Category: Hunting

Help Shape the Future of Michigan’s Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas

Calling all waterfowl hunters! Join the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Saturday, Aug. 3, 3:30-6:30 p.m. at the Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Outdoor Festival to learn about planning efforts for the DNR’s managed waterfowl hunt areas, or MWHAs.

The open house will be hosted in the auditorium of the Saginaw Bay Visitor Center located inside Bay City State Park, 3582 State Park Drive in Bay City.

Michigan’s MWHAs were created to offer exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities and are managed to provide quality waterfowl habitat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. To clarify habitat and recreation management priorities for these Wetland Wonders, the DNR Wildlife Division formed a planning workgroup to establish goals and objectives for the next 10 years for the six areas within the Managed Waterfowl Hunt Program: Read more

Hunting

Whitetails Unlimited Grants Over $191,000 to 4-H

In the last fiscal year, Whitetails Unlimited has granted over $191,000 to 4-H groups in multiple states that are providing kids with a sense of community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives.

Head, Heart, Hands, and Health are the four Hs in 4H, and they are the four values members work on through fun and engaging programs. Whitetails Unlimited is the nation’s premier nonprofit white-tailed deer organization and a strong supporter of educational programs and shooting sports.

With their DEER Program (Developing Educational & Environment Resources) that focuses on outdoor education, Whitetails Unlimited partners with 4-H, a U.S.-based network of youth organizations whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.” Environmental and wildlife education programs such as shooting teams, focusing on safe handling of firearms, and clay target shooting by 4-H certified coaches can help youth develop a sense of responsibility, initiative, and self-worth, and build life skills such as confidence, independence, resilience, and compassion. Read more

Hunting

Michigan deer hunting regulation changes: What you need to know for 2024

On , 2024, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved the scheduled deer hunting regulations for this fall. The full package of regulations includes updates that won’t begin until after the 2024 seasons have ended; those updates will be explained at a later date. The commissioners and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources thank everyone who gave their time, insight and feedback to the work of the DNR’s Deer Management Initiative, which contributed to many of these regulation changes and decisions.

The following updates apply to the fall 2024 deer hunting seasons. (For ease of reading, the acronym DMU is used throughout for deer management unit.)

Upper Peninsula

  • A 3-point antler point restriction, or APR, was implemented on the single deer license in DMU 122.
  • In the western central part of the Upper Peninsula, in DMU 352 when using a universal antlerless deer license, it is required to also have an antlerless deer hunting access permit. The eastern central part of the U.P., DMU 351, is closed to antlerless hunting with a universal antlerless deer license in 2024.
    • DMU 352 is made up of DMUs 027, 036, 152 and 252. DMU 351 includes DMUs 017, 021, 117, 149, 249 and 349. See the online deer management units map for locations of all DMUs.
    • 500 access permits will be available in DMU 352. The application period is

      -Aug. 15.

    • For each deer harvested, you will need one antlerless deer hunting access permit for the DMU you’re hunting in, plus one universal antlerless deer license.
  • Antlerless deer can be taken in DMUs 017, 021, 027, 036, 117, 149, 152, 249, 252 and 349 during archery season on the single deer license or the combination deer license until Dec. 10, 2024.

Lower Peninsula

Extended archery season

  • Archery season is extended through Jan. 31, 2025, for select counties: Huron, Kent, Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair (except DMU 174), Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne.

Legal firearm expansion – Zone 2 muzzleloading season

  • If you are hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season in the Lower Peninsula, you can use all legal firearms to take a deer. If you are hunting in the limited firearms deer zone, you must follow equipment requirements for that zone.

Early and late antlerless firearm season expansion to public land

  • Early and late antlerless firearm seasons in open counties have been expanded to include public land in addition to private land. The early antlerless firearm season runs Sept. 21-22, 2024, and the late antlerless firearm season runs Dec. 16, 2024, through Jan. 1, 2025.

New EXTENDED late antlerless season

  • A new extended late antlerless firearm season is open Jan. 2-12, 2025, in Allegan, Barry, Bay, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Mecosta, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair (excluding DMU 174), Shiawassee, Wayne and Washtenaw counties; DMU 311 (Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties); DMU 312 (Branch, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties); and DMU 332 (Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola counties).
  • A discounted antlerless license for this extended season will be available for $5 per license.
Hunting

Iowa’s 2024 Pheasant Nesting Outlook

Iowa’s pheasant population typically shows increases following mild winters with springs that are dryer and warmer than normal. While last winter was average to below average snowfall, spring was wetter than normal, with May coming in as the eighth wettest in 152 years of records.

Given the statewide information, the weather model is predicting pheasant populations will likely be lower for the 2024 hunting season.

“I expect there to be regional differences in the population this fall,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR. “Our best counts will still likely be in the northern and central regions, but likely lower counts in the southeast and south-central regions. With the severe cold and snow in south central and southeast regions, quail numbers will likely be the same or lower than last year, but perhaps higher in the southwest region.”

This prediction is based on weather data, Bogenschutz said, and it can be wrong. The DNR’s August roadside survey is the best gauge of what upland populations will be this fall. The survey is conducted between Aug. 1 – 15, and the results will be posted on the DNR webpage www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey around Sept. 15.

Hunting, Wildlife

Commission Action on Part of Wolf Trapping Regulations to Be Postponed

Furbearer and wolf hunting and trapping regulations for the 2024-2025 season are on the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda for Aug. 16. To give Fish, Wildlife & Parks additional opportunity to assess wolf trapping dates and where those dates would apply, agenda discussion and decision on those specific aspects of the wolf trapping regulations will be postponed until the commission meeting on Oct. 10.

All other elements of the 2024 wolf harvest regulations including hunting dates, harvest quotas, bag limits, trap setbacks, harvest reporting and proposed amendments will remain on the Aug. 16 meeting agenda. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Christensen Arms to Host Film World Premiere with Jim Shockey and Bass Pro Shops

GUNNISON, Utah – Christensen Arms invites the public to attend the premiere screenings of its new film, “LEGACY,” featuring Jim Shockey and directed by Jim’s son, Branlin Shockey, which will be shown at the Bass Pro Shops locations in Independence, Missouri, and Garner, North Carolina.

“LEGACY” will premiere at the Bass Pro Shops location in Independence at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, and at the Garner location at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 24.

In the film, Shockey — Christensen Arms ambassador and hunting industry legend — shares insights into his storied past and what “legacy” means to him. This poignant piece celebrates Shockey’s distinct impact on the hunting community and the lasting effect of his dedication to exploration and stewardship.

“LEGACY” also features Christensen Arms’ groundbreaking new rifle, Evoke. The Evoke line embodies Jim’s desire to make premium hunting rifles more accessible regardless of where, what and how users hunt as the feature-rich and performance-proven Evoke line, the first sub-$1,000 centerfire rifle from Christensen Arms, delivers the ideal onramp for hunters and shooters seeking premium quality without a premium price.

These events, in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Leupold, Hornady, and YETI, represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a world premiere film in an intimate setting with hunt legend Jim Shockey. Attendees will be among the first to view “LEGACY,” receive limited-edition event memorabilia and have the opportunity to win premium prizes from all sponsoring brands, including a complete rifle package with premium optics and ammunition.

For more information about the events and to purchase tickets, visit https://christensenarms.com/jim-shockey-world-premiere-event-legacy/.

Hunting

MUCC Recaps Michigan Deer Hunting Changes

July 2024 NRC Recap
By Justin Tomei | July 11, 2024 | 
GW:  Changes always spark conversation and we sure got it now.  There are no perfect solutions but it’s still healthy to put our cards on the table.
The following is from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)

Commissioners adopted changes to deer regulations for 2024 at the July 11th Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. 

After over 20 amendments to Wildlife Conservation Order #6 of 2024 were debated, commissioners landed on an order with most changes taking effect in the 2024 season.  

Among other changes for 2024, the commission adopted several amendments. Of the most notable changes, there are new expanded opportunities in January. The use of any legal firearm in zone 2 during muzzleloader season, and beginning in 2025 the youth and liberty hunt will be antlerless only. 

No statewide antler point restrictions, hunters’ choice, or lower peninsula baiting legalizations were approved. 

A more expansive summary of the 2024 regulation changes will come once a complete and accurate summation of the changes can be made. 

After the flurry of amendments, the final order passed on a 5-1 vote.  

Chair Baird assured Michigan hunters that this is not the closing chapter of deer regulations, and work on deer management will continue. 

Michigan Deer and Elk specialist Chad Stewart presented department responses to the proposed deer regulations, and amendments.  

Before the deer debate, there was a presentation on updates to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, and a pair of awards from the DNR.  

The commission approved Wildlife Conservation Order #5 of 2024, which sets up a framework for voluntary use of electronic kill tags for the 2024 fall turkey season.  

Wildlife Conservation Order #7 of 2024 was up for information and if adopted, changes the duck stamp regulations to follow modernized federal rules. This order will be up for action at the August meeting.  

The August meeting is Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Cadillac Place in Detroit.  

Posted in Policy and tagged , , , , , 
Hunting, Wildlife

The Marlin Model 81 Still Gets the Job Done

By  Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

I love my Marlin model 81 bolt-action .22 rimfire rifle.  Manufactured in years 1937-1940, it still produces some startling accuracy – especially with anything in the sub-sonic category.

Marlin model 81 rimfire shoots shorts, longs and long rifle ammo

Mine has been relegated to garage duty and it’s an important niche for this small game getter and takes out pesky red squirrels near the home front.  Like many vintage rifles, the trigger was creepy and heavy, but a professional gunsmith at Williams Gun Sight in Michigan massaged it to a degree suited for accuracy.

Atop the barrel sits a Hawke HD, 3×9 power optic with adjustable parallax – a good match for the closer shots, where most of my shots are taken.  Since the scope allows for adjustments down to 30 feet, it provides the necessary parallax adjustment for anything close to far away.

Some 35 years ago, I planted 2,000 conifer seedlings that have grown to harbor all kinds of perching birds and way too many damaging red squirrels.  While working at endless projects in the garage, I keep an eye to the back window for the troublemakers and the Marlin is always ready to answer the call.

Two reds fall
victim to the 87 year-old Marlin

The super slow CCI Quiet .22 rimfire ammo is propelled at a breath-taking speed of 710 feet-per-second from the muzzle making about as much noise as snapping fingers, but the 40-grain bullets supply all the energy necessary for ethical kills.

CCI Quiet .22 Rimfire Ammo

CCI also offers a 45-grain bullet with a bit more velocity of 835 fps, but it’s not necessary – and, makes more noise.  Both of these offerings are quite a bit slower than any other sub-sonic ammo available in the 1,000+ fps range but are much quieter.

Recently, I had been using some CCI CBs, which are 29-grain solid shorts but ran out and had to switch to the CCI Quiet fodder.  Much to my surprise, the Quiet ammo shot to the same point of impact at 25 yards with absolutely no scope adjustments necessary.  However, after using the short 29-grain ammo for a long time, I found the longer Quiet ammo would not chamber and would get stuck in the chamber when closing the bolt.  It took a good scrubbing with Hoppe’s gun cleaner and that was all the prep it needed.

I’d have to estimate the number of red squirrels taken this year at dozens.  I recycle them at a particular site in the back 40 by placing them on a stump for the vultures, hawks, and crows or whatever else enjoys them.

Ammunition, Firearms, Hunting

NWTF, Partners Allocate Nearly $6 Million to Wild Turkey Research Projects for 2024

(The above visual highlights where the NWTF has funded projects through its National Wild Turkey Request for Proposals program since 2022. The visual does not include the many research projects being funded by NWTF state chapters at a local level.)

EDGEFIELD, S.C. — Via its largest single annual investment in wild turkey research, the NWTF recently distributed $655,447 to nine wild turkey research projects for the organization’s 2024 allocation. Between NWTF funding and partner support, about $6 million will support the nine wild turkey research projects.

“Thanks to our volunteers, partners and staff, our National RFP program has become a powerhouse for energizing wild turkey research and infusing needed funding into projects with practical management applications,” NWTF co-CEO Kurt Dyroff said. “This third investment in just over two years represents the NWTF’s commitment to ensuring wild turkey managers and policymakers are using the best available science to manage and guide the sustainability of our beloved bird, while also increasing our understanding of wild turkey ecology in an ever-changing world.”

The boosted funding has brought the NWTF’s investment in wild turkey ecology research — in just over two years — to $1,597,821 through its National Wild Turkey Request for Proposals program.

Funding for this year’s RFP investment was made possible thanks to significant contributions from the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Mossy Oak and NWTF state chapters. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

WSF Congratulates 2025 Conklin Award Winner

The Wild Sheep Foundation congratulates WSF Life Member Deron Millman as the recipient of the 2025 Conklin Award.

Deron Millman is the 23rd winner of this “Tough Man” award, named after the late Dr. James Conklin, a Weatherby Award winner who liked to pursue challenging animals worldwide.

The Conklin Award was created to honor the memory of James E. Conklin, M.D., a superb hunter and stalwart conservationist. In his extensive hunting career, Dr. Conklin exhibited the highest degree of ethics and demonstrated a strong commitment to wildlife conservation.

Millman is the 23rd winner of this “Tough Man” award. He started hunting with his grandfather at age 10. He has taken 37 different Ovis species and 39 different Capra species and has been to Asia more than 36 times. Deron has been married to his wife Patricia for 33 years. They reside in North Canton, Ohio. They have twin children, Anthony and Taylor, and a granddaughter, Bailey. At age 28, Deron started and developed one of North America’s largest commercial land survey companies. Read more

Hunting
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