Should antler point restrictions be in place this hunting season?
Many states have implemented antler restrictions as a way to increase the age structure of bucks in the state. Currently, there are counties in the NW part of the state that operate under a 3 or more, or 4 or more points to a side antler restriction. This is not a Quality Deer Management initiative, but rather an initiative to increase the age structure of bucks on the landscape, primarily allowing 1 ½ year old bucks to get to 2 ½ years of age. The Michigan United Conservation Clubs stance is neutral on this issue as of today, but we are wanting to hear from more deer hunters in the state to truly understand what our state's deer hunters want. Let you voice be heard by joining today, so that we can express your opinion to the DNR, NRC, and legislature.
Although Michigan United Conservation Clubs is neutral on several deer regulations — for instance, antler point restrictions — the organization is still actively involved in deer management in the state.
Many contentious issues of deer management have gone through our policy process over the years, most failing to achieve the two-thirds vote required for passage. In these cases, MUCC stays neutral.
However, neutrality does not mean MUCC is uninvolved.
For instance, MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter has now served on a pair of deer workgroups, one in the late aughts as well as the Deer Management Initiative — alongside Policy and Government Affairs Manager Justin Tomei — in 2024.
Unofficial Survey Results*
These are the current results of our APR survey. While these numbers might seem indicative of the general population’s views, we want to express that these are not representative exclusively of our membership. Many of the survey respondents are not current MUCC members.
As we are a grassroots policy organization, the majority of our membership must be the ones to vote in favor of a position. At our annual convention, each resolution, including mandatory APR’s, are voted on. If our membership gains a majority vote for one position of a resolution, MUCC adopts that position as an organization and fights to make it a reality.
In line with our process, the only way for you to truly have a voice is through MUCC membership. If you’re passionate about APR’s, and want to have your voice heard, join MUCC today to make a difference.
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