Archery season already is underway and Opening Day of firearm deer season is just weeks away, meaning hunters across Northeast Michigan are salivating over the chance of landing that big buck.

But the Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants hunters to think a little differently this season.

The DNR wants hunters to consider taking a doe.

The deer population is getting a little out of hand, especially downstate, and the DNR wants hunters to take doe to help keep the population under control.

Does may not provide as striking a trophy, but their meat tastes just as good, and we’d encourage hunters to consider taking a doe this season.

Hunting is about tradition. Hunting is about family. Hunting is about sport.

But hunting is most importantly about wildlife conservation.

Hunters play an important role in managing wildlife populations so they stay at sustainable, healthy levels.

We urge every hunter to take seriously that responsibility and play their part by not letting every doe go by this year.