Wednesday, Sep 30, 2026

This fall, MNA will be implementing a white-tailed deer management program at both Timberland Swamp and Saginaw Wetlands Nature Sanctuaries. MNA carefully considers impacts and concerns related to the removal of nuisance wildlife species prior to implementing management programs. 

In recent years, numerous Michigan Nature Association volunteers, members, stewards, board members, and staff have been reporting a loss of diversity and concerns related to the impact of white-tailed deer browse pressure at many MNA sanctuaries, including both Timberland Swamp and Saginaw Wetlands. MNA has also conducted vegetative deer browse impact surveys at Timberland Swamp for several years, and the survey results have demonstrated browse tendencies associated with extreme white-tailed deer browse pressure over time, and associated changes in forest stratification and wildlife habitat that run contrary to the goals for the sanctuary. 

Forest wildlife and vegetative diversity likely have been and will continue to be heavily impacted at Timberland Swamp and Saginaw Wetlands without continuing management efforts. In order to better protect the biodiversity of the sanctuaries, including the diversity of wildflowers, songbirds, reptiles amphibians, and other species, as well as the ability of the forest to regenerate and remain healthy and the ability of wetlands to maintain their quality and diversity, the Michigan Nature Association will be implementing a deer management program at Timberland Swamp Nature Sanctuary and Saginaw Wetlands Nature Sanctuary during the upcoming fall and winter hunting seasons.     

The program has been planned with the safety of sanctuary users, neighbors, adjoining parks, and wildlife inhabitants in mind. The program is being conducted under a deer management agreement with a team of experienced hunters.

Note that this notice is not an invitation for open public hunting of white-tailed deer within the sanctuary. Any unauthorized hunting within the sanctuary will be prosecuted.

Below are the program operation schedules for each sanctuary:

Timberland Swamp: 

The program will operate Wednesday through Friday between October 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027 with actual deer management occurring only on the following dates:

Saginaw Wetlands:

The program will operate Friday through Monday between October 1 and November 14, 2025, as well as all days between November 15 and December 9, 2024 with actual deer management occurring only on the following dates:

Numerous safety zones and no hunting areas have been identified to keep the program a safe distance from neighboring properties. If you have any questions or concerns related to either nature sanctuary, MNA, or this year’s deer management program, please contact MNA Conservation Director Andrew Bacon at 517-580-3021 or abacon@michigannature.org.