Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
A bill that would change the definition of a pistol is headed to Governor Snyder’s desk for signature. Once signed, it will bring Michigan in line with other states’ laws making it easier for manufacturers to sell firearms here. More details here…
By Glen Wunderlich
Finding wild birds around the house can sure change a birder’s plans. Already this year, there have been a Cooper’s hawk, two blue jays, and several robins that have fallen into our hands. Unfortunately, the Cooper’s hawk appeared to have slammed into a window and its prospects for survival seemed slim. Nonetheless, I put the downed creature into a pet carrier and headed off to Michigan State’s emergency animal hospital, where it was carried away by someone on staff.
It’s good to know that such a service is available. If you have an emergency, call 517-353-5420 or take your pet immediately to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital located at Bogue and Wilson Roads on the MSU Campus.
But, what should we do when we find young birds on the ground and they are unable to fly? Read more
A West Virginia man promoting his book “Kindness in America” was shot hitchhiking in Montana. Turns out he may have shot himself. More here…
The northwest Michigan chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association, in partnership with Leelanau Whitetails, has proposed new antler point restrictions (APR) for the following 12 counties: Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Missaukee, Osceola and Wexford.
This proposal seeks to require that all antlered deer harvested in the area have at least three antler points on one side. The statewide requirement that hunters taking two bucks must ensure at least one of those bucks has four or more antler points on one side would remain in place. The proposed regulations would be consistent with the current restriction in Deer Management Unit (DMU) 045, which is Leelanau County. The restriction will be considered for implementation starting with the 2013 deer season. Antlerless deer regulations within the proposed area would continue to be determined by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Read more
Walker Tavern will host its “Wednesdays at Walker” series starting July 11 with a program on Native American traditions. The programs run from 1 to 3 p.m. and are designed to bring Michigan history to life for adult-and-child teams learning together. Read more
Hunters will have a little more territory to hunt for antlerless deer this fall as the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) opened a few more deer management units (DMUs) in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Peninsula at its regular monthly meeting Thursday in Lansing. Read more
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in March affirmed the constitutionality of Congress’ removal of wolves from the federal endangered species list. The deadline to appeal that decision passed quietly this week with no action from plaintiff animal rights and anti-hunting groups. Read more
It’s not unusual to find newly hatched birds in your backyard this time of the year.
Ron Stewart, regional conservation outreach manager for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says young birds often leave their nests before they’re able to fly. “They usually spread out along the branch of a tree and call for their parents to bring food to them,” he says. While the birds are spread along the branch, it’s not uncommon for a strong wind to blow the birds off the branch and for people to find them on the ground. If you find a baby bird on the ground, what should you do with it?
No Explanation Necessary
MISSOULA, Mont. (June 14, 2012)?The question isn?t what did that buck score? The real question is how did that big deer get there in the first place? Telling the story of historic conservation successes is the hallmark of ?Boone and Crockett Country,? an award-winning television series with a new network, new host and a new season?s worth of adventure and discovery. Read more