DNR Brought Canada Geese Back From Near Extinction

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Published: 09 September 2015

(Provided by Michigan DNR)

DNR brought Canada geese back from near extinction.It's no secret that Michigan offers some of the best Canada goose hunting anywhere in the world. But many waterfowl hunters, whose perspective only covers the last 30 years or so, might have a hard time believing it wasn't always that way. Michigan's resident Canada goose population - which produces the lion's share of the annual harvest ñ was virtually nonexistent a century ago and not especially noteworthy five decades later.

"Back in the '50s, it was a rare thing to see a Canada goose in this state," said Barbara Avers, the waterfowl specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "It was rare for hunters to kill a goose. It was a pretty big deal.

"The restoration program has been exceptionally successful."

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VanDam Stole the Stage to Express his Heart for Make-A Wish®

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Published: 02 September 2015

By Alan McGuckin

VanDam Stole the Stage to Express his Heart for Make-A Wish®

If somehow you found yourself brushing your teeth next to Kevin VanDam, you can be certain he’d try to finish faster, and have his shining brighter than yours.

VanDam is a tenacious competitor. Which is what makes his heartfelt stealing of B.A.S.S. emcee Dave Mercer’s microphone to talk about his experiences with Make-A-Wish, moments after finishing a disheartening 63rd in the Bassmaster Elite on Lake St. Clair - his home lake - even more impressive.

In the wake of defeat and disappointment, VanDam brought the equivalent of a 25-pound bag of class and compassion to the stage following Day 2 of competition at the Plano Bassmaster Elite on Lake St. Clair.

He also brought 15-year-old Make-A-Wish recipient Max Venchus to the weigh-in platform, and introduced to him fans in attendance at St. Clair’s Metropark.

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