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MDNR Report
Anyone hoping to submit a catch to the DNR’s Master Angler program – which each year recognizes the largest fish of several dozen species – will want to pay close attention to the 2019 application.
A few new rules have been added to the program for 2019, including:
- No more than one entry for fish of the exact same size will be accepted for each species. (For example, if you catch two 10-inch bluegills, submit just one.)
- Each entry must include at least one photo showing the fish being measured. Color photos of the entire fish are required, too; entries received without color photos will not be accepted.
“The DNR’s Master Angler program has more than tripled in popularity in the last five years,” said Lynne Thoma, the program’s administrator. “We want to recognize as many anglers as possible for their fishing accomplishments, while retaining the integrity of this program. We feel these new rules will help us do that.”
The Master Angler program runs on the calendar year (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31), rather than the fishing license year (April 1 through March 31). The program includes more than 50 species of fish in both catch-and-keep and catch-and-release categories. All fish entered must be taken by legal Michigan sportfishing methods, during the open season, and in Michigan waters open to the public.
Download the 2019 Master Angler application at Michigan.gov/MasterAngler. People are encouraged to review the application every year for program changes. Applications can be submitted via mail or email; the current year’s form is due Jan. 10, 2020.
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By Louie Stout
Canoeists, kayakers and fishermen who have used the Michigan DNR’s Dowagiac River’s Sink Road access in Cass County will find it closed and now belongs to the Pokagon Indians.
But don’t fret – another site is being constructed nearby this spring.
The DNR swapped the Sink Road Site with the Pokagon Band for another upstream land parcel on Peavine Road, west of Champlain and near where the Dowagiac crosses under Peavine.
The change was necessary due to construction of a new bridge on Sink Road that required loss of some of the previous state land.
Although the new parcel of land is smaller, DNR District Access Supervisor Gary Jones said it is wider and will provide better access to the river. It also will include designated parking areas.
Jones said construction will begin in May and should take about two weeks.
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MDNR Report
If you or someone you know is seeking valuable experience working in wildlife conservation - or just an interesting job that gets you outdoors - consider applying for one of more than 200 summer and fall positions with the DNR Wildlife Division.
The division regularly hires additional staff to work these seasons at DNR state field offices, customer service centers and state game areas.
Seasonal staff helps in several areas, such as:
- Assisting with wildlife habitat maintenance and improvement, which may include cutting clearings and adjusting water levels.
- Mowing, landscaping and facility maintenance duties.
- Handling tasks related to wildlife surveys, nuisance animal control and equipment maintenance.
- Collecting biological data and samples for wildlife disease monitoring.
- Assisting hunters at DNR deer check stations.
"These positions are perfect for college students, those looking to re-enter the workforce, and seniors or retirees who want to be involved in the outdoors," said Jennifer Schafer, Wildlife Division's human resources liaison.
Some seasonal positions currently are open for application, and more will become available in the spring. Learn more about seasonal positions in the Wildlife Division - and other openings throughout the department - at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs; scroll to the Seasonal and Temporary Positions section.
Questions? Contact Jennifer Schafer at 517-284-6163.
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MDNR Report
Anglers Reminded of Michigan's Perch Limit Reduction
If you're planning to fish for yellow perch this spring, keep in mind that there's a new daily possession limit - 25 fish, reduced from 50 - starting April 1 on nearly all state waters.
Exceptions include:
- Lake Erie, which will retain a 50-fish daily limit.
- Lake Gogebic in Gogebic and Ontonagon counties, which will have the 25-fish daily limit, but with no more than five of those fish being 12 inches or longer.
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved the proposed fishing regulation change late last year, after extensive public and scientific reviews. The new regulation is effective with the start of the 2019 Michigan fishing season.
The DNR collected many comments from concerned anglers and others interested in reducing the daily possession limit for yellow perch. Lowering the statewide daily possession limit also supports consistent yellow perch regulations across waterbodies, particularly connecting waters, tributaries and drowned river mouths.
"The major goal for lowering the yellow perch daily possession limit was to better achieve an optimal balance between conservation and fishing opportunity, reflecting the importance and popularity of yellow perch in Michigan," said Christian LeSage who works for the DNR's Aquatic Species and Regulatory Affairs Unit. "Yellow perch are among the most sought-after game species in Michigan, and we want to ensure generations of anglers can continue to enjoy fishing for them."
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There's no shortage of recreational opportunities to explore - and what better time to do so than the 2019 Winter Free Fishing Weekend!
The 2019 Winter Free Fishing Weekend will be held Feb. 16-17. As part of these weekends, all fishing license fees are waived for two days with residents and out-of-state visitors allowed to enjoy fishing on all waters for all species during their respective open seasons. Please note all other regulations still apply.
To encourage involvement in Free Fishing Weekends, organized activities are often offered in communities across the state. These activities are coordinated by non-profit groups, schools, parks (local/state), businesses and others.
If you would like to plan an event, check out www.Michigan.gov/freefishing for information and resources to help! On the site you'll find two toolkits; one focused on planning and the other on promoting your event.
Once your event is coordinated, please register it as an official 2019 Winter Free Fishing Weekend activity online at https://www.research.net/r/2019WinterFFW-registration. Upon doing so you will be contacted about receiving a packet of materials from Fisheries Division to use during your event.