Hunting News Daily » Michigan Department of Natural Resources

A Successful Michigan Elk Season, in More Ways Than One

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:53:24 +0000

Michigan's 2013 elk hunting season that just wrapped up was a successful season all-around. While hunters walked away with an experience they’ll never forget, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff members are happy management goals were met, both safely and legally. “We manage elk in Michigan by hunting,” said area wildlife biologist Jennifer Kleitch. “Our seasons are very specific. We have certain hunting areas, dates and quotas, and we are very deliberate in order to maintain a healthy elk herd in balance with the available habitat.” The early elk season, which is held...

Michigan DNR Finds 2013 Firearm Deer Hunters Faced Challenges, but Persistence Pays off

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:22:55 +0000

Michigan’s 2013 firearm deer season wrapped up last weekend, and challenging conditions and lower deer numbers in some areas have likely led to fewer deer being taken this year, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. Firearm season deer check-station activity declined in all regions of the state compared to 2012. Each year the DNR generates preliminary estimates of the firearm deer harvest shortly after the season closes on Nov. 30. Those estimates are replaced by a rigorous assessment of harvest and participation over all deer seasons using an annual hunter mail...

Ask the DNR to Air on Michigan’s WNMU-TV Thursday Dec. 5

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 14:43:21 +0000

"Ask the DNR" returns to WNMU-TV Channel 13 in the Upper Peninsula Thursday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m. (EDT). The episode will focus on snowmobiling and ice fishing opportunities and regulations, a recap of the deer hunting seasons so far, and a look at remaining hunting opportunities in December. The hour-long program features a panel of Michigan Department of Natural Resources employees taking questions from viewers who call in during the live show to 906-227-9668 or 800-227-9668. Questions are answered live on the show; any questions not answered before...

Michigan’s Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas to Begin Hunter Self-registration

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:30:56 +0000

Beginning this week, southeast Michigan’s Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas (MWHAs) have shifted to self-registration in lieu of managed draws for the remainder of the duck hunting season, the Department of Natural Resources announced today. Cold temperatures and widespread freezing on the MWHAs have resulted in fewer birds and low hunter turnout, prompting managers to move to a self-registration system. Nayanquing Point Wildlife Area in Pinconning has already begun self-registration. Fish Point Wildlife Area in Unionville and Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Rockwood will begin...

Michigan DNR Reminders Hunters about Guidelines for Importing Deer, Elk and Moose Meat Taken in Other States

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 16:18:48 +0000

As successful deer, elk and moose hunters return from trips in Michigan and beyond, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds hunters that there are regulations regarding the importation of carcasses from certain other states and provinces. For free-ranging deer, elk or moose taken in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North and South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Alberta and Saskatchewan, restrictions exist on parts of these animals that may be brought into Michigan. The...

Carhartt Joins the Pure Michigan Hunt

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 15:18:15 +0000

For more than 120 years Carhartt has had a place on Michigan’s map. Recently, the company came on board as a prize-package sponsor of the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Pure Michigan Hunt – a sponsorship that helps to support hunting and wildlife management in Michigan. “Carhartt is a perfect partner for the Pure Michigan Hunt,” said DNR wildlife technician Katie Keen. “With headquarters in Michigan and as the largest producer of work wear in the U.S., Carhartt is a perfect fit with its new camo clothing line.” Carhartt will...

Still Time for Michigan Hunters to Enter the Wetland Wonders Challenge

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 20:16:48 +0000

Hunters, there’s still time to enter the Consumers Energy-sponsored Wetland Wonders Challenge this waterfowl season. The contest began Oct. 12 and runs until Jan. 31, 2014. Michigan's Wetland Wonders are the seven premier Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas (MWHAs) in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island (St. Clair County), Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Muskegon County), Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County), Pointe Mouillee State...

Michigan DNR Reminds Hunters to Be Ethical – Buy a License Before You Hunt and Do Not Loan Kill Tags

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:14:35 +0000

Every deer hunting season, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) conservation officers encounter individuals engaged in unethical hunting practices, and tackle many cases of individuals buying a hunting license after harvesting a deer or loaning kill tags to a friend or relative. “Each year, we see cases of individuals waiting to buy licenses until after they have shot a deer,” said Capt. Daniel Hopkins of the DNR's Law Enforcement Division. “We remind all hunters that you must buy your license before you go out to hunt and have it in your possession when afield. Buying a...

Michigan’s Firearm Deer Season Starts Soon – Helpful Reminders

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 18:45:20 +0000

On Friday, Nov. 15, tens of thousands of Michigan residents and nonresidents will take to the field to enjoy deer hunting. The firearm season runs from Nov. 15-30. Once a deer has been harvested, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages hunters to get their deer “checked” at a local DNR office. Check station hours vary, so hunters should review the list of locations, times and hours at www.michigan.gov/deercheck. At DNR check stations, DNR staff members record the harvest location and date, gender and antler measurements....

Michigan’s First Managed Wolf Hunt Begins Friday

Michigan Department of Natural Resources — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 18:42:15 +0000

Michigan’s wolf hunt begins Nov. 15 in three distinct units in the Upper Peninsula. These units were designed around areas of chronic wolf-human conflict where other methods of controlling that conflict have proven ineffective. The 2013 wolf season will open Nov. 15 and will run until the target harvest for each Wolf Management Unit (WMU) is reached, but no later than Dec. 31. The bag limit is one wolf per person per year. Firearm, crossbow and bow-and-arrow hunting will be allowed on public and private lands. A total of 1,200 licenses were sold, and no additional licenses are...