Federal Courts Return Wolves to Endangered Species List; Suspend Michigan's Lethal Control Laws

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Published: 22 December 2014

(Provided by Michigan DNR)

A federal court judge has ordered the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to immediately return wolves in the Great Lakes region to the federal endangered species list, making it illegal for Michigan citizens to kill wolves attacking livestock or dogs.

Under endangered species status, wolves may be killed only in the immediate defense of human life.

Two state laws allowing livestock or dog owners to kill wolves in the act of depredation are suspended by the ruling.

Additionally, lethal control permits previously issued by the Michigan DNR to livestock farmers to address ongoing conflicts with wolves are no longer valid; permit holders have been contacted regarding this change.

The return to federal endangered species status also means DNR wildlife and law enforcement officials no longer have the authority to use lethal control methods to manage wolf conflict.

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Allegan State Game Area: Goose Hunters' Paradise

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Published: 18 December 2014

(Provided by Michigan DNR)

Allegan State Game Area: Goose Hunters' ParadiseIf you like hunting geese, the Fennville Farm Unit - a 4,100-acre paradise for goose hunters - is the place to do it.

Fennville is part of the Allegan State Game Area located northwest of Kalamazoo. Purchased by the Michigan DNR from the A.M. Todd Company of Kalamazoo in 1949, the property was originally used to grow peppermint but has since turned into a waterfowl hunter's dream.

Canada geese are the number-one harvested species at Fennville. Opportunities for snow, Rossís and cackling geese sometimes occur. During the regular waterfowl season, hunters commonly take mallards, black ducks and other dabblers.

"The Fennville Farm Unit is a unique area that offers a variety of hunting opportunities," said DNR wildlife technician Mike Richardson. "Waterfowl hunting in particular can be fantastic, with much work being done every year to promote not only goose hunting but duck hunting as well. With easily accessible hunting areas and numbers that can peak at over 12,000 geese and 8,000 ducks, the Fennville Farm Unit is a great place to have a great hunt."

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