Free fishing and free snowmobiling weekends this month offer easy opportunity to get outdoors and fall in love with winter!



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"News Digest - Week of Jan. 29, 2024"

three snowmobilers ride single file on a curved, snow-covered trail in the forest. Blue sky filters through tall, thin trees behind them. [ [link removed] ]


Here are a few of this week's stories from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources: 


* Video: 80 seasons and counting, Michigan hunter going strong [ #link_16 ]
* Embrace winter wonder with fun February events [ #link_17 ]
* Help take care of state’s natural and cultural resources [ #link_2 ]
* Photo ambassador snapshot: Mitten love at Tahquamenon [ #link_1 ]

See other news releases, Showcasing the DNR stories, photos and other resources at Michigan.gov/DNRPressRoom [ [link removed] ].

PHOTO FOLDER [ [link removed] ]: Larger, higher-res versions of many of the images used in this email are available in this folder.

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Video: 80 seasons and counting, Michigan hunter going strong

smiling, older man in orange and black camo hat and green plaid jacket holds a black rifle at window of a wood hunting blind

“I’m William Kusey, Sr. I’m 94 years old, and I’m a hunter.”

So starts a new video from the DNR [ [link removed] ], capturing the words, wisdom and charm of a longtime Michigan hunter who hasn’t missed a firearm deer season opener in 80 years.

Kusey got his first buck at age 14 while hunting with his dad on opening day, a heart-pounding experience that he said has never faded.

“Even at my age,” he laughed, “my heart beats when I see a buck!”

Kusey’s recollections are part of the DNR’s Experiencing Michigan’s Outdoors video series [ [link removed] ], quick yet revealing looks at hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities through inspiring, personal stories.

If not for his brothers’ mentoring, Kusey said hunting might not be a part of his story. It was their encouragement that sparked a tradition that has grown to include deer and bear hunts – Kesey got his first bear in 1995, west of Copper Harbor, and followed that up with bear No. 2 in 2000, on the other side of Copper Harbor.

“To me, deer hunting was putting food on the table. I’ve hunted all my life, and I’ve really enjoyed every day of it,” he said. “There’s no better place in the world than to hunt in Michigan.”

Veteran hunters like Kusey are an important part of our state’s hunting heritage. Visit Michigan.gov/Hunting [ [link removed] ] to learn about season/species opportunities, as well as simple ways – through mentoring and safety instruction – to share your knowledge and expertise with those just starting out.

If you've got ideas about other stories we can tell through video, email Brad Parsons at [email protected] <[email protected]>. For questions about hunting opportunities and mentoring, email [email protected] <[email protected]>. 



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Embrace winter wonder with fun February events

a young boy in blue snowsuit touches a teal lantern on a pole in the snow, with a campfire and a few adults in winter gear in background

February is filled with ways to make the most of winter and enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources. Keep in mind that some programs are weather-dependent, and whenever you're on or near water, use extreme caution around ice.

Hike and ski

Several state parks will host guided hikes – many with snowshoes, some by lantern light – and cross-country skiing events. See the DNR events calendar [ [link removed] ] for dates, locations and other details.

Find some relaxation in Michigan’s northern woods with the Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoe Getaway at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, taking place Feb. 2-4 [ [link removed] ] and Feb. 9-11 [ [link removed] ]. Perfect for couples, friends or families, the all-inclusive weekend includes cabin-style lodging, meals, hot cocoa, snowshoe rentals and easy access to outdoor adventure and miles of evergreen-lined trails.

Ride and fish

We recognize that snow conditions may determine your ability to pull out the sleds, but when winter weather truly returns, a full weekend of free snowmobiling Feb. 9-11 [ [link removed] ] is a great way to ignite (or reignite) your love of winter trail riding! Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). You legally can ride all weekend long without the regular requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit!

During the winter Free Fishing Weekend [ [link removed] ], Feb. 17-18, enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes waters for free, with all license fees waived both days. All fishing regulations will still apply. It’s also a good time to visit state parks and boating access sites, as a Recreation Passport isn’t required for entry during Free Fishing Weekend. As always, consult Michigan.gov/IceSafety [ [link removed] ] before any on-ice activities.

Learn to ice fish from the pros with Hard Water School at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac, part of the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy. The Feb. 17-18 class [ [link removed] ] will cover everything you need to know to get started, with a focus on techniques for panfish, walleye and pike. The advanced class Feb. 2-4 [ [link removed] ] will dive deeper into specific ice-fishing topics. If the weather doesn't cooperate to offer the on-ice portion of the class, things may move indoors for a fish fry (if there are enough students). 

Birds and blooms


a black-capped chickadee, with tan body and black and grey-white wings, perches on a thin, ice-covered branch, snow in background

If you’re in the Detroit area, check out the Outdoor Adventure Center event calendar [ [link removed] ] for a variety of fun and educational programs for all ages, from kids to seniors, both indoors and outdoors. Don’t miss the Feb. 11 Birding Expo [ [link removed] ], where exhibitors from various local organizations will help new birders get started with this healthy, fun hobby.

Celebrate winter Birds and Blooms [ [link removed] ] Feb. 17 with activities for the whole family at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan. Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count bird walk, make pinecone bird feeders, find out how native plants benefit birds, and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and more.

For a full list of DNR events, see Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar [ [link removed] ] or find ideas to plan your own cold-weather adventure at Michigan.gov/WinterFun [ [link removed] ].



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Help take care of state’s natural and cultural resources

If you’d like to get involved in the work the DNR does, read on for ways to help next month! For more opportunities to lend a hand and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers [ [link removed] ].

State park stewardship

A dozen or so adults in winter coats and gear gather around a brown, rectangular state park entrance sign, with snow all around

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host stewardship workdays, where volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems. Workdays will take place:


* 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 3, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Waterloo Recreation Area (Jackson County).
* 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County). 
* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
* 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 10, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
* 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 10, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
* 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Island Lake Recreation Area (Livingston County).
* 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Saugatuck Dunes State Park (Allegan County).
* 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
* 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 24, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County). 
* 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar [ [link removed] ].

Campground and harbor hosts

If you love staying overnight in Michigan state parks and harbors, consider serving as a volunteer campground or harbor host [ [link removed] ] – we’re currently accepting applications at many locations. Volunteer hosts help answer visitor questions, plan activities and help with light maintenance duties. In exchange, campsite and slip fees are waived. The total commitment is about 30 hours per week.

On the Ground habitat improvement


A man and a younger girl, both in bibs and winter jackets and orange knit caps, carry a long tree limb through heavy snow

Join On the Ground, Michigan United Conservation Clubs’ volunteer public-land wildlife habitat improvement program in partnership with the DNR, for upcoming projects. Gear, lunch, water and volunteer gifts will be provided.

Help create habitat for small mammals and game birds 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at the Bellevue Conservation Club in Eaton County [ [link removed] ]. Take part in efforts to clean out and maintain current wood duck nest boxes and install new nest boxes 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 at Maple River State Game Area in Gratiot County [ [link removed] ]. Build brush piles for woodcock 1:30 to 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23, at Port Huron State Game Area in St. Clair County [ [link removed] ].

Great Backyard Bird Count

You can help scientists better understand and protect birds around the world, while spending time birdwatching in your favorite places, by taking part in the global Great Backyard Bird Count [ [link removed] ], Feb. 16-19. Count birds in your backyard, a local park or wherever you spot them, and submit your observations online.



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Photo ambassador snapshot: Mitten love at Tahquamenon
Shadowed outline of mitten hands forming Michigan's two peninsulas, backlit by a crackling orange campfire

See more pictures by Michigan state parks photo ambassadors [ [link removed] ] at Instagram.com/MiStateParks [ [link removed] ]. For more on the program, call Stephanie Yancer <[email protected]> at 989-274-6182. (This photo is by Jamie Ball [ [link removed] ], for the Michigan DNR, at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula.)

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THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

Indoor fun and learning more your speed? Plan a trip to the Michigan History Museum [ [link removed] ] in Lansing or the Michigan Iron Industry Museum [ [link removed] ] in Negaunee! 




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

Whether you want to buy a license or permit, report a harvest, access season regulations or check drawing results, do it all at the DNR's eLicense website [ [link removed] ]. 




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

Every month brings opportunities to participate in DNR public meetings [ [link removed] ] and share your ideas about caring for our natural and cultural resources. Join us! 




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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Michigan Department of Natural Resources · Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St., PO Box 30028 Lansing MI 48909 · 1-800-439-1420