Genesee County Parks in Michigan Crowded with Deer; Hunting May Be the Answer

They devour flowers, stomp on the undergrowth, and too often cause dangerous collisions with automobiles. So what do you do when deer population becomes overwhelming? The answer may be simple, hunting.

The debate will be at the front of the line within the year due to many local organizations proving there are too many deer in more than three parks located within Genesee County. The overcrowded parks are losing natural flora and the deer are wandering into the roads a time too many.

Members of clubs such as the Safari Club are suggesting hunting be an answer to the increasing population.

"We pay taxes on these parks. There's an overpopulation with them and I think we should have the opportunity to hunt in areas that many are backyards to residents," says club member Al Calhoon.

However, the issue is raising concerns with other locals. They fear that if hunters are allowed to hunt in parks, it may cause safety problems.

"Hunters will be misinformed and will think it's alright to hunt in other areas not designated for hunting," says Bob Geniva, a farmer and father of three who resides within a mile of where the parks are being observed.

Aerial surveys taken show that there are more than six times more deer than the Department of Natural Resources suggest. They suggest that there be between fifteen and twenty deer per square mile. The Michigan Natural Features Inventory of the parks surveyed also report damage, some severe, to trees, the ground, and many other living plants. What makes this problem worse is that they eat up native plants and wrinkle their nose at nuisance plants.

Country Parks Director Sara McMillian says the problem isn't an issue with hunting but biodiversity. It's more about how the animals are affecting the parks.

"We have a problem. Our issue is figuring out how to prevent it from growing," she says.

Although she also says to take the surveys lightly as it is a one time snapshot of the area. The survey takers then multiply how many deer are seen by square mile.

"We will be doing it again, and comparing it to the data collected by the MNFI. Though numbers may or may not be similar, it is something we need to keep an eye on."

It isn't just the county parks having problems with deer overcrowding. Car crashes have increased at the nearby Recreation Area where 60 deer per square mile has been counted. The Genesee County parks and Oakland County parks have a few areas where deer population is growing the most in Michigan. 10% of crashes nearby the Genesee Parks involve a deer.

Solutions are currently being determined but an agreement may not be reached until next season.

Fencing can be expensive but in the long run very worth it as deer won't be able to destroy natural wildlife once pointed out by observers such as bloodroot. It is more common to exclose areas of less than 40 acres. Other solutions causing raised eyebrows include relocation as it spreads disease.

In the past, Michigan parks have controlled areas by using arrow hunting and the hunters donate the meat to poor people. The parks are generally closed 4 days for population control.