Well guys, there is antlered and antlerless in Michigan but antlerless can also mean a button buck here.
Me. I prefer a doe for the freezer but November 15 will find me and my smoke pole (centerfire isn't allowed here) on private land hopefully bagging a mount for the wall.
Between the holidays, I'll be on my own ground in northern Michigan in search of that freezer fare.
As a rule, up north, on my own ground, I always carry a sidearm in addition to a rifle because of the trespass/poacher issue. My ground is adjacent to public hunting land, well posted and well trespassed on I might add. Michigan is an open carry state and I also have a CPL which contradicts each other. I still open carry in the woods or going to the local in and out mart up north but conceal down here because of the population density.
My issue with trespassers/poachers is they don't respect my property, they litter, they deface and they trash my blind and that ****es me off.
Not sure what I'd do if I caught a trespasser, probably would depend on my mood and their demeanor. Like Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote......The woods, cold and deep and miles to go before I sleep....
My S&W 44 magnum long barrel revolver has no conscience. Neither do the Sierra Jacketed hollow points in the cylinder.
I came close 2 years ago with a bow hunter. He realized he was out gunned and decided to leave my ground without incident. I wasn't hunting at the time, just walking in the woods but I was packing my revolver. I do have bears raoming up there. Better to be prepared than mauled.
One big problem thats arisen as of late is there are a lot more 'hunters' than in previous years and that means a lot more uneducated in huntcraft, inconsiderate and downright don't give a **** about whats yours and whats theirs 'hunters'.
The doe permits in my county were sold out in 1/2 hour, I've never seen that before in 20 years.
I also suspect there will be more 'hunting' accidents from uneducated 'hunters' with firearms this year. We can thank Obama for all this actually. The awareness level concerning firearms is very high. Consequently, there are a bunch of newbies, trying their hand at hunting, who have no idea about rules or property or just common sense in handling a firearm.
I quit the local gun club for just that reason. Too many idiots with guns.
Maybe some sort of gun control isn't all that bad.... good greif, what did I just say.....