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Michigan deer hunters skip work, school for opening day

Michigan Whitetail Deer
Michigan DNR

 

There may be people absent from school or work in Michigan Wednesday as firearm deer season begins. For some hunters going out opening day is a ritual.

“Since I’ve been hunting I think I may have missed one. I think I may have been sick. It’s still a ritual. I mean, people treat it as almost a religious holiday.”

That’s Dan Jennings. He teaches hunter safety classes at the Berrien County Sportman’s Club. He’s off work for opening day to take to the woods.

Chad Stewart is a deer specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He said while many people will be out Wednesday, the bulk of participation happens on the weekends.

“We do see a lot more participation if November 15th starts on certainly a Friday or a Saturdays or Sunday.”

Jennings said he’s seen a decline of people playing hookie for opening day.

“I don’t think the kids nowadays are so locked in to that November 15th date. They usually try for the first weekend.”

Jennings said with all their other activities, kids skipping school to hunt like he used to do would be a lot harder.

Michigan’s regular firearm deer season runs through November 30th.