If you've been thinking about ways to breathe a little more outdoors into your life in the new year, mark your calendar for the DNR's Winter Wonderland Jan. 7-9.

Nestled along the shores of Higgins Lake near Roscommon, you'll find warmth and winter wonder at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center. Join staff from the RAM and the Outdoor Adventure Center for an exciting Winter Wonderland experience. It's a two-night, three-day adventure that includes guided winter birding, an evening owl prowl, special presentations on winter ecology and wildlife and more, plus plenty of time to explore on your own.

Whether you're a solo traveler, besties or a couple seeking to enjoy the best parts of Michigan winter and meet new friends, this getaway is for you. The all-inclusive package includes two nights of comfortable lodging, five delicious meals and all guided activities and presentations. Book your reservation today and set the stage for a more active, adventurous 2026!

Questions? Email [email protected] or call 989-821-6200.

Many hunters agree that this is the best time of year, with archery deer season upon us and regular firearm deer season quickly approaching.

Just don't let time sneak up on you: If you purchase your required deer tags online, remember to leave enough time for them to arrive in the mail!

Before field-dressing or moving a deer, kill tags must be filled out to include the month and date the deer was harvested, animal gender and number of antler points, if any. Kill tags must be properly placed on the deer.

Additionally, take the time now to ensure you have the required hunter orange garments ready to wear. While deer hunters are not required to wear hunter orange during archery season, all deer hunters, including those using archery equipment, are required by law to wear hunter orange during Michigan's regular firearm deer season, Nov. 15-30.

Hunter orange includes caps, hats, vests, jackets or raincoats of hunter orange that are worn as the outermost layers of clothing at all times and visible from all directions. Hunter orange is required on private or shared public land, even if hunting from within a blind.

These garments may have a camouflage pattern as long as the pattern is at least 50% hunter orange. The DNR recommends wearing as much hunter orange as possible to increase visibility to other hunters. Hunter orange does not deter deer.

Questions about hunter safety? Email [email protected]. For questions about hunting licenses, call 517-284-6057.

Learn more about deer hunting seasons, regulations and more at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Coffee drinkers – or those looking for a great gift – can support Hunters Feeding Michigan by purchasing a bag of DEER CAMP® Coffee Donor Doe, a medium roast blend, or Traditions dark roast blend (DNR deer patch is included with Traditions purchase). Shop online at deercampcoffee.com or visit a DEER CAMP® supporting location to pick up a bag.

"At DEER CAMP®, we believe in great coffee, strong traditions, connecting and giving back to the community. This partnership with the DNR is more than just a collaboration – it’s a way for us to support hunters, conservation efforts and those in need. Every purchase makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change, one cup at a time," said Julie Majewski, director of DEER CAMP® Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters.

You can also support the program – and sport some stylish gear – with new Hunters Feeding Michigan products from Great Lakes Proud, including T-shirts, a hoodie, hats and a tumbler. 

“Great Lakes Proud is honored to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Hunters Feeding Michigan program to launch a line of products that do more than just showcase the love of Michigan outdoors and whitetail deer. A portion of proceeds from every item sold supports the Hunters Feeding Michigan initiative, helping provide locally harvested venison to families in need across the state. It’s a way for customers to celebrate the Great Lakes while making a real difference in their community,” said Lance Hill, co-owner of Great Lakes Proud.

Shop online at greatlakesproud.com/collections/hunters-feeding-michigan.