Family-Outdoors

While out in the field in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, hunters and trappers might come upon a denned black bear. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for locations of denned bear in order to fit them with a radio collar for ongoing bear research. “Information gathered from female bears helps us to manage the black bear population,” said wildlife biologist Mark Boersen. Currently, only three female bears are being monitored in the northern Lower Peninsula through the use of radio-tracking equipment. “We would like to have a few more female bear collared throughout the area,” said Boersen. “Hunters are all over northern Michigan right now, and they provide a great set of eyes for information on denning locations.” After locating a denned bear, biologists will determine if the animal is a good candidate for radio-collaring. Only female bears are selected. They will be sedated by a biologist and fitted with a radio-tracking collar and ear tags. Hair samples w...

South Dakota youth will have numerous opportunities for hands-on experience with outdoors and conservation projects thanks in part to grants from the Tony and Dar Dean Outdoor Education Fund. Four projects will receive financial support from the fund this year. The fund was established following the 2008 death of well-known outdoor broadcaster and writer Tony Dean of Pierre. The program honors both Tony and his wife Dar Dean. She is an outdoor enthusiast with a strong commitment to getting youth involved in outdoor and conservation activities. The four programs which will receive grants this year are: · The South Dakota Wildlife Federation Youth Conservation Camp Wilderness Day on the Prairie has been awarded a $1,300 grant. The Youth Conservation Camp allows youth to experience many aspects of the outdoors. The Wilderness Day on the Prairie portion of the camp will be held at French Creek Campground in the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands near Hermosa. Participants will lear...

PIERRE, S.D. – Trail conditions and routes will be easier than ever for snowmobilers to view thanks to a new interactive trail map. In addition to trail conditions, the interactive map pinpoints businesses, restrooms and parking areas along the state snowmobile trail system. “By clicking on the trails, snowmobilers can view current trail conditions, and eventually pictures,” said state snowmobile trail coordinator, Tony Schmitt. “The best part is, the map can be downloaded to your smart phone.” The trail map works with the GPS technology in smart phones to show snowmobilers their location on the trail. Snowmobile Trails in the Black Hills are scheduled to open Saturday, Dec. 15, but trail officials are waiting for snow. “The Black Hills has seen minimal snowfall so far,” said Black Hills Trail supervisor, Shannon Percy. “Grooming operations wil...