Only a Few Days Left for Your Chance at Michigan’s Hunt of a Lifetime

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

Michigan DNR Applauds Federal Decision to Remove Wolves from Endangered Species List

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today applauded the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to remove wolves in the western Great Lakes region from the federal endangered species list. The decision returns management of the species to the state level.

The federal delisting rule removing wolves from the endangered species list will be published in the Federal Register Wednesday, Dec. 28, and will take effect Friday, Jan. 27, 30 days after its publication.

Returning wolves to state management will allow the DNR to more effectively manage the species under Michigan’s highly-regarded Wolf Management Plan, which was created through a roundtable process involving interested parties representing viewpoints from all sides of the wolf issue.

“This is great news for the state’s wolf population and for Michigan citizens who have been affected by this issue,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “Treating wolves as an endangered species, when the population has exceeded federal recovery goals in Michigan for more than a decade, has negatively impacted public opinion in areas of Michigan where wolves are established on the landscape. I firmly believe that the more flexible management options allowed under the state’s Wolf Management Plan will help increase social acceptance of the species while maintaining a healthy, sustainable wolf population.”

Once wolves are removed from the endangered species list, the DNR will continue to recommend nonlethal methods of control first, including flashing lights, flagging and noisemakers. In addition, the DNR administers a grant program that provides some funding to livestock owners with depredation issues for improved fencing and guard animals such as llamas, donkeys and Great Pyrenees dogs.

However, in cases where nonlethal methods are not working or feasible, DNR officials will now have the ability to kill problem wolves when appropriate. Under federal Endangered Species Act protection, wolves are protected from lethal control measures except in defense of human safety.

Livestock and dog owners in Michigan will also be able to legally protect their private property from wolf depredation once wolves are removed from the endangered species list.

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 will go into effect on Friday, Jan. 27, 30 days after the Final Rule is published in the Federal Register.

After the wolf is taken off the federal endangered species list, the animal will remain a protected species in Michigan. There is no public hunting or trapping of wolves allowed in Michigan. The DNR and the US Fish and Wildlife Service will investigate and continue vigorous 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. Reports about poaching can be made to the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Hotline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 800-292-7800.

For more information on Michigan’s wolf population and to see the state’s Wolf Management Plan, go to www.michigan.gov/wolves.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan DNR Applauds Federal Decision to Remove Wolves from Endangered Species List

Target Tarp Protects Archery Targets from the Sun, Wind and Rain

Traverse City, MI – Altus Brands, LLC is pleased to announce it has signed an exclusive worldwide distribution agreement with Glenrock Archery, the maker of Target Tarps. The Target Tarp is the simple and effective solution to extending the life of archery targets. The specially designed target covers are tough enough to repel everything nature can throw at them: sun, wind, rain and even snow.

“We knew that there must be a better way to make archery targets last longer and eliminate the cost of replacing them over and over again,” stated Randy Kendrick, the owner of Target Tarps.

The 3D Archery Target Tarp is the only cover on the market that will accommodate most deer, goat, bighorn and antelope targets. Its versatile design includes an adjustable hole that allows the cover to be easily taken on and off over the head and horns. This cover will fit most 3D targets 45″ long, chest to rear.

Also available are six additional sizes of Target Tarps designed for block type, bag, square, range and small game targets.

Additionally, the 3-D Archery Target Tarp quickly converts to the “Decoy Cover” by adding the “Small Block” Target Tarp to conceal the head and horns. These can be ordered separate or in a combo pack. The camouflage set comes with its own stuff sack.

All Target Tarps are specially manufactured using a durable polyurethane coating applied over a polyester fabric that provides years of protection. Target Tarps are dependable, long-lasting and guaranteed to prolong the life of your targets. The Target Tarp saves money. Instead of replacing the entire target because it’s faded or rotting away, shooter will only have to replace the worn vital areas of their favorite targets.

Product features:

• UV & Water Resistant
• Allows moisture to escape
• Multiple tie down options included
• Conceals 3-D targets from thieves or rutting bucks
• Put it on or take it off in less than two minutes

MSRP is from $17.99 to $44.99, depending on size. Available online at OnlyHuntingDecoys.com.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Target Tarp Protects Archery Targets from the Sun, Wind and Rain

Michigan DNR Issues Ruling on Sporting Swine

Another chapter in the sporting swine saga has been written; the DNR has just issued a declaratory ruling on how they will determine what defines a prohibited invasive swine.

As you know, the Department of Natural Resources director’s order listing sporting swine as a prohibited invasive species took effect on Oct. 8, making it illegal to possess the animals in Michigan. However, active enforcement of the order will not start prior to April 1, 2012, so sporting swine facilities (game ranches) can continue to use this time to reduce the pig population on their properties. In April, facilities still harboring wild boars and other sporting swine may face violations and fines. Violation of the prohibited invasive species statute (PA 451 of 1994, Part 413) can be a felony associated with hefty fines in the state of Michigan.

But the question arose from the Michigan Animal Farmers Association, an umbrella group for captive hunting facilities and their breeding facilities, as to how the DNR will determine what is a prohibited species versus what is considered a legal domestic hog. The prohibited species list says that:

Sec. 40.4 (1) Possession of the following live species, including a hybrid or genetic variant of the species, an egg or offspring of the species or of a hybrid or genetically engineered variant, is prohibited:…(b) Wild boar, wild hog, wild swine, feral pig, feral hog, feral swine, Old world swine, razorback, eurasian wild boar, Russian wild boar (Sus scrofa Linnaeus). This subsection does not and is not intended to affect sus domestica involved in domestic hog production.

After consulting with scientists and reviewing the scientific literature, the DNR’s ruling states that they will use “phenotypes,” or physical characteristics, to determine what pigs are prohibited under this order. In the response, they said that they will use factors such as bristle coloration; underfur and coat coloration and pattern; and skeletal, ear, and tail structures and appearances to define what a wild boar looks like.

Outdoor Hub, The Outdoor Information Engine - Michigan DNR Issues Ruling on Sporting Swine

Drastically Declining Black Bear Numbers in Michigan

Contact: Charles Markham
Phone: 906-483-4990

CONCERNED CITIZENS AGAINST RESOURCE EXPLOITATION, A PRO-HUNTING ORGANIZATION, UNCOVER DRASTICALLY DECLINING BLACK BEAR NUMBERS IN MICHIGAN.

According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the black bear population is approximately one-half the 2008 estimate. ‘This is unacceptable” according Charles Markham, spokesman for Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation(CCARE), a watchdog group whose primary focus is to insure Michigan’s bear population remains stable. Read more

Important Notice To Michigan Bear Hunting Guides

Guides and outfitters in Michigan should take heed that beginning in 2010 there will be enforcement of the law that requires all commercial guides and outfitters to obtain a Special Use Permit if they intent to hunt bears on State Lands. For more information about commercial guide land use permits, see this link.

Update: June 1, 2010

It has been brought to my attention that commercial guides and outfitters who plan to use the National Forests are required to obtain special use permits from the National Forest Service.

Comparing Wisconsin’s And Michigan’s Bear Management Programs. Concern Over Michigan Bear Population Numbers

Guest post by Rich Hare.

I have an update for you contrasting conditions leading to Wisconsin closing their bear season in 1985, and conditions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula right now, in 2010.

Wisconsin’s bear season was closed in 1985 due to over harvest from 1981 through 1984. According to former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Manager, Mike Gappa…biologists were concerned over the high percentage of bears 3 years of age and younger (48.5%) being harvested. Baits used for bear population census also identified a serious decline in the state’s bear numbers. They estimated the statewide population to be less than 7,000 bears. With full support from the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, WDNR went to the state legislature and got approval to close the bear season and revamp the state’s bear management program. Read more

Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation (CCARE) Speaks Out

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation (CCARE) is a newly formed pro hunting, Fishing, and Trapping organization. CCARE opposes the recommendation by MI DNRE Wildlife Division to issue 12,300 harvest tags for the 2010 bear-hunting season.

The Natural Resource Commission, at their monthly meeting scheduled for March 4, 2010, will make the final decision.

According to CCARE spokesman, Charles Markham, “This proposal is not based on sound science.” In a letter received by CCARE last month, the lead bear biologist for DNRE stated the MI black bear population was 11,100 prior to the 2009 bear season, a revision from the 19,000 bear estimate in the bear management plan signed by Director Humphries in June 2009. Read more

Elk Foundation Funding Tops $190K for Michigan Initiative

MISSOULA, Mont. New grants from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will fund conservation and education projects in eight Michigan counties, and swell total RMEF support for the state?s Pigeon River Habitat Initiative to more than $190,000.

The 2009 RMEF grants will affect Cheboygan, Delta, Montmorency, Muskegon, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa and Presque Isle counties.

“Our volunteers in Michigan devoted themselves to the 2008 fundraisers that made these grants possible. This is where Elk Foundation banquets, auctions and other events transform into on-the-ground conservation work, and it’s part of the payday for all of our supporters who are passionate about giving something back to the outdoors,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. Read more

Western Great Lakes Gray Wolf Population Goes Back On Endangered List

In a move that is becoming extremely nauseating and utterly ridiculous, void of any science that President Obama promised would return to decisions like this, the government reached an agreement with those groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, who had sued to stop delisting, the gray wolf was returned to government protection. It appears the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service did not exactly follow the legal steps before they could declare a removal from the Endangered Species Act list.

Before a move such as delisting, the USFWS must provide a 60-day public comment period and evidently this was not done. Because of that, the U.S. Government and the HSUS, et. al., reached an agreement that puts the wolves in Minnesota back under a “threatened” status and the rest of the wolves return as endangered. Wolves in Idaho and Montana that have be removed from the list, are not affected. Read more

« Previous Page — Next Page »