USFWS Finalizes Cormorant Control Permits

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently finalized a rule that would facilitate the lethal take of nearly 120,000 double-crested cormorants annually nationwide.  This rule comes as the latest action in a yearslong process to manage cormorants more comprehensively. While cormorants are a native species, these birds wreak havoc on fisheries populations across the…

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Voluntary youth fishing license signed into law, helps build conservation ethic

Voluntary youth fishing licenses will once again be available after House Bills 5002 and 5003 were signed into law. Introduced by Representatives Howell (R-Lapeer) and Brixie (D-Meridian Township), the tie-barred bill package reinstates a voluntary youth fishing license that costs $2. Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) supported and testified in front of legislative committees regarding…

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2021 Deer Regulations Appear at November NRC Meeting

Legislature passes SB 52 Harvest Reporting Decriminalization

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will meet Thursday to review new rules for the 2021 deer hunting season, including a universal antlerless license, removal of the Upper Peninsula’s (U.P.) “Hunter’s Choice” option and the use of crossbows during the late archery season in the U.P. Each of these rules, and others presented in WCO…

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October NRC Rules on Walleye, Rare Herptiles

Regulations surrounding tackle during walleye-spawning season, the collection of reptiles and amphibians and fish possession limits were passed at this month’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The NRC met virtually on Thursday to consider a brief agenda. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hosted the meeting, and a recording can be viewed on this…

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Action Alert: Call your senator urging them to support commercial fishing legislation

Current statutes and administrative rules regarding the licensing and regulation of commercial fishers in Michigan are decades old and do not sufficiently protect game fish from commercial impacts. Further, MDNR conservation officers are unable to adequately protect the fisheries from exploitation and illegal activity due to the outdated statute. House Bills 4567, 68 and 69…

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Light agenda for the October NRC meeting

Walleye, the collection of reptiles and amphibians, tackle regulations during walleye-spawning season and fish possession limits are on the docket for this month’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. The NRC will meet virtually on Thursday to consider a limited agenda. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host the meeting, and a recording can…

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September NRC Meeting Recap

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) gathered input from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the public regarding changes to a few fishing regulations last week.  The NRC met virtually on Thursday for consideration of a fisheries-heavy agenda. The Michigan DNR hosted the meeting, and a recording can be viewed on this online platform.…

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Gov. signs appropriations bill putting carp money back on the table

Gov. Whitmer signed Senate Bill 745 yesterday, which reappropriated the $8 million earmarked for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project meant to keep invasive Asian carp from the Great Lakes. In March 2020 amid COVID-19 budget constraints, Gov. Whitmer line-item vetoed the $8 million that was earmarked as Michigan’s contribution for the preconstruction, engineering…

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Fisheries Orders up at September NRC Meeting

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) will gather input from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other stakeholders regarding changes to a few fishing regulations this week.  The NRC will meet virtually on Thursday to consider a fisheries-heavy agenda. The Michigan DNR will host the meeting and a recording can be viewed on this…

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