In 1972, the DNR decided to provide patches to deer hunters as an incentive to bring their deer in to DNR offices and roadside check stations. Over the years, due to success in this incentive program, we added bear cooperator patches and turkey cooperator patches to encourage the collection of management data.

The check stations were set up to collect biological data from the deer taken in different regions of the state. Biologists gather data on sex, age, antler development, health and location that the deer was taken. This information is used to make deer management decisions for future deer hunting seasons.

Since 1972, the patch program has worked extremely well. Currently, more than 50,000 deer are examined each year at DNR offices and check stations. Some hunters enjoy getting a patch as much as getting their deer.

Cooperation in this program not only gets the hunter a top-quality collector's patch, it provides the much-needed data that helps DNR biologists manage huntable species in Michigan.

Hunters wishing to receive a patch must check their deer with the DNR during the legal hunting seasons of each species. Check stations are listed on this Web site during each season - see 2011 deer check station information.

Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch

The wild turkey cooperator patch program was initiated in 1988 as an incentive for hunters to voluntarily check their wild turkeys at one of the field office check stations. Starting in 1992, rather than checking birds in the field, hunters were offered the opportunity to receive a patch by mailing the wing-tip feathers and breast feathers from their harvested bird to the Rose Lake Wildlife Laboratory. Wildlife biologists examined the feathers to determine sex and age.

Unfortunately, as turkey patches became collectable items, some people falsely submitted feathers solely to receive a patch. This practice jeopardized the credibility of the data, making it necessary to end the cooperator patch program. Our researchers believe that our mail survey process will continue to provide us with accurate biological information.

Fortunately, beginning in 2002, the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), in partnership with the DNR, initiated a new Michigan wild turkey patch program. This program allows you to help design the turkey patch!

Michigan's wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan Chapter of NWTF and turkey patches are obtained through this organization. Young hunters, ages 10-17, who have a valid wild turkey hunting license may receive a free patch. Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase the patch for $5, which includes postage and handling. To receive a patch, please send name and complete address, along with a legible copy of the youth's valid wild turkey hunting license, to:

National Wild Turkey Federation
Wild Turkey Patch Program
P.O. Box 8
Orleans, Michigan 48865

Individuals purchasing the patch should make their check or money order payable to the National Wild Turkey Federation. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch.

The NWTF is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the American wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Proceeds from patch sales will be used to fund wild turkey-related projects in Michigan. Each year the NWTF, working cooperatively with the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan.

For information on patches, email michiganwildturkeypatch@yahoo.com.

Bear Cooperator Patch

The DNR and the Michigan Bear Hunters Association (MBHA) have partnered to produce the patch in a relationship similar to the one between the DNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation that produces the turkey patch.

Young hunters, ages 10-17, who have a valid bear hunting license may receive a free patch. To receive a patch, youth hunters need to send their name and complete address, with a legible copy of their valid bear hunting license to:

Michigan Bear Hunters Association
Bear Patch Program
10510 Fairgrieve Rd.
Johannesburg, MI 49751

Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase a patch for $5, including postage and handling. It is not necessary to harvest a bear to purchase a patch. Send patch orders to the address above and make checks or money orders payable to the Michigan Bear Hunters Association.

To view patches from previous years, choose a species:

Deer
1972 to 2010

Bear
1985 to 2006

Turkey
1988 to 2008