Overrun by Deer, Remote Michigan Island Faces Crisis

Beaver Island\’s Struggle with Overpopulation

Beaver Island, a remote island located off the northern tip of Michigan near Mackinac Island, is facing a growing environmental crisis. The island, which has a population of just 616 residents according to the 2020 US Census, is experiencing an alarming increase in its deer population. For every person on the island, there are at least three deer roaming the small 55.8 square mile area, and this number is becoming a serious issue for the local community.

Resident Pam Grassmick highlighted the problem, stating that the deer population far exceeds the island’s carrying capacity. According to her, the island can support only 12 deer per square mile, but the current estimate is around 32 deer per square mile. This overpopulation is causing significant damage to the island’s natural landscape.

Impact on Local Ecosystem

The overpopulation of deer has led to the degradation of the island’s vegetation. Wildlife biologist Jeremy Wood explained that the regeneration of branches from older cedar trees has essentially stopped. He also noted that the deer take advantage of every tree that falls within these areas, further contributing to the destruction of the forest.

The consequences of this overpopulation are evident across the island. The forest floor in the northern part of the island is now bare, and rare plant species such as the Michigan monkeyflower and dwarf lake iris are at risk of disappearing. These plants are essential components of the island’s unique ecosystem, and their loss could have long-term ecological effects.

Proposed Solutions and Community Response

In response to the crisis, the state\’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed extending the doe hunting season by 20 days for the next three years. The goal of this proposal is to control the deer population and protect the island’s habitat. The DNR has invited residents to provide feedback on the plan.

Some residents support the idea. Shelby Renee Harris, a Beaver Island resident, believes that extending the antlerless deer season would help protect the island’s high-quality vegetation areas that are under stress due to over-browsing. She also thinks that this extension could attract more hunters to the island, contributing to both the local economy and cultural growth.

However, not all residents are in favor of the proposal. Nicholas De Laat, another resident, supports the plan but with a condition: it should apply only to permanent island residents. He expressed his concern that the proposal should not include non-residents.

Angel Welke shared her perspective, noting that the number of hunter visitors dropped significantly when the island experienced bad weather in November and December. She also mentioned that Beaver Island no longer attracts the same crowds it did in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite this, she emphasized that hunting remains an important pastime for many island residents.

Controversies and Concerns

Not everyone agrees with the DNR\’s proposal. Jon Bonadeo, a resident, strongly opposes the plan, arguing that the deer population has been declining in recent years. He cited camera footage showing fewer deer than in the previous four years and called the decision irresponsible. He hopes the DNR will leave the deer herd undisturbed.

Public comments about the hunt extension can be sent to woodj26@michigan.gov with \’Beaver Island Deer Proposal\’ as the subject title. Residents have until October 31 to submit their feedback.