Although 6 percent fewer whitetails were taken in 2010 than in 2009, according to the DNR's annual mail survey, hunters said they found the season more enjoyable than the previous year.
An estimated 656,500 hunters spent 9.6 million days afield, taking nearly 418,000 deer. Overall, 44 percent of hunters harvested at least one deer.
The survey was sent to more than 50,000 deer-license buyers and showed a 4 percent decrease from 2009 in the number of individuals buying deer licenses in 2010 and a 4 percent decrease in the number of licenses sold.
Hunters killed 1 percent fewer antlered bucks and 10 percent fewer antlerless deer than in 2009. However, hunters reported increased satisfaction with the season in terms of number of deer seen, deer harvested and overall hunting experience.
Granted, this is a sampling of licensed hunters but it speaks more positively about Michigan's deer herd and the opportunities hunters have enjoyed.
But deer seasons are subject to many factors. And one hunters idea of a great season may not compare with another who didn't see any horns or even a doe.
Still, it's nice to get some positive information once in awhile about our natural resources.
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