[Westbury]

I haven't seen any mention yet of Escanaba so I'll offer that up as an option. I don't live there but have been going up to the area several times a year for nearly 20 years. It is a decent sized town, people are friendly, and is situated on the water. Don't know about any VA info but for a town that size I'd think they'd have something. I've spent a fair amount of time on the east side as well and never really noticed a difference in quality of people....good experiences all over the UP. As far as hunting, no hunters care if a person doesn't hunt. It's only those who are opposed to ethical hunting that risk being scorned. Hunting is a way of life for many in the UP and people should respect that heritage. Good luck to you!

[valzena]

Todd, yep I am an animal lover and a vegetarian so the hunting aspect is a challenge for me to accept. It is definitely a drawback for me. I can no longer enjoy my walk in the woods for fear I would be mistaken for an animal and reading the local paper is mostly pics of people and there "kill". I don't understand that mentality.... Anyway, after reading some other's comments I am wishing I could afford the more progressive small norther towns mentioned here.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by valzena

Todd, yep I am an animal lover and a vegetarian so the hunting aspect is a challenge for me to accept. It is definitely a drawback for me. I can no longer enjoy my walk in the woods for fear I would be mistaken for an animal and reading the local paper is mostly pics of people and there "kill". I don't understand that mentality.... Anyway, after reading some other's comments I am wishing I could afford the more progressive small norther towns mentioned here.

The UP has a long history of survival of the fittest. Substance living continues in the outback , however , today , its more about tradition than actual survival. The Deer Camps are more about male bonding , than hunting .
Aside all this is the love of the outdoors , the beauty of our natural settings that surround us at every turn. We all need to give a little , both sides, and find common ground in what we share , the UP , a very special place........

[bryan61]

I love the Central UP. If it were me Id be looking in Delta, Dickenson or Menominee counties putting you within an hours drive of the VA medical center in Iron mountain. You could pick up a nice chunk of land with a house on the Big Cedar river for reasonable price. You would also be a little over an hour from Green Bay

[stanman13]

Originally Posted by valzena

Todd, yep I am an animal lover and a vegetarian so the hunting aspect is a challenge for me to accept. It is definitely a drawback for me. I can no longer enjoy my walk in the woods for fear I would be mistaken for an animal and reading the local paper is mostly pics of people and there "kill". I don't understand that mentality....

Originally Posted by darstar

The UP has a long history of survival of the fittest. Substance living continues in the outback , however , today , its more about tradition than actual survival. The Deer Camps are more about male bonding , than hunting.

Since we have eliminated most of the predators from the northern forests, we are responsible to keep the animal populations in check. Have you ever seen a deer dying of starvation, bovine tuberculosis, or chronic wasting disease? These are all caused (either directly or indirectly) by overpopulation. A quick death from a bullet is far more humane, and feeds a family as well.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by stanman13

Since we have eliminated most of the predators from the northern forests, we are responsible to keep the animal populations in check. Have you ever seen a deer dying of starvation, bovine tuberculosis, or chronic wasting disease? These are all caused (either directly or indirectly) by overpopulation. A quick death from a bullet is far more humane, and feeds a family as well.

I doubt very much that first and foremost on the minds of the hunters is the deer population issues. If it is such a problem , then why not have hunting season year round ? I am not against hunting , if , that is your thought , and , there must be a better argument , for going out into the woods with a big gun. Lets face it , its all about the hunt , the killing , the power over the animal , and , like I said , the male bonding at the deer camp.......If you hunt for food , then , I understand , but , those days have long past for most .

[stanman13]

I didn't mean to suggest that that was first and foremost on the minds of hunters. But stocking the freezer with venison is. All the "male bonding" stuff is very secondary. In fact, there are many hunters who do so alone. While I understand someone's feeling of not wanting to hunt, anyone considering moving to Michigan, especially the UP, needs to understand that it is a place where hunting is commonplace. And Michigan does have a deer overpopulation problem, which is why we have extended hunting seasons and bag limits. Being a hunter also does not mean you don't love animals.

I certainly didn't intend to offend you, but that is a reality wherever you go in Michigan.

[bryan61]

UP Whitetails in conjunction with the DNR do a fine job of controlling deer populations. They set up yards during the tough winter months to feed when theres to much snow or winter is long. They nurse deer herds with loving care and promote safe and legal hunting while tracking and counting the harvest during hunting season. Every country boy goes through a little craze when he thinks hes king of the forest, puts a brush guard on his junk PU truck and paints deer slayer on the hood but dont paint all hunters with that brush

[valzena]

This was not meant to turn into a debate about hunting......I was letting him know what to expect. In my ideal world we wouldn't kill any being. It is not so black and white though. Maybe if the deer had guns too, it would be more acceptable. Just kiddin'. Kinda! Also, it is never really a clean shot and the deer is instantly down without knowing what hit it. It's a couple shots and then tracking the injured deer..Then the whole "male bonding" caveman grunts and hanging up of the deer for display thing that is offensive to me. But, I do have to say, it is by far a more humane act than factory farming if you choose to eat meat. .
Oh, and the overpopulation argument......haha
So....maybe that's the solution to all the starving people in the world. If you wanna talk overpopulation and the eating up of resources....... Based on that argument of starving and wasting deer, how come you aren't taking those ones out of their misery and leaving the big, strong ones to enjoy the beauty of nature you talk about. That way it's also survival of the fittest in the deer pop too and you would seem more believable on that argument. Male bonding can be done without guns and killing, No? Anyway, this was not supposed to be a hunting debate just some info to anyone interested in the area to be aware of if they asked as he had about the hunting in the area.

[Bydand]

Originally Posted by valzena

Also, it is never really a clean shot and the deer is instantly down without knowing what hit it. It's a couple shots and then tracking the injured deer..Then the whole "male bonding" caveman grunts and hanging up of the deer for display thing that is offensive to me.

First thing first. I have NEVER had to track a deer I have shot. Not even a couple of steps. They can be put down so they don't know you are even there. One second, walking or browsing along, the next second - dead.

Second, I have NEVER grunted in a caveman like fashion, let alone over a dead animal, and around my friends. I have NEVER heard anyone grunt like a caveman before, during or after hunting either. Very shallow attempt at a sarcastic poke at the mentality of those who hunt I might add.

Third, the hanging of a deer is NOT for display, it is to drain the blood out of the animal and let it "cure" for a time period so they are not so tough. Just like any beef or other meat product you may eat or buy from a restaurant or grocery store.

You personally may not agree with hunting, there is nothing wrong with that, and I respect that. But some of your comments indicate you are not nearly so educated about hunting as you may think. Have you ever personally witnessed a deer or any other animal that is starving to death in the winter, or due to overpopulation? I doubt it, because if you had, you wouldn't make light of it. As much as the anti-hunting population would like to attribute human-like emotions and feelings to animals, there isn't one shred of evidence that they comprehend the world like we do. Comparing them to humans, and then animals starving to humans who are starving is just ludicrous, and frankly quite offensive.