MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP, MI (AP)-- Michigan wildlife policymakers don't plan to cancel this year's deer season in the Upper Peninsula despite a falling whitetail deer population.
A Natural Resources Commission policy committee voted Thursday to recommend the full commission either take no action or eliminate antlerless deer hunting during archery season. The latter option wouldn't affect firearm season, which covers most hunters.
The whitetail population has dropped as much as 40 percent after two bitterly cold, snowy winters.
Canceling the hunt was discussed but wasn't a likely option. About 100,000 people participate in the U.P. deer hunt.
Commissioners are meeting at a Michigan State University facility in Ingham County's Meridian Township, near Lansing. They set bag limits and other hunting regulations.
A vote on the hunt is planned for next month.