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Michigan's Winter Free Fishing Weekend Slated for Feb. 13-14
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds everyone that Winter Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Feb 13-14. On that
weekend, everyone - residents and non-residents alike - can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations apply.
Michigan has been celebrating Winter Free Fishing Weekend annually since 2000 as a way to promote natural resources awareness. With more
than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, 36,000 miles of river and 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan and fishing are a natural match.
“Fishing is a great way to connect with our natural resources,” said DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries. “It’s a perfect way for
families to spend time together while celebrating the bounty of Michigan’s wonderfully diverse outdoor heritage.”
A number of activities at state parks and state fish hatcheries have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs and
conservation organizations stage events, too. Many provide free equipment and bait. The events often include experienced anglers willing
to introduce novices into the joy of fishing. For a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state, visit
www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing.

Outdoorama - February 25 - 28, 2010 - Rock Financial Showplace. 800-328-6550

DNRE Invites Public to Discuss Draft Deer Management Plan. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is inviting the public to participate in the deer management planning process.  Throughout February and March, eight public open house meetings will be held across Michigan to discuss the draft statewide deer management plan.  These meetings will be held 7 to 9 p.m. EST, with the exception of the Crystal Falls meeting, which will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. CST.
"These open houses are to present the first draft of the Deer Management Plan to the public and to receive comments on the plan," said John Niewoonder, DNRE wildlife habitat biologist. "The citizen-based Deer Advisory Team, DNRE staff and others involved with the recommendations for this plan have worked diligently to create this document."
Local staff will be available after the meeting for other deer questions; the open house portion will focus solely on the draft plan. The plan is available for review on the DNR Web site under www.michigan.gov/dnrhunting.
Public open house locations and dates are as follows:
Tuesday Feb. 23, MDOT Southwest Regional Office, 1501 E. Kilgore Rd., Kalamazoo
Thursday Feb. 25, Novi Community Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile, Novi
Tuesday March 2, Alpena Civic Center, 133 Johnson St., Alpena
Wednesday March 3, Cadillac High School All Purpose Room, 400 Linden, Cadillac
Tuesday March 9, Comfort Inn, 13954 State Highway M-28, Newberry
Wednesday March 10, Forest Park Elementary School, Multi Purpose Rm., 810 Forest Parkway, Crystal Falls (6 to 8 p.m. CST).
Tuesday March 16, Quality Inn, 3121 East Grand River Ave., Lansing
Thursday March 18, Northwood University, Sloan Building, Rm. 210, 4000 Whiting Dr., Midland
Individuals can also submit written comments via e-mail or U.S. mail.  Send comments to:
John Niewoonder, DNRE Wildlife Division, P.O. Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909 or via e-mail at: dnr-wld-wild@michigan.gov.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Alice Stimpson at 517-373-1263 or stimpsona@michigan.gov, at least seven days prior to the meeting date to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

Fish with the Pros
For the past five years Lifeline Youth & Family Services has hosted a fundraising event 
to support programs that help children and families that have been the victims of abuse and neglect.
For more information go to: http://www.fishwiththepros.com
Or call Ann Hettig, Special Events Director, Lifeline Youth & Family Services, Inc. Cell/Direct: 231-632-3535

Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center Offers  Programs
The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, located next to Mitchell State Park in Cadillac, has announced its winter programs.
Admission to the center and the programs is free.
Feb. 6 - How to Geocache and Use Your Handheld GPS Unit. From noon to 2 p.m., this program will introduce participants to the activity of geocaching and provide the basics on how to use a handheld GPS unit.
Feb. 13 - Black Bears of Michigan. This presentation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Following the presentation, the video “Walking With Bears” will be shown.
Feb. 20 - Guided Ice Fishing Program. This program will be from noon to 3 p.m., and participants should meet at the center at noon. Tackle, bait, an auger and shanty will be provided.
Feb. 27 - Dog Sled Rides. From noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., dog sled rides will be available for children only. Parents must sign up their child during the event at the center.
March 6 - Steelhead Fishing Workshop. Mike Willsey will offer this workshop to teach the basics of steelhead fishing from noon to 2 p.m. at the center.
March 13 - Dog Sled Rides. The final dog sled rides of the winter season will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. and from 2 to 3 p.m. This event is for children only, and parents must sign up their children at the center the day of the event.
March 20 - Guided Ice Fishing Program. This program will be from noon to 3 p.m., with participants meeting at the center at noon. Tackle, bait, an auger and shanty will be provided.
March 27 - Geocache Workshop and Applications. This program will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. and is designed to introduce participants to the activity of geocaching, along with learning the basics of how to use a handheld GPS Unit.
April 3 - Laser Shot Shooting Simulations. This program will be offered from noon to 3 p.m. at the center.
April 10 - Home Study Hunter Safety Class. Pre-registration is required for this class, which will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. To register, call 231-775-1321.
April 17 - Wild Turkeys of Michigan. This program will be offered from noon to 2 p.m. at the center.
April 24 - Family Range Day. The center’s archery and pellet gun ranges will be open from noon to 3 p.m.
***The center will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 4.

Eddy Discovery Center  Programs  (The center is located at Waterloo State Recreation Area near Chelsea.)
The programs are geared toward connecting families with nature, and are offered free of charge. 
All programs are best suited for children between the ages of 7 and 12, and children participating in the programs must be accompanied by an adult.
All programs are offered at the Discovery Center, unless otherwise noted.
All programs are free; however, a 2009 State Park Motor Vehicle Permit is required to enter Waterloo State Recreation Area. Permits are $24 for
a resident annual and $6 for a resident daily, or $29 for a non-resident annual and $8 for a non-resident daily.
To register for these programs or to get more information, please call the center at 734-475-3170.

Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center  Programs
Hatchery Tours: Saturdays at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. only.  Please call the visitor center for weekday availability in the spring.
All programs are offered free of charge.  Please dress appropriately for weather conditions. 
February - Discover Birds and Learn to Snowshoe at Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center in Van Buren County.
The Winter Bird Walk and Great Backyard Bird Count will take place on Saturday, Feb. 13, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Join the Audubon Society
of Kalamazoo to discover the many birds that stay in Michigan throughout the winter. Participants will take part in the Great Backyard Bird Count by keeping track of what they see and submitting the information to a national database. A brief presentation will begin in the auditorium before heading outside on the trails. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them; the visitor center will have some on hand for those without.
On Saturday, Feb. 13, Snowshoe Walks are offered  at noon and 2 p.m. Enjoy the season with a snowshoe walk on the hatchery’s nature trails
(weather permitting). Beginners will learn how to use snowshoes and then take a walk to test those new skills while learning about winter ecology. Pre-registration is required for those borrowing snowshoes from the visitor center. Programs last approximately 90 minutes. Walks are not strenuous and are approximately one mile or less. Be sure
to dress warm and wear comfortable shoes for all outdoor programs. All ages are welcome.
The Wolf Lake Fish Hatchery Visitor Center is located in Mattawan at Hatchery Road and M-43, six miles west of US-131. For more information,
contact Shana McMillan at (269) 668-2876 or visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnrvisitorcenters

Michigan Fisheries Visitor Center Programs.
The Department of Natural Resources’ visitor center s located at 3377 US-31 in Oden, five miles east of Petoskey.
All programs at the visitor center are free. Hatchery tours are offered y reservation, and hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale at the visitor center. Contacts: Maureen Jacobs-Stine 231-348-0998 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014