Family-Outdoors

Michigan Recreation and Park Association presents award LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Recreation and Park Association today recognized Secretary of State Ruth Johnson – who once crossed the Straits to of Mackinac in her kayak to promote the Recreation Passport and other initiatives – as its State Elected Official of the Year for her work supporting Michigan’s parks, historic sites, forests and other recreational attractions. The association praised Johnson for her efforts promoting the state’s Recreation Passport, which allows entry into state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and non-motorized trail head and boat launch parking. “As an outdoor enthusiast and a strong believer in the Recreation Passport, I am honored to receive this award,” Johnson said. “The passport is a great bargain that gives residents access to our state’s wonderful resources – our state parks. “These parks are truly jewels that we need to protect and preserve. They benefit every resident’s qualit...

The lives of the three more hunters are about to get a little busier in 2014. The  Pure Michigan Hunt brought to you by Michigan Outdoor News  is entering its fifth hunting season this year. The latest winners – Bill Kring of Cadillac, Bruce Shaneour of Osseo and Frank Zrepskey of Algonac – will have a pocket full of hunting licenses and over $4,000 worth of hunting gear. “I had a voicemail to call Russ Mason,” said Shaneour, who works in sales at Signature Ranch Collection. He returned that call to hear the DNR Wildlife Division chief explain that he is one of the lucky Pure Michigan Hunt winners. “I didn’t tell many people until I got the paperwork in the mail,” Shaneour added. Zrepskey, now retired from the City of Detroit, said he was “one happy camper.” A member of the St. Clair Flats Waterfowlers, Zrepskey said he couldn’t believe he is a winner. When Kring, the general manager at 9&10 News in Cadillac, got the phone call from Mason, he said, "All I ...

Belle Isle and the Detroit River. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Detroit’s historic Belle Isle Park will begin a transition to becoming Michigan’s 102 nd  state park, following action today by the Local Emergency Financial Assistance Loan Board.  The board accepted a lease approved by Emergency Manager Kevyn Orr, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Director Kirk Steudle and Gov. Rick Snyder. The lease will guide state management of the park. Under the lease terms, the city maintains ownership of Belle Isle while the DNR assumes responsibility for managing Belle Isle according to the high standards of its award-winning state park system. The Michigan Department of Transportation will assume responsibility for roads and bridges on Belle Isle. “This is a city-state partnership that makes good sense for the future of Belle Isle and the people of Detroit,” said Gov. Rick Snyder. “Everyone wants this...

June 2012 Archery is one of the many DNR-sponsored activities families can enjoy during Detroit River Days.The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will present its official kickoff to summer, filled with outdoor fun for the family - from hands-on fishing and archery to the chance to meet Smokey Bear and get an up-close look at wildlife - from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 22-24. Offered in conjunction with Detroit River Days, activities will take place along the Detroit International Riverfront, from the new Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Terminal & Dock (just west of the GM Renaissance Center) to Rivard Plaza and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. "Participating in River Days is a way for the DNR to reach out to the Detroit community and let people know about our programs and our partnership with the city of Detroit and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy," said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. "It is also a chance for us to give folks a taste of all the outdoor...

Detroit skyline as seen from Windsor, Ontario (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will present its official kickoff to summer, filled with outdoor fun for the family – from hands-on fishing and archery to the chance to meet Smokey Bear and get an up-close look at wildlife – from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 22-24. Offered in conjunction with Detroit River Days, activities will take place along the Detroit International Riverfront, from the new Detroit/Wayne County Port Authority Terminal & Dock (just west of the GM Renaissance Center) to Rivard Plaza and William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor. “Participating in River Days is a way for the DNR to reach out to the Detroit community and let people know about our programs and our partnership with the city of Detroit and the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “It is also a chance for us to give folks a taste of all the outdoor recreation opportuniti...

(Photo credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries ) Women's Walleye Fishing June 2 at Linwood Beach Marina and Campground in Linwood All aboard for this half-day walleye fishing experience on Saginaw Bay -you don't want to miss out on this fun in the sun! Introduction to Handgun Shooting June 5 at Detroit Sportsmen's Congress in Utica For women who have never shot a handgun before - all equipment provided. Advanced Archery Class - 3D Shoot June 6 at Caledonia Sportsman's Club in Alto For women who have taken a BOW beginning archery class, or already have archery experience, and would like to sharpen their skills. Class includes a walk through the archery course shooting at various three-dimensional targets of animals, from turkeys to moose. Introduction to Shotgun Shooting June 14 at Saginaw Field and Stream Club in Saginaw For the beginner or the woman who is looking to sharpen her shotgun skills. Learn all of the basics and ...