Deer Management Program
The City of Norton Shores is again launching its Deer Management Program, following its approval during the October 17, 2023, City Council meeting. This initiative is designed to help manage the local deer population through a managed archery hunt to control the number of antlerless deer in designated areas across the city.
We will start taking applications on Monday, September 16, 2024. We will pick the hunters and notify them via email by September 30th. The hunt will begin on October 26, 2024, and conclude in January.
With the support of Michigan DNR guidelines, Norton Shores will allow 20-25 volunteer hunters to participate in this program. Discussions leading to the program's approval occurred during City Council work sessions in June and September, highlighting the need for responsible wildlife management.
The city seeks interested and qualified hunters to join this year's program. If you're an experienced hunter looking to contribute to community efforts, please apply under Michigan DNR regulations.
CITY OF NORTON SHORES DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM GUIDELINES
• The Norton Shores deer management program is an organized archery hunting program that adheres to all Ml DNR rules and regulations.
• All volunteer hunters must be pre-approved by the City of Norton Shores by submitting an application, passing an archery proficiency test, and completing a mandatory orientation.
• Hunters must harvest at least two antlerless deer before taking an antlered deer. Hunters must purchase and use their own deer tag for any antlered deer as the management permits are only antlerless. Hunters must harvest deer as cleanly as possible, and no field dressing is allowed on site.
• Attached is a map of the areas highlighted in orange, including public and privately owned land. All City parks will remain open during the managed archery hunting program. Official signage will be placed on public property to inform pedestrians of hunting activity in the area.
• City staff must be made aware of the location, time/date, and if hunting from the ground or tree stand of every hunter while actively participating in the deer management program. Volunteer hunters must always carry the official City deer management program ID provided to them while hunting.
• Any volunteer hunter violating the guidelines described above will be swiftly removed from the program.
Please email completed applications to Brian Clarke, Parks and Recreation Superintendent, at bclarke@nortonshores.org
231-798-4391 ext.1400