Hunting has always been a favorite tradition and pastime of many Southwest Michigan families.

Our rich hunting heritage plays a vital role in Michigan’s economy and way of life, and I will continue to protect your hunting rights.

Deer firearm season is about to start, and I want to pass along some useful information and urge all outdoors enthusiasts to hunt safely.

First, while the regular firearm season from Nov. 15-30 is the most popular deer hunting season, it’s not the only one. Archery season continues Dec. 1 to Jan.1; muzzle-loading season in southern Michigan is Dec. 5-21; and late antlerless firearm season runs from Dec. 22 to Jan. 1.

Hunting guides, including all rules and regulations, can be found at: www.michigan.gov/hunting.

On the site, you can also learn about all other hunting seasons and how to get a license. Hunters can use Mi-HUNT to create and print customized routes. The feature enables hunters to view seven million acres of state and federal public lands and printable hunting maps highlighting the vegetation of most interest to hunters.

Residents can buy hunting licenses from a local licensing agent or online 24-hours-a-day at: www.mdnr-elicense.com. If you want to buy your licenses locally, click on “License Agent Locations” to find licensing agents in each county.

I urge all hunters to keep safety in mind. Most hunting-associated injuries and casualties are preventable. Please follow gun safety rules like wearing “hunter’s orange” and never mixing hunting with drinking.

Remember that wearing hunter’s orange when hunting with a firearm is the law in Michigan, and during the November firearm season it also applies to bow hunters.

By hunting safely, we all can help ensure an enjoyable time for the entire family and help protect Southwest Michigan’s hunting heritage for generations to come.

Happy hunting! I hope everyone has a safe and successful season.

Sen. John Proos, R-St. Joseph, represents the 21st District, which includes Berrien and Cass counties and most of Van Buren County.