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.

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; hunters with disabilities can hunt Oct. 19-22; muzzle loading deer season is Dec. 1-17 in southern Michigan; and late antlerless deer firearm season runs from Dec. 18 to Jan. 1.

Other hunting seasons in Michigan include: pheasant and quail from Oct. 20 to Nov. 14, turkey and ruffed grouse from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14, sharp-tailed grouse Oct. 10-31, and (in southern Michigan) duck and goose from Oct. 14 to Dec. 10.

This information and more is included in my 2017 Hunting Update, which is available on my website, at SenatorJohnProos.com/publications. Hunting guides, including all current Michigan rules and regulations, may be found at michigan.gov/hunting.

At 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 may buy hunting licenses from a local licensing agent or online 24 hours a day at mdnr-elicense.com. If you want to buy your licenses locally, click on “License Agent Locations” to find licensing agents in each county.

Chronic Wasting Disease is a fatal, contagious neurological disease affecting deer and elk. Since a free-ranging deer in Michigan tested positive in 2015 for CWD, 10 more animals have tested positive in Michigan.

The state has taken constructive steps to help contain this threat and protect our deer population. These new rules impact those hunting in other states and those hunting in Michigan within areas where CWD has been found. For more information, visit michigan.gov/cwd.

Happy hunting! I hope everyone has a safe and successful season.

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