below about how to do it).
Now in its second year, mandatory harvest reporting of all deer is designed to provide the most efficient and effective data for deer management and conservation, according to the DNR. In 2022, 208,408 hunters submitted a harvest report, and nearly 83% of those hunters were able to complete their report in under five minutes.
“We know Michigan’s deer hunters care about quality hunting opportunities and healthy deer herds,” said DNR deer, elk and moose management specialist Chad Stewart, in a release. “Each online harvest report takes just a few minutes but provides critical information about hunting experiences and deer abundance all over the state. That means better management recommendations for Michigan’s deer population.”
Speaking to WWJ's Tony Ortiz on Monday, Stewart said online harvest reporting "worked out really well" overall in 2022, with more than 300,000 deer reported taken by hunters.
He said it was a fantastic first year for participation.
"So, we've really been applauding our hunters for really taking these new change really quickly," Stewart said.
So far in the 2023 season, he said Michigan hunters have reported just under 87,000 kills, which is a bit behind last year's count at this time.
The DNR offers these tips it says will "facilitate the reporting process and ensure a smooth experience" for Michigan hunters:
Download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The easiest and most convenient way to report a deer harvest is by downloading the official Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app, signing in or creating an account, then entering the harvest report information.
Have your hunting license/kill tag number ready. Before reporting a harvest, make sure to have the hunting license/kill tag number for the tag you physically placed on the deer. Taking a picture of the tag with a smartphone can provide a helpful reference.
Record the confirmation number. After submitting a harvest report, take a moment to wait for the confirmation number to appear, then be sure to write it down or capture a screen shot for your records.
Here's how to report without using the app: Hunters have the option to report their harvest online by using a computer or mobile device to access the reporting webpage at Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport. To begin the report, enter your hunting license/kill tag license number and your date of birth.
Hunters who misplace their hunting license/kill tag number can log in to eLicense using their driver's license and birthdate, or their user ID and password. Then, click on the Harvest Report tab to view the available tags for reporting. Hunters who don't have existing account will have to create one to enter a harvest report.
For more information, visit the DNR deer harvest reporting webpage. If you require assistance or have questions, contact your local DNR customer service center or the main DNR Wildlife Division line at 517-284-WILD (9453) during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.