Courtesy Photo A deer is seen in this undated photo from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

ALPENA — News reporters and editors spent weeks interviewing hunters, wildlife experts, economic development experts and others to better understand the effects of a declining number of Northeast Michigan hunters.

That work resulted in these stories:

* “Number of Northeast Michigan hunters down, worrying economic development officials, wildlife managers”

* “Northeast Michigan sporting goods stores see fewer hunters, especially younger ones”

* “Fewer Northeast Michigan hunters means more deer, causing environmental problems”

* “Three generations show hunting remains an important part of the lives of Northeast Michiganders“