MUTE SWANS A THREAT TO WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE

Most of the swans we see all around Michigan are not native to Michigan, which many people seem to forget since they’ve been here for 150 years. Mute swans were introduced to North America in the mid-1800’s, essentially as lawn and park ornaments—we could call them the original pink plastic flamingo, except that they move…

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WOLF SCIENTISTS URGE FEDERAL DELISTING IN GREAT LAKES

Today, a group of nationally-renowned wolf scientists sent a letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Congress urging for wolves in the western Great Lakes to be returned to state management due to their biological recovery in the region. While wolves have exceeded Endangered Species Act recovery goals since 1999, a federal judge’s…

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DNR SUSPECTS FOURTH DEER WITH CWD

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources suspects that a fourth free-ranging white-tailed deer may have Chronic Wasting Disease in Michigan. The news comes just days before the start of the state’s annual firearm deer season. (Stock photo from MUCC – not the actual CWD deer) The deer, a year and a half old buck, was…

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PUBLIC LAND KEY TO FOREST PRODUCTS COMPANY INVESTMENT

The Governor’s 2015 Forest Products Summit, at the end of October in East Lansing, Michigan, brought together 150 representatives from industry, government, the financial sector, conservation and academia to continue actions started at the Governor’s 2013 Forest Products Summit to encourage growth of wood-using industries in the state. It is already paying dividends thanks to…

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CAMO AT THE CAPITOL | SAFETY ZONE, ANTI-POACHING BILLS PASSED IN HOUSE

Pro-hunting legislation to deter poaching and increase hunting access passed the House of Representatives today. The House passed HB 4239 unanimously and SB 244-246 by an average vote of 77-28. On September 9, during MUCC’s Camo at the Capitol lobby day, the original version of HB 4239 was amended in the Senate Committee on Outdoor…

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DEER FEEDING BILL PROMOTES SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

Last week, on Tuesday the House Natural Resource Committee held a meeting regarding House Bill 4908, which deals with a repeal for a sunset on the authority of the Natural Resource Commission to issue an order regarding deer and elk feeding. We expect them to approve it this week. This is the same content of…

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In the Field: Deer Check in DMU 333

by Anna Mitterling, Wildlife Cooperative Coordinator Big doe down in CWD zone! My husband successfully harvested his first deer in our very own backyard. Talk about local meat. We found her about 200 feet away from the tree stand. James’ target practice this summer paid off, and his arrow had good placement. We gutted her,…

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GIANT INVASIVE "HOGS" HEADLINES; PREVENTION KEY

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is one of the nastiest invasives around. Giant hogweed is originally from Asian, and was introduced as an ornamental. Hogweed is also invasive in Canada and part of Europe. It is spread by seed, and can easily crowd out native plants and takeover complete areas. When flowering, giant hogweed can reach…

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THREAT OF AVIAN INFLUENZA RETURNS WITH WILD BIRD MIGRATION

In the early summer, waterfowl hunters and poultry farmers alike heard disturbing news about highly pathogenic avian influenza virus reaching Michigan’s wild goose population in Macomb County. MDARD has released a statement this week that reminds waterfowl hunters that they shouldn’t be worried, but to take common sense precautions while processing waterfowl. The hunting seasons will continue…

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