Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Michigan residents considering hunting in 2013 who need to complete a hunter education course should enroll in a class prior to Oct. 1, when offerings are plentiful. Classes are held year-round, but April, May, August and September are the traditional times when classes are most available. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Wolf hunting licenses go on sale starting Aug. 3, reminds the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – a fact despised by the nation’s most powerful animal rights organization, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS, not to be confused with any local animal shelters.) In fact, The anti-hunting coalition, called Keep Michigan Wolves Protected (backed by HSUS), has launched a petition drive to stop control of the burgeoning wolf population. If paid workers can gather enough signatures, Michigan voters will decide on November 4, 2014, whether to overturn Senate Bill 288, which granted authority to designate game species to the state Natural Resources Commission.
If the most recent signature drive proves successful, Michigan citizens will be deciding on two anti-hunting issues on November 4, 2014 – the first to remove wolves from the game list, and the second to strip the Natural Resources Commission’s new authority to determine game species.
“All of these efforts have little to do with the number of wolves in Michigan, which have vastly exceeded their recovery goals, and has everything to do with the potential for a wolf hunting season,” said Nick Pinizzotto, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance president and CEO. “The possibility of a hunting season is simply unacceptable to these anti-hunting groups.”
Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) states Read more
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association (MDHA), in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has introduced the 2013 collector-edition Michigan duck stamp and prints.
The 2013 Michigan duck stamp, by wildlife artist Richard Clifton, features a beautiful black duck displayed in a swimming pose. For information about pricing and how to order duck stamps and prints, see Michigan waterfowl stamp order form, available online at www.michigan.gov/waterfowl (click on the Waterfowl Stamp Program link). Read more
The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac is offering bear hunting clinics Aug. 4 and 18. Students will learn the basics of bear hunting, including rules and regulations, registering a bear, gear, stand placement, habitat, management, baiting and hunting with a dog. Read more
Washington, DC – Safari Club International (SCI) today filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court asking the Court to overturn the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2008 listing of the polar bear as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. After the listing of the species, private conservation funding generated through sustainable use hunting evaporated. By filing this petition, SCI is seeking to rectify this bad public policy. Read more
The new Slam Talker deer call from Hunter’s Specialties produces the most realistic deer vocalizations on the market, from deep tending buck grunts to estrus doe and fawn bleats. It also can reproduce the snort/wheeze sound of a challenging buck.
The Slam Talker call has a balanced reed design with a hardwood soundboard 
that won’t stick or freeze in cold weather. The patented fingertip controls allow hunters to make calls ranging from a lost fawn to a mature buck by simply applying pressure to different areas of the soundboard. To reproduce the snort/wheeze users simply blow through the open mouthpiece while closing off the end of the call with their hand.
The Slam Talker comes with an adjustable lanyard to allow hunters to wear it around their neck, or strap it to their arm for hands free operation. It has a comfortable quiet exterior to prevent unwanted contact noise between the call and other objects. The Slam Talker is also available in combination with the Ruttin’ Buck Rattling Bag.
The Slam Talker sells for a suggested retail price of $19.99 alone and $34.99 in conjunction with the Ruttin’ Buck rattling bag. Read more
Ideal for polymer frame handguns and other substrates, including most plastics, metals and woods, where a customized rubber feel is desired. Simply apply the rubber particles to the entire grip or to select areas where you want to improve your grip. This kit can also be used to create one-of-a-kind designs and patterns. Read more
A recent investigation by humanewatch.org has raised questions regarding the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and its use of funds raised for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Documents show that HSUS has only given 33% of the money it raised to victims of the disaster. Read more
On July 2nd, animal rights groups launched a petition drive to stop the state from controlling the growing wolf population. If enough signatures are gathered, Michigan voters will decide on November 4, 2014, whether to overturn Senate Bill 288, which granted authority to designate game species to the state Natural Resources Commission. The anti-hunting coalition, called Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, is backed by the nation’s most powerful animal rights organization, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Read more
Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists, staff and volunteers helped to round up and band over 1,000 Canada geese in Southeast Michigan last month.
The geese were banded as part of a national effort to track the population and movement of Canada geese in the United States. In North America, biologists band more than 200,000 ducks and nearly 150,000 geese and swans each year.
In the latter part of June, geese molt their primary flight feathers and are unable to fly, making them easier to capture and band.
“We banded 170 birds at three locations in Jackson and Hillsdale counties,” said DNR wildlife biologist Kristin Bissell. “We had 11 very enthusiastic, hard-working volunteers who helped make it a success! We’re happy that a sample of the geese from the south central portion of the state will be represented in the banding effort!”
During the banding process, Read more