TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) — Hunters have streamed to Michigan’s forests and fields for the start of firearm deer season.

More than 500,000 are expected to join the annual hunt, which runs through Nov. 30. It’s a cultural and sporting tradition but also a big economic driver, generating more than $2.3 billion in spending on products and services including food, lodging and equipment.

Steve Arwood of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. says more than 20,000 hunters could come from other states.

The harvest was down last year across the Midwest. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has assembled a team to develop strategies for improving habitat in the Upper Peninsula, where deer have been hammered by two consecutive bitterly cold winters.

Tips on where to hunt and other Information are available at http://www.michigan.gov/dnr .