State Rep. Jennifer Wortz on Tuesday introduced a plan to encourage doe hunting and rein in Michigan’s excessive deer population.

As the population has grown in recent years, deer have caused an uptick in car accidents and crop destruction. Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources has urged hunters to shoot more doe to limit breeding and reduce the size of deer herds, without great success. Wortz said her House Bill 4206, which offers free doe hunting licenses, would incentivize more doe hunting in the state.

“Too many deer are eating crops in our fields and hitting cars on our roads — endangering lives, damaging vehicles, and reducing our food supply,” said Wortz, R-Quincy. “State officials are trying to promote doe hunting to put a stop to overpopulation, but not enough hunters are bucking trends and taking down doe. My plan will encourage this necessary population control with a very simple incentive: two free doe tags for every hunter. Making doe hunting more affordable will ease the way for Michiganders to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, bring home some venison, and participate in critical conservation efforts.”

An antlerless deer license authorizes killing one doe. The license currently costs $20 on top of the price of the base hunting license, and a hunter may purchase up to 10 annually. HB 4206 would allow anyone who buys a base license in Michigan to obtain two free antlerless deer licenses each year.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources and Tourism.