Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
BOGART, Ga. –Accurately estimating the ages and scores of live whitetail bucks is a critical skill for hunters who wish to produce and harvest more mature bucks where they hunt. The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), in partnership with Whitetail Properties TV, has produced a unique new DVD to help hunters sharpen their field aging and scoring skills. Read more
This crazy looking creature is a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar preparing to wrap itself within the confines of the spicebush leaf, where it will emerge as a beautiful butterfly – the spicebush swallowtail.
A Houghton Lake man was sentenced on Tuesday June 5, 2012 on felony charges that he intentionally set multiple wildland fires in Roscommon County on three separate dates. Howard LeRoy, 71, of Houghton Lake, was sentenced in 34th Circuit Court in Roscommon. LeRoy entered guilty pleas on two counts of felony arson on Feb 16, 2012. Read more
On Saturday, June 9, and Sunday, June 10, everyone in Michigan – including residents and non-residents – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply. Read more
The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance is searching for a few good men—and women—who live in Michigan and who have a strong interest in supporting and protecting our hunting heritage. Several programs are in need of volunteers immediately.
First, we are in the midst of building a network of sportsmen’s clubs Read more
The Department of Natural Resources will, starting June 11, temporarily close portions of the Rose Lake State Wildlife Area shooting range in Clinton County for the construction of a new handgun range. During construction the rifle and pistol area will be closed on weekdays and open on Saturdays and Sundays. The archery and hand trap area will remain open on regularly scheduled days. Work is scheduled to be completed by Thursday, July 12. Read more
LANSING, Mich. – Gov. Rick Snyder today issued a proclamation ending an outdoor burning ban in 49 counties and a fireworks ban in Luce and Schoolcraft counties.
Both bans were imposed under a proclamation issued May 25 in response to the wildfires that destroyed more than 20,000 acres of land and more than 100 buildings in the Upper Peninsula. Read more
This from QDMA…
BOGART, Ga. — Efforts to legalize captive deer breeding in new states or loosen regulations in states where such practices are currently permitted were overwhelmingly defeated during the 2012 legislative session. Of nine bills being tracked by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA), seven were unsuccessful, two remain stalled in committee, and only one has become law. Read more
The Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the catch of a new state record flathead catfish.
Caught by Rodney Akey of Niles, Mich., on Tuesday, May 22, on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County at 8 p.m., the fish weighed 49.8 pounds and measured 45.7 inches. Akey was still-fishing from shore with an alewife when he landed the record fish. Read more
Areas of Tahquamenon Falls State Park north of M-123, previously closed due to proximity to the Duck Lake Fire, have reopened to the public, the Department of Natural Resources said today. Read more