Not to discount the importance of tradition, but hunting means so much more to Northeast Michigan than that alone.

Hunting matters to Northeast Michigan’s economy, generating some $140 million in economic activity here every year as hunters buy licenses, gear, and food and out-of-towners come to Northeast Michigan and spend on lodging, according to a 2019 report by Michigan United Conservation Clubs.

Hunting matters to Northeast Michigan’s environment, as overpopulated deer tend to overeat their habitat, making way for the invasive species they won’t eat to thrive and limiting biodiversity, which can impact other animals, from insects to other mammals, according to a Michigan Department of Natural Resources deer expert.

Overpopulated deer also spread disease among themselves and can spread it to livestock, further hurting the economy.

Hunting remains the best way to control the deer population, the DNR says.

Yet fewer and fewer hunters head out into the woods these days.

According to data provided by the DNR to The News, about 300 fewer Northeast Michiganders bought deer hunting licenses in 2023 than in 2019, The News reported in a four-part series, “Hunting in decline,” which wrapped up publication on Tuesday.

According to an MLive story using similar DNR data, hundreds upon hundreds of additional hunters have hung up their rifles over the last decade.

Sporting goods stores employees told The News they’re seeing fewer hunters these days. They’ve especially noticed fewer younger hunters, which doesn’t bode well for turning around the data and getting more people into the woods in future years.

Hunting remains particularly important to Northeast Michigan, where about 2,000 out of every 10,000 residents had a hunting license in 2023, compared with fewer than 600 out of every 10,000 residents statewide.

Yet we need more people to keep the tradition alive, for our economy and our environment.

We know hunting isn’t for everyone. Some people simply don’t like the idea of sitting out in the cold for hours at a time, waiting for a buck or doe to walk within range. Others viscerally oppose the idea of killing an animal.

Yet The News’ research for the “Hunting in decline” series makes clear that hunting brings benefits to Northeast Michigan, and we — meaning environmentalists, sporting goods stores, hotels and more — need more hunters in the woods.

So if you used to hunt and gave it up because you ran out of time, try to make time once again.

Head out into the quiet, peaceful solitude of the woods.

And try to bring in a buck and a doe.