Is Michigan’s deer hunting in a state of crisis, or is it simply at a turning point? In this powerhouse episode of the Everland Podcast, we’ve assembled a "Mount Rushmore" of whitetail expertise to dissect the current state of Michigan’s deer management.We are joined by four industry titans, each bringing a unique philosophy on how to fix the "Michigan problem":Skip Sligh (Iowa Whitetail): The land management guru who brings the "Iowa perspective." Skip breaks down why Michigan is at a crossroads and what law changes—from APRs to season dates—are non-negotiable if we want to improve age structure.Mike Ketelaar (President, Michigan NDA): The man in the "arena." Mike pulls back the curtain on the Deer Management Initiative (DMI) and the Lower Peninsula Advisory Team, explaining how science must override emotion in the 2026-2028 regulation cycle.Dr. James Kroll (aka "Dr. Deer"): The legendary biologist delivers a masterclass on herd health. Dr. Kroll challenges the status quo, diving into the impact of doe harvests, the reality of CWD science, and why state-level management needs a radical shift.While our guests may differ on the how—whether it’s through strict legislative changes, biological mandates, or habitat-first strategies—they all land on one undeniable truth: The Michigan hunter must unite. For decades, infighting and "coffee shop biology" have stalled progress. This episode is a call to action. If we want a world-class resource, we have to move past the "me-first" harvest mentality and speak with one voice to the NRC and DNR.If you're interested more in learning about Everland Outdoors, please visit any of our social media platforms or our website at EverlandOutdoors.com To listen to any of these episodes in full: Skip - https://youtu.be/x8RdbAAO3k8?si=3Q83yWgPEsIITBRkMike Keelaar - https://youtu.be/IU7fp3WJxEw?si=VfR2SYf3utfSYRUPDr. Deer - https://youtu.be/o6JUkcuRxQ8?si=T0KYHxJlsn_mUwJQNorth American Big Game Model - The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation is a set of seven principles guiding sustainable, science-based management of fish and wildlife as a public trust in the US and Canada. Developed to reverse 19th-century overexploitation, it ensures wildlife is managed by government agencies, prohibits commercial markets for game, and democratizes access to hunting. Key Principles of the ModelWildlife as Public Trust Resource: Wildlife is managed by the government for the benefit of all people, not owned by individuals.Elimination of Markets for Game: Commercial trafficking in dead game is prohibited to prevent depletion.Allocation of Wildlife by Law: Access is regulated through democratic, law-based systems like hunting seasons and bag limits.Kill Only for Legitimate Purposes: Game is taken for food, fur, or self-defense, not wasted.International Resources: Migratory species are managed across borders.Science-Based Management: Policy is driven by scientific research rather than emotion.Democracy of Hunting: All citizens have access to hunting, regardless of social status or wealth.