Hunting has always been a favorite tradition and pastime of many Southwest Michigan families, and I will continue to protect your hunting rights. I want to pass along some useful information and urge all outdoor enthusiasts to hunt safely.
According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), more than 600,000 hunters harvested about 335,000 deer last year and contributed more than $2 billion to Michigan’s economy. Also, residents of Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties in 2015 purchased nearly 74,000 hunting licenses.
While regular firearm season on Nov. 15-30 is the most popular deer hunting season, it’s not the only one. Archery deer season runs Oct. 1 to Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 to Jan. 1; disabled veterans and hunters with disabilities can hunt Oct. 13-16; muzzle loading deer season is Dec. 2-18 in southern Michigan; and late antlerless deer firearm season runs from Dec. 19 to Jan. 1.
This information and more is included in my 2016 Hunting Update, which is available on my website at www.SenatorJohnProos.com/publications.
Hunting guides, including all current Michigan rules and regulations, can be found at www.michigan.gov/hunting. On the site, you can also learn about all other hunting seasons and how to get a license.
At www.michigan.gov/mihunt, visitors can create and print customized routes. The Mi-HUNT feature enables hunters to view seven million acres of state and federal public lands and printable hunting maps highlighting the vegetation of most interest to hunters.
Residents can buy hunting licenses from a local licensing agent or online 24 hours a day at www.mdnr-elicense.com. If you want to buy your licenses locally, click on “License Agent Locations” to find licensing agents in each county.
Smartphone technology can improve convenience for all sportsmen and also help enhance the outdoor experience with access to invaluable information.
I recently co-sponsored legislation to have the DNR create applications that enable hunters and anglers to show proof of a license on their smartphones. The legislation would also require the DNR to further implement mobile technology into other services, such as providing information on points of public access, nearby trails, descriptions of game species and hunting boundaries.
Happy hunting! I hope everyone has a safe and successful season.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents southwest Michigan.