Wednesday, Nov. 15 is a big day in Michigan -- the start of the firearm deer season.
The event is important to the state's economy, generating an estimated $2.3 billion dollars annually, according to the state's Department of Natural Resources.
Some long-time hunters say opening day of the firearm deer season isn't what it once was. Don't tell that to the students at Newaygo High School.
In that school district, buses won't be running Wednesday, Nov. 15. It's a day off for teachers and students. The school district's calendar calls it 'deer day.'
"I am super excited," said Newaygo junior Daniella Duchemin.
Around 50 percent of the students at the high school will be hunting Wednesday.
"We sit out all day and bring out snacks and coffee," said senior Makiah McCracken.
"And we can spend hours out there just looking," junior Casey Deater. "If we see a deer we will observe it and take notes for later, or if it's something we can shoot we will take it down."
The day off allows district teachers and staff to join the hunt.
"It's Christmas for hunters," said Scott Youmans. "If you are a deer hunter, opening day is the day."
And if the district ever holds, school. Students believe the halls will be empty.
"I think that they give us a privilege to go out and hunt," said junior Andrew Goodin. "If they didn't give us it a lot of kids would skip school."
"I would have the flu," said Deater. "And back the next day."
Some of the other school district not in session on opening day are Hart, Hesperia, and White Cloud.
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