Michigan is facing a growing challenge with deer overpopulation, particularly in the southern Lower Peninsula, according to Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources.
While the sight of deer grazing in open fields may seem serene, their booming numbers are causing serious issues for farmers, suburban communities, and the environment.
Now, a new initiative is bringing hunters and farmers together to address the problem while also preserving a long-standing Michigan tradition.
A Growing Problem
Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has reported a steady decline in the state’s hunting population since 1995, dropping from over 800,000 hunters a decade ago to just over 600,000 last year according to deer biologist Samantha Courtney. This decline has left the deer population unchecked, leading to increased vehicle collisions, crop damage, and disruption in suburban areas.
For farmers like Rob Steenbergh of Sanilac County, the impact is devastating.
“There are so many deer in some areas, they can actually destroy a field—eating the entire crop,” Steenbergh explained.
His family has been farming since 1940, and he’s now open to allowing hunters on his property through the state’s new Farm Tour Program.
The Farm Tour Program: A Collaborative Solution
The Farm Tour Program connects experienced hunters with private landowners like Steenbergh, offering a practical solution to overpopulation.
Mentor hunters, such as Frank Pizzo, guide participants through the process, ensuring a safe and ethical hunting experience.
“We’ll drive you to the blind, set you up, and pick you up when you’re done,” said Pizzo. “If you’re successful, we’ll help with the next steps. It’s a full-service experience.”
Best of all, it’s free.
Introducing New Hunters to the Tradition
Community leaders are also working to attract new hunters. Bryan Farmer, Deputy Director of Farmington Hills’ Parks and Recreation, believes archery is a gateway to hunting.
He helped establish the Riley Archery Range in Heritage Park in 2015. Since then, Farmer said approximately 30,000 people have been introduced to archery, including many first-time participants.
People interested in learning more about how to get involved can go to the Hunt Michigan Collaborative website.
The website offers a QR Code that will be advertised at parks and rec brochures across the state.
This QR code will connect people to outdoor and hunting opportunities across Michigan and can be found at https://huntmicollaborative.com/.
Another resource can be found on the Farmington Hills website.
“The perception is that people don’t like hunting, but that’s not true,” Farmer said. “Over 70% of surveyed participants agreed that something needs to be done about the deer population, and 40-50% expressed interest in learning to hunt.”
A Shared Responsibility
Courtney emphasized the need for a collaborative effort to tackle overpopulation. “We’re recognizing that this is a huge problem, and we need to start working together,” Courtney said.
For many, the partnership between hunters and farmers may seem unlikely, but the results are promising. “It’s common sense,” Pizzo said. “Why haven’t we been doing this all along? It’s helping so many people.”
Looking Ahead
In 2022, hunters in Michigan harvested 303,081 deer. That number fell to 274,299 in 2023, and preliminary data for 2024 shows about 271,000 have been harvested. The DNR hopes that new programs like the Farm Tour initiative will stabilize these numbers and preserve Michigan’s natural balance.
As the hunting season continues through December, this collaborative approach offers a glimmer of hope in managing the state’s deer population—while passing down a cherished Michigan tradition to a new generation.
