Michigan whitetail

[Rick P]

I'll be hunting Whitetail in Michigan for the first time in about 10 years this October. I'll be hunting in the west branch area and a undisclosed area in the UP. The hunting was wonderful last time I was back, please tell me it still is!?!

[Oliverstacy]

Never better...matter of fact the mentality for people to let them grow has started to take hold, I have nothing against those that don’t.

I grew up on a large farm and if it was brown it was down and there is nothing wrong with this, I use to see 25+ a night with some small bucks and mostly does.  I've shot a ton of 4 points in my younger days and have really enjoyed shooting the slick heads too.  As I've gotten older I've decided to watch the buck grow and take a doe or two out to manage the herd.  

I really feel that the herd is more healthy than it was 10 years ago and the bucks are getting bigger by the year…we’ve seen more 2.5 and 3.5 year old deer in the last 3 years than I ever have before.  

It should be a blast.

I have some relatives in the area you’re hunting in the LP so you should see some deer.

Good luck.

Josh

[450 marlin]

I agree with Josh, I see plenty of bucks throughout the season on state land. The farms in our area for the most part have gone to quality buck management hunting also and the DNR is leaving crops in for winter food supply. The baiting ban has really helped on state land, it was getting so bad you pretty much had to bait yourself in order to draw some deer from the others bait pile. Now it is back to using your hunting skills and scouting to get the freezer full.

[jacobsladder]

My son has killed 5 deer the last 3 years in west branch during gun season... He says the deer herd is doing well...he hunts farm land near sugar beet fields..

[Chuck Hoopes]

If you can hunt the week previous to Gun season which starts Nov.15- its the BEST.  The Bucks are chasing the does, totally focused on them.  Somedays its  a deer traffic jam -- those days Iam out sunrise to sunset, still hunting.  I take at least 1 buck every yr. this way. Rattling,is real effective at this time.  Don't know where you're going in the UP but lots of deer around W.Branch- - actually just about anywhere in Mich. theres lots of deer.- Have a BLAST!

[Rick P]

Dad wont say were in the UP but I'll bet it's my great grand parents farm near Baraga off south Laird rd.

This hunt is really all about family the venison will be welcome back home in Alaska but it is hardly my main reason for visiting.

My mom who is currently wheel chair bound after a shattered leg actually started to cry when I told her I was coming, she's only seen my son once.