February NRC Recap

Commissioners received a memo for information on proposed bear regulation and quota changes at today’s Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. Wildlife Conservation Order 2 of 2023, related to black bears, proposes the following changes: Prohibiting field points from being used in a bow and arrow. Restricting firearm caliber use to exclude rimfire ammunition. Clarifying wood…

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Resolution calling for wolf hunt passes House committee, highlights partisanship

Emotional rhetoric and misinformation from anti-hunters didn’t deter committee members from voting through a resolution Thursday calling for a 2022 wolf hunting and trapping season in Michigan. Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) Executive Director Amy Trotter was invited by House Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Committee Chair Gary Howell (R-North Branch) to give a short…

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December WMAC: DNR Law Enforcement Division expected to present

The Wolf Management Advisory Council (WMAC) will convene in St. Ignace Tuesday for its December meeting. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement Division (LED) is expected to present on the division’s accomplishments from the last wolf management plan, and council members suggested presentation items such as whether LED believes the current fines and penalties…

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MUCC welcomes Ashley Carmichael as new camp director

Hi, everyone!  I am the new Michigan Out-of-Doors Youth Camp Director, Ashley Carmichael. I am very excited to continue the camp’s mission of creating stewards and connecting our youth to the outdoors. A southern California native, I spent much of my childhood outside riding horses, hiking local trails and camping with my family. For me,…

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Accomplishments report, updated recommendations part of November wolf council meeting

Michigan’s Wolf Management Advisory Council (WMAC) members received an accomplishments report regarding the 2015 Wolf Management Plan before diving into new business at their November meeting. Michigan’s wolf population has recovered to 695 wolves according to the DNR — greater than the original population goal of 200 established by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources…

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Wolf council holds first meeting; former large-carnivore specialist shakes things up

*Image provided courtesy of the U.P. Ruffed Grouse Association The new Wolf Management Advisory Council (WMAC) met for the first time Wednesday to determine agenda format, logistics and public comment guidelines for the council moving forward. In January, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), through the Department of the Interior, delisted the gray…

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New bill would require hunters and anglers to pay for public education on protecting species “adversely affected by human activity”

House Bill 5078 sponsored by Representative Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck) would remove the nine-seat limit on the Michigan Wildlife Council and add requirements for an appointment to be made to two individuals who promote primarily non-consumptive wildlife use as well as a tribal representative and an individual with an advanced degree.  What is more concerning, however,…

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NRC 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…

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How OTG Benefits Sportsmen and Sportswomen

Are you a hunter, trapper or angler in Michigan? If so, then be sure to thank an On the Ground (OTG) volunteer for the time and hard work they have dedicated to ensuring your favorite game species or sportfish has the quality habitat it needs to thrive. This year, the OTG program impacted 512 acres…

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