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The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the application period for antlerless deer licenses is now open through Aug. 15. Hunters may apply for one license in any open Deer Management Unit (DMU) statewide; a nonrefundable $5 fee is charged at the time of application. Drawing results and leftover license availability may be viewed at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings beginning Sept. 4.

Antlerless deer quotas have been reduced to about 494,000 licenses statewide, down from about 550,000 for 2013. In the Upper Peninsula, licenses are available only in DMUs 122, 055 and 155, and have been eliminated in other Upper Peninsula DMUs due to the severe winter of 2013-2014 and the resulting losses in the deer herd.


In an effort to gather public input on proposed regulations to expand Michigan's bass fishing seasons, the DNR has announced an online survey and public meetings throughout the state in July. For the past year the DNR's Fisheries Division has been working with the Warmwater Resources Steering Committee (a public advisory group) to discuss possible expansion of bass seasons.

The regulation expansion options being discussed would increase fishing and harvest seasons. Under all options, bass populations would still be protected and include a winter no-harvest season, 14-inch minimum size limit and daily possession limit.


The Michigan DNR will host a meeting Monday, June 30, in Allegan to gather public ideas and comments on ways to improve angler access to the Kalamazoo River below Allegan Dam.

The public meeting will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Allegan District Library located at 331 Hubbard St.

"The Kalamazoo River below Allegan Dam provides a popular year-round fishery and the DNR is interested in providing better fishing access while maintaining public safety," said Jay Wesley, Southern Lake Michigan Unit manager.

This meeting provides anglers with an opportunity to share their ideas while the process is still in the preliminary planning stages. All comments will be considered in the development of an angler access plan the DNR will use to seek grant funding.

For more information, contact Jay Wesley at wesleyj@michigan.gov or 269-685-6851, ext. 117.


Eastern massasauga rattlesnake.Eastern massasauga rattlesnake.This time of year, as snakes are out and about in the great outdoors, the Michigan DNR gets many questions about Michigan's snakes. Michigan is home to 17 different species of snakes, 16 of which are completely harmless to humans.

There are two that are very similar and often cause a stir when people encounter them. Eastern hog-nosed snakes, when threatened, puff up with air, flatten their necks and bodies and hiss loudly. (This has led to local names like "puff adder" or "hissing viper.") If this act is unsuccessful, the snakes will writhe about, excrete a foul-smelling musk and then turn over with mouth agape and lie still, as though dead. Despite this intimidating behavior, hog-nosed snakes are harmless to humans.


Wild Turkey Cooperator PatchWild Turkey Cooperator PatchThe Michigan DNR encourages hunters to celebrate their 2014 spring turkey hunting experience by purchasing a wild turkey cooperator patch.

The Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), in partnership with the DNR, coordinates the wild turkey patch program. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan.