Jan. 4 'check in' deadline for hunters

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - The Michigan Department of Natural Resources says Friday is the last day for hunters to check in deer following last year's hunt.

The DNR says biological data received at check stations helps it make management decisions. Skulls with intact jaws, teeth and antlers are needed for the optional check-in. Hunters who participate get a 2012 deer management cooperator patch.

A list of check stations is posted online. Hunters who killed a deer in Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Iosco, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle or Roscommon counties are asked to submit the deer's head for bovine tuberculosis testing.

Bovine tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial disease of cattle and other animals. Authorities found it among Michigan deer in 1994.

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Online:

http://www.michigan.gov/deer