A new name and several other new features highlight the 2012 Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Spectacular / MICHIGAN, which will be held February 17-18-19 at the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing. This is the Spectacular’s 26th year.

New features include:

• A new name and new owner of the event which, for 25 years, has been known as the Michigan Deer & Turkey Spectacular. It now is owned by the Bonnier Corporation, owner/publisher of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life magazines. The event is now titled the Field &Stream Deer & Turkey Spectacular / MICHIGAN, presented by Remington. Outdoor Life will sponsor the seminar series. Bonnier also bought similar deer and turkey expos in Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin and retitled them the in the same manner.
• Two trophy buck contests instead of one, with merchandise random prize drawings in both that any contest entrant can win. The Spectacular’s deer/bear/elk/turkey event is one contest. The Q1 Buck Pole Mid-South Region contest is the second. Entry fee is $15 for the Spectacular’s contest; the fee includes a free three-day pass ($36 value) and automatic entry to the Q1 contest. Trophy bucks cannot be entered only in the Q1 contest. Go to www.deerinfo.com, then click on the Michigan icon, then on Contests, for all details.
• Trail Cameras seminars and demonstration area. A hugely popular, and helpful scouting tool, much has changed in the trail camera world and is still changing. Les Davenport has put years of work into using and evaluating trail cameras. He will tell you the points you need to know to get most value when you buy, then he will tell you how best to use them for best results and not spook the deer.
• Predator Calling & Hunting seminars by Mike Brust, a Wisconsin-based long-time predator hunter. He will detail productive Midwestern techniques and talk about weather, clothing you will need, optics and firearms. He also will answer your individual questions at the predator hunting table in the Tech Information Center.
• Locked Antlers Display of nearly 30 whitetail deer sets and one set of locked caribou antlers. Tough way to die, this battle for mating supremacy, but it’s a part of the natural world. You will see some whoppers; the antlers need to be big to be able to lock.

Returning highlights include:

• Nearly 250 exhibit booths, many with product for sale, and at bargain prices.
• Tech Information Center. Other subjects are firearms, archery, slug guns & muzzle loaders, hunting clothes & footwear, optics (scopes & binoculars), and food plots.
• New-products special display area near the main entrance. Examine products without a sales person at your elbow.
• 2-1/2 days of how-to seminars, with more than 40 presentations on a dozen topics. See the schedule at www.deerinfo.com, then click on Michigan and then on Seminars. Seminars are free once you have your general admission ticket.
• Byron Ferguson, archery trick shot, performs Saturday and Sunday, February 18-19.
• Women’s Garb & Gear Area, including a fitting room for hunting garment try-on
• Hunting Dogs & Puppies, with a seminar on buying a puppy and the first six months of training
• U.S. Sportsmens Alliance raffles, sweepstakes and Sentry program. Nearly 200 prizes of hunting gear and accessories
• Gun auction Sunday, February 19
• Two photo contests (Outdoor Photo Contest and Trail Cam Photo Contest)
• Live game animal and live predators display; get your picture taken with a bear cub
• Hands-on shooting areas (archery, airgun, laser firearms)
• Flint knapping and Mountain Man demonstration areas and displays.

For details on the Field & Stream Deer and Turkey Spectacular, visit the event’s web-site — www.deerinfo.com, then click on Michigan.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Trail Camera Demos, Two Buck Contests Among New Features at Deer and Turkey Spectacular

See 29 locked sets of deer antlers and one set of locked caribou antlers at the 26th annual Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Spectacular / MICHIGAN, presented by Remington, at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan Ave., in Lansing, Feb. 17-19.

These antlers show the harshness of Mother Nature and the tragic results that sometimes happen in the struggle for breeding rights among big, strong bucks and bulls. The antlers have to be big or they won’t have the points, mass and springiness needed to lock. Bring your camera. The antlers are exhibited by Ron Foss of Dearborn.

The four Midwestern deer and turkey expos previously owned and produced by Target Communications in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin have been purchased by Field & Stream and Outdoor Life magazines.

The expos have been renamed the Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Expos, presented by Remington. “The Field & Stream Deer & Turkey Expo events are the largest and most comprehensive of their kind,” said Jay Miller, FGI Brand Manager. “The events attract thousands of passionate hunters. We’re very appreciative of the opportunity and we’re excited to be part of these must-attend events for sportsmen.”

Outdoor Life will sponsor the seminar series at each expo. The expos will continue to be produced and operated by the previous management team from Target Communications. Expo quality and content depth you have come to expect over the years will continue.

For details on the Deer and Turkey Spectacular, go to www.deerinfo.com and click on the Michigan icon.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Locked Deer and Caribou Antlers at Deer & Turkey Spectacular in Lansing, Michigan

On September 29, 2010, Kurt Meister, a southeast Michigan attorney won a case against the USDA Forest Service claiming that his right to enjoy public lands in Michigan were being infringed upon by noisy firearms hunters and folks using snowmobiles on designated trail. His solution? Ban guns and snowmobiles on almost 70,000 acres of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs, a non-profit conservation group that has served as Michigan’s most powerful voice for hunters and anglers in Michigan since 1937, blew the whistle on the suit and quickly organized a response fueled by sound science-based management principles and its tens of thousands of members who believe strongly in the rights of Michigan’s citizens to hunt, fish and trap on public lands.

Meister’s suit was heard by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit which identified deficiencies in how the Forest Service revised the 2006 Land and Resource Management Plan. The USFS was required to address those deficiencies. On Monday, those results were revealed.

MUCC and its members were heard loud and clear: Hunting is very much an accepted use of Michigan’s public lands and no regulation changes will be made to impact those activities in the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

The USFWS adopted “Alternative 4″ which maintains the rights of hunters to hunt in all areas as were allowed previously. Snowmobiling will also be preserved on designated trails.

“We’re pleased to see that the USFS clearly understood that hunting is — and always will be — an accepted use on state and federal lands in Michigan,” said Erin McDonough, Executive Director of MUCC. “The notion that hunters create conflicts with other users because of the noise of gunfire is silly. They’re hunters not mercenaries. The sounds of the occasional gunshot during hunting season on public land is not something we should villainize. It’s something we should celebrate because it is one the lifebloods of this state’s economy.”

The USFS ruling was not without some potential problems however. The agency also announced that it will retain the objective in several areas in the Huron-Manistee to provide for a “less-roaded opportunity” relative to the rest of the forest. Any road closures would still have to go through analysis and public comment before a site-specific decision would be made.

“We understand the Forest Service’s desire to eliminate some roads that either were not intended to be permanent or were illegally created,” said McDonough. “But there must be a process in place to determine which roads will be closed so that adequate access is maintained. There is a fine line between creating a more solitary experience for those who are seeking that and shutting the public out of the land that they own. We will be watching this process very closely to ensure that hunters, anglers and trappers are considered in those decisions.”

While the first battle in this war has been won thanks to the efforts of MUCC and its members and partners, it is not yet over. The decision is still subject to appeals and MUCC will be actively monitoring the situation to ensure the final outcome is the best one for Michigan’s sportsmen and women.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan Hunters’ Rights Protected in Huron-Manistee Case

The wolf continues to bounce back after it was hunted nearly to extinction by the early 20th century. This week, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service removed the wolf from the federal endangered list and put wolf-management control back in the hands of three Great Lakes states, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Now, it is up to the individual states to decide how to manage the population including hunting laws, lethal control in regards to livestock, personal property and other laws. USFWS reminds Great Lakes residents that each state has its own laws concerning wolves and those living on the border of two states, especially those in the Upper Peninsula in Michigan and north Wisconsin, should seek proper information regarding their state.

More information on your state’s laws on wolves can be found on your state’s Natural Resources or Fish and Game Department. Click for Michigan DNR Wolves, Wisconsin DNR Wolves, and Minnesota DNR Wolves.

Original press release issued by Michigan DNR on January 27th, 2012.

Management authority over wolves in Michigan has been officially returned to the Department of Natural Resources, putting the state’s Wolf Management Plan into effect, the DNR announced today.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove wolves in the western Great Lakes region from the federal endangered species list became official today. The Great Lakes region includes Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Wolves remain a protected, nongame species in Michigan, but state management will afford more options when dealing with wolves preying on livestock or dogs.

“Delisting is a victory for the state and for Michigan citizens who have been affected by this issue,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “The state’s healthy wolf population is a reminder that Michigan still has places where wild animals such as wolves can live and thrive. Fully implementing the state’s Wolf Management Plan will allow us to more effectively respond to problem wolves, while maintaining a self-sustaining wolf population and increasing social acceptance of the species as a whole.”

The DNR will continue to recommend nonlethal methods of control as the first option for residents. However, in cases where nonlethal methods are not working or are not feasible, state officials will now have greater flexibility to use lethal means to remove problem wolves when appropriate. In addition, Michigan residents will be able to legally protect their livestock and dogs if an animal is being attacked by a wolf.

The Michigan Legislature passed laws in 2008 to allow livestock or dog owners, or their designated agents, to remove, capture, or, if deemed necessary, use lethal means to destroy a wolf that is “in the act of preying upon” (attempting to kill or injure) the owner’s livestock or dog(s). These state laws took effect Jan. 27, 2012.

Livestock or dog owners who use lethal means to destroy a wolf must observe the following guidelines:

1. Report the lethal take of a wolf by calling the Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline at 800-292-7800 no later than 12 hours after the lethal take.
2. Retain possession of the wolf until a DNR official is available to take possession. A DNR official will respond to the scene within 12 hours of notification.
3. Do not move or disturb the dead wolf. The only exception to this rule is if a wolf has been killed in the act of preying upon livestock and leaving the wolf in place would impede normal farming practices. In that case the wolf may be moved to a secure location once photographs are taken of the wolf and the area where lethal means were used.

“Although lethal control methods are now legal in certain circumstances, wolves remain a protected species in Michigan and no hunting or trapping season is in place,” said DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler. “The DNR will investigate and continue prosecution of any wolf poaching cases.”

Illegally killing a wolf is punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both, and the cost of prosecution. Suspected poaching violations may be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week to the DNR’s RAP hotline at 800-292-7800.

There are an estimated 687 wolves in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. For more information on Michigan’s wolf population, greater detail about the two laws governing wolf depredation, and to see the state’s Wolf Management Plan, visit www.michigan.gov/wolves.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations.  For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Wolf Removed From Endangered Species List in Western Great Lakes

How many rabbits does it take to satisfy young Michiganhunters?

If the youth hunt held recently at Flat River State Game Area (in Ioniaand Montcalm counties) is any indication, the answer is “not very many.”

Two dozen youngsters – mostly boys, but some young ladies as well – were on hand for the Saturday, Jan. 21, event, which was hosted by the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Division, the Mid-Michigan Chapter of the United Sportsmen’s Alliance (MMUSA) and the Belding Sportsman’s Club. The youths came with parents, mentors or friends to be part of the first of what the sponsors envision as an annual event.

The idea sprang from the imagination of DNR wildlife biologist John Niewoonder, whose original thought was to promote a youth hunt in conjunction with the DNR’s recently launched Pheasant Restoration Initiative. But pheasants – as well as pheasant habitat – are relatively scarce these days in the area and when DNR wildlife staffers began kicking around the idea, some staff members thought there may be a more appropriate quarry.

“One of the guys said we really should do something with rabbits,” Niewoonder said. “We’ve got a lot of rabbits. They’re everywhere.”

The DNR has initiated new rabbit habitat programs at a number of southern Michigan state game areas and now, Niewoonder said, timbering contracts at the Flat River area (like other state game areas) require loggers to leave brush piles for the bunnies – “rabbitat,” if you will – as part of the logging contract. A rabbit hunt seemed like a natural fit.

Niewoonder contacted the local sportsmen’s groups (MMUSA is an umbrella group made up of members of other conservation groups, while the Belding Sportsman’s Club is a long-time institution) and they went all in. The groups provided a meeting facility, breakfast and lunch, and door prizes – including two firearms, as well as variety of other practical items – for the participants.

“They were instantly fired up,” Niewoonder said. “They stepped right up immediately.”

So on a snowy Saturday morning, the Belding Sportsman‘s Club’s headquarters was abuzz with the youngsters – and twice as many adults – who came to be part of the event.

The DNR provided maps of where habitat work has taken place on the game area “and we got some experienced rabbit hunters to come out and ‘guide,’ ” Niewoonder said. “So we had people who didn’t know anything about rabbit hunting and guys, who, that’s what they do.”

Ken Engebretsen is one of the latter. Engebretsen, who said he didn’t have to be asked twice, brought his three beagles to the club and took out a mixed party of adults and youngsters.

“I love to support kids,” said Engebretsen, who has coached Junior Olympics archers in the past and has been running rabbits with beagles for years. “I’ve always worked with kids.

“I think this is a fantastic sport to get kids into hunting. They don’t have to sit still and they don’t have to be quiet. They can go out and be themselves.”

Steve Foster, a board member of MMUSA, said his group had wanted to partner with the DNR on a project for some time and this fit the bill perfectly.

“Everything today is about partnerships,” Foster said. “That’s what the United Sportsmen’sAllianceis about – everyone partnering together for conservation. This event has been a dream for a long time.”

John Byrne, president of Belding Sportsman’s Club and a veteran hunter, said the event fit his club’s mission, too.

“Small game hunting has gone downhill and we know there are kids out there who would enjoy it, but their parents are busy and a lot of parents don’t hunt,” he said. “I don’t have any kids, but this is a way I can help out. It’s promoting hunting and getting the youth outdoors again.

“Small game hunting is a good thing for kids. Get them outdoors and away from the TV.”

Ten-year-olds Joe Degarmo ofRockfordand Nick Dayhuff  of Grand Rapids were among the hunters at Flat River. And though the boys didn’t see any rabbits, they both said they had a good time being out in the woods.

“We walked for an hour through prickers and stuff,” Dayhuff said.

Added Degarmo: “We got to see a turkey and a few squirrels and we got to see all these carcasses where the crows were eating. We saw, like, 50 crows come up out of there.”

Josh Sluiter, a 10-year-old from Belding, was one of the few who did see a rabbit, but “I couldn’t get the gun up fast enough,” he said.

A lack of bunny sightings by most youngsters didn’t put a damper on the event, said Niewoonder, who’s already eyeing the calendar for next year’s hunt.

“I was really impressed by the generosity of everybody,” he said. “We didn’t have a budget. We just organized it and fired up other people to help with the work.

Niewoonder said the DNR plans to continue to offer events like the youth rabbit hunt, hoping that the instruction, hands-on field experience and camaraderie is more than enough to entice kids to get outdoors and try their hand at hunting.

Judging by the smiles and excitement shown by the kids at  hunt, the DNR can consider that a mission accomplished.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan Youths Attend Rabbit Hunt at State Game Area

The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that spring turkey hunting applications are on sale now through Feb 1.  The application fee is $4.  Hunters may apply for one limited-quota hunting license, or purchase a license for spring turkey Hunt 234, which does not require the $4 application fee.  Applications and licenses may be purchased at any authorized license agent or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

The 2012 spring turkey season runs from April 23 through May 31, with hunts lasting from seven to 39 days, depending on the hunt unit. A total of 114,290 licenses are available, including 49,290 general licenses and 65,000 private-land licenses.

Information about spring turkey hunting can be found at www.michigan.gov/turkey.

“Hunters looking for the greatest flexibility should consider Hunt 234, which runs May 7-31 and includes all open areas of the state except the public lands of southernMichigan,” said DNR Upland Game Bird Specialist Al Stewart.

Applicants can check whether they were drawn for a license beginning March 1 at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.  Any leftover licenses will be sold until the quota is met in each hunt unit and hunt period.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan Spring Turkey Licenses on Sale Now Through Feb. 1

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers have determined an apparent moose poaching case reported in Marquette County in October 2011 was in fact a hoax, the DNR announced today.

DNR officers, with assistance from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officers, investigated the case and were able to determine that a severed moose head, left in an area by the corner of County Road CF and East Road near Helen Lake in southern Humbolt Township, came from a moose legally harvested in and imported from Canada.

During the investigation, officers learned that upon returning to Michigan, the successful hunter had brought the moose to a local Negaunee-area meat processor. The hunter retrieved the meat and antlers from the processor, but left the rest of the carcass, including the head, for proper disposal by the processor.

At some point, the head was diverted from proper disposal and used in an apparent attempt to imply a moose poaching had taken place in the Upper Peninsula. The moose head was displayed on a rock with a sign leaning against it that read “Wolf’s (sic) won’t get this one!”

“While the outcome of this case is positive, in the sense that a moose poaching did not take place, it is also disheartening that someone chose to express themselves in this manner, which resulted in a waste of public resources, through the time and expense involved in investigating and closing this case,” said DNR Lt. Timothy Robson.

While the hunter who legally harvested and imported the moose has been cleared in the case, additional information or tips regarding the hoax poaching case could lead to criminal charges. Anyone with information about this, or any natural resources violation, can call the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-292-7800, or contact Lt. Robson at the DNR’s Marquette office at 906-228-6561. Information can be left confidentially, and often monetary rewards are offered for information that leads to the arrest of violators.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan DNR Conservation Officers Determine Marquette Moose Poaching Case a Hoax

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking input from hunters and anglers on ways to improve its annual hunting digests and fishing guide. Feedback gathered from focus groups and surveys conducted over the next several months will aid the DNR’s efforts to make these publications more useful to customers.

“We want our customers to clearly understand the information and regulations before they head out intoMichigan’s woods and waters,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “This project is about presenting the regulations so hunters and anglers can enjoy harvesting game and fish with less confusion and with confidence that they’re following the law.”

The DNR will conduct focus groups with avid and novice hunters and anglers in late February and March. “We’ll be talking in-depth with our customers about what they find helpful and problematic about the current guides and their suggestions for potential improvements, with the end goal of generating some ideas for new publications that work best for hunters and anglers,” Stokes added.

Once the focus groups are complete, the DNR will conduct a survey based on the groups’ feedback. Stokes explained that input from the survey – which will be sent to thousands of people who have purchased a hunting or fishing license in the past and members of conservation organizations – will help inform decisions about revamping the guides.

Improved digests and guides will be distributed in 2013.

Anyone who has ever hunted, trapped, or fished inMichiganis invited to complete a brief survey now through Feb. 3, 2012. The data received from this preliminary survey will help identify discussion topics for the focus groups.

To complete the Hunting and Trapping Digest survey, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MichiganHuntTrapDigest

To complete the Fishing Guide survey, visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MichiganFishingGuide

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan DNR Seeks Input to Improve Hunting and Fishing Digests

There’s little doubt, when you arrive at the visitor center at Mitchell State Park, that the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center is aptly named.

“When you walk through the door you’re greeted by three monster white-tailed deer that were all taken on state land in this area,” explained visitor center interpreter Ed Shaw.  “And a nice big bear, too.

“Right behind the display is big fish tank that the kids gravitate to. We have a number of warm-water species in there – yellow perch, largemouth bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, rock bass and black crappie, a couple of each. And they were all caught by the kids in the canal outside the center where we take the kids fishing.

“The kids can come back and visit ‘their’ fish.”

It’s all about hunting, fishing and shooting sports – both now and in the past.

The center, which opened in 1992, is named for Carl T. Johnson, an avid outdoorsman from the Cadillac area. Johnson was a houndsman who rigorously pursued bear and bobcats. He founded the Michigan Bear Hunters Association, was involved with Michigan United Conservation Clubs, served as chairman of the Natural Resources Commission, and founded the Michigan Conservation Foundation.

The Department of Natural Resources named the center after Johnson despite its policy (at the time) of not naming facilities after living persons.

Johnson died in 1998.

The three-winged building has a room dedicated to hunting, another dedicated to fishing, and a classroom that has a little bit of both. The classroom is adorned with hunting/fishing-related art (make sure you check out the fish decoys) from local artists, historical artifacts, and a full mount of a black bear that weighed in near 500 pounds and was taken in the swamp not far from the center.

The classroom is where many of the programs are conducted at the center, though Shaw often takes his show on the road to nearby schools. On-site programs include fishing, fly-fishing, snow-shoeing and hunter education.

Shaw tries to develop a new program monthly, which is then presented both at the center and in schools.

“Our Thanksgiving program was called ‘Talking Turkey’ – about Michigan wild turkey,” Shaw said. “We presented it to close to 800 students.”

The fishing room, to the left as you enter the center, covers all aspects of fish, fisheries and fishing in Michigan. There’s a wide-screen fishing simulator – to give youngsters the quasi-experience of Great Lakes fishing, a fly-tying display (provided by Trout Unlimited) and an invasive-species display, which focuses largely on Asian carp.

Displays featuring mounted specimens of Michigan fish focus on warm-water species, cold-water species and Great Lakes denizens. There’s an ice-fishing display, historical hatchery artifacts, and a touch-screen kiosk that tests your knowledge of Michigan fish and fishing.

Coming soon is a display of fish decoys made by Oscar Peterson, a noted decoy carver (and spear fisherman) from Cadillac, who died in 1951.

“It’s basically American folk art,” Shaw said.

In the opposite wing, the hunting room has displays that include most aspects of Michigan’s hunting heritage. Many illustrate huge management successes – the restoration of elk and wild turkeys, for instance – but there are some sad stories, as well, such as the demise of the passenger pigeon (which once thrived in such populations they were said to darken the skies, but were wiped out, largely by market hunters and deforestation, which eliminated their habitat).

Visitors can see the difference between Michigan ungulates – deer, moose and elk – with swatches of hide so you can feel the differences in their coats.

The furbearer display – provided by the state trappers association – allows visitors to feel the difference of furs. Another display lets visitors learn the varying characteristics among wolves, fox and coyotes.

The interactive bear display (narrated by former Natural Resources Commissioner Bob Garner) talks about how bears are managed, radio telemetry projects and other ursine information.

“Everything you want to know about bears is in that display – with mounts of a mom and cub,” Shaw said.

And there’s a display of Native American hunting artifacts, as well.

“Most people spend about an hour in here,” Shaw said.  “And we have a gift shop, run by the Friends of Mitchell State Park, with proceeds going toward school programs and campground developments.”

The next big event scheduled at Carl T. Johnson is an ice-fishing clinic – with both classroom instruction and on-the-water opportunity – set for Saturday, Feb.4, during the city of Cadillac’s annual Snow Fest and featuring a spearing contest and a youth fishing contest.

There’s also an outdoor element at the center. Directly behind the building, a wetland habitat and former pike-rearing marsh offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities spring, summer and fall.  Because of its location – nestled between Cadillac and Mitchell lakes – the marsh is especially attractive to waterfowl and other birds that use aquatic habitats. Mallards, wood ducks, black ducks and Canada geese are often present – especially during spring and fall migrations – as well as herons and bitterns. Common songbirds you’ll find in the habitat include red-winged black birds and goldfinches. Several bird of prey species – most notably red-tailed hawks and barred owls – may be seen here. Mammals – deer, beavers, muskrats and raccoons – are common. Turtles are abundant.

A two-mile hiking trail that encircles the marsh features interpretive panels about the plants and animals in the habitat. There’s an elevated observation platform overlooking the complex and a small fishing pier.

The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center is open daily from Memorial Day through Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rest of the year, the center is open Fridays from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 6 p.m.

For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/dnrvisitorcenters or call 231-779-1321.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan State Park Visitor Center Dedicated to Hunting, Fishing

With 2011 drawing to a close, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the last day to purchase Pure Michigan Hunt applications is Saturday, Dec. 31.

Applicants can purchase an unlimited number of $4 chances for Michigan’s “Hunt of a Lifetime” anywhere DNR licenses are sold or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com. Three lucky hunters will be randomly selected to win the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt ultimate prize package, including licenses to hunt elk, bear, turkey, deer and waterfowl, along with an array of donated merchandise.

“Dollars generated from this unique opportunity fund wildlife habitat restoration and improvements here in Michigan,” said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. “Wildlife management in Michigan is paid for by the users, and the purchase of a hunting license is the best investment folks can make to support our wildlife species and the habitat they depend on.”

Thanks to generous donations from several Michigan companies and organizations, Mason added, the winners will walk away not only with lifelong memories of a coveted elk or bear hunt, but also an incredible selection of prizes, including:

• Brickhouse ground blind from Ameristep
• 2012 Scorpion II crossbow package from Darton Archery
• One-year magazine subscription and duck decoy from Michigan Chapter of Ducks Unlimited
• Savage Model 115 American Classic Rifle from Michigan Gun Owners
• One-year magazine subscriptions to Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine and Tracks youth magazine from Michigan United Conservation clubs
• Nine Square Target System from MOR Archery
• Custom box call, hunting vest and turkey patch from Michigan Chapter of National Wild Turkey Federation
• Soroc sports sled from Northwoods Wholesale Outlets
• Start-up package, including membership fee and deer-aging kit from Quality Deer Management Association

“I encourage all Michigan hunters to buy their own chance for a Pure Michigan Hunt,” said past Pure Michigan Hunt winner Randy Willis. “What a wonderful year of hunting it has been. This is truly the hunt of a lifetime!”

As part of his Pure Michigan Hunt package, Willis was able to take a 6×6 elk, a bear and several antlerless deer. He also participated in a managed waterfowl hunt at Shiawassee River State Game Area and the spring turkey hunt.

Pure Michigan Hunt applications also make a great last-minute holiday gift or stocking stuffer. Those who purchase applications as gifts for other hunters need to use the gift recipient’s identification – a Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number – to ensure the recipient is awarded the hunting rights.

For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Only a Few Days Left for Your Chance at Michigan’s Hunt of a Lifetime