- Details
(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan DNR's Julie Oakes and USDA Wildlife Services' Brian Washburn outfit an osprey chick with a GPS Nearly absent from much of the state due to the effects of DDT and other pesticides and habitat loss, ospreys continue to rebound in Michigan. In southern Michigan, monitoring efforts are tracking the revitalization of this species.
Six osprey chicks from area nests were outfitted this year with "backpack" satellite and GSM telemetry units. These units ñ funded by grants from DTE Energy, Huron Valley Audubon, photographer Lou Waldock, U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and American Tower Corporation ñ will help scientists track the young birds' daily movements and seasonal migration patterns.
In 2013, three osprey chicks were given GPS backpacks in southeast Michigan. One chick banded near Estral Beach migrated to Cuba. A chick from Kensington Metropark ventured to Colombia, and one from Pinckney found good fishing sites on a golf course in Miami.
- Details
(Provided by Michigan DNR)
Michigan waterfowl hunters have an exciting new hunting opportunity to look forward to, as Sept. 1-7 will mark Michigan's first early teal hunting season in nearly 50 years.
These small ducks, especially blue-winged teal, are some of the earliest duck species to migrate each fall.
This statewide teal-only season is now possible because of growing teal populations. Hunters may take six teal per day and hunt from sunrise to sunset.
- Details
(Provided by Michigan DNR)
The Michigan DNR reminds the public that importing certain baitfish species is prohibited.
The release, both intentional and unintentional, of live baitfish is one of the best ways to spread fish diseases. To protect Michiganís world-class fisheries, imported baitfish should be inspected and certified that they are free of diseases, such as viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus.
- Details
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.
- Details
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.