Wortz proposes free doe hunting licenses in effort to tackle Michigan's excessive deer population
In hopes of encouraging hunters to pursue more does, State Rep. Jennifer Wortz (R-Quincy) has offered a proposal that would provide every person who purchases a hunting license two free antlerless deer licenses.
Over the past 40 years deer populations in southern Michigan have exploded, damaging crops and leading to an increase in car accidents, with more than 58,000 deer-vehicle crashes in 2023.
In response the Department of Natural Resources has urged hunters to shoot does in order to limit breeding. The DNR also offered an extended late antlerless deer season from Jan. 2-12, discounting antlerless deer licenses — which allow hunters to kill one doe —from $20 to $5 for the season and allowing hunters to use their unused tags.
Hunters can purchase up to 10 antlerless deer licenses annually.
'Too many deer are eating crops in our fields and hitting cars on our roads — endangering lives, damaging vehicles, and reducing our food supply,' Wortz said in a statement. 'State officials are trying to promote doe hunting to put a stop to overpopulation, but not enough hunters are bucking trends and taking down doe. My plan will encourage this necessary population control with a very simple incentive: two free doe tags for every hunter. Making doe hunting more affordable will ease the way for Michiganders to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, bring home some venison and participate in critical conservation efforts.'
Wortz's House Bill 4206 has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism.
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