HUMBOLDT TOWNSHIP, MI (AP)-- Plans are moving forward for a 600-acre whitetail deer ranch in Marquette County despite concerns from area residents.
The Mining Journal reports the Humboldt Township planning commission this week approved plans by Elton Luce Jr. for the Circle L5 ranch. Specially bred whitetail deer would be brought from a downstate ranch.
The perimeter of the ranch would be surrounded by an electrified fence to keep the deer in and predators out. Deer would be killed with the assistance of hunting guides.
Opponents discussed concerns about chronic wasting disease — a contagious, fatal disease that attacks the brains of infected deer and elk. CWD has been found in the Lower Peninsula. They also say they're concerned about the safety of people nearby.
