Deer Kill Down In 2013 Because Of Snow, Disease

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Michigan authorities say this year's deer harvest appears to be down significantly from 2012 because of weather, disease and rule changes.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources on Thursday said that early checks show the number of deer shot during the 2013 firearms hunting season fell in all regions of the state. The season ended last Saturday.

The DNR said the drop was about 15 to 20 percent in the Upper Peninsula and about 10 percent in the southern Lower Peninsula, with a slight decline in the northern Lower Peninsula.

According to the DNR, deer were hit by heavy, late snow in the Upper Peninsula and an epizootic hemorrhagic disease outbreak two summers ago in the South. It says new antler point restrictions on young bucks also played a role.

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