Recharge and reconnect in the outdoors: Michigan is hard to beat when it comes to fantastic fall fun!



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"News Digest - Week of Nov. 11, 2024"

a small, thin twig with half a dozen bright red leaves against the backdrop of two tall, thick, black-barked trees amid green forest


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


* ‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, pintails, deer, deer and more deer [ #link_16 ]
* As fall/winter birding beckons, keep best practices in mind [ #link_17 ]
* Get moving in the new year with three fun 5Ks [ #link_4 ]
* How to bird safely during hunting season [ #link_5 ]
* Passionate about snowmobiling? Help protect statewide routes [ #link_3 ]
* ICYMI: November hunting and trapping opportunities [ #link_2 ]
* Photo ambassador snapshot: Sunlit serenity at Negwegon [ #link_1 ]

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

*PHOTOS:* Larger, higher-res versions of some of the images used in this email (white-tailed deer [ [link removed] ], red fall leaves [ [link removed] ] and snowmobiling [ [link removed] ]) are available in the DNR's public image gallery [ [link removed] ]. The burrowing owl [ [link removed] ] image is courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Digital Library.

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‘Wildtalk’: Habitat work, pintails, deer, deer and more deer

a white-tailed doe and buck with 8-10 antler points stand chest-deep in the sparse, golden grass of a sunlit field

Just in time for firearm deer season, the DNR Wildlife Division's November "Wildtalk" podcast [ [link removed] ] is available with great information to help hunters have a safe, successful hunt. Scott Eggeman, the northern Lower Peninsula field operations manager, provides an update on habitat improvement efforts in the region, and wildlife biologists Chad Fedewa and Samantha Courtney answer questions about deer diseases, deer management and what to expect in the woods.

Later in the show, listeners will learn more about what’s happening with waterfowl season and, specifically, one of the most graceful waterfowl species you'll see on the wetlands: northern pintail ducks. These elegant birds with long, slender necks and distinct, pointed tails seek out shallow areas with grassy cover such as marshes, potholes, prairies, lakes and ponds.

Want to hear more? Visit the "Wildtalk" webpage [ [link removed] ] for the latest episode, as well as show notes and links to past episodes. Questions about the podcast? Email [email protected] <[email protected]>.



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As fall/winter birding beckons, keep best practices in mind

two fluffy, tan and white burrowing owls with bright yellow eyes crane their necks to look behind them while standing in low, dry grass

Michigan welcomed some rare owls to the Upper Peninsula this fall, a trend that is likely to continue as northern owls migrate south into Michigan for the winter. At the end of September, a burrowing owl (like those pictured here) was seen at Whitefish Point, on the northern tip of Chippewa County, for the first time since 1986! This sighting is one of only four known records in Michigan.

Vagrants that are seen in unusual places often return to their home range, and many folks suspect this particular bird was from Florida and visited Michigan as a result of Hurricane Helene. Just a few weeks later, a northern hawk owl also was spotted at Whitefish Point. Northern owls such as the northern hawk owl can show up in the Great Lakes region each winter, leaving their colder habitats like the boreal forests of Canada and the Arctic tundra behind – but this visitor arrived a season early!

Both owls drew crowds of interested birders and photographers, and each season hundreds of species draw us outdoors as they flit in the treetops, hop through shrubs or run along shorelines. Whether in the backyard or deep forest, birding best practices can help protect our Great Lakes birds and visitors. Here are a few to start:


* Keep a respectful distance. Getting too close to birds, and their nests, can cause them to flush (or fly away), interfering with their natural behavior and potentially preventing them from eating or caring for their young. If your approach causes a bird to flush, you’ve gotten too close.
* Think carefully before sharing the location of a rare bird. While rare bird sightings are thrilling, they can draw a crowd, which can cause a disturbance.
* Leave the drones to the pros. Although drones can be useful to researchers and biologists documenting bird populations (such as at island nesting colonies), drones in general can be very disruptive to birds, especially osprey. They are also illegal in national parks and some state parks.

Get more top tips and explore helpful resources to guide your next birding trip [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford <[email protected]> at 313-820-0809. 



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Get moving in the new year with three fun 5Ks

Dark green Happy Little 5K race medal, T-shirt and bib, with Bob Ross image and text Run for the Trees, Happy Little 5K

Ready to kickstart your 2025? Turn to the outdoors and help honor Michigan’s history by signing up for three 5K run/walk events. Registration is now open for the:


* Detroit Auto Show 5K [ [link removed] ], 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, at Huntington Place in Detroit. Organized by the DNR, Detroit Auto Show and Friends of the Outdoor Adventure Center, the race route travels along the Detroit Riverfront, with the start/finish outside the doors of the Detroit Auto Show. All proceeds of the event will help update the exhibits at the DNR’s Outdoor Adventure Center.
* Lumberjack Pancake Run [ [link removed] ], Sunday, March 23, at the Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit. Channel the flannel and run or walk the Flapjack 5K (starting at 10 a.m.) or the Silver Dollar Mile (beginning at 9:30 a.m.) and refuel afterward at the Lumberjack Pancake Run and Pancake Breakfast. Plus, the run is part of a four-day festival of fun and flannel that starts March 20.
* Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K [ [link removed] ], which encourages participants to walk, run or roll anywhere outdoors April 19-27. Every participant gets a Bob Ross-inspired T-shirt, medal and bib as a thank-you for supporting tree plantings that now happen in nine states, including Michigan. You pick the pace and the place!

Questions? Read the DNR's recent news release with more details [ [link removed] ] or contact Michelle O'Kelly <[email protected]> (Auto Show 5K and Run for the Trees), 517-899-5211 or Emily Grant <[email protected]> (Lumberjack Pancake Run), 313-396-6891. 



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How to bird safely during hunting season

a woman with short, dark hair and wearing a tan, floppy hat and orange jacket looks through black binoculars

November is a great time for birding as species like the sandhill crane are migrating through Michigan, but birders are urged to be aware of another season that is underway: hunting.

You can still explore the outdoors safely this hunting season by following a few simple guidelines:


* Wear bright, visible clothing, including "hunter orange" items such as hats and vests.
* Check open hunting season dates.
* Stay on marked trails.
* Keep pets on leashes.

The bottom line is that hunting is a very safe sport. By following these steps, you can confidently enjoy birding during any hunting season! Read the full Audubon Great Lakes story for for more tips [ [link removed] ].

Questions? Contact DNR bird biologist Karen Cleveland <[email protected]> at 517-388-9795.



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Passionate about snowmobiling? Help protect statewide routes

two people in helmets and snow gear ride on a snowmobile on a snow-covered trail surrounded by trees

Does your perfect snowy day include hitting the trails with your sled? Are you interested in helping protect the state's thousands of miles of snowmobile routes? Here's an opportunity to work alongside DNR staff to help maintain and protect more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands open to snowmobiling (where authorized).

We are accepting applications for an opening on the Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup [ [link removed] ], which consists of seven volunteers each serving four-year terms and contributing as volunteers (travel expenses to and from meetings are eligible for reimbursement). The group, which works closely with the Trails Advisory Council [ [link removed] ], meets quarterly at varying locations around the state.

“Michigan's Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup collaborates with the DNR’s trails program staff to discuss and implement the sound management of recreational snowmobiling throughout the state,” said Jessica Roehrs, state motorized trails program specialist. “Topics may include snowmobile safety and education, balanced relationships with the environment and wildlife, the collection, development and sharing of snow trail information, and collaboration with other trail user groups.” 

The ideal candidate will fill a member-at-large position.

“Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience,” Roehrs said. “The opportunity provides snowmobile riders or someone with a vested interest in the sport to share their insight and connect with others who want to contribute to our state’s snowmobiling opportunities.”

Interested? Apply for this position [ [link removed] ] by Jan. 15. For more information, contact Jessica Roehrs <[email protected]> at 517-331-3790.



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ICYMI: November hunting and trapping opportunities

Circular yellow and orange 2024 turkey cooperator patch, with turkey track illustration, DNR logo

Whether you're a longtime hunter or someone just getting started in this outdoor tradition, November is an excellent time to check out Michigan's options. We've got everything from snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse and gray squirrel to turkey, raccoon and coyote – plus a variety of trapping opportunities, such as badger, beaver and muskrat. 

In case you missed it, our November 2024 hunting and trapping roundup [ [link removed] ] covers this month's lineup, including some seasons that extend into December and even into the new year. Plus, you'll learn where pheasant releases have occurred on state game/wildlife areas, and where more are scheduled throughout December. There's also info about how to get the popular 2024 wild turkey, bear and deer management cooperator patches.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division <[email protected]> at 517-284-9453.



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Photo ambassador snapshot: Sunlit serenity at Negwegon
bright sunlight through tall, green, gold and red-leafed trees casts long shadows over a narrow dirt trail cutting through a forested area

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 Samantha Hageman Gaina [ [link removed] ], for the Michigan DNR, at Negwegon State Park in Alcona County.) 

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THINGS TO DO [ [link removed] ]

When you need a break from it all, the outdoors offers plenty to do [ [link removed] ]: hiking, biking, camping, fishing, wildlife watching and other ways to connect with nature.




BUY & APPLY [ [link removed] ]

Plan some 2025 fun for yourself or someone you love; sign up for Outdoor Skills Academy classes [ [link removed] ] on ice fishing, turkey hunting and steelhead fishing.




GET INVOLVED [ [link removed] ]

Every action makes a difference! If you want to support and protect your favorite places and resources, visit our Get Involved page [ [link removed] ] for ideas and inspiration.

 




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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