Get the Michigan Fishing Guide locally

2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide available at license dealers

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced release of the 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide, which includes rules and regulations effective April 1, 2016, through March 31, 2018. Copies of the two-year guide can be obtained at any location where fishing licenses are sold.

Anglers should note this year’s publication is a two-year guide, covering regulations for both 2016 and 2017.

As in the recent past, this year’s guide is intended to be useful to anglers in the field by being printed on higher-quality paper to better withstand the wear and tear of fishing in Michigan, produced in a smaller physical size to better fit in tackle boxes, and printed in an easier to read font size.

This is the second year the DNR solicited photos from the public for possible use on the cover of the guide. This year’s selected photo is of Grand Haven’s north pier and was submitted by Eric Zattlin. The DNR will be collecting potential cover photos for the 2018-2019 guide as well. The DNR is looking for photos that focus on places to fish, not so much on people or fish species themselves. Interested individuals can send their submissions to DNR-Fisheries@michigan.gov.

The 2016-2017 Michigan Fishing Guide also is available in a user-friendly, electronic format online at michigan.gov/fishingguide.

Again this year, excerpts of the new Michigan Fishing Guide are available in Spanish, Arabic and Chinese to better accommodate non-English speaking anglers. These documents – each five pages in length – are available online at michigan.gov/fishing under the “Rules & Regs” button.

Robin numbers continue to grow

You’ve probably heard of the American robin, and may have seen one tugging at worms in your yard. These birds – harbingers of spring, joyful songsters, jolly, round bundles of grey and rust – are a common sight in Michigan. 

In fact, the robin is so identifiable and well-loved that it was named the Michigan state bird in 1931. There was a time, however, when robins were not as common as they are today.

In the post-World War II years, DDT and other pesticides were widely used. Farmers sprayed DDT on their fields to reduce crop pests, cities applied it to elm trees to kill the beetles that spread Dutch elm disease, and homeowners used it to control household insects. 

Luckily, scientists began to recognize that widespread use of pesticides, including DDT, was causing problems for birds like the American robin. An ornithologist from Michigan State University named George Wallace and his graduate students collected birds from MSU and surrounding suburbs from the mid-1950s into the 1960s. Most of these birds were robins. While some birds were found dead, others were discovered on the ground suffering from seizures or tremors before dying. Tests on the birds’ carcasses revealed elevated levels of DDT.

The studies by Wallace and his students revealed that DDT did not kill only insects. Because DDT does not quickly degrade, the poison remained on the leaves of sprayed plants. When the sprayed leaves dropped in the fall, they became compost in the soil, bringing the DDT with them. DDT also came in contact with the soil when rain washed it off the leaves or when it fell directly onto the soil during spraying.

Earthworms ingested the affected soil and compost, and then robins and other birds ate the earthworms. The DDT concentrated in the birds’ fat cells and was not excreted like some other toxic substances. A little DDT in an earthworm became a lot of DDT in a robin eating dozens of worms a day.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned DDT use in 1972. Since then, robin populations have bounced back, and these cheerful birds are common in backyards once more. 

The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, offering protections for migratory birds and their nests and eggs, also helped bolster robin populations.  Birds, their nests and their eggs must be left alone, and unless you have a permit, taking a baby bird or eggs from the wild is breaking the law.  

The year 2016 marks the centennial of the Convention between the United States and Great Britain (for Canada) for the Protection of Migratory Birds (also called the Migratory Bird Treaty), signed on Aug. 16, 1916. Three other treaties were signed shortly thereafter with Japan, Russia and Mexico. The Migratory Bird Treaty, the three other treaties signed later, and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act form the cornerstones of efforts to conserve birds that migrate across international borders.

The 2016 Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial celebration will include monthly featured bird stories to our DNR Wildlife Viewing email subscribers, celebration events including a weekend of bird-based programming at state parks and visitor centers June 24-26, an educational program for schools and conservation groups, and more! 

To learn more about the Migratory Bird Treaty Centennial, visit www.fws.gov/birds/MBTreaty100. 

U.P. deadline is March 31

DNR reminds anglers of mandatory ice shanty removal dates

Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that mandatory ice shanty removal dates are approaching. 

Regardless of the date, shanties must be removed as soon as the ice is unable to safely hold them.

Ice shanties on Lake St. Clair must be removed by sunset Sunday, Feb. 21.

For counties in the southern Lower Peninsula, shanties must be removed from the ice by midnight Tuesday, March 1.

The deadline for removal from waters in the northern Lower Peninsula is midnight Tuesday, March 15. Counties included in this area are: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Bay, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Clare, Crawford, Emmet, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Iosco, Isabella, Kalkaska, Lake, Leelanau, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Newaygo, Oceana, Ogemaw, Osceola, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.

On Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, ice shanties must be removed by midnight Tuesday, March 15. For all counties in the Upper Peninsula, shanties must be removed by midnight Thursday, March 31.

Following the mandatory removal dates, ice shanties still may be used but must be removed daily from the ice.

Shanty owners whose structures fall through the ice are subject to penalties of up to 30 days in jail, fines of $100 to $500, or both. If a shanty is removed by a government agency, the court can require the owner to reimburse that agency for an amount of up to three times the cost of the removal. 

For more information on Michigan’s ice fishing regulations and shanty removal dates, check out the 2015 Michigan Fishing Guide.

New campground opens in June

DNR announces new camping options at Wilderness State Park

Michigan Department of Natural Resources hopes campers are excited about the the summer opening of a new campground at Wilderness State Park in Emmet County. The campground will open to the public Thursday, June 23, and reservations (which can be make up to six months in advance) are now being accepted.

The new campground will boast spectacular views of Lake Michigan. It offers two options for camping, including a full hook-up campground and a tent-only rustic campground.

Full hook-up campground

The full hook-up campground, which includes 18 sites, is located on the wooded dunes looking out over Lake Michigan's Big Stone Bay. All camping units must be self-contained because there is no restroom or shower available. All the sites include water, sewer and electrical hookup. The cost for lakefront sites is $45 per night and other sites are $40 per night.

The majority of visitors will be able to watch the sun set over Lake Michigan right from their own campsite. One of the sites is completely barrier-free, so that all visitors can share in the sights, sounds and feel of a Lake Michigan lakefront site. 

Tent-only rustic campground

The tent-only rustic campground, which includes 10 sites, is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The sites are designed for campers to walk a short distance into their campsites. A common water source and vault toilet are available in a central location. No electricity, modern restrooms or shower facilities are available. The cost is $20 per night. A designated parking space is provided for each campsite.

The design of this campground was derived from community input gathered both at the park and via an online survey. More than 30 percent of the park’s total campers use tents, and this group expressed a strong desire for more secluded sites, fewer amenities and a location farther away from the sounds of larger campgrounds.

"The new campground is an exciting addition to Wilderness State Park," said Burr Mitchell, park supervisor. "Not only does it have a gorgeous Lake Michigan backdrop, but it also provides several unique features that are only found at this campground."

To check camping availability and make a reservation, please visit www.midnrreservations.com or call 1-800-44PARKS (1-800-447-2757). 

Wilderness State Park is located on Carp Lake at the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula. The park is home to wilderness areas, 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, multiple campgrounds, six rustic cabins, three rustic bunkhouses and numerous year-round recreational activities.

For more information contact Burr Mitchell, park supervisor at Wilderness State Park, 231-436-5381.

Can you help?

DNR seeks public's help monitoring moose

Michigan Department of Natural Resources asks those who live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, or those who are just visiting, to share any moose sightings through the Moose Observation Report form, now available online.

The DNR has been monitoring Michigan's moose population since the species’ reintroduction to the state in the 1980s. To estimate the population status of Michigan moose, the DNR conducts aerial surveys across the core moose range in the western Upper Peninsula. When determining the aerial survey sample area, observation reports are important resources that help to identify where resident moose occur.

“Observation reports give insight to where resident moose are being seen in the U.P., allowing us to assess the distribution prior to conducting the aerial survey,” said Chad Stewart, deer, elk and moose management specialist for the DNR. “The survey is an important tool that provides an abundance estimate of moose in Michigan. Using the observation reports helps us tailor our survey to account for any distribution changes that may have occurred over the past couple of years so we can get the most accurate estimate of our moose population.”

Citizen participation is the key to monitoring Michigan’s moose population. Learn more about moose in Michigan or report sightings by visiting mi.gov/moose.

Snowmobile trail closed

DNR temporarily closes snowmobile trail segment in northwestern Chippewa County

Michigan Department of Natural Resources has temporarily closed a 2 ½-mile segment of snowmobile Trail No. 8 in Chippewa County because of unsafe riding conditions. Trail No. 8 is a major east-west trail for snowmobilers in the Upper Peninsula.

 

Warmer temperatures in recent days have caused ice to melt and water to back up near the mouth of the Tahquamenon River. Water has pooled over part of the trail in a lowland area, causing unsafe riding conditions.

The closure is located from about 1.4 miles south of the village of Paradise in northwestern Chippewa County and extends south to the Tahquamenon River.

During the temporary trail closure, snowmobilers still will be able to access businesses in the Paradise area.

“Trail No. 8 will be posted closed along with information signs posted in Paradise and south at the intersection of snowmobile trails 8 and 475 to notify riders of the closure,” said Rob Katona, a recreation specialist with the DNR in Marquette. “This could be a major inconvenience for through traffic with no trail reroute available because of the expansive Tahquamenon River watershed.”

Snowmobilers planning on riding Trail No. 8 through this area should seek an alternate route.

Cold temperatures are forecast for the area within the next few days.

“We are hoping that the trail will refreeze, allowing us to reopen this segment of Trail 8 as early as next week,” Katona said.

Meanwhile, the DNR and the Paradise Area Night Riders – the local trail club – will continue to monitor the situation.

For more information on snowmobiling in Michigan, visit the DNR’s Web page at: www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling.

Get your absentee ballot now

 

Absentee ballots now available to
vote in March 8 presidential primary

Absentee ballots are now available for the March 8 presidential primary in Michigan, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced. 

Voting absentee is only allowed in certain circumstances for registered voters in the state, including if you are:

• age 60 years old or older
• unable to vote without assistance at the polls
• expecting to be out of town on election day
• in jail awaiting arraignment or trial
• unable to attend the polls due to religious reasons, or
• appointed to work as an election inspector in a precinct outside of your precinct of residence.

When voters request an absentee ballot or arrive at the polls and fill out their application to vote, they must indicate whether they wish to vote in the Democratic or Republican party primary. They will then receive a ballot listing candidates for that party. Some communities will have additional special local election items on the ballot. Voters who wish only to vote in the special election may request a ballot that does not include presidential candidates.

Download an absentee ballot application

Johnson continues to support secure absentee voting in Michigan, which if passed by the Legislature and signed by the governor would allow registered voters to cast absentee ballots up to 45 days before an election. Voters wanting to vote absentee would have to pick up the ballot at a local clerk’s office and show ID.

For more election resources, please visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at mi.gov/vote.

BINGO rules at Newberry Assisted Living Community

Participants get ready to win BINGO!

Newberry Women’s Club held a special get-together this month. Seven club members assisted residents of Newberry Assisted Living Community with a few rousing rounds of the perennial favorite, BINGO.

Tuesday's winning ladies and gentlemen received quarters as they filled out their cards, crying “BINGO!” when they covered all four corners, had a postage stamp corner or the traditional up and down, side to side or diagonal winner. At the end of game time, six people covered all for... a $1 prize each.

Following the BINGO games, those who participated were treated to various confections baked and donated by the Newberry Women’s Club ladies. There was also soda, water or coffee, served with a smile by club members.

During the social time, several of the residents took time out from their treats to voice a special thanks to those who remembered the assisted living community and shared this time of gaming and merriment.

Enjoy the photographs posted below.

Following the event, club members held their regular monthly meeting, discussing membership issues, updates to the club constitution, state convention requests and answering questions about the information needed for the club’s annual report to the state.

Next month’s meeting, scheduled for Feb. 16, 10 a.m. at Zellar’s, will feature a presentation about Heifer International. Eleanor Lane and Pearl Schnorr will act as hostesses. Please call regrets to these ladies.

As always, all members are encouraged to attend, and to bring a friend!

Marie Nicholson gets ready to call BINGO.

Club secretary, Sandy Caswell sets up treat plates for BINGO players.

Club treasurer, Eleanor Lane leaves a table where she just delivered a plate full of scrumptious cookies.

Residents of Newberry Assisted Living Community discuss the day's BINGO while waiting for treats prepared by the ladies of GFWC Newberry Women's Club.

Not an empty seat was had for the annual BINGO party hosted by the ladies of GFWC Newberry.

DNR conservation officer academy starts Jan. 3

Twenty-four potential new conservation officers will report Sunday, Jan. 3, in Lansing to attend the Department of Natural Resources' conservation officer training academy. The Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards-sanctioned academy will be led by the DNR's Law Enforcement Division employment and training section.

The 24 recruits will complete a 22-week training academy that includes 14 weeks of basic police training and eight weeks of more specialized conservation officer training. Following graduation, the probationary conservation officers will then complete 18 weeks of field training. During the first two years after field training completion, the conservation officers will complete four additional weeks of specialized training, including search and rescue training and marine, waterfowl, snowmobile and trapping enforcement training.

There are 22 men and two women in Recruit School No. 7. Seven of the new recruits are military veterans and three are previous law enforcement officers. Upon academy graduation, the recruits will range in age from 21 to 45.

DNR conservation officers serve a distinct role in Michigan's law enforcement community. They are certified police officers with the authority to enforce all of Michigan's criminal laws. As conservation officers, they also have unique training in a wide variety of other areas related to the protection of Michigan's citizens and natural resources.

Michigan currently has 213 conservation officers, which doesn’t account for upcoming attrition through retirements.

“Our goal is to establish and maintain appropriate conservation officer coverage for every Michigan county, and this recruit school furthers that goal,” said Gary Hagler, chief of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “In addition to protecting the state’s natural resources and assisting in rural and urban community policing, conservation officers often serve as first responders.”

Conservation officers routinely conduct lifesaving operations such as ice rescue and search and rescue.

In 2015, conservation officers performed a number of livesaving operations, including a November rescue of a lost hunter in Mackinac County and a lost hunter and deer tracker in Gladwin County, an October rescue of a lost and injured Gladwin County woman, a September lifesaving operation during a Pentwater fire, an August apprehension of an escaped Iosco County prisoner, and a March ice rescue on the Detroit River, among many more.

First Lieutenant Steven Burton, supervisor of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division employment and training section, noted that the DNR is actively recruiting for future recruit schools.

"Men and women interested in a career as a conservation officer should start the process now by taking the Michigan Civil Service exam and completing an online application for a future academy," Burton said.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more about Michigan conservation officers at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.

TAS admin personnel should investigate this opportunity

Want to learn the finer points of applying for DNR recreation grants? Join DNR grants management staff in January for a workshop that will help make your applications more competitive.  

The statewide workshops, beginning Jan. 12, will cover scoring criteria and how to successfully complete an application.

Frequent comments and questions staff are asked will be worked into the program, as well as tips for getting the greatest number of points possible on your application. Staff will also walk users through the MiRecGrants program to make applying easier for applicants.

Check out the workshop in your area; registration is not necessary. If you have any questions, contact  your grant coordinator, or call 517-284-7268.

Village scores $45K Recreation Passport grant

Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that 33 communities across the state will share $1,348,700 in Recreation Passport grants. Funding for this program is derived from sales of the Recreation Passport, the $11 annual pass that grants residents vehicle entry at state parks and recreation areas throughout Michigan.

This year, Recreation Passport grant applicants sought funding for a broad range of public outdoor recreation projects, including playground development and renovations, dog park improvements, ice-skating rink development, trail and walkway development, park and picnic area improvements and improved access for those with disabilities.

The village of Newberry received grant funding in the amount of $45,000 to make improvements at Atlas Park. According to the DNR, the village project includes development of playground equipment, benches, picnic tables, grills and lighting.

The full list of grant recipients, grant amounts and project descriptions is available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassportgrants.

Successful applicants clearly demonstrated projects designed to increase public access to quality outdoor recreation opportunities. The selected projects were chosen from a field of 45 grant applications seeking nearly $1.8 million in funding.

“These Recreation Passport grants go a long way in helping local units of government bring quality recreation opportunities to their citizens,” said Steve DeBrabander, DNR grants manager. “We are proud to work with these agencies so that, together, we can create world-class outdoor recreation resources statewide. The recreation industry plays an important role in moving the state’s economy forward by providing vital jobs and tourism in both urban and rural settings.”

Application materials for future Recreation Passport grants will be available by Jan. 1 at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants. Interested individuals also may call DNR Grants Management at 517-284-7268 or write to:

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Grants Management
P.O. Box 30425
Lansing, MI 48909-7925

Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.

CAC meets Dec. 3 in Newberry

At the Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council meeting in Newberry Thursday, Dec. 3, participants are scheduled to hear a preliminary recap on the archery and firearm deer hunting seasons in the eastern U.P.

The meeting will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST at the Pentland Township Hall, located at 15474 M-28, south of Newberry.

Additional agenda items include information on the DNR’s “Keep the U.P. CWD Free!” education campaign, the Good Neighbor Authority recently developed between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service and an update on two proposals for net pen aquaculture in the Great Lakes.

An update will also be provided on Senate Bill 245 being considered in the state Legislature, which stiffens the penalties for illegal killing or possessing of certain game, including bear, moose and elk.

Trapping opportunities in Michigan will also be discussed, along with a proposed council meeting schedule for 2016.

The public can participate in the session by offering comments to the discussion during two specified periods at the meeting (for instructions on comment procedures, see www.michigan.gov/upcac).

The DNR’s eastern and western Upper Peninsula citizens’ advisory councils are designed to provide local input to advise the DNR on regional programs and policies, identify areas in which the department can be more effective and responsive and offer insight and guidance from members’ own experiences and constituencies.

Council members represent a wide variety of natural resource and recreation interests. Agenda items are set by the council members and council recommendations are forwarded to the DNR for consideration.

Anyone interested in being considered as a future council member should fill out the application form found on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/upcac. For more information, contact the DNR Upper Peninsula regional coordinator’s office at 906-226-1331.

Photograph information courtesy of the DNR: Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Council member Gary Gorniak of Moran, left, watches as Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife division staff age a buck Gorniak brought in to the Mackinac Straits deer check station at Bridge View Park in St. Ignace. Gorniak shot the buck Nov. 17 during the firearm deer hunting season in Mackinac County.

Fishing Tip: Got a deer? Head out for some steelhead fishing

Fishing for steelhead is very hot right now so if you’ve already gotten your doe or buck this season, consider hitting the rivers again for the fall run of chrome.

In the last 10 years, steelhead fishing with bobber and eggs has really taken off – however, “older” fishing methods are still very effective during the early season.

Many anglers enjoy actively casting spinners and plugs. The secret to this type of fishing is finding a good hole or run that is deep enough to hold fish.

Cast your offering across the river and retrieve it as slow as possible while still making sure the lure is “swimming” close to the bottom. As you retrieve, the river’s current will swing your plug or spinner down stream in an arch. Eventually the last part of your retrieve will be almost completely up stream. Many bites will come at the bottom of the arch or during the upstream retrieve. Start your casts at the top of the hole or run and after two to three casts take a step down stream. Cast two to three more times before taking another step down stream. Repeat this process until you have covered the entire length of the hole or run. After your last casts, you can either head back to the top and start over or explore the river for another spot.

This manner of fishing can be a lot of fun because the strike of a steelhead on a retrieved lure is second to none.

New license plate available

New license plate boosts vet services

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff Barnes unveiled a license plate that will raise funds to enhance outreach and services to veterans.

“This is one more way we can make sure that veterans get the services they’ve earned and deserve,” Johnson said.

The plate costs $35, with $25 going to veterans services. You can order the plate here. Information on other fundraising plates is here.

Hunting license structure reminder from the DNR

DNR reminds deer hunters of license structure

With Michigan's archery deer season in full swing and firearm season set to begin Nov. 15, the Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters of changes to the state's hunting license structure that took effect in 2014.

Available deer licenses include:

• Single deer license, valid throughout archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons. This license has replaced the separate archery and firearm licenses. Hunters who buy a single deer license may not buy a second single deer license or the deer combo license.
  
• Deer combo license, which includes two kill tags, one regular and one restricted. Hunters who want two deer licenses must buy the deer combo license instead of the single deer license. The deer combo license is valid for use during the archery, firearm and muzzleloader seasons. A hunter can use both kill tags in the firearm seasons, both in the archery season or one in each season.
  
• Antlerless deer license, available based on license quotas set for each Deer Management Unit (DMU).

To see how the single deer and deer combo licenses may be used in each deer season, based on which DMU a hunter wishes to hunt, see the Antler Point Restriction Regulations map and chart on pages 32 and 33 of the 2015 Hunting and Trapping Digest.

A base license now is required for all hunters. The base license provides critical funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. The purchase of a base license includes small game hunting. Whether they choose to hunt small game or not, hunters' base license dollars will be used to enhance and expand hunting opportunities, which benefits hunters of all species.

More information about Michigan’s hunting license structure – including license prices, frequently asked questions and details about how license dollars will be invested – is available at www.michigan.gov/dnr under "In the Know."

For more details about hunting seasons, licenses and regulations, see the Hunting and Trapping Digest and Antlerless Deer Digest at www.mi.gov/dnrdigests.

Those who have questions or need help determining which licenses to buy may contact their nearest DNR Customer Service Center.

DNR posts bird-hunting report

Grouse and woodcock season off to a great start

A month into grouse and woodcock season, early reports from hunters suggest that the season has started out with a bang.

“Avid grouse hunters are indicating the season appears good, dependent on location,” said Department of Natural Resources upland game bird biologist Al Stewart. “This earlier part of the season always proves to be a unique challenge, with leaves still on the trees, but leaves are now starting to fall and the woodcock migration has started.”

Michigan’s small game hunting season, which includes grouse season, opens annually Sept. 15. Woodcock season varies from year to year, due to the woodcock’s federal migratory bird status, and this year opened Sept. 19. 

“Some areas of the Upper Peninsula are reporting flushing six grouse an hour, with woodcock being four to five per hour,” said Stewart. “Northern Lower Peninsula flushes are more sporadic, and everyone’s experiences are always different. In the end we look back at all reports, on a larger scale, to see trends.”

Since the 1950s, information from hunters has helped the DNR monitor grouse and woodcock populations and build reports. Hunters interested in contributing to these efforts can become grouse and woodcock cooperators by tracking and reporting their hunting seasons. 

Michigan is a national leader in excellent grouse habitat. Aspen, a tree that is key to the success of grouse and woodcock, is abundant in northern Michigan. Active timber management continuously creates the young forests that many different wildlife species enjoy, while providing needed timber products and jobs for rural economies.

“We are hearing that some areas known as prime spots for grouse are lacking the normal hawthorn and dogwood fruit grouse prefer in the fall,” said Stewart. “Look for areas with fruit when seeking grouse. For woodcock, focus on areas of alder and dense young aspen, where the ground has good moisture.”

Looking to give upland bird hunting a try? Seeking a new location to explore? Try one of Michigan’s 14 GEMS. GEMS, or Grouse Enhanced Management Sites, are premier, remote grouse-hunting locations with hunter walking trails winding through great habitat. Hunter walking trails are for anyone with mobility challenges, or even those more comfortable walking a trail than blazing through the brush. Visit the GEMS website for more information, including individual maps of the GEMS and businesses offering discounts to GEMS hunters.  

All that is needed to hunt small game is a base license and, for woodcock, the free woodcock stamp.  Grouse season runs through Nov. 14 and then again Dec. 1 to Jan. 1.  Woodcock season ends Nov. 2.

Heading to the Soo next week? Check this out...

Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge personnel will celebrate the completion of the 16-month-long, $8.9 million (USD) toll plaza project with a ribbon-cutting and a public open house next week. The ribbon-cutting and plaza dedication for invited guests will be from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 21. The public open house will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.

             

The ribbon-cutting celebration will include the raising of the U.S. and Canadian flags, singing of both national anthems by the binational Sweet Adelines choir, Native American drummers, comments from dignitaries, unveiling of the plaza dedication plaque, and project tours. The public open house will also include project tours.

           

The new administration building and seven toll lanes replaced the 53-year-old building and five toll lanes built in 1962 as part of the original bridge project. The new plaza will improve customer safety by providing more southbound traffic merge space between the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection booths and bridge toll booths. The project also provides a dedicated customer service area and parking.

            

"The journey to this celebration began seven years ago when we commissioned the initial study to identify the project scope and cost," said Peter Petainen, International Bridge Administration (IBA) chief financial officer. "From that, we put in place the plan to fund the project from our financial reserves and the project came in on budget and on time."

            

In conjunction with the project, the IBA also implemented a new toll software computer system. Installation of the system software and hardware was coordinated with the construction to minimize customer inconvenience. The new system replaced a 15-year-old computer system that no longer had programming support. To mark the celebration, the IBA will be rolling out the last of the customer service features supported by the new system. Beginning Oct. 21, customer access to online accounts, automatic account replenishment via credit card, and credit card usage in the office will be available.

             

"This has been a very successful project despite its complexity in terms of maintaining toll traffic and bridge operations," said Karl Hansen, bridge engineer. "The project construction team consisting of Devere Construction and Northwest Design Group did a great job helping us minimize the impact on our customers."

             

The Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority Board will meet in the board room of the new facility for their quarterly meeting Oct. 22 to coincide with the celebration.

            

"The public open house is to express our gratitude to our customers for their patience and understanding during this project and the transition from the old toll system and booths to the new ones," said Phil Becker, IBA general manager. "Our toll staff did an excellent job providing exceptional customer service throughout."

            

The operation and maintenance of the International Bridge is totally self-funded, primarily through bridge tolls. It is not subsidized by any state, provincial or federal government entity. For a complete list of International Bridge tolls, visit the IBA website at www.michigan.gov/IBA.

             

For more information on the International Bridge, please visit www.saultbridge.com or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/saultbridge.

Possession limits change + this week's fishing report

Attention Anglers:
The combined possession limit for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, walleye and flathead catfish which limited the daily possession limit to five fish has been removed effective immediately.  Anglers are now be able to possess up to five (5) bass (largemouth and smallmouth combined), up to five (5) walleye, up to five (5) flathead catfish, and up to two (2) northern pike in their daily possession limit. These species will no longer be managed under a combined possession limit and now will be managed under separate possession limits resulting in more fish for anglers to keep in a day's fishing.

Upper Peninsula Fishing Report

Copper Harbor:  Splake fishing has been very slow with the occasional sub-legal fish here and there and few keepers.  The fall colors were at their peak.

Menominee River:  A recent survey of the river did show a few Chinook salmon along with some pink salmon, brown trout, steelhead, walleye and smallmouth bass but catch rates were low.  

Little Bay De Noc:  Attention Anglers:  The zone where only one walleye greater than 23 inches may be retained in the daily possession limit has been expanded south from the Ford River to the Bark River. Therefore effective immediately, no more than one walleye over 23 inches may be possessed in the daily limit north of a line drawn from Peninsula Point Lighthouse to the mouth of the Bark River. Walleye anglers reported few catches even in the southern waters.  Some fish were caught around the “Black Bottom” when using stick baits or crawler harnesses in 20 to 30 feet from the “Narrows” to Gladstone Beach in 14 to 28 feet.  Perch anglers reported good catches when they could find them.  Most were fishing near the Day’s River with minnows in ten to 25 feet.  Good pike action at Kipling, the Day’s River, Gladstone Beach, “Black Bottom”, Escanaba ship docks and the Escanaba Yacht Harbor when using spinners, crank baits and spoons in eight to 22 feet.  Smallmouth bass anglers reported fair catches off Hunters Point with plastics in ten to 20 feet.    

Big Bay De Noc:  Has smallmouth bass fishing.  Strong winds have kept many from fishing the Garden Bluff area, out by Snake Island and Snail Shell Harbor.  Catch rates were good at times but a good number of fish were undersize.  Anglers are using minnows or plastics 15 to 35 feet down along the break.  A handful of perch anglers reported a few catches off Garden Bluff when using minnows in and around 40 feet.  

Manistique River:  Has a few Chinook salmon here and there.    

Marquette:  Many anglers had luck catching coho in the Chocolay River.  They were using spinners from the step hole and the platform off M-28.  The mouth of the Carp River is also good fishing spot for coho and steelhead.  Anglers are using spawn bags or casting spinners out from the rocks.  Fishing was slow on the Dead River.  

Au Train Lake:  Had slow walleye fishing but anglers were still out using crank baits and artificial minnows along the West Bay.  There was some good perch fishing along the south end of the West Bay.  Anglers were drifting or jigging with live bait.  A good number of pike are still being caught on artificial baits along the north end.  Construction at the boat launch area will start on October 19 until the first week of November, 2015.  

Munising:  Had few anglers and few reports.  A couple splake and coho were reported by shore anglers casting spoons.  Construction on the Anna River dock has been completed.  

Grand Marais:  Had no report as few boat and shore anglers were out.

Drummond Island:  Anglers were finally able to get out and target Maxton Bay and Scott Bay for yellow perch.  Those that had the most success used minnows near the weed beds on the southwest side of Rutland Island in 12 to 14 feet and in Maxton Bay when drifting worms or shiners in 12 to 15 feet.  Some say the bigger perch 9 to 11 inches were only hitting the bigger minnows.   Good pike action on the southeast side of Grape Island.  Try just off the weed beds in six to eight feet with hammered four inch red and silver spoons in the early morning.  Walleye are still being caught around Peck Island and Scott Island in 12 to 14 feet when trolling bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses.  

Cedarville & Hessel: Pike fishing picked up once again off the dock in the Hessel Marina, Viking Channel, Snow Channel and Musky Bay from the Middle Entrance west to Duck Bay.  Chubs worked best.  Perch fishing was quite good in Snows Channel, Middle Entrance, Viking Channel and out near the #11 Green Can in Cedarville Bay.    

Carp River:  Had a very slow salmon run which is just about over for this year.  Nunn’s Creek was the same way.  One might want to try the deeper holes for river run rainbow trout.  Anglers should enjoy the new boat launch.  A few walleye were caught in the Pine River.     

DNR assists with forest management costs

This is a short update from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about private forest land issues. We hope that this information will help you manage, protect and enjoy your forest.  

Natural Resources Conservation Service Financial Assistance

Did you know that the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provides financial assistance for forest landowners? The payments could cover 75 percent of your costs. The following is some basic information about the process to get funding for your forest conservation activities:

• Conservation planning: This is the first step when enrolling in NRCS programs. Forest landowners can use their Forest Stewardship Plan, Tree Farm plan, or a NRCS Forest Management Plan to identify “resource concerns” like soil erosion, water quality, wildlife habitat or forest productivity problems. These plans should also identify possible “conservation practices” like stream crossings, forest trails, tree planting, brush management, and forest stand improvement to address the resource concerns in your forest. 
• Applying for conservation programs: Forest landowners can enroll in NRCS conservation programs at their local Service Center. Applications for NRCS programs are accepted on a continuous basis throughout the year. The NRCS does announce “cut-off dates,” usually in the winter or spring, so that submitted applications can be ranked and selected for funding each fiscal year. Additional restrictions and program requirements may apply.
• Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): EQIP is the primary program that provides financial assistance for private forest land. A forest landowner can apply for EQIP financial assistance for many conservation practices to address the resource concerns identified in their forest management plans. Applications for EQIP are selected for funding on a competitive basis, and applications are selected that provide the most conservation benefits. The Michigan NRCS has an EQIP funding pool specifically for forest landowners.
• Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP): CSP provides payments to forest landowners for both maintaining their existing conservation activities and for implementing additional enhancements. Payments are determined by the level of resource conservation in your forest. Program contracts extend for five years and can be renewed if the landowner establishes additional conservation enhancements. The Michigan NRCS has a CSP funding pool specifically for forest landowners. To see if CSP is right for you, fill out the Self-Screening Checklist. 

Forest Facts

Did you know that the Department of Natural Resources manages more Michigan forest land than the U.S. Forest Service? The DNR manages 4.2 million acres of forest land and the Forest Service manages 2.7 million acres. Private forest landowners in Michigan manage more than the state and federal governments combined – more than 12.6 million acres! The state’s private and public forests support rural economies, allow access for recreation and hunting, produce clean air and water, and provide many other economic and ecosystem services.

Important Dates

• Oct. 28: Governor’s 2015 Forest Products Summit in East Lansing 
• Nov. 6: Michigan Forest Association board meeting at Hartwick Pines State Park
• Dec. 4: Michigan Tree Farm Committee meeting in St. Ignace

Questions? 

To learn more about additional programs available to assist private forest landowners, or to find the DNR service forester in your area, go to www.michigan.gov/privateforestland.