Across the state, the final countdown has begun for the nearly 600,000 hunters who will take to the field Nov. 15 in hopes of harvesting a white-tailed deer. Michigan's 16-day regular firearm deer season runs through Nov. 30.

Last year, more than 260,000 deer were harvested during the firearm season, providing over 4.3 million days of recreation and producing over 1 million pounds of venison.

According to estimates, the season also generates more than $200 million of economic activity in Michigan each year.

"All indicators point to a good 2007 firearm deer season," said Rod Clute, big-game specialist for the Department of Natural Resources. "The deer herd is up slightly from 2006, with a strong fawn crop this spring."

Clute said that deer survived last year's mild winter in excellent condition, and the male fawns of 2006 are sporting their first antlers as yearlings this fall. Hunters who have selected their hunting locations well should see a fair number of deer this year.

Reports from DNR wildlife biologists around the state indicate the dryer than normal summer weather could impact agricultural crop production and harvest times of crops. Statewide, both corn and soybeans harvest is ahead of last year's removal.

Natural food availability also varies across the state, in many cases influenced by drought conditions this summer. Soft mast foods, like wild apples and choke cherries, appear to be very good.

The deer population in the Upper Peninsula overall is at a level the DNR would like to maintain; although deer are not evenly distributed across the U.P. with fewer deer along Lake Superior and more deer concentrated in the southern portions.

According to Bob Doepker, Western U.P. Management Unit supervisor, Menominee County still has the most deer in the region, along with the Stonington and Garden peninsulas.

"There are a limited number of both public and private land antlerless deer licenses still available in select deer management units in the U.P.," Doepker said. "We hope deer hunters will utilize those opportunities."

He also reminds hunters that private land antlerless deer licenses are not valid on Commercial Forest lands.

Deer also are not evenly distributed across the northern Lower Peninsula.

Typically, most deer are found on private land. In the northeast corner of the NLP, the deer population is slightly above the DNR goal for the area.

In the northwestern portion of the NLP, the deer herd is a little below desired levels. To boost deer numbers in this region, no public land antlerless licenses are available for some counties and fewer private land antlerless deer licenses are available in others.

The counties along the southern edge of this region have deer numbers similar to those in southern Michigan. Private land antlerless licenses are still available for many of these counties.

Bovine tuberculosis (TB) counties to be a high concern and management issue within the northeast NLP.

"The DNR is still taking steps to reduce the prevalence rate of TB in deer," said Glen Matthews, NLP Management Unit supervisor. "We request that hunters continue to harvest antlerless deer in the TB zone and have all harvested deer in these areas and the surrounding counties checked for TB."

Matthews also reminded hunters that baiting and feeding within the TB zone is illegal and is directly related to the potential spread of the disease.

In the southern Lower Peninsula, the deer herd is substantially above the DNR's population goals for the area.

Ninety-seven percent of land in this area is privately owned.

"Hunters need to ask permission to hunt on private lands," said Sara Schaefer, Southwest Management Unit supervisor. "There is an abundance of deer in southern Michigan but most are found on private land."

Where permission can be acquired, Schaefer said tremendous hunting opportunities exist. She also mentioned that 28 counties in southern Michigan will be open for the late firearm deer season that begins Dec. 17 and runs through Jan. 1.

"The late season provides an excellent opportunity for firearm deer hunting to continue over the holidays and also helps manage the deer herd in this part of the state," she said.

Deer season also is an opportunity to mentor youth on hunting.

"In 2006, legislation passed that allows 12- and 13-year-olds to firearm deer hunt on private land," said Clute. "We encourage adults to make an extra effort to take a youngster deer hunting. It is the perfect opportunity to teach youth about deer management."

Clute explained there also is an apprentice hunting license available to those who have not completed a hunter safety program but would like to be introduced to hunting. This program was created in 2006 and is great not only for youth but also for adults who are not sure they would enjoy the experience.

The apprentice license allows anyone to purchase a hunting license for two license years before receiving hunter safety certification as long as a licensed hunter 21 years of age of older accompanies them in the field. The mentor must be within sight of the apprentice at all times when hunting.

The DNR reminds successful deer hunters to take their deer to a DNR check station and receive a deer cooperator patch.

"At check stations, DNR staff collect important biological data, which helps us evaluate the deer season and monitor the deer herd. Also, hunters enjoy knowing the age of their deer," said Clute.

The DNR encourages deer hunters to report their hunting activity online at www.michigan.gov/dnr once they have finished hunting for the year. Hunters are asked to complete the survey even if they do not harvest a deer.

Safety is a critical part of any successful hunting experience. The DNR would like to remind hunters to enjoy the recreational opportunity, but never to put themselves or others at risk.

Hunters should pay attention to the weather forecast and be prepared for serious conditions, such as in 2005 when more than 12 inches of snow fell across the U.P. on the second day of the season. They also should consider their physical limitations and always let someone know where they are going.

The DNR wishes all hunters a safe, successful firearm deer season.