Hunters are happier than they’ve been in nearly a decade and a half, according to a recent Michigan Department of Natural Resources survey.

The DNR’s annual survey — 20,000 responded — found that more than half of the hunters said they had had a satisfying deer hunting experience in 2021. That’s the highest percentage since at least 2008, according to a recent story by News staff writer Julie Riddle.

The happy hunters said they were pleased with how many deer they saw during the hunt, which likely reflects a flourishing deer population, Chad Stewart, deer biologist for the DNR, told Riddle.

The flourishing deer population is likely the result of fewer hunters in the woods, which is a bad thing.

But happy hunters who share their stories with others could encourage other hunters to head out to their blinds, and that would be a good thing.

One study by the Michigan United Conservation Clubs found hunters contribute nearly $9 billion to the economy and support more than 135,000 Michigan jobs.

And some of that money gets spent right here in Northeast Michigan.

So we’re happy to see happy hunters, and we hope we get to see more of them in the near future.