As firearms deer season approaches, the Department of Natural Resources wants hunters to know that the corn harvest is further behind schedule this fall than at any time in the last 20 years.

As of Nov. 8, only 16 percent of the field corn crop has been harvested statewide. Although the corn harvest can proceed rapidly if the weather allows, the moisture content in the corn is still very high and some farmers have suggested they do not intend to harvest until after firearm season begins. The last five years, an average of 80 percent of the corn harvest has occurred by Nov. 15.

"If substantial amounts of standing corn remain as of opening day of firearms season, the bulk of Michigan hunters in areas with corn production, particularly in southern Michigan, can expect to see fewer deer," said DNR deer research biologist Brent Rudolph. "Where there is standing corn, deer will not be restricted to seeking cover in brushy or forested areas."

For more information about deer hunting in Michigan, go online to www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.