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MDNR Report
Pheasant Hunters
The Michigan DNR’s highly anticipated pheasant release program is expanding for the upcoming pheasant hunting season. This year, the program will include:
- Three times more rooster pheasants released than last year.
- Four new release sites in Cass City, Crane Pond, Dansville and Stanton state game areas.
- Additional releases in December on state game areas with an open pheasant hunting season.
This strategic expansion ensures a greater distribution of released pheasants and gives hunters even more options to explore Michigan's diverse landscapes.
“For seasoned hunters and newcomers alike, this is a prime opportunity for everyone to experience the thrill of pheasant hunting. We’re excited to expand the pheasant release program and offer hunters a unique chance to connect or reconnect with upland bird hunting in Michigan,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist. “The increased number of rooster pheasants and the addition of new release locations ensure that hunters can enjoy a memorable hunting season.”
The rooster-only pheasant releases will occur Oct. 20 to Nov. 14, coinciding with the pheasant hunting season. All release sites that have an open December pheasant hunting season will have an additional pheasant release in December.
This year, pheasants will be released on 13 state game/wildlife areas throughout southern Michigan:
- Cass City (Tuscola County) – fall and December release.
- Cornish (Van Buren County) – fall release only.
- Crane Pond (Cass County) – fall release only.
- Crow Island (Bay and Saginaw counties) – fall and December release.
- Dansville (Ingham County) – fall and December release.
- Erie (Monroe County) – fall and December release.
- Lapeer (Lapeer County) – fall and December release.
- Leidy Lake (St. Joseph County) – fall and December release.
- Pinconning (Bay County) – fall release only.
- Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) – fall and December release.
- Rose Lake (Clinton and Shiawassee counties) – fall and December release.
- Stanton (Montcalm County) – fall and December release.
- St. Johns Marsh (St. Clair County) – fall and December release.
The sale of the $25 pheasant license funds the pheasant release program, with pheasants supplied by the Michigan Association of Gamebird Breeders and Hunting Preserves.
“We encourage people to take advantage of this remarkable opportunity to connect with nature and experience the joy of upland bird hunting,” Bump said.
To learn more about the pheasant release program, including licensing requirements, season dates and hunting regulations, visit Michigan.gov/SmallGame.
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MDNR Report
There were 6,586 bear licenses and 260 elk licenses available for the 2023 fall hunting seasons. Drawing results are now in, and you can check them online at eLicense or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or call 517-284-9453 (WILD), to learn if you were successfully drawn.
Hunters selected in the drawing can buy their license at any license agent or online. Elk hunters drawn for a license will be mailed a packet of information that will include information about the elk hunter orientation.
If you are curious how the drawing process works for bear and elk, watch our videos:
• Bear Draw Preference Point System Explained.
• Elk Weighted Lottery System Explained.
Successfully drawn but unable to hunt this fall?
Successful applicants can transfer or donate their drawing success to an eligible person they know or a person on the Department of Natural Resources hunt waiting list. Transfer forms and other information are available at Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers. The deadline to transfer a license is Sept. 1.
DNR hunt waiting list
Unsuccessful youth applicants and those with an advanced illness can register for a donated (transferred) bear or elk hunt until July 10. Register at Michigan.gov/HuntTransfers.
- Details
MDNR Report
Pheasant
This year, pheasants will be released during the Oct. 20-Nov. 14 regular pheasant season on nine Michigan game areas throughout the southern part of the state.
They include:
- Cornish (Cass County).
- Crow Island (Bay and Saginaw counties).
- Erie (Monroe County).
- Lapeer (Lapeer County).
- Leidy Lake (St. Joseph County).
- Pinconning Township (Bay County).
- Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties).
- Rose Lake (Clinton and Shiawassee counties).
- St Johns Marsh (St. Clair County).
A base license and a public-land pheasant license are required to hunt these areas, and all regular hunting regulations apply.
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MDNR Report
Learn to pheasant hunt, become more confident with your shooting skills, and make a few friends!
Pheasants Forever and the Michigan DNR will sponsor a “Women on the Wing” pheasant hunt Sept. 10 at the Rapid Wings Farm near Hubbard Lake in Alpena County.
The day begins with a short educational presentation by Pheasants Forever then participants we will shoot clay targets, eat lunch and go pheasant hunting.
Cost is $75 per person, which includes clay targets, ammo if needed, lunch, guided instruction provided by women (and their dogs) with pheasant hunting experience, three birds per hunter and a Pheasants Forever yearly membership.
The event is limited to 10 hunters who must be at least 18 years old to participate.
For more info or questions, contact Bill Fischer at 989-395-5945, or email him at fischerw@charter.net.
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MDNR Report
The fall hunting seasons will be here before we know it.
Where are you planning to spend the opening day of grouse and woodcock season? If you are looking for young aspen forests and areas created with bird hunters in mind, plan a trip out to a Grouse Enhanced Management Site!