Shoot raises $30k for youth conservation, stewardship

lschultz • August 16, 2022

About 150 shooters from across the state came together last week to support and embolden the next generation of Michigan’s conservation stewards.

Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) hosted its annual Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Charity Shoot at Multi-Lakes Conservation Club on August 12. Three flights took part in the event, and about $30,000 was raised to help foster the next generation of hunters, anglers, trappers and shooters.

The funds raised at this year’s charity shoot will help MUCC educate youth on the importance of conservation and Michigan’s natural resources and ensure the next generation of stewards is armed with the information they need to be conservation-conscious voters. Funds will also be used to maintain our camp’s historic buildings and ensure that MUCC can continue our programming year-round. 

Youth education and conservation have always been vital pieces of MUCC, said Shaun McKeon, the education director.

“Each dollar raised at the shoot positively impacts a young person’s life,” McKeon said. “Whether it helps them see their first star, cast their first line, set their first trap or paddle their first canoe, we are creating the conservation stewards of tomorrow.”

Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp was founded in 1946. Since, more than 59,000 kids have attended camp and learned about conservation. Each child takes the Michigan Hunter Safety Education course, shoots archery and .22s, learns about water ecology, paddles Cedar Lake, and the outside world around them.

The camp offers weekly themes ranging from water ecology to trapping and fishing camp. Each student receives a well-rounded schedule with a focus on their area of consideration.

More than 40 sponsors and individ ual donors helped MUCC offset the costs of the event to ensure money raised is put into youth programming.

Sponsors and partners are integral to the organization’s ability to reach the next generation of stewards where they are, said Steve Windom, MUCC director of development and membership.

“Without broad-based support from communities, partners, businesses and those who care deeply for conservation, our next generation will not have the tools they need,” Windom said. “Our generous partners help keep our mission to create the next generation of conservation-minded stewards alive.”

The top three teams and shooters:

Top Teams (200 clays possible):

Capstone Tax & Financial, INC   – 190

Your Neighborhood Plumber – 178

Multi-Lake Patriots – 176 

Top Gun – Dana Farrel

Top Gun Runner Up – Ryan Gates

To view photos from the event, click here: 2022 Charity Shoot Photos

Recent Posts

On the Ground Junior: Fall Event Recap

By Olivia Triltsch • October 16, 2025
In 2025, the On the Ground program conducted 8 junior projects with schools involving 316 students from across the state. From tree plantings to invasive species removal, these students worked to enhance 39.3 acres of public land after contributing over 200 volunteer hours. Visit our website to learn more information about our On the Ground program and On the Ground Junior . To wrap up the 2025 field season, the On the Ground program worked with two classrooms to enhance wildlife habitat and recreational access. Junior programs like these allow teachers to get their students out of the classroom and into hands-on learning about the importance of habitat work while meeting individuals in the field.

October NRC Recap

By Justin Tomei • October 9, 2025
The Natural Resources Commission met today, Thursday, October 9th for their October meeting. The commission reaffirmed its intent to allow for lethal year-round coyote management on public and private land via a unanimously passed resolution before passing fisheries orders, and tabling more for consideration in November. The commission passed Fisheries Orders 210.26 , and 254.25 before tabling 206.26, 219.26 , and 253.26 . Commissioner John Walters provided an amendment to the fisheries order to expand underwater spearfishing opportunities to most of the Great Lakes, allowing for some spatial closures for the protection of particularly sensitive areas. The commission took steps to make good on their promise to allow year-round coyote management, unanimously passing a resolution more clearly stating their intent and what the pending wildlife conservation order will look like. The next meeting is Thursday November 6 in Lansing.

October NRC Meeting Preview: Wildlife, Habitat, and Regulation Updates on the Agenda

By Justin Tomei • October 7, 2025
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will convene for its October meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Michigan Technological University’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts in Houghton, MI. This monthly gathering brings together commissioners, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, and the public to discuss policy decisions and updates impacting the state’s natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities. The meeting will begin with Coffee with Commissioners from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by the formal session at 9:30 a.m. Attendees can park for free in Lot 10, located east of the Rozsa Center. The meeting will open with a presentation from DNR leadership, including several notable updates and informational reports: Spring Turkey Regulations: Wildlife Division staff will present proposed changes to spring turkey hunting regulations for 2026. Wildlife Habitat Grants : Program leads will outline new habitat grant initiatives and highlight ongoing restoration efforts across the state. Moose Population Monitoring: A presentation will cover results from the most recent moose survey and discuss ecological and environmental factors limiting population growth. White-Nose Syndrome: The Wildlife Division will provide the latest data on the spread and impact of white-nose syndrome on Michigan’s bat populations. New Business The commission will consider a range of new proposals and action items, including: Oil and Gas Lease Auction: Approval for a proposed October 21, 2025, lease auction for energy development on state-managed lands. Land Transactions: Consideration of multiple land sales, acquisitions, and donations, including parcels in Tuscola, Wayne, St. Clair, and Luce counties. Wildlife Orders: Review of spring turkey regulations for the 2026 hunting season . Old Business The NRC will also revisit several regulatory items from previous meetings, including proposed amendments to a number of Fisheries Orders. This includes an amendment further expanding underwater spearfishing to larger portions of the Great Lakes. All orders and amendments for consideration can be found at the NRC agenda, HERE .
More Posts