LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Sales of Michigan deer licenses are down this year despite a weekend start to the annual hunting season.

The Detroit News reports just over 1 million licenses were sold from March through Sunday, the lowest number in the past six years. The traditional firearm season starts Saturday.

Some out-of-state hunters say they won't pursue deer because of the higher cost. A hunter from another state will typically pay $171 — a 24 percent increase. Pat Ison of Toledo, Ohio, returned equipment to a Cabela's store in Dundee.

For adult residents, the state is charging $11 for a new base license, on top of $20 to get a deer.

Matt Poet at Jay's Sporting Goods in Clare says some people have walked away from the counter.

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Information from: The Detroit News, http://detnews.com