DETROIT (WWJ) – For those looking forward to deer hunting, the wait is almost over. Beginning this Thursday, people can hunt for deer using their guns.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says they expect this year to be a successful one for many hunters.

Over the last few years, around 700,000 people purchased a license to hunt the animals in the state. The hunters ultimately spent more than 9.6 million days on the field, taking in more than 400,000 deer.

There’s  a free interactive mapping application which contains the most up-to-date information to help you plan your next hunting trip. You can click on here for information.

You can find an all-inclusive deer website created by DNR and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at Michigan State University by clicking on HERE.  The website covers everything from basic deer biology to hunting regulations to the newest deer research.