The Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs more deer heads to avoid the possibility of burdensome new mandates imposed on area cow farmers.

Through an agreement with the federal government, the state must collect a specified number of deer heads harvested from specific parts of the state — including Alpena, Montmorency, and Alcona counties — to test the heads for bovine tuberculosis. Failure to meet the targets could result in a renegotiation of the agreement, which could mean more restrictions and mandated red tape for farmers.

As of last week, the DNR is still a few hundred heads short, News staff writer Crystal Nelson reported.

Presque Isle, Iosco, and Ogema counties met the requirements, but 53 more tests are needed in Cheboygan County, 151 in Crawford County, 77 in Otsego County, and 15 in Roscommon County.

The state wildlife veterinarian told Nelson any deer taken in 2020 can be included in the tests, and hunters still can turn in deer heads they may have stored, and it’s still possible for the state to make its targets.

But it needs your help, hunters, to do so.

If you took a deer last year: First off, congratulations. Secondly, please take the time to take the head into the DNR for testing

— Alpena News