In an effort to control the deer population on Power Island, Grand Traverse County Parks and Recreation has opened the island again this year for deer hunting during the two bow seasons. 

Hunting is authorized between October 1 and November 14 and December 1 through January 1. No permit fee is required; however, every hunter is required to carry the appropriate deer license and to follow all DNR guidelines and laws related to hunting. Hunting antlerless deer is encouraged.

The DNR recommends deer hunting on the island in order to prevent attrition through starvation. “There simply is not enough vegetation here for large numbers of deer to survive,” says County Parks and Recreation Ranger Fred Tank. The county will also use the DNR’s Deer Management Assistance (DMA) Program to harvest deer, with venison processed and then donated to Food Rescue of Northern Michigan and/or veterans in need.