Jan. 29, 2008

Since prehistoric times, deer hunting has helped define the essence of life in Michigan.  While it has evolved over the years from a fundamental means of survival for Native Americans to an enormously popular sport enjoyed by more than 700,000 hunters every year, deer hunting remains integral to Michigan's very identity.  "A-Hunting We Will Go: Deer Hunting in Michigan," a special exhibit at the Michigan Historical Museum in downtown Lansing that explores this element of Michigan's rich heritage, has been extended until March 31.

Open since August 2007 and originally set to run through January, the exhibit tells the story of deer hunting in Michigan, with a glimpse at its beginnings and a focus on its development into the widespread pastime it is today.

From the traditions and culture of deer camp - so familiar to Michiganians they became immortalized in Jeff Daniels' movie "Escanaba in da Moonlight" - to the prominence of hunting-based businesses like Jay's Sporting Goods and hunting advocates like Fred Bear and Ted Nugent, deer hunting is a key part of Michigan's distinctive character.

"Deer hunting has changed dramatically since prehistoric times - even in the last several decades - but the connection between those early Michigan hunters and modern hunters lies in a shared understanding of and respect for the animals they hunted, a love of the outdoors and a joy in the camaraderie of the hunt," said Phil Kwiatkowski, director of the Michigan Historical Museum system.  "This common bond is at the heart of what makes deer hunting a unique and important part of our state's heritage, and we're proud to fully share that story through this expansive exhibit."

For thousands of years, long before Europeans arrived in Michigan in the early 17th century, Native Americans relied on deer for food and as a source for bone tools and other byproducts, Kwiatkowski said.  "In the late 19th century, most deer hunting was done by professional hunters to acquire venison to sell as provisions for logging companies and railroad construction crews," he noted.  "During the early 20th century, deer hunting became a sporting endeavor, but could only be enjoyed - for the most part - by the wealthy, who had the leisure time, the money and the travel capability to go on hunting trips."

It wasn't until the automotive industry gave the general public access to good-paying jobs, cars and vacation time that deer hunting became the popular and widespread sport that it is today.

Kwiatkowski said the exhibit touches on various facets of Michigan's long relationship with deer hunting - deer camp culture, elite hunting clubs, the Department of Natural Resources and scientific research, "Escanaba in da Moonlight," Jay's Sporting Goods, Bear Archery, the connection between hunting and labor unions, the Mackinac Bridge, the lumber and railroad industries, and more - and features artifacts from tools used by prehistoric hunters to firearms through the ages to Ted Nugent's loincloth. 

The Michigan Historical Museum is located inside the Michigan Library and Historical Center, 702 West Kalamazoo St., two blocks west of the State Capitol in downtown Lansing. The main entrance and visitor parking are located north of Kalamazoo Street, just east of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Museum hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Admission and weekend parking are free.

The Michigan Historical Museum, the flagship of the Michigan Historical Museum System, is fully accredited by the American Association of Museums. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/museum or call (517) 373-3559, TDD (517) 373-1592.

The Michigan Historical Museum System is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, an agency of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).