(LANSING) - A Michigan Farm Bureau lobbyist says the state is making progress managing its deer population but more work is needed to keep herd numbers under control.
In comments reported by Brownfield Ag News, Michigan Farm Bureau lobbyist Justin Tomei said about 40 percent of the state's estimated two million deer should be harvested each year to keep the population stable.
However, Tomei said the state is falling short of that goal, with fewer than 300,000 deer harvested annually.
He also noted that hunting participation has declined significantly, with about 200,000 fewer hunters compared to the year 2000.
Tomei said recent actions by the Michigan Legislature include increasing support for venison donation programs, making it easier to obtain crop damage permits, and reducing some hunting restrictions.
Despite those steps, the Michigan Farm Bureau says additional changes are needed.
The organization is asking lawmakers to allow deer baiting during hunting season and to consider adjustments to hunting license fees and deer tags.
Meanwhile, the Michigan House of Representatives recently approved a bill introduced by State Senator Jennifer Wortz of Quincy that would eliminate the state's ban on deer baiting.
Wortz said allowing baiting could increase the number of deer harvested and potentially attract more out-of-state hunters to help manage Michigan's deer population.