|
6/28/2007 10:26:00 AM
Woods and Waters
Deer hunting changes are on the front burner
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has recommended some changes for the forthcoming fall-winter deer hunt and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) is expected to make further decisions in July.
Local and southern Michigan hunters should take note of a few of these recommendations, which include letting youngsters harvest a deer of either sex with a combination or firearms license during the two-day youth season and adding 12 more southern Michigan counties to the late December antlerless hunt.
If adopted, lots more hunting will become available.
Overall, the number of antlerless deer tags issued would increase. They'd be raised from the 2006 quota of 592,600 statewide to 614,400. Upper Peninsula tags would increase from the 2006 season of 43,600 to 45,700 and in southern Michigan from 454,800 to 459,200.
Obviously, and as most deer hunters know, there are many more deer in the southern part of the state than up north. That's why the proposed increase in lower Michigan.
But there is something that will most likely remain the same as last year. No more than three antlerless tags will be granted and just two within the northern two-thirds of the state. Such requires a minimum of 40 acres of private land to qualify.
The DNR also has recommended that two more deer management units (DMUs) be opened for the antlerless hunt. Those would also be for private land only.
So many deer hunters will be pleased to know that more chances for a harvest could be available this year.
A Wyckoff creation
The July edition of Woods-N-Water News magazine contains an article about Greenville's Steve and Dawn Wyckoff.
The article, written by Karen-Giles Smith and titled "Greenville Couple Creates Backyard Habitat," is a must read for conservation minded folks.
Steve Wyckoff, a devout conservation advocate and long-standing member of many outdoor organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, etc., has created 60 acres of wildlife habitat. His land is in the Conservation Reserve Program, which converts some farmlands into wildlife habitat or sanctuaries.
Steve and Dawn have worked more than three years to create their "Heaven Under Feet." And that is truly what their creation has become. It now supports many species of birds and animals.
I know, because I've been there and even duck hunted with them one morning on their pond. We downed no ducks that morning but I did get somewhat on the wet side. Well, at least it didn't "snew" (snow).
The magazine article referred to tells an excellent and more complete story of what Steve and Dawn have accomplished. It also is material to relate what others can do once they put their mind to it.
I'd recommend that anyone of habitat persuasion get a copy of the article.
Fishing is great
From all reports, it seems that fishing just couldn't get much better.
Such includes all the Great Lakes, inland lakes and Michigan streams.
Warm weather seems to spike a fish's appetite. Right now whether one angles with bait, flies or almost any lure, they're bound to have some success.
Of course the mosquitos and gnats are hungry too so take some repellent along wherever you go.
Oh, and you may want to look over the fishing rules and regulations before wetting a line. Conservation officers report that many are getting "hooked" because they're not paying attention to the law.
No, I didn't get caught. It's always the other guy, right?
|
Article Comment Submission Form
|
|
