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The Michigan DNR is making it easier for citizens to report fish and game violations through the convenience of text messaging.
The Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline (800-292-7800) now accepts text messages in addition to telephone calls. Text messages may include photos. The RAP hotline is a toll-free, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week number that enables citizens to report violations of fish and game laws, as well as other natural resource-related laws. It is operated by DNRs Law Enforcement Division. The DNR also offers a web-based reporting form.
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Lured Into Fishing by the Art of Decoys
When most people see a cedar fence post or an old, broken cedar limb on the ground, Dave Kober sees a trout; or a perch; or maybe, a bluegill.
Kober carves fish decoys.
Decoys have long been used by ice fishermen to lure large fish - generally pike, but also sturgeon and others - within range of the spearing hole, though some hook-and-line anglers use them as well.
Primarily turned out by home-shop artisans, fish decoys were once manufactured by major bait companies - James Heddon's Sons Co. in Dowagiac produced them decades ago - but the homemade models have become highly collectable, unique examples of American folk art that can fetch six figures.
Kober, 78, has been carving decoys since he was a young boy.
"It's grandpa's fault," said Kober. "My grandfather was an ardent hunter and fisherman and he liked to carve decoys. He taught me everything I know I guess. I started it as a hobby.
"That artsy thing kind of runs in our family," he said. "I have a brother and sister who are commercial artists, though I never pursued anything artsy. When I was a kid it was the furthest thing from my mind. But I could always draw."
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Outdoor Channel’s 'Wardens' to Feature Michigan DNR OfficersThe Michigan DNR has partnered with the Outdoor Channel on production of the 2017 season of its television series "Wardens."
Each episode of the season, which will air on Outdoor Channel Mondays at 9:30 p.m. (beginning Feb. 6), will showcase law enforcement work of DNR conservation officers and the DNRís natural resources management efforts.
"We are thrilled to have the Outdoor Channel in Michigan to showcase our state's world-class natural resources - fabulous forests, award-winning state parks, an abundance of wildlife and the largest portfolio of freshwater fisheries in the world," said DNR Director Keith Creagh. "This is a unique opportunity to give the public a closer look at what the men and women of the DNR - our dedicated conservation officers, but also biologists, foresters, park managers - do to conserve, protect and manage Michigan's natural and cultural resources."
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Having hunter withdrawals? The Dowagiac Conservation Club’s annual Hunter’s Rendezvous slated for Jan. 28 may help cure that.
The Rendezvous is mini outdoor show of sorts, to include activities for adults and youngsters, a silent auction fund-raiser, exhibits by conservation groups, and more.
Hunters can get their bucks officially scored by several trophy organizations and an antique gun appraiser will be available. Visitors also can experience the club’s virtual reality hunting equipment.
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Chronic wasting disease was confirmed this week in two female deer from a Mecosta County deer farm. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. This is the second time the disease has been found in a farmed deer facility in Michigan. In 2008, a white-tailed deer from a Kent County deer farm tested positive.
"Chronic wasting disease is a serious disease affecting both farmed and free-ranging deer," said MDARD State Veterinarian James Averill, DVM. "We are following the state's CWD response plan and taking the necessary steps to protect the health and well-being of all of Michigan's deer populations."
Samples from the two deer were submitted for testing as a part of MDARD's mandatory CWD surveillance program. All farmed deer facilities licensed with the Michigan DNR must participate in this program.
"Any discovery of chronic wasting disease in free-ranging or farmed deer is disappointing," said Chad Stewart, DNR deer and elk specialist. "It will take significant time and effort ñ through immediate, targeted surveillance and mandatory checks during the upcoming deer seasons ñ to understand the current situation. The Michigan DNR remains committed in our efforts to contain this disease and safeguard our valuable wildlife resource."