Outdoors

Summer planning is underway on the Hiawatha National Forest as staff and members of the public prepare for the camping season. With a variety of options available, both developed and rustic, along with four cabins, there is plenty to explore in these Northwoods.

Updated guidelines for co-management of fishery resources in parts of Michigan’s Great Lakes are now in effect for the next 24 years. The new Great Lakes Fishing Decree was approved Aug. 24, 2023, by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. In the months since the decree’s signing, the State of Michigan and tribal governments have been preparing to implement the provisions of the document.

This year’s winter weather has been so unusually warm that even the residents at the GarLyn Zoo in Naubinway are taking notice. Hutch, the zoo’s Syrian brown bear, came out of hibernation on Jan. 31; apparently wanting to investigate the warmth for himself.

Wildlife species and habitat quality too often, perhaps, are couched under the labels of “good” and “bad” using human attributes when, in reality, all habitat conditions produce “winners” and “losers”.

Katt Hansen What resolution have you made for the New Year? If you’re like most people, improving your health probably has figured into your plans for 2024. Improving fitness, eating better, losing weight and improving mental health all top the list of most common resolutions according to various polls and statistics for 2024.

It’s possible! In fact, winter tree identification is easier after all those leaves get out of the way. Bewilderment often greets the dormant season forest visitor in terms of tree identification.

Michigan’s 2023 regular firearm deer season concluded on November 30, leaving many area hunters empty-handed. This season closed with a final tally of 361 deer taken in Alger County, down sharply from the 455 reported in 2022.

Firearm deer hunting season is right around the corner, and many hunters are busy scouting land, watching trail cameras and preparing equipment for opening day. To ensure a safe season, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers are sharing best practices and tips to avoid the most common violations and mistakes they see every year.