The Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center in Cadillac has announced its winter and spring schedule of programs. The center is located next to Mitchell State Park on M-115 in Cadillac, and is one of 10 Department of Natural Resources visitor centers around the state.

There is no fee for the programs. The programs include:

Jan. 9, Snowmobile Safety Class. Pre-registration for this class is required by calling 231-779-1321. The class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 16, Dog Sled Rides. Offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m., this program is for children only. Parents must sign their children up at the center during the event.

Jan. 23, Laser Shot Shooting Simulations. The center's laser shot shooting simulation program will be offered from noon to 2 p.m.

Jan. 30, 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. 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.

Mitchell State Park is located on M-115 in Cadillac. For more information about these events, call the visitor center at 231-779-1321. For information about the park, accessibility, or persons needing accommodations, contact the park supervisor at 231-775-7911 (TTY/TDD711 Michigan Relay Center for the hearing impaired) or visit www.michigan.gov/mitchell.. Camping reservations can be made on-line at www.midnrreservations.com., or by calling the Department of Natural Resources central reservation system at 800-447-2757.

All motor vehicles entering a state park or recreation area must display a Motor Vehicle Permit, available for purchase at the entrance. Cost is $24 for resident annual and $6 for resident daily. A non-resident annual is $29 and a non-resident daily is $8. Please note that a permit is not required to visit the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center.