May 13, 2022
Contact: Kerry Heckman, 517-643-1256

Michigan Department of Natural Resources firefighters and local partners are working to contain a wildfire in Montmorency and Cheboygan counties estimated at 2,000 acres as of 9 p.m. Friday.

The Blue Lakes Fire has so far caused the evacuation of 13 people from the Black River Ranch, with no other evacuations and no structures lost as of Friday night, according to DNR spokesperson Kerry Heckman.

“The fire is fueled by a mix of jack pine, mixed pine and grasses, with a very large smoke plume visible from miles away,” she said. Read more

Highly pathogenic avian influenza confirmed in three red fox kits from Lapeer, Macomb and St. Clair counties

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources received confirmation Wednesday evening that three red fox kits died from highly pathogenic avian influenza – the state’s first such confirmation of the HPAI virus in wild mammals. The fox kits, collected between April 1 and April 14, came from three separate dens in Lapeer, Macomb and St. Clair counties.

The DNR had received a report from a wildlife rehabilitator in southeastern Michigan about the fox kits exhibiting neurologic signs of HPAI before death. The kits were observed circling, tremoring and seizing. Two of the three died within hours of intake, while one appeared to respond to supportive therapy but then died in care. Interestingly, an additional kit that was a sibling of the Macomb County kit did survive, but developed blindness, making her non-releasable. This kit will be housed at a local nature center. Read more

Becky Humphries to Retire in 2023; NWTF Board of Directors Names Kurt Dyroff and Jason Burckhalter to Serve as Co-CEOs

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation today announced that Becky Humphries, its CEO since 2017, will retire in February 2023 as the organization celebrates its 50th anniversary. To succeed her, the NWTF Board of Directors has appointed Jason Burckhalter and Kurt Dyroff, two of the organization’s top staff executives, as co-CEOs, effective immediately. Humphries will serve with them until she steps down.

“Building on Becky’s accomplishments and to prepare the NWTF for the future, the Board decided, after careful consideration, to tap the unique experiences and energy of not just one but two of the organization’s top executives,” said Bryan Perry, president of the NWTF Board of Directors. “Kurt and Jason have established proven track records as effective, forward-thinking senior executives and strong collaborators in managing the organization’s key operations. We believe Jason and Kurt will make an effective team to lead the NWTF.” Read more

You are invited to join birders from around the world to participate in the Global Big Day this Saturday, May 14th. This exciting annual event unites birders from around the world to report all the birds they see at their favorite birding hotspots, including their yards. Wherever you are, whether you have some hours for birding, or just 15 minutes to participate, you can join the global team Saturday to help biologists study the bird populations on each continent during mid-May. During last year’s event, birders set 4 World Records for a single day of birding!

A year ago during the Global Big Day, more than 51,816 birders from 192 countries found 7,234 different species of birds! Birders count all birds they see of each species they find. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s a great way for you to be a part of the biggest day in birding – the Global Big Day! You can include photos you take, and appreciate that this information provides biologists with a wealth of information about birds worldwide during a peak period of spring migration.

It’s always interesting to check in to the Global Big Day webpage periodically over the weekend to see how the action is progressing – you never know what exciting birds you may get introduced to at Global Big Day—14 May 2022 – eBird

GREAT FALLS – Nine bighorn sheep from a group that were recently reintroduced into the Little Belt Mountains have died from pneumonia this spring. Several other live bighorn sheep in the same herd have also exhibited symptoms of respiratory disease.

Bighorn sheep were historically common in the Little Belts before they were largely extirpated from the mountain range by the early 20th Century. FWP and several partner organizations worked to restore wild sheep there in 2020 and 2021 by capturing 83 bighorns in the upper Missouri River Breaks and releasing them into the eastern Little Belts. All translocated sheep were fitted with GPS collars.

Pneumonia in bighorn sheep is often fatal and can reduce lamb survival in an affected population. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi), which is a bacteria that can be carried by wild and domestic sheep, is believed to be the primary agent associated with outbreaks of pneumonia in bighorn sheep. Read more

By Korey Morgan

Today, the Forest Service recounts their experience with E-bikes that are helping bring more people to their great outdoor spaces.

E-bike sales have surged during the pandemic. Between 2019 and 2020, e-bike sales were up an estimated 145% in the United States. Photo courtesy Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship with permission.
Joscelyn flashed a wide grin as she rolled back onto the paved parking lot, her cheeks rosy with windburn from the spring air. She pulled the break lever and brought the electric bicycle to a sudden stop in front of the small group of onlookers. “This thing is so awesome!” she said.

The first experience on an e-bike tends to stick with people. They reminisce about how the experience brought back the joy they felt when they first rode a bike as a child. Read more

(Dinnen’s “Strut into the Sunlight”)

(Linder’s “Strut into the Sunlight”)

Contact Pete Muller at (803) 637-7698 or pmuller@nwtf.net

EDGEFIELD, S.C.— The NWTF is proud to announce the winners of its Live Wild Turkey Photography Contest.

“Our 2022 contest saw over 700 live wild turkey photos submitted,” said Pete Muller, NWTF communications director. “We are incredibly thankful for everyone who participated, and we are thrilled to recognize this year’s winners.”

Winning recipients were awarded for first, second and third place, including a People’s Choice award selected by the voting public.

Judging for first place, with a grand prize of $1,000, through third place was performed by a panel of professional photographers, and the People’s Choice Award was determined by the most votes given to a photo on the contest’s website.

Brooke Dinnen won first place for her photo entitled “Spring Dream.” The Okeechobee, Florida, native donated her winnings back to the NWTF to support on-the-ground conservation work. Read more

Upper Sandusky, OH – Antler King’s Trophy Clover Mix boasts the highest protein- and tonnage-producing perennial mix on the market for reliable deer and turkey food plots that last up to 6 years.

Treated with Ultra Coat Orange for higher germination rates and increased forage yield, Trophy Clover Mix can grow 2-3 feet tall with up to 10 tons of 30% protein forage per acre to grow trophy bucks. Four clover varieties, chicory, and rapeseed provide a hardy food source that’s nutritious, palatable, and digestible through spring, summer, and fall.

Trophy Clover Mix can be planted in the spring or fall. It’s available in ½ acre and 40 pound bags.

To learn more about Trophy Clover Mix and browse the full Antler King lineup, visit antlerking.com. Read more