The Michigan DNR is currently facing a tidal wave of pressure from all sides. With the 2026-2028 regulation cycle on the horizon, every hunter has an opinion—but where does the science end and the emotion begin?

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Ketelaar, President of the Michigan National Deer Association (NDA) and Chair of the Lower Peninsula Deer Advisory Team (DAT). Mike is at the center of the conversations that shape how we hunt, and he’s here to pull back the curtain on how these decisions are actually made.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Crossbow Debate: We discuss the data behind crossbow regulations, their impact on the harvest, and what the 2026 rules actually mean for archery season.

• Resolving the Pressure: How the DNR and the DAT handle the intense public pressure while trying to maintain a healthy deer herd.

• Science Over Emotion: Why personal anecdotes from the coffee shop can’t drive policy. Mike explains the biological data used to ensure Michigan’s herd thrives for generations.

• Making a Real Difference: If you want to see change in Michigan, complaining on social media isn't enough. Mike breaks down the professional and effective way to advocate for the deer and the sport.

If you care about the future of Michigan’s woods, this is a must-watch. It’s time to move past the "us vs. them" mentality and look at the facts.

Is Michigan’s deer hunting in crisis? In this episode of the Everland Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with renowned land manager and whitetail advocate Skip Sligh to take a hard look at the current state of Michigan hunting and what needs to change before it’s too late.

Michigan has some of the most passionate hunters in the country, but from outdated regulations to a "brown is down" mentality, we are facing an uphill battle in preserving the quality of our resource. Skip breaks down the specific Michigan hunting law changes necessary to improve age structure and herd health, including the debate over APRs (Antler Point Restrictions) and the impact of our current firearm season dates.

Beyond the laws, we dive into the hunter’s mindset. If we want better hunting, we have to be the change. We discuss how landowners and hunters can shift their approach to management, the power of unified advocacy, and how to effectively voice your concerns to the Michigan NRC and DNR.

In this episode, we cover:

• Michigan Hunting Regulations: What’s working, what’s failing, and the "Iowa Model" vs. the Michigan reality.
• The Mentality Shift: Moving from a "me first" harvest approach to a "resource first" conservation mindset.
• Advocacy for Change: Practical steps for Michigan hunters to influence legislation and preserve the whitetail legacy.
• Landowner Impact: How private land management plays a role in the greater good of the state’s herd.

Join the movement to keep Michigan hunting great. 🌲🦌

Timestamps:

0:00 – Introduction: The state of Michigan Whitetail hunting. 5:20 – Guest Skip Sligh: Why Michigan is at a crossroads. 15:45 – Necessary Law Changes: APRs, Season Dates, and the DNR. 32:10 – Changing the Hunter’s Mentality: Quality over Quantity. 48:00 – How to get involved: Influencing Michigan hunting legislation. 1:05:30 – Preserving the resource for the next generation.

Connect with Us:

• Website: Everlandoutdoors.com
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• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AerialWildlifeSolutions

Keywords :

Michigan Deer Hunting, Skip Sligh, Michigan DNR, Michigan Hunting Laws, Whitetail Deer Management, Michigan Landowners, Hunting Regulations 2026, Antler Point Restrictions Michigan, Michigan Whitetail Conservation, Everland Outdoors Podcast.

Frank Brock from Morse Nursery joins the Everland Outdoors Podcast to talk about building better wildlife habitat through long-term planning and smart land stewardship. As a family-owned nursery based in Indiana, Morse Nursery specializes in high-quality fruit, nut, and berry-producing trees designed to enhance food plots, orchards, and overall wildlife habitat.

In this episode, we discuss how cultivated trees can increase land productivity, support healthy wildlife populations, and provide lasting value for landowners. From habitat improvement strategies to selecting the right trees for your property, this conversation highlights why trees aren’t just an investment — they’re a renewable resource that pays dividends for years to come.

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