Developing a cost-effective technique to estimate wolf abundance in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By JOHN PEPIN
Deputy public information officer
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

On a desolate two-track road, a man approaches on a snowmobile.

Watching the road ahead, he notices a line of tracks in the snow that lead from a dense stand of trees along a creek. The man stops the sled and as it idles, he leans over for a better view.

He’s found what he’s looking for – gray wolf tracks. Read more

Wildlife

Quick and effective actions save ice fisherman Lake Gogebic in Ontonagon County

Rescuers work to save a man fallen through the ice of Lake Gogebic.

Sixty-three-year-old Paul Boehm of Ontonagon is lucky to be alive after falling repeatedly through the weakening ice of Lake Gogebic  afternoon.

At about 4:30 p.m. CDT, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Jennifer Hanson and Zach Painter were notified by Negaunee Regional Dispatch that a man had gone through the ice near Merriweather in Bergland Township.

At 13,380 acres, Lake Gogebic is the Upper Peninsula’s largest inland lake, spreading across portions of Ontonagon and Gogebic counties. The lake is popular with anglers for its jumbo perch and walleye fishing.  Local temperatures had reached the low 50s by  afternoon.

A lakefront homeowner, Sue Barrette, who lives along Old M-28 near the Hoop ‘N Holler Tavern, had called emergency dispatch after hearing Boehm yelling and seeing him crawling on the ice.

“She said she saw him sprawled out on the ice and a few moments later, saw him break through, and observed only his head above water,” Hanson said. Read more

Fishing

Steelhead Introduces A Smaller, Lighter Portable Pistol Lock Box With Fast Access Lock

Steelhead Outdoors designs innovative gun storage solutions. The latest innovation is the Small Fast Access Pistol Box that offers security for compact pistols like a Glock 19 in a smaller, lighter package. Steelhead pistol boxes are American-made with quality steel and are designed to be drill and pry-resistant. Weighing less than 15 pounds, these lockboxes can transport 1-2 handguns or pistols, and many can accommodate handguns with attachments. Each lock box has mounting holes to allow for secure mounting to a wall or floor or use the optional beefy security cable to tether the lock box to a vehicle.

electronics, batteries, features a push button Genuine Simplex lock for fast access without electronics, batteries, or keys. This pistol box was built for travel with easily going from nightstand to vehicle, to the hotel room. Formed and welded entirely from heavy duty 12-gauge steel, it’s engineered for security, usability and portability with the ability to secure the Fast Access Pistol Box with Steelhead’s signature 3’ long, 6,000 lb. rated, ¼” galvanized cable with 5/16” coating. No competitor offers a security cable this strong. The Fast Access Pistol Box measures 8.5” wide x 12.25” long x 3” tall and weighs just under 15 lbs. Suggested retail $300. Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson Announces 2nd Auction of Commemorative Model 1854 Set

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, in partnership with Gunbroker.com, is excited to announce it will host a second online auction of the limited-edition engraved Model 1854 rifle and matching numbered Model 29 revolver set.

Smith & Wesson recently auctioned the engraved number 001 of 100 on Gunbroker.com at a value of $32,975, with proceeds benefitting the conservation organizations, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Safari Club International (SCI). Starting Thursday, March 14th, engraved number 002 will be the final model available for general public bidding on Gunbroker.com to raise additional funds for RMEF and SCI to support their initiatives.

“We recognize Smith & Wesson’s standing as an outdoor industry leader for the last 170 years. As a hunter-based conservation organization, we also appreciate the quality of their firearms and thank them and the bidders for generating valuable funding we’ll put back on the ground to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” said Kyle Weaver, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

With just 100 units being produced, this pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts stunning engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by renowned Baron Engraving. Included with the beautifully designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President & CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Read more

Firearms

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Offers Turkey Hunt in Tuscola County

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program is offering a Beyond BOW Turkey hunt workshop for women.

Scheduled for the weekend of May 10-11, 2024, the program is for women with no previous experience or would like to expand on or learn new skills and abilities. Space is limited to seven participants.

This free Beyond BOW event will be held in Cass City and is sponsored by The National Wild Turkey Federation, Cabela’s and Ben’s Great Outdoors. The BOW program greatly appreciates the continued support of these sponsor organizations.

Ammo, shotguns and lunch will all be provided. However, overnight lodging will be the responsibility of the participants. Read more

Hunting

Michigan Coyote Hunting to Remain Open Year-Round

Michigan’s NRC has been considering partially closing year-round coyote hunting since early 2024. In a unanimous vote on , MUCC members made clear that the organization does not support closing the season and that there is no biological evidence to support such a closure.

MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter said the organization’s stance on closing the coyote season is “abundantly” clear.

“No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC has an obligation to oppose this part of the order in accordance with Proposal G and the authority it provides to them,” Trotter said. “If enacted, it will make the fight to defend lethal wildlife management that much harder.”

Hunting

As Michigan’s State Park Improvements Ramp Up, Visitors Reminded About Planning for Closures

GW:  More money we have to borrow for ARPA funds.  So, sad we have to burden people yet to be born.  Of course, our hands are extended to accept debt.

Thanks to a massive $250 million investment made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act, many critical improvements at Michigan state parks are underway or getting ready to break ground in the coming months.

Although the work will cause slight disruptions to overnight and day-trip plans at some locations, state park officials say it’s a worthwhile tradeoff – governed by a strict timeline – that will yield substantial long-term visitor benefits. The federal relief funds will help the Michigan Department of Natural Resources address a decades-long backlog of repair and maintenance needs and help build a new state park in Flint.

“In the construction world, this is much like a race against time to design, bid and plan these projects in such a short time frame,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “The ARPA funds must be committed by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on those projects by Dec. 31, 2026. It’s an exciting opportunity, but one that requires careful planning, broad action and thorough execution.” Read more

General

Introducing the Ruger American Rifle Generation II Predator Models and Expansion of Existing Lines

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is excited to announce 36 new configurations of the Ruger American® Rifle Generation II, which includes 18 configurations of the new Predator variant of this popular rifle. Predator rifles are available in the full Gen II caliber assortment, from traditional predator calibers like .204 Ruger up to .300 Win Mag.

Generation II Predator models feature a durable, Burnt Bronze Cerakote barreled action and an attractive green stock textured with black and bronze splatter for excellent grip and control in the field. The longer 22″ medium contour, cold hammer-forged barrel features deep spiral fluting on most models, improving the balance of the rifle without sacrificing rigidity or accuracy. The threaded muzzle features a factory-installed radial muzzle brake. Read more

Firearms

SB Tactical Announces New SBA5 Adjustable Pistol Stabilizing Brace

SB Tactical®, inventors and manufacturers of the Pistol Stabilizing Brace®, is proud to continue supporting the large frame pistol market with the release of the new SBA5™ Pistol Stabilizing Brace.

Designed for all platforms capable of accepting a mil-spec carbine receiver extension, the SBA5 is 5-position adjustable and greatly enhances the usability of the host firearm by adding an additional point of contact.

Featuring an integral, ambidextrous QD sling socket, the SBA5 is available in both black and FDE. With an arm cuff size based on the original SB15®, the SBA5 weighs only 9 ounces, and ships with an adjustable nylon strap for a custom fit. Read more

Firearms

Michigan DNR Collecting Walleye Eggs on Muskegon River This Spring

Muskegon River anglers should be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel collecting walleye eggs below Croton Dam this spring. Collections with electrofishing boats will start as early as the week of March 18 and conclude by April 12.

Anglers who wish to avoid the walleye collection activities should fish downstream. The DNR asks anglers to exhibit caution when fishing near the electrofishing boats. For angler safety during the electrofishing work, those wading will be asked to exit the water when boats approach.

The DNR plans to collect approximately 23 million walleye eggs from the Muskegon River this year, which will result in fry (fish that have just hatched) for transfer to rearing ponds and direct fry plants throughout the Lower Peninsula. Walleye fry transferred to ponds will be raised to fingerling size (approximately 1.5 to 2.5 inches) and stocked in late spring or early summer in lakes and rivers throughout the state. Read more

Fishing
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