Family-Outdoors

Seven lucky hunters will win over $1,500 in prizes just by hunting at Michigan’s seven Managed Waterfowl Hunt Areas this fall and winter. A new Wetland Wonders Challenge, sponsored by Consumers Energy, will begin  Oct. 11  and continue through  Jan. 31, 2015 . Seven winners will be chosen to win ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages valued at $1,500, including a "golden ticket" for one first-choice pick at a Managed Waterfowl Hunt Area (MWHA) for the 2015-16 season (non-reserved). Other prizes include a Mossberg 835 camo waterfowl and turkey combo 12-gauge shotgun, Zink custom duck and goose calls, Avian X mallard and goose decoys, and waterfowl hunting gear. Contest partner Michigan United Conservation Clubs will select winners  Feb. 9, 2015 . Michigan's Wetland Wonders are the seven premier MWHAs in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildli...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia) North Dakota’s Sportsmen Against Hunger program can now accept donations of Canada geese taken during the regular waterfowl hunting season. Previously, the program could accept snow, blue and Ross’s geese during the regular season, but Canada goose donations were only allowed during the early Canada goose season. This new opportunity for hunters to donate goose meat is part of a two-year pilot program between the North Dakota Game and Fish Department and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “In the past couple of years we have heard from many hunters who would like to donate geese taken during the regular season,” said Game and Fish Director Terry Steinwand. “We appreciate the Fish and Wildlife Service setting up this pilot program so we can see how well it works.” North Dakota Community Action Sportsmen Against Hunger program coordinator Sarah Hasbargen said the additional donations accepted during this pilot project will be a much-needed increase...

In partnership with state, federal, and tribal agencies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a report entitled “Taking Action” which describes 50 projects that collectively address the natural resource impacts of climate change. The report was created in response to the *National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy* which was published in March, 2013. “Across the nation, a broad coalition of natural resource agencies is working with partners and stakeholders to collectively address the current impacts and future threats of climate change,” said Rowan Gould, Deputy Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The concrete actions documented in this report represent real progress, but helping native species  cope with the effects of climate disruption requires us to build on these successes and redouble our commitment to the National Strategy for the benefit of our natural ecosystems and the millions of Americans that rely on them.” ...

We celebrated the life and work of conservation workhorse and former Midwest Regional Director Jim Gritman this weekend, out among the lands and waters that he fought to protect. Saturday September 20, 2014 was a day of remembrance, as family and friends came from across the country to honor a head-strong conservationist. Current Regional Director Tom Melius joined Fergus Falls Wetland Management District Project Leader Larry Martin and staff as we unveiled the Jim Gritman Waterfowl Production Area near Wendell, Minnesota. As the sun burned off morning clouds and the dew glistened, we had the prefect backdrop of prairie and blue sky to mark the occasion.  “Thinking outside of the box and coloring outside of the lines is what fueled Jim’s strategy for bringing back habitat for our trust resources here in the Midwest,” said Melius. Gritman said it best, “If we could start restoring wetlands rather than draining them, then I could say we were making headway." Making headway...

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and Friends of Hackberry Flat will celebrate the migration of monarch butterflies at the Hackberry Flat Center south of Frederick, Okla. On Saturday, Oct. 11th, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the amazing monarch butterfly and participate in a conservation effort for these long-distance migrants. There is no fee, but reservations are required.    Depending on weather conditions the morning of the event, visitors will be taken to an area in Hackberry Flat Wildlife Management Area where migrating monarchs spend the night. Monarchs will be collected and taken to the Hackberry Flat Center where they will be tagged. If weather is not conducive for collecting that morning, biologists will collect monarchs prior to the program and have the butterflies at the Center ready to be tagged. A program will be presented on the life history of the monarch butterfly and then the tagged monarchs will be released. The program...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia) North Dakota ’s two-day youth pheasant season is  Oct. 4-5 . Legally licensed residents and nonresidents ages 15 and younger may hunt roosters statewide. Resident youth hunters, regardless of age, must possess a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate and general game and habitat license. N onresident youth hunters from states that provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents qualify for North Dakota resident licenses. Otherwise, nonresident youth hunters must purchase a nonresident small game license. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Youth ages 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course. The daily bag limit and all other regulations for the regular pheasant season apply. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter in the field. The adult may not carry a firearm. See the  2014 North Dakota Small Game Hunting Guide  for additional infor...

 Have you ever wanted to start a campfire without a lighter or matches? Are you looking for the easiest way to fillet a mess of fish? Whether you're an old hand in the outdoors or a greenhorn who's ready for some new adventures, you can learn some new tricks at the 2014 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo!    The schedule of live seminars during the two-day event promises something to interest everyone. And what's even better: Everything is free!  2014 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo    "Our schedule of seminars this year is among the best we've ever had at the Wildlife Expo," said Rhonda Hurst, coordinator of the event for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "Visitors are sure to find a topic that interests them. And sitting in on a seminar is a great way to enjoy a break during your day at the Expo!"    The Wildlife Expo, the state's largest outdoor recreation event, will run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, ...

The 2014 fall wild turkey lottery has been held and more than 1,000 licenses remain in eight units. Unsuccessful applicants who applied online will have a refund issued directly to their credit card. Beginning  Sept. 30 , all remaining licenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters are allowed a maximum of 15 licenses for the fall season. Resident and nonresident hunters will be able to apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the Game and Fish Department website,  gf.nd.gov . Paper applications will also be available at license vendors. The fall turkey season runs from  Oct. 11  –  Jan. 4, 2015 . Licenses remain for the following units: Unit 03, Benson and Ramsey counties and a portion of Pierce County, 34 licenses; Unit 13, Dunn County, 211; Unit 19, Grant County, Sioux County, and parts of Morton County, 24; Unit 25, McHenry County and portions of Pierce and Ward counties, 356; Unit 30, a portion of Morton County...

 The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation has selected Eric Harland as its 2014 Landowner of the Year, continuing a 25-year tradition to recognize the important conservation role played by private landowners.    Harland was honored at the regular September meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission held Monday in Oklahoma City.    Since 2005, Harland has owned and managed Nickel Creek Ranch, a 522-acre property north of Arcadia along the Oklahoma-Logan county line. Since then, he and his family have devoted much time and energy toward improving the landscape for both wildlife and for recreational use.    Harland said like most landowners, he takes a great deal of pride in his property and truly wants to make improvements. Because 95 percent of land in Oklahoma is privately owned, Harland said it's even more important to get landowners involved and participating in programs that aim to improve wildlife habitat.   ...

By Jillian Farkas, DNR Wildlife Division Through generous support from DTE Energy, the DNR is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Michigan’s Endangered Species Act from now through September.   Each week, an important species will be featured. With binoculars in tow, I scouted the seemingly calm water in front of me. Slowly, and without a ripple, a sea monster-like head began to emerge from the water. With a duckweed disguise, the snake remained still, repeatedly flicking its tongue in my direction. To confirm identification of the species, I lunged towards the snake with long tongs, but it was just out of reach. Reacting to the threat of capture, the snake swiftly swam into the surrounding vegetation and escaped. The copperbelly water snake is an exceptionally rare species in Michigan. These snakes are found in two distinct population segments in the United States - the north and south. The northern population remains federally listed as threatened, and its range includes sou...

Have you ever tried tossing an atlatl? How about goose-knocking? Or flint knapping? You'll have your chance to experience all of those outdoors at the 2014 Oklahoma Wildlife Expo.    Presented by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, the free event will take place from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Lazy E Arena, just north of Oklahoma City.    "Your whole family will be able to see and do so many things outside on the Expo grounds," said Rhonda Hurst, coordinator of the event for the Wildlife Department. "From outdoor skills to wildlife education to fishing or just plain fun, our activities planned outside the arena are going to be some real crowd-pleasers!"    The atlatl is a type of spear that is launched over the shoulder using an ancient technique. Expo visitors will have an opportunity to try their hand at tossing the atlatl, just as ancient hunters did thousands of years ago. ...

The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, introduces the 2014 collector-edition Michigan duck stamp and prints. The Michigan Duck Stamp Program, established in 1976, has become an icon for waterfowl hunters and wetland conservation enthusiasts. During the past 38 years, the program has gained popularity with collectors and conservation groups throughout the United States. The Michigan Duck Hunters Association coordinates the Michigan waterfowl stamp program in partnership with the DNR. MDHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetland conservation. Proceeds from stamp sales will be used to fund MDHA projects, with 10 percent used to match DNR funding for purchasing wetlands. The 2014 Michigan duck stamp features a pair of long-tailed ducks in flight, painted by Christopher Smith, a wildlife artist from Suttons Bay, Michigan. This is Smith’s second Michigan Duck Stamp Contest victory. He won first place in ...

  A couple of late-summer cool fronts have surely made a few waterfowl hunters anxious for the upcoming seasons. And for many, part of the preparation is to attend the annual drawings for permanent duck blind permits at several lakes across Oklahoma.    Duck blind permit drawings for the five U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lakes where permanent blinds are allowed will be Saturday, Sept. 20. Drawings for blind sites at Lake Overholser/Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and Lake Stanley Draper in Oklahoma City will be held Saturday, Sept. 27.    Duck season in Oklahoma will open Oct. 11 in the Panhandle counties, Oct. 25 in Zone 1 (northwestern areas), and Nov. 1 in Zone 2 (southern and eastern areas).    Blind drawing locations, times and dates are:   Fort Gibson Lake When: Sept. 20; registration, 7 a.m.; drawing, 8 a.m. Where: Oklahoma Wildlife Department's Porter Office, 1.5 miles north of the Muskogee Turnpike on U.S. 69. Eufaula Reservoir When: ...

YANKTON, S.D. –  Lewis and Clark Recreation Area  near Yankton is hosting Fall in the Park at Lewis and Clark  Saturday, Sept. 20 , from  1-5 p.m. CDT . The new fall event will include a number of activities including an obstacle course, outdoor cooking, crafts, games, laser shot, BB gun shooting and archery. Visitors can also enjoy music by Steel Groove, a steel drum group, from  3 to 5 p.m. “This is the first year of a fall event for Lewis and Clark,” said event organizer Jeanne Schroeder. “We hope to provide an afternoon of entertainment for all age groups.” There is no charge to attend the event; however, a park entrance license is required to enter the park. Daily entrance is $6 per vehicle. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area is located 6 miles west of Yankton of SD Highway 52. For more information, call  605-668-2985 .

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) North Dakota’s two-day youth waterfowl season is  Sept. 20-21 . Legally licensed resident and nonresident youth waterfowl hunters age 15 and younger may hunt ducks, geese, coots and mergansers statewide. The daily bag limit and species restrictions for the youth season are the same as for regular duck and goose seasons. Exception: the additional two blue-winged teal allowed during the first 16 days of the regular season are not allowed during the youth season. Resident and qualifying nonresident youth waterfowl hunters must possess a general game and habitat license and a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate. Nonresidents from states that do not provide a reciprocal licensing agreement for North Dakota residents must purchase the entire nonresident waterfowl license package. In addition, all youth hunters must be Harvest Information Program certified, and youth ages 12 and older need to have passed a certified hunter education course...

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia) As temperatures begin to cool down and summer camping transitions into fall camping, more than 30 Michigan state parks and recreation areas are preparing their fall harvest festivals. These events feature fall-themed, family-oriented activities such as pumpkin carving, costume contests, trick-or-treating and much more. Each park puts its own personal spin on the celebrations, so no two events are exactly the same. Below are just a few upcoming harvest festivals that may still have camping availability. Events marked with an asterisk (*) are for registered campers only:   Sept. 20   Fort Wilkins Historic State Park  - campsite decorating, trick-or-treating, geocaching and food   Sept. 26-27 Proud Lake Recreation Area * - hay rides, games, campsite decorating, trick-or-treating and more   Wells State Park * - a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including pumpkin painting, horse-drawn carriage rides   ...