Forgive me if I post this in the wrong area, I'm a new member just wondering where the heck all the deer went this past year, and if there's any possible explaination for it. I've hunted Montcalm Co. for almost 20 years now, and I have NEVER seen a terrible turnout as this past year for deer harvesting. The new baiting laws don't help any. In fact, it's completely hindering the few of us that hunt as hard as the pros, and still end up with rotten luck. I've taken only 4 deer in my life, and 2 of them small bucks. I only took the bucks I saw because I was ecstatic to see ANY. I hunt every minute I possibly can, I buy the best new or used gear I can afford, I try scents, rattling, and moving my treestand. I've tried EVERYTHING I can think of short of foodplots and baiting. Foodplots may be the next step for me though. I've even talked with good friends of mine that hunt in groups and some families that hunt together. Same result. So, can someone tell me what the hecks going on in this part of the state?? Or is the unemployment and poverty in Montcalm Co. hitting the deer herd too?! I think the state is FULL of it when they say the deer herd is up!!