1c 8c 0927 rs woods&water dn sec c

The Daily News

SECTION C

Saturday, September 27, 2014

1C

Woods & Water The Daily News’ 2014 hunting and fishing feature section

Deer hunting 2014 outlook is good State’s deer herd healthy, hunting opportunities should be plenty this year, according to DNR

By Mike Taylor

Daily News features writer

Michigan deer hunters across the state and region will have plenty to shoot at this season — this according to John Niewoonder of the Flat River State Game Area Field Office in Belding.

Though harsh weather conditions last winter depleted much of the deer population in the Upper Peninsula, things are looking much more hopeful in the Lower Peninsula, particularly around Montcalm, Ionia and Kent counties.

“In this area we’ve had very high deer numbers,” Niewoonder said. “Over the last 30 years, the numbers have actually been above where we wanted them.”

That over-abundance of deer have lead to numerous reports of crop damage, urban deer problems and that old Michigan favorite, car-deer crashes.

“That being said, the deer population has been declining slowly and steadily,” Niewoonder said. “That’s by design. We did that by providing lots of opportunities for doe permits and antler-less licenses. We’ve slowly been moving things down to more manageable levels.”

Michigan deer herds took a big hit in summer 2012, also, when an outbreak of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) swept across the southwest portion of the state. EHD, common in southern states, but relatively rare in Michigan, killed thousands of deer, who had little to no resistance to the disease.

“In some places, the (deer) population was quite reduced,” Niewoonder said. “Our deer aren’t really adapted to (EHD). Since then, though, luckily we’ve had no significant EHD problems.”

At present, the Department of Natural Resources is taking steps to help the deer population bounce back a little. To that end, early antler-less deer season was cancelled this year.

The Liberty Youth Hunt, held in mid-September, went on as planned, however. And archery season — Oct. 1 through Nov. 14 — is moving ahead as usual.

Likewise, firearm deer season (Nov. 15-30) and muzzle loader season (Dec. 5-21) are going ahead as planned. At this point, late antler-less season, Dec. 22 through Jan. 1, also will be held.

“I think hunting this fall will be very good,” Niewoonder said. “There are still a couple small pockets rebounding, but they’re very small and isolated. All across the Lower Peninsula, and especially in Montcalm, Ionia and Kent counties, the hunting should be great.”

DNR offices will be open and staffed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 15-30 for hunters who want to get their deer checked and receive a successful deer hunter patch.

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Michigan’s deer population in Montcalm, Ionia and Kent counties are healthy and hunters should have good success this hunting season, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

WOODS & WATER

The Daily News

ON THE CUSP OF AN OUTBREAK? State being proactive to contain feral swine population before it becomes out of hand

By Ryan Schlehuber

Daily News features editor

While the wolf population remains a hot debate among Michiganders, there is another species that may be more threatening across the board.

Feral swine have the potential to threaten farmland, disrupt the balance of wildlife and can carry diseases that can be harmful to both animal and humans. Having quickly spread across southern states, feral swine are now a potential threat to run rampant in Michigan.

It is widely accepted that feral swine were introduced to Michigan roughly 20 years ago by ranchers transporting them into the state and letting them loose for big game hunting and from some escaping privately-owned facilities.

Now there is a cooperative effort among the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Services of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), hunters and farmers to contain, if not eliminate, the state’s feral swine population.

AIM TO CONTAIN

Since 2001, there have been as many as 900 reports of feral swine either sighted or found dead within Michigan. The number of these invasive species in Michigan is hard to pinpoint, but from what experts and researchers have learned from what southern states have been dealing with, Michigan

could be on the brink of a population explosion.

“We are trying to contain them. Now is the time to get them under control,” said Tim Wilson, USDA Wildlife Service district supervisor. “They’re small in numbers right now, with a few pockets of pigs out there. And although they are small now, they have the potential to explode in population quickly.”

These wild hogs are prolific in surviving in any type of environment, including a harsh Michigan winter, and in reproducing. Sows begin breeding early in life, between six and eight months of age.

They usually produce two litters of four to eight piglets every 12 to 15 months during their lifespan, which is between four to eight years.

Considered an “opportunistic omnivore,” a feral swine will eat almost anything. It can root up things in the ground as deep as three feet and can destroy a field of crops overnight.

It eats seeds, vegetables, grass, hay and even deer fawn and some livestock, such as lambs or calves.

Because of the aggressive and distractive nature of the animal, the DNR has opened up feral swine hunting to all hunters with any kind of valid hunter license and urged them to shoot them on sight.

“We encourage hunters to shoot them, but they’re very elusive,” said John Niewoonder, DNR wildlife biologist stationed at the

Protect People and Property Protect Michigan Agriculture Protect Michigan Outdoors

Photo from U.S. Department of Agriculture

Though the feral swine population isn’t as rampant in Michigan as they are in many southern states, the threat has become real enough to where hunters with valid hunting licenses are urged by the DNR and USDA Wildlife Services to shoot and kill on site.

Flat River office in Belding.

“They are a very tough animal and can survive on just roots during a Michigan winter. They are pretty well designed to succeed anywhere.

“Texas has it the worst,” Niewoonder said. “They’ve suffered a huge economic loss because of feral swine.

They can’t get ahead of them in eliminating them, so we’ve decided to nip it off before it becomes a real problem.”

Texas reports as much as $400 million in damage annually owing to feral swine.

Of the 83 counties in Michigan, only four have not reported any sightings of feral swine since 2001.

According to the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population, Montcalm County has had four sighting reports and eight reported found dead or killed while Ionia County

also had four sightings and only one killed. Kent County has had a total of 15 reports.

Niewoonder said there is a known pack of feral swine in the northwest corner of the Howard City area.

In nearby Gratiot and Mecosta counties, the number of feral swine are more prolific. Gratiot County has the highest number of total reports of feral swine in the state with 81, while Mecosta County has totaled 48, the fourth-highest total.

Michelle Rosen of the MSU center, who is tallying reports across the state, said she has already seen an increase in reports this fall.

“To date, so far this year, we’ve had 14 feral swine harvested and 13 sightings,” Rosen said last week.

Rosen said the DNR and USDA would like to collect any feral swine carcass or at least the heads of any feral swine taken for testing of certain diseases

for rules visit: www.michigan.gov/feralswine

Please report your success and sightings to:

USDA Wildlife Services 517-336-1928

like tuberculosis and leptospirosis, as well as other diseases that can be transferred to domesticated animals and livestock.

Though hunting them down will not remove them entirely, it’s a start, according to Wilson.

“For the past few years, we’ve been educating groups and helping them understand that this species living and thriving in Michigan is something where nothing good comes out of this,” he said. “We are trying to get it across to everyone that these animals pose a real threat to livestock, farmers and land owners and that these feral hogs need to be removed from their landscape.”

Wilson said the Wildlife Service, since last winter, has been working on a project to map out and

record feral swine movement throughout the state using radio transmitters that are collared on swine that were temporarily captured for the project.

“Hunting isn’t going to get rid of these hogs. It’s going to be a number of things to get it done,” Wilson said. “This project will provide great information of the pigs’ habitat, usage, dispersement and movement, which, in a year or so, we’ll have really good information on them. This will help in trying to contain them.”

To report a sighting of feral swine, dead or alive, contact the Flat River State Game office in Belding at (616) 754-2658 or the USDA Wildlife Services at (517) 336-1928. scoop@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8279

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The Daily News

WOODS & WATER

Saturday, September 27, 2014

3C

Food processors and hunters help stock food pantry freezers

By Stacie Smith

Daily News features writer

According to a 2013 report released by Kids Count in Michigan, Montcalm County ranks 57 out of 83 counties of children living at or below the poverty level who are eligible for food assistance. With such staggering indicators of families struggling to put food on the table, there are 18 food pantries in the county.

One way to help keep the shelves stocked with food is participation in the Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. Meat processors can sign up to donate venison to pantries who distribute the free food to area families.

Three meat processors in Montcalm County participate in various ways with the MSAH program. Village Market in Carson City and Blanchard’s Thriftway in Crystal, offer free processing for donated deer, the only cost to the hunter is for a tag.

Adam Eller of the Village Market is the store director of the family owned store and has been participating in the MSAH program for six or seven years. His participation includes processing deer at no cost to the hunter and grinds the venison so that its use is more versatile to the consumer allowing for use in courses like tacos, Hamburger Helper and spaghetti. This program is especially helpful to private property owners who have a need to cull the population but don’t require several deer.

“In order to manage herds, usually due to farmer pressure, landowners need to harvest deer because of crop damage,” Eller said. “Rather than just being disposed of, they go to families in need.”

More than anything, Eller wants the public to know that there is no cost passed on to the hunter and when a donation is made, it is considered a charitable donation and therefore may be considered tax deductible. With rising costs in hunting licenses, Eller fears there may be a negative impact on donations made to MSAH, but certainly hope that is not the case.

The program is so popular that Eller will receive calls from churches looking to be included. Once the Village Market processes venison, Eller will contact Tammy Dann with EightCAP in Greenville. Dann will determine how to best distribute the venison based on the number of pounds available among the 18 food pantries in the county. This is so each pantry gets an equal amount to provide the families they serve. Like Eller, Dann hopes to see continued donations this hunting season as there are so many families in need.

To say Steve Foster is involved with venison donations to food pantries would be an understatement. Foster serves as chairman for the Montcalm Challenge Food Drive and is a member of the Mid-Michigan United Sportsmen’s Alliance and the Montcalm Branch of Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA). The Montcalm Challenge Food Drive has been in existence since 1991 and friendly competition among area businesses helps to provide much needed food for the 18 food pantries in Montcalm County.

Foster quickly acknowledges the involvement of many

other people and organizations who see that donations come to fruition through sponsorships including Twin Ponds Sport Shop, Hilltop Sports, Montcalm Branch of QDMA and MMUSA. Since its inception, there have been 26,559 pounds of venison processed and donated to the food pantries. Foster, Dann and Eller want to see continued success and increased participation in the program as it has been very well received by the food pantries and is free to hunters. Donating venison to food pantries in Montcalm County is a winwin situation as processors are reimbursed $1 per pound they process with MSAH chipping 80 cents and the Montcalm Branch of QDMA providing 20 cents.

“It was very well received by the pantries,” Foster said. “There was a small fear that people at the food pantries would turn their noses up at venison, but we never heard of anything about it.

If there were any problems in the beginning, it was that the pantries didn’t have any freezers, but AGA Marvel, formerly Northland, donated freezer space to the pantries.”

Donations have been lower in more recent years and with the price increase in deer tags, there is some fear that may the case again this year. Things will be moving swiftly with the start of youth season and archery season. Typically, following gun season and late antlerless firearm season at the end of December, donations pick up.

“Adam last year did more than 1,800 pounds but he has had one or two years where he has had more than 4,000 pounds,” Foster said. “He is kind of our poster child for this program, he has been a good ambassador for this program, so has Tony Bohen with Thriftway in Crystal.”

To kick off the upcoming program, McDonalds and EightCAP will host Vital Vittles to benefit the Montcalm Challenge Food Drive beginning with a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. today at Camp WahWah-Tay-See. A pledge walk will start at 8 a.m. and those interested can participate in either event or both with proceeds benefitting local food pantries.

DONATE VENISON Montcalm County To donate venison to local food pantries, contact: • Village Market, 10715 E. Carson City Road Carson City (989) 584-3167 • Blachard’s Thriftway, 903 S. Main St., Crystal (989) 235-4240

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

WOODS & WATER

The Daily News

Autumn fishing requires new strategies

A

lot of newbie fishermen (and fisherwomen), especially those who go after area bass, find that their luck changes for the worse this time of year. Though they’ve been pulling lunkers out of area lakes all summer, suddenly the old tricks, locations and lures just don’t seem to be working.

While luck may have something to do with it, the changing of the seasons — as well as the length of the days — plays a far larger role. As temperatures drop and days shorten, it’s time to change your strategy.

I’ve been an avid fisherman for nearly 30 years and in that time, I’ve picked up more than a few tricks to keep the live well full throughout the season. Many of these I’ve learned from more experienced anglers; others I’ve gleaned online or from fishing workshops.

To begin with, September and early October is the right time to start shaking things up, sometimes even earlier, depending on weather patterns. This time of year, bass tend to congregate near feeder creeks and other inlets, usually at a depth of about four feet or shallower, since that’s where their food source tends to hang out in cooler weather.

Bass tend to be aggressive this time of year

Reality Check

By Mike Taylor

and are more apt to go after baitfish lures rather than the more sedate lures used in midsummer. Find a shad-like lure that rattles around, jigs and jags, and basically kicks up a little commotion. Use a fast, jerky retrieve.

Don’t be locked into a single lure, however.

If one is producing, don’t be afraid to try something just a little different. Eventually, you’ll hit on one that gets the fish excited.

Or you won’t; let’s be real, that’s the nature of fishing.

Sometimes, you just sit there in the boat. But even that gives you a chance to enjoy the state’s beautiful autumn weather, so what the heck.

If you’re having bad luck in one area, move to another. Remember, bass are aggressive right now and will follow the food source wherever it goes. Don’t be locked into a single

fishing hole just because it’s been lucky for you in the past. Those baitfish are constantly moving and the bass will move with them. If you’re not seeing shad, chances are you won’t see bass, either.

The weather can be very unpredictable this time of year and bass feeding patterns can be just as unpredictable. Stick with the backs of coves, winding creeks — particularly narrow stretches — and rivers or inlets to lakes.

Keep several lures handy and swap them out frequently until you find one the fish like.

Crankbaits and spinnerbaits tend to be particularly effective in the autumn. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Finally, if you’re fishing larger bodies of water, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for fishing birds like gulls or cranes. If you notice them congregating in one area, chances are baitfish and their larger cousins also are hanging nearby.

And remember, as with all fishing, patience is your friend. Take your time, enjoy your day and don’t worry too much about quantity. That one perfect strike is all it takes to make any day a perfect fishing day. mtaylor@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8273

Seine fishing: Family fun and educational

By Metro Creative

A

n afternoon spent fishing calls to mind a rod, reel and tackle box full of lures. However, fishing takes on many forms -including seine fishing. Using a net to collect and catalog marine species can be an enjoyable and educational family activity.

Seine fishing utilizes a dragnet, or a “seine,” to collect fish. These nets hang vertically in the water and are weighed down underneath. The top edge of the seine is buoyed by floats. Seine nets can be deployed from boats or from the shore. Larger seine nets are used in many forms of commercial fishing to catch large quantities of a particular species of fish. But seine nets also come in smaller varieties. These are typically manned by two people wearing hip waders. Both

people take an edge of the net, walk out a few feet into shallow water at the shore, then pull the net back in toward the beach to create a pocket in which marine life is corralled. The fish and other creatures may be observed on the shore or collected and viewed in water-filled containers.

Seine fishing also is a great way to catch small species of fish for bait, rather than purchasing them from bait stores. But when done in a catch-and-release method, seine fishing is usually a way for adults and children to learn about various types of local marine life. Seine fishing at different times of the year may yield different catches, providing another opportunity to educate kids and even adults about the ever-changing habitat of the ocean.

Wildlife conservation groups frequently employ seine fishing to observe and cata-

log underwater life. This provides important insight into which species are flourishing and which ones may be impacted by coastal or environmental changes.

Comparing data from year to year will paint a picture of the health of oceans, lakes and other bodies of water.

Some groups offer seine fishing instruction to the public through a conservation center or a municipal beach or parks department. If you cannot find a seine fishing program, it can be quite easy to teach yourself. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, seines come in many sizes. For the amateur fishing enthusiast, a seine measuring 10 feet long and five feet high with 3/16-inch mesh will adequately capture many small fish in shallow pools. Check with your local fish and wildlife department before seine fishing, which may require a permit or a fish-

ing license before entering the water.

Children often find seine fishing to be a fun activity. Seeing what the net has captured can be exciting, and kids are often eager to look and feel the creatures that have been pulled to shore. Use care to handle marine animals safely. Crabs can pinch fingers, and some species of fish may have barbs. Jellyfish may or may not be poisonous. It’s advised to seine fish with an experienced marine biologist or a person knowledgeable about local marine wildlife. Fish and other animals should not be squeezed, as they can be injured.

Afterward, all animals should be carefully returned to the water.

Seine fishing is an activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It provides information about local marine wildlife, helping educate people about the beaches and water around them.

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The Daily News

WOODS & WATER

Saturday, September 27, 2014

5C

By Mike Taylor • Daily N

ews features write r

This time of year may be best for outdoor vacations

S

ummer may be winding down, but that’s no reason to return the camping gear to the garage rafters; there’s still plenty of good times to be had outdoors at West Michigan parks. In fact, according to Explorer Guide Nicole

Holton — currently stationed at the Ionia Recreation Area on West David Highway in Ionia — the autumn months offer some truly unique camping opportunities.

Nighttime hikes are a popular autumn camping event, she added. Open to the public as well as campers at the grounds, the hikes give lovers of the outdoors a chance to experience nature after dark, after their vision adjusts to the lack of light.

Many parks also offer such seasonal amenities as free cider and donuts, hot coffee and cocoa, as well as special games and crafts.

The egg toss game, sack races and creating homemade scarecrows all are popular activities, Holton said. Despite the cooler weather, these special events are often quite popular.

“We’re usually booked up early,” Holton said. “We do this type of thing every year and it’s always very busy.”

This year, the Ionia Recreation Area also is offering hay rides, a horse and dog parade, prizes for the best decorated Halloween campsite and a presentation

From the tip of the mitten to the lake shores, many state, county and private campgrounds remain open well into late November. In the case of state campgrounds, the grounds themselves are generally available for hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiers through the entire winter, as well.

Some cold weather gear and a good sleeping bag are all the experienced camper needs to enjoy the fun the cooler (and marvelously mosquito-free) months have to offer.

Holton notes that many parks plan seasonal activities tailored to both adults and children, particularly during “harvest” time.

“We start the festivities in late September,” Holton said. “We have things like a welcome fire and visits with Smoky Bear. We do apples baked in the fire with caramel, oatmeal and chocolate, all of it donated by local vendors.”

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featuring a live eagle. These activities, Holton added, are typical of state campgrounds across Michigan.

Some campgrounds, such as Twin Oaks Campground & Cabins, located in the Manistee National Forest, operate year-around and offer spots for both tent (for the very brave) and RV camping with full hook-up.

Like many year-around campgrounds, Twin Oaks also provides a wealth of children’s activities and easy access to trails for hiking, snowshoe hiking and snowmobiling.

Autumn camping also presents a more

natural approach to the traditional color tour; it’s hard to beat experiencing the beauty of the season more fully than from right within an amber and crimsonhued forest. To find the best times and richest colors, check out the West Michigan Tourist Association’s website at wmta.org.

In addition to a weekly “color report,” the site offers a wealth of information and resources for planning your autumn vacation and for getting the best of what the season offers. mtaylor@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8273

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

WOODS & WATER

The Daily News

Michigan 2014 Youth Hunt

Hayden Bailey

Kenzie Barnwell

Tiffany Cooper

Eli Curtis

Jet Curtis

Hayden Bailey, 9, of Fenwick, bagged a wonderful looking 10-point buck. His parents are father, Jason Purdy, mother, Elena Bailey, and stepfather, Donald Goodsell.

Kenzie Barnwell, 16, of Stanton, earned her first goose killed at Holland Lake

by Sheridan. Her parents are Tom and Ruthann Barnwell of Stanton.

Tiffany Cooper, 13, of Greenville, got her first buck Sept. 21, an eight-point. Her father, Erik Jeffrey, and his son, Carter, took Tiffany out for the first time.

Eli Curtis, 6, of Greenville, snagged a good looking rock bass during a recent fishing trip at Lincoln Lake. He is the son of Jarred and Melissa Curtis.

Jet Curtis, 9, of Greenville, took in this walleye during a recent fishing excursion on Muskegon River. His parents are Jarred and Melissa Curtis.

Anna Davis

Desiree Funsch

Kaelee Girskis

Brandon Gonzalez

Brooken Hansen

Anna Davis, 11, of Grand Ledge, hunting with her father, bagged a nice looking seven-point buck near Lakeview. This is Davis’ second year hunting. Her parents are Amy and Bryan Davis.

Desiree Funsch, 8, of Sheridan, shot a nine-point buck. She hunted with her stepfather. This was her first Youth Hunt, Her parents are Natasha and Zach Krum and the late Travis Funsch.

Kaelee Girskis, 14, of Trufant, bagged an eight-point buck in Six Lakes. This was her first deer and first Michigan Youth Hunt.

The deer had a 17.5-inch antler spread. Girskis is the daughter of Joe and Lynn Girskis.

Brandon Gonzalez, 16, of Greenville, bagged this ninepoint buck near Sidney on the morning of Sept. 21. He was hunting with Same Jurden, at right.

Brooken Hansen, 10, of Greenville, got a seven-point buck near his grandfather’s farm in Sumner Sept. 20. He is the son of Brad and Kammie Hansen.

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Caleb Lewis

Caleb Lewis, 7, of Gowen, bagged a doe in the Kent County area during the opening morning of Sept. 20. He downed the deer from about 30 yards using a crossbow. He is the son of Shana Lewis and Nathan Lewis.

Colin Harrison, 8, of Greenville, hunting with his father, Barry Harrison, bagged a sevenpoint buck in the Gowen area around 7:30 a.m. Sept. 20.

Using a .243 youth model gun, Harrison downed the deer from 50 yards away. Harrison’s mother is Lyndy Harrison.

Ethan Hodges, 11, of Orleans, nabbed this doe in the evening of Sept. 20 while hunting with his father. This was his second youth hunt. He is the son of Jennifer Hodges and Tom Durham.

Caleb Inman, 14, of Trufant, bagged a 10-point buck on/ near the Kraft farm in Trufant.

His parents are Erin and Chris Inman.

Sawyer Kohn, 10, of Sheridan, bagged a seven-point buck, shooting it from 115 yards using a 300 Blackout rifle Sept. 22. He was hunting with a friend of his mother’s on his grandparents’ property in Stanton. His parents are Mary Kohn of Sheridan and Joe Kohn of Greenville.

Emily Mitchell

Cade Oberlin

Rayanne Ordiway

Trevor Papendick

Harrison Parker

Emily Mitchell, 15, of Sidney, bagged a nine-point buck during Michigan’s Youth Hunt weekend. Her parents are Craig and Karen Mitchell.

Cade Oberlin, 13, of Lakeview, bagged a nine-point buck, using his late grandfather’s 270 Winchester rifle. He downed the deer from 110 yards away.

His parents are Jennifer Schawndt and Shawn Oberlin.

Rayanne Ordiway, 13, of Vestaburg, joined the ranks of successful youth hunters with a six-point buck. She is the daughter of Ted Ordiway and Carla King.

Trevor Papendick, 14, of Vestaburg, bagged a sevenpoint buck on state land. He is the son of Toni and Jason Papendick.

Harrison Parker, 15, of Greenville, bagged a 10-point buck near Sidney Sept. 20. He is the son of Tim and Heather Parker of Greenville.

Jeffrey Puehler

Chris Shaffer

Caden Welch

Dawson Wheeler

Maddison White

Jeffrey Puehler, 13, of Belding, bagged this nine-point buck in Ionia County, using a .20 gauge shotgun during opening night of Michigan’s Youth Hunt weekend. “This was the greatest day of my life,” he said. Puehler is the son of Jeff and Laurie Puehler.

Chris Shaffer, 13, of Cedar Springs, bagged a six-point buck from 50 yards away, using a .270 Ruger American rifle around 7:20 a.m. Sept. 21.

He is the son of Jeff Shaffer.

After getting a little nap in in his deer blind, Caden Welch, 10, of Stanton, woke up just in time to bag a seven-point buck. He is the son of Cassie and Michael Swan, who he was hunting with.

Dawson Wheeler, 9, of Edmore, got a spike horn deer during his first year hunting.

He is the son of Shiree Wheeler and Kevin Wheeler.

Maddison White, 16, of Trufant, bagged an eightpoint buck in the Montcalm County area. The deer had a 20-inch inside spread and weighed 200 pounds, dressed.

Raymond Wyman After missing a chance at a buck on the first day, Raymond Wyman, 15, of Rockford, made sure not to miss the second chance he got, knocking down a seven-point buck near Coral. His mother is Renee Wyman.

Douglas Kurlowiz

Matt Williams

Douglas Kurlowiz, 15, of Solon Township, bagged a six-point buck, knocking it down from 225 yards away in the Cedar Springs area. His parents are Melissa and Douglas Kurlowiz.

Matt Williams, 9, of Ionia, was a successful hunter during Michigan’s Youth Hunt, bagging this nice looking sevenpoint buck. His parents are Cheryl Hopkins and Jeff Williams.

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The Daily News

WOODS & WATER

Saturday, September 27, 2014

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Michigan hunting seasons 2014-15

FUr Harvester

HUNTING SEASONS JAN. 1-MARCH 1 Bobcat

DEC. 1-FEB. 1 Bobcat (Units A&B)

SEPT. 20-21 Early antlerless firearm Liberty hunt

DEC. 10-20 Bobcat (Units C-F)

JULY 15-APRIL 15 Coyote

OCT. 15-MARCH 1 Coyote, fox (gray and red

OCT. 15-MARCH 1 Fox, gray and red OCT. 1-JAN. 31 Raccoon TRAPPING SEASONS OCT. 15-NOV. 14 Badger (Zone 1 & 2) NOV. 1-MARCH 1 Badger (Zone 3) YEAR-AROUND Beaver, otter (trapping closed to the counties of Alger, Benzie, Leelanau, Schoolcraft)

ELK

deer

OCT. 1-NOV. 14 and DEC. 1-JAN. 1 Archery

OCT. 25-MARCH 1 Muskrat, mink (Zone 1)

NOV. 15-30 Regular firearm

NOV. 1-MARCH 1 Muskrat, mink (Zone 2)

MUZZELOADING • Zone 1: Dec. 5-14 • Zone 2: Dec. 5-14 • Zone 3: Dec. 5-21

NOV. 10-MARCH 1 Muskrat, mink (Zone 3)

For Units F, G, X: DEC. 6-14 For additional harvest (if needed): JAN. 14-18, 2015

NOV. 1-JAN. 31 Raccoon (Zone 3)

DUCK

REGULAR SEASON North zone: Sept. 11-Dec. 11 Middle zone: Sept. 20-28 and Oct. 4-Dec. 25 South zone: Sept. 20-22, Oct. 11-Dec. 7 and Dec. 27-28 LATE SEASON South zone: Jan. 17-Feb. 14

BEAR

SQUirrel

SEPT. 10-OCT. 26

SEPT. 15-MARCH 1 Fox and gray (black phase included)

OCT. 10-31 Zone 1 (partial)

OCT. 10-31 Sharp-tailed grouse

OCT. 20-NOV. 14 Zone 2 & 3

QUAIL

DEC. 1-JAN. 1 Zone 3 (partial)

OCT. 11-DEC. 7 and DEC. 27-28 South zone

Woodcock

Other

(male-only)

SEPT.-NOV. 14 and DEC. 1-JAN. 1 Ruffed grouse

OCT. 4-NOV. 30 and DEC. 13-14 Middle zone

* be sure to check your DNR guide as some areas are excluded from these dates.

SEPT. 15-MARCH 31

PHEASANT

GROUSE

SEPT. 27-NOV. 23 and NOV. 29-30 North zone

EARLY SEASON North zone: Sept. 1-10 Middle zone: Sept. 1-15 South zone: Sept. 1-15

RABBIT

DEC. 22-JAN. 1 Late antlerless firearm

OCT. 15-JAN. 31 Raccoon (Zones 1 & 2)

CANADA GOOSE

SEPT. 15-NOV. 14 Fall season

For Unit L: AUG. 26-29 SEPT. 12-15 SEPT. 26-29

OCT. 16-19 Independence hunt

DEC. 1-15 Fisher/marten

Turkey

YEAR-AROUND (statewide) Starling, feral swine, weasel, opossum, porcupine, red squirrel, woodchuck, feral pigeons and house sparrows

See full details for Michigan’s 2014 hunting and trapping seasons online at michigan.gov/dnr

OCT. 20-NOV. 14

SEPT. 20-NOV. 3

By Ryan Schlehuber • The Daily News

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Saturday, September 27, 2014

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