Michigan Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the last day to check in deer is Friday, Jan. 4, 2013. The biological data received at deer check stations helps the DNR make scientifically sound management decisions regarding the deer population. Skulls with intact jaws, teeth and antlers are needed for aging the animals.

Check-in is optional. Those who do check in their harvest will receive the 2012 deer management cooperator patch.

Hunters who harvest a deer in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle and/or Roscommon county will be asked to submit the head for bovine tuberculosis (TB) testing. For more information on bovine TB, visit www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

For a full list of deer check stations and hours of operation, go to www.michigan.gov/deer.