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.