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By DON POPPE and RACHEL LEIGHTNER, Michigan DNR
Gourdneck State Game Area
Surrounded by family homes, thriving businesses and city traffic, Gourdneck State Game Area is the first designated urban state game area of its kind.
Here hunters and community members have an opportunity to connect with nature via a short drive or walk.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division oversees more than 340,000 acres of public lands in southern Michigan.
This system of lands known as state game and wildlife areas includes more than 100 locations specifically managed for wildlife habitat and hunting opportunity that are open to public use for wildlife-based recreation.
Gourdneck State Game Area is nestled in the bustling city of Portage in Kalamazoo County. The area is divided into four distinct sections totaling over 2,293 acres. Almost entirely within the Portage city limits, Gourdneck is still a popular destination for hunters, and a hub for diverse wildlife populations and habitats.
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By SIERRA WILLIAMS, Michigan DNR
Jim Dexter
It’s the age-old question many children are asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Well, around the age of 10, Jim Dexter knew exactly what field he wanted to work in, but he never imagined or planned that it would lead him to be the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division Chief.
Dexter caught his first fish, which was a northern pike, at the age of 3 with his grandfather. Not only was this the start of him being hooked on the thrill of catching fish, but his appreciation for the world of fisheries grew with each cast and catch.
Dexter credits his grandfather for his love of fishing, as he was the one who taught him all the tips and tricks on how to fish.
Throughout his childhood, Dexter spent a lot of time outdoors. He and his friends would share fishing tips, trade tackle and catch bluegill, bass and crappie at a small local lake. If they weren’t on the water, then then were likely found at the local Kmart to pick up the latest lure that came out.
His love for the outdoors carried on to his junior and high school years as he volunteered nearly every weekend at the Bloomfield Hills E.L. Johnson Nature Center.
He helped manage the pond on the grounds and built a dock for visitors to fish from. Here is where he met his first mentor, who he spent time with discussing careers and the outdoors. With a career path in mind, Dexter graduated high school and prepared for college.
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MDNR Report
To help fill vacancies for essential conservation officer roles in 14 counties, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hiring licensed law enforcement officers for an accelerated conservation officer training program.
“The accelerated hiring process will allow licensed officers who have received general criminal training to bypass the traditional Conservation Officer Recruit School Academy and immediately begin their natural resources law enforcement training,” said Capt. Jen Wolf, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “This helps us bring in skilled, motivated officers with diverse law enforcement experience to quickly fill existing vacancies.”
Counties with vacancies include: Baraga, Cass, Chippewa, Eaton, Huron, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Mackinac, Midland, Ontonagon, Oscoda, Shiawassee and Tuscola.
Qualified applicants must be at least 21 years of age and meet one of the following requirements:
- Hold a current Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards license.
- Be a graduating student from a law enforcement academy and eligible for immediate licensure upon employment.
- Be a licensed law enforcement officer in another state and meet MCOLES requirements.
Interested? Apply by May 10. Successful candidates will meet DNR hiring requirements, including being a State of Michigan resident, by the time training ends.
Stationed in nearly every county of the state, DNR conservation officers are fully licensed law enforcement officers who enforce laws and regulations related to fish and wildlife, state parks, trails and forests, and outdoor recreation activities such as off-road vehicle use, snowmobiling and boating. They also often serve as first responders during natural disasters and life-threatening situations.
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D&R Sports Report
The D&R Sports Center in Kalamazoo will kick off its Spring Fishing Show April 14, 15 and 16 with a stellar seminar lineup.
Kevin VanDam - Jonathon VanDam
Speakers this year include Kevin and Jonathon VanDam, Mark Zona, smallmouth guide Chris Noffsinger, Canadian Bassmaster Pro and smallmouth expert Cory Johnston and Major League Fishing pro Josh Bertand.
Josh Bertand - Cory Johnston
In addition, KVD will be doing seminars with Justin Freeman, Director of Product Management at Humminbird. They will cover everything from Dual Spectrum Chirp to Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Mega 360, Mega Live, Lakemaster map chips and the One Boat Network. You will learn the ins and outs of those technologies and how to use them to catch more fish.
Store managers promise big sales on just about everything in stock and factory representatives from several companies will be on hand to discuss their products.
Show hours are 9-8 Friday, 9-6 Saturday and 9-4 Sunday. There is no admission fee.
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MDNR Report
Black Bears
The black bear’s winter slumber will soon be over. In late March to early May, bears leave their dens and begin looking for food to replenish their bodies. As they rejoin us in search of nourishment, it's important to remember that human behavior affects bear behavior.
"Just like humans waking from a long nap, bears first look for water, often drinking from rivers and ponds or eating snow. Their early spring menu consists of last year’s vegetation, salvaged carcasses and fresh green shoots as they emerge," said Rachel Leightner, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife outreach coordinator. "Though these food sources are readily available, it is difficult to resist the calorie-rich offerings of bird seed, garbage, beehives and pet foods.
You might consider watching bears forage near your home as an exciting chance to see wildlife up close. But what’s really happening could be very troublesome for both you and the bear."
Bears that find reliable food sources near homes can become repeat visitors and may lose their fear of humans, she added. Additionally, if a female bear with cubs teaches her young to forage from these food sources, it can lead to problematic behavior later in life and negative outcomes such as property damage, loss of livestock and dangerous situations for both humans and bears.
Leightner said that, fortunately, avoiding these problems is easy if you take a proactive approach and suggested the following steps.