LANSING, MI – Michigan hunters should expect big changes at DNR deer check stations this season.
Staffing and financial shortages, due to both funding associated with long-term declines in the hunter base and the COVID-19 pandemic, will result in reductions in check station and drop-box locations, dates and hours operated, and the number of deer heads that will be accepted for chronic wasting disease testing.
Additionally, hunters are required to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines while at deer check stations. In some cases, hunters are required to stay in their vehicles while their deer is checked.
“It is an unprecedented time in our state’s history, with serious challenges that affect everyone. We ask for your patience and grace as we adapt to meet these challenges,” said acting DNR Wildlife Division Chief Dan Kennedy.
“Michigan hunters have a long history of partnering with the DNR for the benefit and health of the state’s deer population. Let’s continue working together to protect public health, too.”
Many check stations will be open only during parts of the firearm deer season in November and longer wait times than usual should be expected. In parts of the state where CWD and bovine tuberculosis samples are needed, check stations and drop boxes will be available to hunters.
Specifically, the heads of deer taken in Jackson, Isabella, Gratiot, Delta, Dickinson and Menominee counties will be accepted for testing from Oct. 3 to Jan. 4.
Deer heads from Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and Montcalm counties will be accepted for state testing only from Nov. 15-18.
The archery season starts Thursday. The traditional firearm deer season starts Nov. 15.
Information about the new check station procedures can be found in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/CWD. Hours and locations of deer check stations will be updated this week and will be available at Michigan.gov/DeerCheck