Hunting Forecast: Tough Winter Took Toll On Deer

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - Deer hunters venturing into woods and fields for next month's start of firearms season should encounter conditions similar to those of a year ago, when harsh winter weather took a toll.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says in its annual deer forecast that some areas may have fewer fawns and yearlings than usual because of this year's record low temperatures and above-average snowfall. The Upper Peninsula was hit especially hard.

But the forecast says survival rates were mostly good in the Lower Peninsula. The southern population remains most abundant, despite leveling off in recent years because of disease, collisions with vehicles and other factors.

The firearms season that begins Nov. 15 will be the first since higher license fees approved by lawmakers in 2013 took effect.