January NRC: Elk season results, wildlife division regulation schedule discussed

lschultz • January 13, 2022

Commissioners heard elk season results and received an outline of the 2022 NRC regulation schedule from the wildlife division at their January meeting.

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) met Thursday at the Michigan Library and Historical Center Forum. Chair Carol Rose gaveled in the meeting at 9 a.m. 

The January meeting was the first for new commissioners Mark David Anthony and Leslie Love, appointments of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, though neither were present at the commission meeting. Their appointments were announced on January 7. Both appointments are Democrats, and the commission is required to be bipartisan, with no more than four from a single party. The governor can not appoint another Democrat to the commission unless one comes off first. 

Michigan United Conservation Clubs thanks J.R. Richardson of Ontonagon, whose recent term on the commission ended on Dec. 31, 2021, for his years of service to the Natural Resources Commission, Michigan’s outdoor heritage and conservation.

Director’s Report

DNR Law Enforcement Division Chief Gary Hagler presented the American Legion Award to Conservation Officer Jeff Ginn. Hagler said Ginn’s commitment to the department and public service is unmatched.

“The American Legion helped shape him into the officer he is today,” Hagler said. “CO Ginn has been part of five life-saving rescues, as we can see from the ribbons he displays on his uniform.”

DNR Wildlife Chief Jared Duquette presented the 2022 NRC regulation schedule related to wildlife division:

  • Furbearer: two-year cycle, regulations set for 2022 and 2023 season; up for information in February and possible action in March
  • Migratory game birds: The US Fish and Wildlife Service sets bag limits and season frameworks; regulations will be set for 2022 and 2023; three-year cycle for opening dates and managed waterfowl area regulations; up for information in February and March
  • Elk: two-year cycle, regulations for 2022 and 2023 season; up for information in March and possible action in April. Preliminary 2022 season results will be presented in October
  • Fall turkey: three-year cycle, regulations set for 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons; up for information in April and possible action in May
  • Deer: three-year cycle, regulations set for 2020, 2021, and 2022 seasons, up for review in 2023. Constantly monitoring deer data in cycle and prepared to make changes outside cycle if necessary. Deer harvest reporting up for information in May, for action in June. Deer harvest survey report available in June
  • Spring turkey: three-year cycle, regulations set for 2023, 2024 and 2025; up for information in October and possible action in November

MUCC thanks the department and Chief Duquette for presenting on upcoming, expected regulation changes that are on multi-year cycles, said Nick Green, MUCC public information officer.

“Knowing what regulation changes are coming down the pipe and allowing stakeholders the ability to proactively tease these issues out months in advance is invaluable,” Green said. “Regardless of positions, more time to discuss elevated issues in open forums rather than constricted by public appearance guidelines would benefit all of us in the conservation arena.”

Commissioner Dave Nyberg brought up the issue of harvesting two tom turkeys in the spring after Duquette’s presentation. He noted that the topic might be a good topic of discussion for the NRC wildlife committee when it starts to meet.  MUCC has a 2021 member-passed resolution on the matter .

Later in the meeting, Chair Rose also indicated that improvements to the tracking dog regulations is another area for the wildlife committee to discuss, an area MUCC and member groups have testified in support of in the past.

Mark Monroe, from DNR Forest Resources Division, presented a forest road inventory update .

The DNR preliminary elk season results were also presented by deer and elk program specialist Chad Stewart. Hunt period one resulted in 73 harvested elk, including 29 bulls and a 75 percent success rate. Hunt period two resulted in 140 harvested elk, including 47 bulls, five calves and an 89 percent success rate.

Director’s Orders

The director indicated he intended to sign a host of land transactions and a land-use order. Those orders can be found on the agenda.

The next meeting will be on Feb 10  in the Lansing area, though a location has not yet been announced.

Recent Posts

From the Field to the Sky: What Fireworks Mean for Wildlife

By Olivia Triltsch • July 3, 2025
The United States is not shy about using big, beautiful fireworks in celebration of many occasions. July 4th is a day of celebration for many within the country, celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1776. Fireworks and barbecues are the most common modes of celebration on this day in recognition of the historic significance of the day. While these grand displays are something many look forward to each year, it is important to consider the impacts these explosions have on the surrounding area, including pets and wildlife.

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.
More Posts