DNR - Department of Natural Resources

Waterfowl hunting seasons now open It's time to polish up the shotgun, round up the retriever and don the camouflage - it's the season for hunting ducks and geese in Michigan! Michigan is regionally known for the great diversity and the high quality of our waterfowl hunting opportunities, and wildlife managers predict a good hunting season this year. For more information about waterfowl hunting, visit www.michigan.gov/waterfowl.

Thinking of becoming a Conservation Officer? Play a key role in conservation and public safety by enforcing natural resource, recreational safety, and environmental protection laws. It's a demanding, sometimes dangerous but extremely rewarding career. Find out about duties, training, field assignments, education requirements, and the employment process on our webpage www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.

Man shooting at a target at the Ortonville Shooting Range.

Ready for hunting season? Looking for a place to shoot? The DNR's shooting ranges give hunters and shooters a safe place to practice their skills and sight in their firearms. Six staffed ranges in southern Michigan offer full pistol/shotgun/rifle ranges with fields of 25, 50 and 100 yards as well as archery facilities and various opportunities to practice shotgun sports. To learn more about the DNR ranges - and other shooting ranges around the state - visit www.michigan.gov/shootingranges.

"Lake Effects" exhibit opens Oct. 5 Visit the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing beginning Oct. 5 to see the new exhibit, "Lake Effects." Learn about major weather events in Michigan's past, including the Thumb Fire of 1881, the Storm of 1913, the Heatwave of 1936, the 1953 Beecher tornado and the Blizzard of 1978.

Antlerless deer drawing results are now available Remaining licenses went on sale September 10 at 10 a.m. Fall turkey licenses are also available in many areas. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Summer Youth Employment Initiative participants Freddie Garland and Tyler Smith split firewood

Unique program introduces urban youngsters to state parks, outdoor recreation and career opportunities A couple of Michigan state parks have new amenities -- and one has fewer invasive plants -- because of a unique program that brings inner-city youths to state parks to work on park projects and experience the outdoors lifestyle. The Summer Youth Employment Initiative is a joint effort of the DNR and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Gas Savings Camper Storage Program Continues in 2013 To save some green, Michigan state parks and recreation areas are offering free storage for campers. For more information visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/camperstorage.

2013 Pure MI Hunt Winners with Director Creagh and Wildlife Division Chief Mason, prizes, and many donors.

Have you applied for the Pure Michigan Hunt? Don't miss your chance to experience the best of hunting in Michigan. Apply for the 2013 Pure Michigan Hunt through Dec. 31!