Help fight hunger and ensure Michiganders have access to a nutritious protein source when they need it the most by contributing to the DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program.

The program makes a positive difference in communities across Michigan, connecting hunters, wild game processors and charities to feed those in need.

Hunters can share their harvest by donating their deer at a participating processor or by taking part in Hunters Feeding Michigan deer donation drives. We’ll be taking deer donations in several locations across the state – including Clare, Eau Claire, Escanaba, Gaylord, Howard City, Linwood and Sterling Heights – Nov. 21-23.

Each deer donated will provide an estimated 160 high-protein and nutritious meals. Thanks to the DNR’s' partnership with Feeding America and its collaboration with a statewide network of processors, venison donations go to Michigan residents in need.

Anyone can make a monetary donation to help cover the cost of processing donated deer on the Hunters Feeding Michigan donation webpage or the DNR eLicense website, at any DNR retail license agent location or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

To learn more about the program or find a participating processor, visit Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.

Questions? Contact Joe Presgrove at 517-643-3809.

Several state parks in southern Michigan will host volunteer stewardship workdays. 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 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, at Pinckney Recreation Area (Washtenaw County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 22, at Muskegon State Park (Muskegon County).

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

Get a jump-start on your 2026 race planning – and support nature in the process! – by signing up for next spring’s Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K.

 Registration for this event, which is a collaboration between the DNR, Bob Ross, Inc. and a dozen other states, opens this Saturday, Nov. 1.

 “We are thrilled to see the Happy Little 5K return for its seventh year,” said Michelle O’Kelly, race director and philanthropy specialist for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “What started as a creative way to connect people with Michigan state parks and tree plantings has grown to a nationwide movement. Participation grew again last year – more than 10,000 people, in Michigan and across a dozen other states, participated in the 2025 event – showing that more and more people are eager to make a difference.”

Participants receive a Happy Little T-shirt, sticker, commemorative bib and finisher’s medal, and may select their preferred state to support with their registration. This virtual event, which takes place between April 18-26, honors iconic art instructor and television host Bob Ross while supporting tree-planting and forest-protection efforts.

Register on RunSignUp.com.

Questions? Contact Michelle O’Kelly at 517-899-5211.

This fall, we want to say "thank you" to Michigan hunters. The DNR’s Hunter Appreciation: Deer Drop-In Mondays are happening at locations across the state, and all hunters are invited to drop in and say hello. Harvested deer are welcome but certainly not required!

Each event offers the chance to bring in a deer or lower jaw for aging, pick up free hunting swag (may vary by location, while supplies last) like patches, stickers, hand warmers, field-dressing gloves and more, and connect with DNR staff and fellow hunters and talk about the season. We hope you’ll stop by and share your story with us.

Remaining event dates – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Nov. 3, Nov. 17 and Dec. 1.

Locations:

• Upper Peninsula
• Northern Lower Peninsula
• Southern Lower Peninsula

Mark your calendar and drop in at a location near you!

If you’re in the Detroit area, or your November travel plans take you there, don’t miss the variety of opportunities for fall fun and learning – for kids, adults, seniors and families – on the Outdoor Adventure Center calendar. Here’s a sampling of November events:

Grown-Up Gatherings

• Hunter's Harvest Tasting, Nov. 7. A strolling tasting experience with wild game and harvest-inspired small plates and a chance to take your shot in our shooting range, meet local vendors in hunting, fishing and shooting sports, and explore the OAC.
• Holiday Wreath Making, Nov. 14. We're celebrating Michigan's beautiful fall colors with an evening of crafting and creativity. Natural and artificial materials will be provided for participants to construct their own fall wreath.

Active Aging Adventures

• Brunch and Learn – Lake Huron Red Tails: Recovering a World War II Tuskegee Airplane, Nov. 13. Learn about work to archaeologically document an airplane wreck in Lake Huron. The fighter plane, lost in April 1944, was being flown by Tuskegee Airman Lt. Frank H. Moody.
• Senior Stroll: Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and Dossin Great Lakes Museum, Nov. 18. A morning exploring two of Belle Isle's gems.

Learn about nature and outdoor recreation

• Archery. Check out a variety of programs, from one-hour Explore It and After School Archery sessions to a four-week Archery 101 class.
• Nature Discovery: Live Reptiles and Amphibians, Nov. 2. Find out what makes reptiles and amphibians so cool and get up close and personal with many of these creatures.
• Incredible Insects and Friends, Nov. 15. Learn and ask questions about – and in some cases even hold! – a selection of fascinating live invertebrates, which may include large millipedes, beetles, isopods and roaches.
• Nature Play: Turkeys, Nov. 21. Kids ages 3-5 can learn all about turkeys – where they live, what they eat and the fun sounds they make – and make a personalized turkey craft.
• Fishing Pole Setup, Nov. 20. So, you’re hooked on fishing and want to learn more? Learn how to assemble your fishing pole, including tying fishing knots, selecting bobbers, tackle setup and pole maintenance.