New Michigan Deer-Hunting Regulations Aim to Prevent the Spread of CWD

by
posted on August 15, 2018
michiganwhitetail_lead.jpg
courtesy of USFWS

On Aug. 9, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Commission approved new regulations for hunting in chronic wasting disease (CWD) areas in the state for the 2018 deer season.

The new rules allow hunters to use any state-legal firearm during the muzzleloader season if they’re hunting in the 16-county CWD Management Zone (CWDMZ). All natural cervid urine-based lures and attractants (except those approved by the Archery Trade Association) are banned. Hunters will see feeding and baiting bans go into effect immediately in the CWDMZ and on Jan. 31, 2019 in the Lower Peninsula. Hunters with disabilities meeting certain requirements in the Lower Peninsula can hunt in the CWDMZ with 2 gallons of single-bite bait.

The new regulations limit each hunter to a maximum of 10 private-land antlerless licenses. Michigan is offering antlerless options on deer licenses and combo licenses during the firearm seasons in the five-county CWD Core Area (CWDCA), and is expanding the early and late antlerless seasons in specific counties. Hunters in the CWDMZ can use the restricted tag of the combo license to take a buck with antlers, provided the deer has at least one 3-inch antler. The state is also restricting deer carcass transportation in the CWDCA and the CWDMZ.

“We hope that by setting these specific CWD regulations we can limit the movement of this disease in Michigan,” said Vicki Pontz, Natural Resources Commission chairperson. CWD was first found in Michigan in a free-ranging deer in 2015. Since then, 60 free-ranging deer in six Michigan counties have contracted CWD.

For more information, go to michigan.gov/dnr.

Latest

American Construction Industry Tribute 1
American Construction Industry Tribute 1

Henry American Construction Industry Tribute Edition

Henry Repeating Arms has debuted its American Construction Industry Tribute Edition, a new addition to its lineup of collectible Tribute Edition rifles that honors the men, women and companies who build America from the ground up.

#SundayGunday: Smith & Wesson Model 1854 Stealth Hunter

On this week's #SundayGunday, we’re checking out the Model 1854 Stealth Hunter, a field-focused pistol-caliber variant of Smith & Wesson’s popular new lever action. With a black synthetic buttstock and textured grip panels, the 1854 Stealth Hunter is ready for hard use no matter the conditions in the field.

Henry Repeating Arms Launches HUSH Series Optimized for Suppressor Use

Henry Repeating Arms has officially introduced the HUSH Series. This new line of suppressor-optimized lever-action rifle is the debut release from the company’s Special Products Division (SPD), a new R&D initiative focused on forward-thinking innovation.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Treestands

This latest Member's Hunt comes from Erin Prajzner of Glen Rock, Pa.

New for 2025: Zeiss SFL 50 Binocular

Zeiss has presented its all-new SFL 50 binocular, an extension of the company's SFL family of binocular. It combines the optical performance of a 50 mm binocular, with the size and weight category of competitors’ 42mm frame sizes.

New for 2025: Savage AC30 B.O.B. AccuCan Suppressor

Savage introduces the AC30 B.O.B. (Back Over Barrel) suppressor, a great option for those looking to enhance balance and reduce overall firearm length while shooting suppressed.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.