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(Provided by MDNR)
The Michigan DNR has approved bear hunting regulations for the 2017-2018 hunting seasons.
In order to reduce regulation confusion and to stabilize hunting quotas, bear hunting regulations currently are reviewed every two years instead of annually, which had been the previous practice. Michigan bear hunters will see the following changes beginning in the 2017 bear hunting season:
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The Michigan DNR has announced the 2016 results from its Master Angler program that recognizes large fish caught by recreational anglers.
This past year, 1,807 anglers representing 24 states and the countries of Canada and Austria submitted catches that were recognized as Master Angler fish. That's an increase from the 1,542 fish recognized in 2015 and nearly double the 987 fish recognized in 2014. Of the entries accepted, 1,078 were in the catch-and-keep category while 729 were in the catch-and-release category. A total of 241 anglers received certificates for fish placing in the top five for both categories.
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Coyote Sightings and What You Can Do to Prevent Conflicts
Coyotes can be found everywhere - forests, fields, farmlands, backyards, neighborhoods and cities.
Resourceful members of the dog family, coyotes have used human development to their advantage.
Coyotes have learned how to survive in urban landscapes, even near people. They take advantage of abundant natural foods that can often be found in urban and suburban areas, said Hannah Schauer, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife technician. Because they are highly adaptable, coyotes have expanded their range throughout North America, and can be found in every county in Michigan.
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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."