Free Republic

A 10-point buck sought sanctuary inside a southern Michigan church on opening day of the state's firearm deer hunting season. Pastors at Grace Christian Fellowship in Sturgis encountered the buck inside the church's auditorium on Monday before it leapt through a window and back into the wild. A video the church posted on Facebook shows the buck wandering around the church. [video at link]

With the start of firearm deer season beginning Monday, the DNR is asking hunters and drivers to be safe this season. Firearm deer hunting season begins Monday, and as thousands finalize their preparations, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding everyone to be safe. They say nearly half a million hunters are expected to take part. So far, hunting license sales are down about 5%, although the night before the season opens is the largest purchase date of the year, according to the DNR. With the start of the season comes a reminder to be aware on the...

New data from the United States Department of Agriculture [USDA] suggests that white-tailed deer across certain U.S. states have been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The news comes as scientists attempt to learn more about how the virus affects different species of mammals, in addition to humans. The agency added in its report that while "antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 33 percent of the 481 samples collected from January 2020 through 2021," none of the deer showed any signs of illness associated with the virus or COVID-19. Additionally, they noted the study was only intended to...

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- The first weekend of deer season began with hunters adjusting to a new rule: spikehorn deer -- male deer that have just a single antler -- are off limits to this year. The regulation is designed to try and strengthen herd numbers. The regulations also reduce the number of deer a hunter can take during the state's archery, rifle and black powder seasons from three to two. "I was a little bit worried about it this year, but I think in the end it will be well-worth it," said hunter Jeff Kershner. I would like to see...