Pontiac Times

Matt Maddock, a Michigan state legislator, shared a series of posts on August 7, 2025, addressing concerns about deer overpopulation and hunting regulations in the state.

In his first post of the day, Maddock made a brief statement: "Not could. Will." (August 7, 2025).

Later that afternoon, he highlighted the financial and safety impacts of deer-related incidents in Michigan: "MI leads #4 in deer hits @ 60k Costs us half a billion a year and we have record over 2 million deer. Time for free hunting 24/7 any deer. Anytime. Anywhere." (August 7, 2025).

In an additional post that evening, Maddock commented on the complexity of local regulations: "You need to hire two attorneys to figure out the hunting and fishing laws in Michigan" (August 7, 2025).

Michigan has consistently ranked among states with high numbers of vehicle-deer collisions each year. The costs associated with these accidents include property damage and insurance claims totaling hundreds of millions annually. The state's white-tailed deer population is estimated at over two million, contributing to increased risks for motorists and prompting ongoing debates about wildlife management strategies.

Hunting regulations in Michigan are set by the Department of Natural Resources and are often viewed as complex due to numerous seasonal restrictions and licensing requirements. Lawmakers have periodically proposed changes aimed at simplifying these rules or expanding hunting opportunities as part of broader efforts to control the deer population.