MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - 2014, along with the added months or January and February of 2015 was the most successful in Meridian Township's Deer Management Program.

159 deer have been harvested and deer-car collisions have dropped to 137. That was 43 less than 2013.

Parks and Land Management Coordinator Jane Greenway gave a presentation at the Township Board meeting on April 7th about the latest figures from the program.

She says the program not only helps control the deer population and the problems it caused, it also provides a recreational opportunity for the Township's hunting lovers.

Hunters received an archery workshop session and get a permit from the Township to hunt. They can keep the second deer they hunted to themselves and the head mount of those donated. There were 25 volunteers in the year 2011. And that number grew to 103 last year. The most common feedback from the hunters is that they appreciate joining the harvest.

While complaints such as damage to personal property and concerns about public health from residents has decreased, more concerns focus on feeding deer.

"Some people think they are helping the deer because it is harsh winter but there is really isn't. it may be unintentionally harming the wild life by feeding them. the problem is that someone is feeding the deer. it might be drawing a deer from across the street, and then it got hit by a car. it's just not a good thing," said Greenway.

She also suggest the Township consider a feeding ban, like some other communities have done.

In all, the managed deer harvest went well. More than 1650 pounds of venison has been distributed through the Mid-Michigan Food Bank.