DNR - Department of Natural Resources

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Michigan Department of Natural Resources

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Top News

Elk and Bear Applications Now Available! Have you dreamed of hunting one of Michigan's largest mammals? The elk and bear application period is open now through June 1. To increase your chances, you can also apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt - each $4 per application gives you a chance to be one of three winners of a prize package valued over $4,000. Apply now anywhere licenses are sold or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com.

wooded parcel of land for sale at DNR auction

State-owned land now available at auction Looking for land to buy? The DNR is offering over 25 state-owned properties in Berrien, Manistee, Menominee and Newaygo counties through an online auction which runs April 3 through May 2, 2013. Properties range in size from less than an acre to 200 acres. For details, visit www.michigan.gov/landforsale, click on Land Auction then go to the Auction tab.

Young boy baiting the hook on his fishing pole.

Join the DNR for Hook, Line and Sinker, a weekly fishing program taught by DNR staff at over 30 state parks and hatcheries throughout the state! Learn casting and fishing basics; and we'll even provide the equipment and bait! Programs begin mid-June and continue throughout the summer. Check back often—we're adding new events daily!

Boy standing in a boat, proudly holding up his fish.

Family Friendly Fishing Waters Do you know a great place to go fishing? Is it easy for others to access? Can you fish from the shore at this location? Then the DNR needs your help as we look to develop the Family Friendly Fishing Waters website! This site will be dedicated to connecting interested individuals with local fishing opportunities — but we need submissions of those locations from the public to make it happen!

State Park Camping Reservations Make all of your campground and harbor reservations any time of the day. You can reserve your site up to 6 months in advance of the date you'd like to camp. Come out and enjoy the outdoors by reserving a destination everyone can enjoy.

Michigan morel mushrooms, photo taken by Randy McKenzie, Fire Management Specialist, DNR

Conservation and safety tips for Michigan morel hunters Best practices for harvesting mushrooms, suggestions for seeking out hunting spots and a guide on how to recognize poisonous mushrooms. www.michigan.gov/mushroomhunting

MI camping and Recreation Locator home screen

Explore Michigan State Parks, Campgrounds and Boat Launches with Free Mobile App Now in Stores The MI Camping and Recreation Locator application is now available at no cost on Google play for Android, at BlackBerry App World, and on the App Store. Go to this page for direct links to the stores www.michigan.gov/campandreclocator.

Young girl holding her fish at the end of her fishing line

2013 Summer Free Fishing Weekend set for June 8 & 9 Get outside and go fishing as part of the annual Summer Free Fishing Weekend! For two days all fishing license fees will be waived so residents and out-of-state visitors can enjoy fishing for all species of fish during their respective open seasons. Please note all regulations still apply during that time. The DNR welcomes you to become a part of the tradition, so get outside and have some fishing fun!

Learn about the restructuring of hunting/fishing licenses

The 2013-14 Executive Budget for the DNR includes a proposal to raise the cost of hunting and fishing license fees as part of a plan to improve the state's fish and game habitat and hire additional conservation officers. License fees have not increased since 1997. Learn how this additional investment will aid the DNR in delivering better outdoor recreation experiences to Michigan residents and visitors.

Press Releases

• USFWS offers cash reward for information on poached eagle in Clinton County The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has partnered with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in the investigation of a poached bald eagle in Clinton County.

• Apply for elk and bear licenses now through June 1 The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that applications for Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses are available now through June 1.

• Brighton State Recreation Area offers EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System for Canoes and Kayaks The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce that the official installation of its new EZ Launch Accessible Transfer System for Canoes and Kayaks at Brighton State Recreation Area is now complete.