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DNR moves listening session on deer regulations to Harris

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has moved the location of a public listening session on proposed deer regulation changes from Wetmore in Alger County to Harris in Menominee County.

Several hunting regulation changes have been recommended by the DNR, including a deer baiting and feeding ban in a Core Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance Area, which includes portions of Menominee, Dickinson and Delta counties.

This zone surrounds the farm where a deer tested positive for the deadly disease in October 2018.

The location for the June 10 listening session has been moved from the Munising Township Hall in Wetmore to the Turtle Room at the Island Conference Center in Harris. The meeting will be 1 to 3 p.m. Central time.

The change of venue was requested to provide a location within the Core CWD Surveillance Area, where the deer baiting and feeding ban has been proposed.

DNR staffers will be on hand to record comments to be forwarded to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, which is expected to render a decision in July on the DNR’s recommendations. Commissioner Dave Nyberg of Skandia is scheduled to attend the session, along with Chad Stewart of the DNR’s Wildlife Division.

Upper Peninsula deer regulations, in response to chronic wasting disease, including baiting and feeding regulations, are expected to be discussed by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at its meetings in June and July.

As part of a wider package of proposed regulation changes for this year, the DNR has also suggested a moderate increase in antlerless deer hunting licenses.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission is a seven-member public body whose members are appointed by the governor. The commission has exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish and is authorized to designate game species.

The NRC conducts monthly public meetings in locations throughout Michigan. Citizens are encouraged to become actively involved in these public forums, either by writing or by attending meetings to offer public comments in person.

For more information on the DNR’s recommended regulations, go to Michigan.gov/NRC. Click on the agenda for the May 9, 2019 NRC meeting. Then click on the body of the agenda where the regulations are listed. Documents will pop up to view, print or download.

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