The lead up to the 2024 Michigan firearm deer season featured one of the biggest deer disease die-offs in recent years, regulation changes to address population imbalances in both peninsulas, and continued concerns about the future of wildlife funding amid declining hunter numbers.  Those issues and others could factor into how many of Michigan’s roughly 600,000 hunters approach the 2024 season as they head into the woods for the firearm opener on November 15.

While a relatively mild 2023-24 winter is expected to translate into hunters generally seeing more deer this season, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officials point to deer disease outbreaks, a focus on harvesting more does, and expanded harvest options as important considerations. This week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, highlights the top five things to know heading into the 2024 hunting season.

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.