Gavin Dingman, 11, of Oceola Township, Mich., bagged this rare 12-point albino deer last week using a crossbow while hunting with his father, Mick Dingman. (Family photo)
LIVINGSTON, Mich. – Michigan officials say an 11-year-old hunter who shot a 12-point albino buck with a crossbow did nothing wrong.
Department of Natural Resources deer program specialist Brent Rudolph told the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus Thursday that Gavin Dingman of Oceola Township legally shot the albino deer last week. The hunt drew widespread attention online after the newspaper's initial report Sunday, including comments criticizing the kill.
Rudolph says all-white deer have been legal to hunt in Michigan since 2008, when the state lifted protections for the animals. He says the restrictions were confusing for hunters and there's no biological reason to protect the genetic trait that causes deer to be albino.
He says the DNR has seen the incident as an "opportunity for public dialogue."
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