Policy
NRC: Deer urine-based lures and attractants remain legal
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) amended a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposal last Thursday that would have banned the use of deer urine-based lures and attractants. Commissioners voted to allow the continued use of deer urine-based lures and attractants, as long as the products have a seal from the Archery Trade Association (ATA)…
Read MoreConsent Decree status conference leads to extension
The 2020 Consent Decree governing treaty and recreational fishing in the northern Great Lakes of Michigan was again extended June 4 after a status conference was held in federal court in Kalamazoo. The parties gathered at the request of the court to provide an overview of their take on the negotiations thus far and their…
Read MoreA slippery slope: Kalamazoo County Commission set to vote on ‘wildlife killing contests’
Kalamazoo County commissioners are poised to vote on a proclamation Tuesday “opposing wildlife killing contests and asking Michigan policymakers to ban them.” Passage of the proclamation would not limit hunting contests or any other hunting activity in Kalamazoo County — it is a statement of position. The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has the exclusive authority…
Read MoreNRC to act on proposed urine-based lure ban at June meeting
Commissioners are set to act on a proposed ban of urine-based lures as another round of deer regulations comes in front of the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) this month for action. It is unclear what the commission’s flavor might be on the proposed ban, but during last month’s public testimony, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)…
Read MoreSportsmen’s Caucus Afternoon Outdoors Highlights Hunting, Fishing Priorities for Policymakers
The rapid fire of semi-automatic rifles and pistols was drowned out by the looming boom of a 12-gauge shotgun followed by cheers and applause as the pellets broke a clay pigeon. Crossbow bolts met their target with conviction while Deutsch Kurzhaar puppies lay in a pen feet away. Fly rods were strung, turkey calls chalked…
Read MoreNRC gathers input on deer regulations at May meeting
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) considered changes to the deer hunting rules Thursday and oversaw a number of orders signed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) director. The proposed deer hunting regulations included two administrative changes relating to muzzleloader hunting and a ban of urine-based lures and attractants. The falconry rules and regulations…
Read MorePheasant licenses available online, in person — planning for fall release underway
Michigan pheasant licenses are now available for purchase online or through in-person license vendors for the 2021 season. A pheasant license costing $25 is now required to hunt public and hunter access program (HAP) land in the Lower Peninsula for those 18 years of age or older. The pheasant license was created through passage of…
Read MoreNRC Approves Bear Hunting Rules, Considers Falconry Regulations
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved 2021 bear hunting regulations when it met Thursday. These rules and regulations are very similar to those in place in the 2020 seasons, with a few key changes, including the elimination of rules allowing for the placement of bear bait barrels on public lands. Bear hunting regulations and…
Read MoreNRC to Consider Bear Hunting Rules, Falconry Regulations
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will vote on 2021 bear hunting regulations and quotas when it meets Thursday. These proposed rules and regulations are similar to those in place in the 2020 seasons, with a few key changes, including a possible elimination of rules allowing for the placement of bear bait barrels on public…
Read MoreA rough year: Motorboats, shooting ranges, fishing guides and COVID
One year ago, Michigan boaters and anglers had their ability to enjoy Michigan’s natural resources taken away from them via an executive order (EO) and subsequent interpretation. EO 2020-42, issued by Gov. Whitmer and related to a ban on certain outdoor activities, did not specifically prohibit motor boating. However, on a “Frequently Asked Questions” web…
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