Category: Wildlife

Goldfinch

Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Approves $28 Million to Conserve Waterfowl, Shorebirds and Other Species in 16 States

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission yesterday approved $28 million in funding for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its partners to purchase, lease, restore or otherwise conserve more than 128,000 acres of wetland habitats for ducks, bitterns, sandpipers and other birds in the United States.

The commission also recognized the contributions of Rep. John Dingell, who is retiring after an unprecedented 45 years of service as a member.

“Our nation’s efforts to conserve migratory birds have no better supporter than Congressman Dingell, who has worked tirelessly over more than four decades to protect and restore the wetland and upland habitat so vital to them,” Jewell said. “Today, during his final meeting, we continued this legacy with the acquisition and conservation of vital habitat so important not only to birds but to countless other species of wildlife.” Read more

Wildlife

Food Plot Fencing Options

As gamekeeper’s, we are constantly preaching on the importance of spring and summer nutrition for whitetails. There are huge upsides for your deer herd when they are provided quality high protein groceries during the growing months. Anyone who has tried to grow a small food plot of soybeans, lablab, or other highly attractive warm season annual, has likely experienced a failure. Although there are a number of reasons for plot failure including, lack of rain or poor seedbed prep, the number one reason for warm season plot failures is over browsing. Even with low to moderate deer densities, a 1 acre soybean plot planted in the middle of hundreds of acres of timber, can be destroyed in a few days time. In the first few days after germination, popular spring plantings such as iron clay peas, soybeans, or lablab that are bitten off below the terminal bud are killed and will not grow. So, now that we have identified the problem, what are some solutions?

For the purposes of this topic, let’s take for granted that you are doing your part in controlling your deer density through good trigger finger management, but are still having problems with over browsed food plots. Physically keeping the deer out of the plots until they are established and mature enough to withstand the browse pressure has proved to be an effective tactic. This can be achieved by utilizing a number of different fencing options. After all, what sense does it make to go to the trouble and expense of planting warm season plots if you know they are going to be over browsed quickly and provide only a week’s worth of food? Take the time and make a plan to protect your crops so you get the most for your labor and money.

For many years, BioLogic has had a product called P2 Plot protector. This kit contains a woven poly tape that will protect an acre. After installing t-posts or rebar around the perimeter of the field, the tape can be put on. Also included in the kit is a small jug of concentrated solution to spray on the poly tape. This spray has an unpleasant odor to a deer’s nose and keeps them out of the plot for a couple of weeks after each application. After heavy rains, it is necessary to reapply the spray to the tape to refresh the smell. We have also found it effective to spray the tape from the outside with a backpack or atv sprayer and allow the overspray to fall on the crop you are trying to protect. In moderate deer densities, the P2 kit is often all that is needed to keep deer off the plots until you see the crop is mature enough to handle heavy browse pressure.

Another temporary fencing option is a 7.5 ft polypropylene material called Plot D-Fence. This UV resistant fence is very strong but lightweight and can last 10+ years in the field. With this type of fencing, when the plot reaches maturity you have a couple of options to let the deer in to enjoy the groceries. The Plot D-Fence is flexible and can be lifted up and folded from the bottom to allow your deer herd into the plot. The other option is to fold from the top and allow the deer to jump over the now shortened fence. This latter method however may still keep some lazy deer or fawns out of the plot from their unwillingness to hop the fence. This fence comes in 330 ft sections and can be rolled up and stored away and is lightweight enough for one person to carry a roll. This fencing system may be better suited for guys with heavy deer densities. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan Deer Habitat Improvements

Southeast MI deer habitat projectSoutheast Lower Peninsula – Jackson and Washtenaw Counties A lovely spot for deer hunting is Sharonville State Game Area in Grass Lake. With a combination of agricultural fields, forested ridges and open grasslands, Sharonville has outstanding deer habitat. With money from the 2014 Wildlife Habitat Grant program, extensive work has been done this spring and summer to increase hunter accessibility to the area, especially for hunters with disabilities as part of the Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors partnership. Food plots have also been planted in several parts of the game area to improve deer habitat. Take a trip to Sharonville this fall!   

South Central Lower Peninsula – Gratiot County Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area is seeing positive improvements for deer and deer hunters alike. Currently, within the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area, timber sales have created great young forest that deer will use as food and cover. Several areas also have been mowed for more accessible hunting places for hunters and grazing habitat for deer. If you’ve never visited or hunted Gratiot-Saginaw, you will find over 16,000 acres to explore. Take the time this deer season to expand your hunting range!    UP deer habitat project

Upper Peninsula – Southern Marquette County Several small openings, totaling 16 acres, have been planted to rye or mowed in southern Marquette County this year to provide a great food source for deer. The openings are located on a two-track used by hunters, just north of the deer wintering complex, and were last managed in 2009 with U.P. Whitetails helping to sponsor the project.  “This is great to be able to work these fields again,” said DNR wildlife biologist Brian Roell.  “Because of the new license structure, the fields have been put back into production, providing more great places for deer and deer hunters.”  

Northern Lower Peninsula – Isabella and Midland Counties Sometimes access to public land can be a big draw to hunters establishing deer camps and looking to find an area to hunt.  In both Midland and Isabella counties, thousands of acres of public land are available for those not wanting to travel too far north. Major highways and county roads can get you to these areas for a quick hunt after work or a weekend of hunting, not driving.  Recently road work was completed on two-tracks into the public land in order for the roads to be passable by vehicles.  “These counties can have some pretty wet low-lying areas, great for hunting, but hard to maintain good vehicle access,” said DNR wildlife biologist Bruce Barlow. “We try to make sure areas are accessible with a few roads, but balancing the habitat to provide a great hunting experience.”  Visit Mi-HUNT to see public lands in the area to plan your hunting adventure.

Hunting, Wildlife

Jordan buck on display at Bass Pro Shops Springfield, Missouri

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The whitetail buck of the century – the James Jordan buck taken in Wisconsin in 1914 – is now on display at Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri. Visitors to the granddaddy of all outdoor stores in Springfield will see the original rack from the buck Jordan shot 100 years ago. Jordan buck on display at Bass Pro Shops Springfield, Missouri, store in honor of iconic whitetail’s 100th anniversary

Not only is this giant the number two typical whitetail on Boone and Crockett’s all-time list with a score of 206 1/8, it still holds the honor of being the world record 10-pointer. And the story behind the rack is as extraordinary as the buck itself.
Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Comments sought for update of Wolf Management Plan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is updating the 2008 Michigan Wolf Management Plan and is seeking comment on the implementation of the plan. The plan, and more specifically the four principal goals within the plan, has guided wolf management in Michigan for the last six years.

 

During this time, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the wolf population in the western Great Lakes region (including Michigan) had recovered and the species no longer required the protection of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA). After the removal from the ESA, the State of Michigan had full management authority for wolves.

 

The Wolf Management Plan was created using extensive public input to identify important issues and assess public attitudes towards wolves and their management, as well as a review of the biological and social science on wolves. The four principal goals within the plan are:

  • maintain a viable wolf population;
  •  facilitate wolf-related benefits;
  • minimize wolf-related conflicts;
  • and conduct science-based and socially acceptable management of wolves.

These goals will remain the same in the updated plan. The update will include reviewing scientific literature and including of new information, evaluating implementation based on the action items in the plan, updating action items, and addressing outdated information or clarifications that may be needed.

 

The DNR is seeking comment from those interested in wolf management to aid in the evaluation of plan implementation so far. Review of the plan update will occur in two distinct phases. The first phase will consist of a 30-day period in which interested parties, DNR staff members and Natural Resources Commission members can provide comment on the implementation of actions in the 2008 Plan. The second phase will be a 30-day period to comment on the Draft Updated Plan before it goes to the Natural Resource Commission for endorsement and the DNR director for signature.

 

The Phase 1 electronic survey is now open (www.surveymonkey.com/s/wolfplanupdate). Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

MI DNR announces 2014-15 Community Forestry Grant recipients

The Department of Natural Resources Monday announced that grants totaling $90,132 for urban forestry projects statewide will be awarded to 21 recipients in 16 counties. (The full list of recipients is given in the PDF file available for download below.)

The competitive grant program – a cooperative effort between the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service – funds projects that help create and sustain local urban forestry programs. Grants are awarded for tree planting, community tree inventories, management plans, and education and training projects that enhance and promote urban forestry in Michigan. Read more

Wildlife

Improving Deer Habitat Across the State – Weekly Report, Nov. 5

GW:  Here’s more proof of what is happening with the licensing fee increases

 

deer habitat project map

 

UP deer habitat project

Upper Peninsula – Ontonagon County
A grant program in the U.P. between the DNR, sportsmen’s groups, concerned citizens and partners has shown three great benefits – production of on-the-ground deer habitat, education on the importance of habitat work, and great relationships built by like-minded people. Wildlife Unlimited of Ontonagon County planted multiple wildlife openings as part of the Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative.

Northern Lower Peninsula – Alpena County and Presque Isle County

The state forest land around Alpena, and also near the Onaway and Millersburg areas, has an additional 126 acres of wildlife openings available for hunters to target this deer season. The openings had not been farmed the last several years, but this year, with the help of the recent license restructuring, more openings in this area have been planted to buckwheat and rye, ranging from 0.5 acres to 20 acres in size.

 

Southwest LP deer habitat project

Southwest Lower Peninsula – Montcalm and Ionia County
Several DNR State Game Areas are seeing great habitat improvement projects deer hunters will enjoy. Edmore, Langston, Flat River and Portland State Game Areas created many small openings, to provide not only feeding areas for deer, but better access for hunters. The result of recent timber sales at several State Game Areas in this region is providing great cover and browse for deer, with the young, dense forests that are created. The DNR’s partnership with the Ruffed Grouse Society has been instrumental in achieving these improvements.

Southeast Lower Peninsula – Sanilac County

With an “up north” feeling in the thumb region of Michigan, Minden City State Game Area just south of Minden City is a great location for deer hunting. Wildlife biologist Don Bonnette said that “extensive timber cuts have been conducted to create mixed-aged aspen stands with plenty of young shoots for deer to eat.” The DNR recently acquired 200 additional acres for the game area, all with excellent deer habitat. About 75 percent of the game area is naturally swampy, making for good winter cover for deer and a challenging hunt for adventurous hunters. Be sure to check it out!

 

 

Wildlife

DNR Confirms Presence of Cougar in Upper Peninsula – Again!

DNR confirms recent cougar photos taken in eastern Upper Peninsula
Cougar evidence now confirmed in the U.P. 26 times since 2008

cougar photo Mackinac County

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has confirmed two recent photos of a cougar in the eastern Upper Peninsula, marking the 25th and 26th times cougar evidence has been verified in the U.P.

One of the photos was taken with a camera phone in late October on private property near Chippewa County’s Raber Township. The other was taken in early November by a trail camera on public land in Mackinac County near Garfield Township. Read more

Wildlife

Improving Deer Habitat Across the State

GW:  Liberals have attacked those that supported Michigan’s increased licensing fees, as if it even matters to those that don’t hunt; it was no more than a ploy to discredit honorable lawmakers.  (Yes, there are some!)  Interestingly, sportsmen and women were the ones that agreed to increase hunting fees marginally so that management efforts could be enhanced.  Below is another example of how it’s being accomplished, as promised with those dollars.    deer habitat project map   UP deer habitat project

Upper Peninsula – Ontonagon County A grant program in the U.P. between the DNR, sportsmen’s groups, concerned citizens and partners has shown three great benefits – production of on-the-ground deer habitat, education on the importance of habitat work, and great relationships built by like-minded people. Wildlife Unlimited of Ontonagon County planted multiple wildlife openings as part of the Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative.

Northern Lower Peninsula – Alpena County and Presque Isle County The state forest land around Alpena, and also near the Onaway and Millersburg areas, has an additional 126 acres of wildlife openings available for hunters to target this deer season. The openings had not been farmed the last several years, but this year, with the help of the recent license restructuring, more openings in this area have been planted to buckwheat and rye, ranging from 0.5 acres to 20 acres in size.   Southwest LP deer habitat project

Southwest Lower Peninsula – Montcalm and Ionia County Several DNR State Game Areas are seeing great habitat improvement projects deer hunters will enjoy. Edmore, Langston, Flat River and Portland State Game Areas created many small openings, to provide not only feeding areas for deer, but better access for hunters. The result of recent timber sales at several State Game Areas in this region is providing great cover and browse for deer, with the young, dense forests that are created. The DNR’s partnership with the Ruffed Grouse Society has been instrumental in achieving these improvements.

Southeast Lower Peninsula – Sanilac County With an “up north” feeling in the thumb region of Michigan, Minden City State Game Area just south of Minden City is a great location for deer hunting. Wildlife biologist Don Bonnette said that “extensive timber cuts have been conducted to create mixed-aged aspen stands with plenty of young shoots for deer to eat.” The DNR recently acquired 200 additional acres for the game area, all with excellent deer habitat. About 75 percent of the game area is naturally swampy, making for good winter cover for deer and a challenging hunt for adventurous hunters. Be sure to check it out! 

Hunting, Wildlife
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