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MDNR Report

A 4-year-old doe that was reported to be in poor condition – skinny, drooling and showing no fear of people – in Klacking Township, Ogemaw County, recently tested positive for chronic wasting disease. It is the first CWD-positive wild deer from that county, a finding confirmed by the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in Madison, which works with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to identify CWD in Michigan’s wild herd.

The county is located southeast of Houghton Lake.

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, elk and moose. To date, the disease also has been detected in the following Michigan counties: Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Midland and Montcalm.

“When we find chronic wasting disease in a brand-new location, where previous intensive surveillance has not yet been done, it becomes extremely important for wildlife disease managers to understand where additional cases might be within that county,” said DNR deer and elk specialist Chad Stewart. “In light of this new detection, we are offering additional opportunities for those interested in getting their deer tested for CWD in Ogemaw County.”

MDNR Report

2023 bear management cooperator patch2023 bear management cooperator patch
2023 bear management cooperator patch

The 2023 bear management cooperator patch is a great way to commemorate the recent bear season. Adult hunters, patch collectors and others can buy a patch for $7. Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid bear hunting license can get a free patch.

The Michigan Bear Hunters Association, in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, coordinates Michigan’s bear cooperator patch program. Proceeds from patch sales will be used for black bear education and outreach.

MDNR Report

Michigan’s invasive species watch list was updated last summer to include two new species and remove another. Mountain pine beetle, a deadly threat to pine trees, and water-primrose, a fast-spreading aquatic plant, have been added to the watch list due to threats they pose to native ecosystems and industry. European frog-bit, originally listed in 2011, has been moved off the list of species of immediate concern and is now considered established in the state.

Mountain pine beetle

Mountain pine beetle has been characterized as the most aggressive, persistent and destructive bark beetle in the western U.S. and Canada. Hot, dry summers and mild winters in these areas have led to the beetle’s unprecedented population growth and range expansion, moving it ever closer to Michigan.

Mountain pine beetleMountain pine beetle
Mountain pine beetle
Because it attacks most species of pine, the invasive beetle could have widespread effects in the state.

“White and red pines are primary species in our forest ecosystems, and jack pine serves as critical habitat for the Kirtand’s warbler,” said Susie Iott, invasive species program specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. “If mountain pine beetle were to become widely established in Michigan, it would cause severe losses across multiple industries, including timber products, plant nurseries and tourism.”

MDNR Report

Several changes to statewide and local fishing regulations were approved. The updated regulations, outlined below, took effect Friday, Oct. 13, 2023.

Statewide: The phrase “attempting to take” has been removed in reference to fishing for Arctic grayling (shown above) in Michigan since grayling currently are being raised in preparation for a limited, future stocking program. This change will allow anglers to catch and immediately release Arctic grayling. It will not allow anglers to possess the species.

Statewide: A northern pike regulation wording change now states where northern pike 24 inches or greater are allowed on waters where up to five northern pike of any size may be taken, with only one 24 inches or greater allowed in the daily possession limit.

MDNR Report

Michigan BobcatMichigan Bobcat
Michigan Bobcat

Planning to hunt or trap Michigan bobcats this winter and into 2024? You need to pick up your kill tags by Oct. 24, 2023. In addition to purchasing a fur harvester license, hunters and trappers who intend to harvest bobcat also need to get their two free bobcat kill tags.

Kill tags are available at license agents, DNR customer service centers, online at eLicense or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

If you harvest a bobcat, you should immediately validate the tag and attach it to the hide from the upper jaw through the eye socket or through the lower jaw. The kill tag will be replaced by an official DNR seal at registration.

For bobcat registration information and harvest regulations, see the 2023 Furbearer Harvest Regulations Summary.