Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
The 2012 firearm deer season wrapped up late last week, and the Department of Natural Resources announced today that hunter reports from around the state have been mostly positive. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
After having the chance to participate in the legislative process on behalf of House Bill 5249 and giving testimony in its support, I really thought the bill would pass this year. Being able to use straight-wall cartridges in rifles in the southern “shotgun” zone seemed to be a no-brainer. I know I am with thousands of ethical sportsmen who are disappointed in the news, but here is the latest status direct from Matt Lori’s (R-District 59) office based on my request for information:
Dear Mr. Wunderlich,
Thank you for your email to Representative Lori, which will be drawn to his attention.
At this late stage in the Legislative Session, it does not seem likely that the Senate is going to move the bill forward. The bill is not on the most recent agenda for the Outdoor Recreation and Tourism’s next meeting. Without that movement forward it is unlikely that the bill will be back to the House for a final vote during “lame duck”.
Representative Lori very much appreciates your support, and will likely re-introduce the bill next year.
Sincerely
Susan Martin Chief of Staff District 59
1-877-262-5959
Wolf or coyote? We report; you decide here…
A judge ordered a temporary restraining order and halted the trapping of wolverines in Montana. Of course the whacko groups are behind this one, as usual, but could they be right this time? The USFWS was conducting an evaluation relative to the Endangered Species List but ran out of money for the study – in no small part because of having to pay the whacko groups attorneys’ fees for so many frivolous suits. In any case, the season has been suspended and details of the wolverines’ plight are here…
“Clearly, there is, we believe, an overpopulation of wolves in an isolated area and the west end of the U.P. is suffering because of it,” declared Senator Tom Casperon of Escanaba. More here…
This from the NRA… “The bill would amend the law to clarify that the EPA does not have the authority to regulate shot, bullets or sport fishing equipment.“
Just over two weeks ago, the U.S. Senate voted 84-12 to advance S. 3525, “The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.” However, this week, by a 50-41 vote, the bill suffered a setback when the Senate failed to clear a procedural hurdle and move on to finish work on the bill. There is still time to get this critically important legislation passed, but you must act now! S. 3525 is an essential piece of legislation focused on the expansion and enhancement of hunting, recreational fishing and shooting on federal public land. But it’s more than that. Read more
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that a new parcel of land is open for public access in Livingston County, near Stockbridge. This parcel, called The Vigo Tract, offers quality hunting and outdoor recreation opportunities for Southeast Michigan. Read more
GW: I now understand why I never see these birds except when flying high above. Oh, yes, that sound is unmistakable. A good education follows here…
by Doug Reeves, assistant chief, DNR Wildlife Division
Nov. 12, 2012 was the Veteran’s Day holiday but it was also a spectacular migration day. A strong cold front came across the continent, with the northern portion arriving in Mid-Michigan during the early morning hours accompanied by rain. The rain had ended by about noon, and the temperature dropped from the low 50’s to the upper 30’s. There was a strong westerly wind, sometimes with significant shifts to the north or northwest. Conditions were just right for tundra swans to migrate, and migrate they did! Read more
Interested in avoiding crowded stores? Need a little help locating one-of-a-kind gifts? Like gifts that support Michigan’s wildlife, natural resources or history programs? 
If any of those scenarios sounds like you, consider turning to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for several gift-giving ideas sure to satisfy the outdoor/nature enthusiast or history buff on your shopping list. Read more
Three recent trail camera photos of cougars in the Upper Peninsula have been verified by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Two of the photos, both of a cougar with a radio collar, were taken in October in Menominee County – one near Cedar River and one near Menominee just north of the Wisconsin border.
U,P. Cougar
The third photo was taken in northern Marquette County in November. The cougar in the Marquette County photo is not wearing a radio collar.
The DNR does not place radio collars on cougars; North Dakota and South Dakota are the nearest states where wildlife researchers have placed radio collars on cougars to track their movement. The DNR has not yet been able to determine the origin of the radio-collared cougar that is in Michigan. Read more