DNR - DNR Stories and Photos

Lake sturgeon are fairly unique in Michigan's inland lakes.

Looking for juvenile sturgeon on Black Lake Black Lake is unique among Michigan's inland waters in one significant way: it is the only lake that maintains a remnant population of native lake sturgeon large enough to support a recreational fishery. But just how large that sturgeon population is -- and how much help it needs to continue to support that recreational fishery -- was the focus of a three-week survey effort by the DNR Fisheries Division this August.

Instructor Alan Nelson coaches academy participants on techniques for riding over obstacles.

Partners, instructors help make ORV safety a priority As the popularity of ORV riding in Michigan increases, so, too, does the demand for quality, comprehensive safety education. That's where the DNR and its many partners enter the picture. The DNR's Law Enforcement Division has a Recreational Safety Section that heads up the state's ORV safety education program. The section consults with involved users, ORV organizations and existing ORV instructors to continually improve this program.

A buck and a doe peer intently at a sound that disturbed them.

Changes abound in deer hunting regulations There have been some significant changes made to deer hunting regulations for the 2013 season, so hunters expecting to go about business as usual this fall should take a few minutes to familiarize themselves with the rules.

A ruffed grouse hunter moves into the aspens behind his pointing dog.

Opportunities abound this season for Michigan small-game hunters Small-game hunting season began Sept. 1 with the opening of the early Canada goose season and continues until rabbit and hare season ends on March 31. Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists across the state say hunters should find conditions similar to last year in Michigan's wood lots, farm fields and wetlands.

These jack pines cones will provide the seed needed to produce seedlings for state forests.

Turning pine cones into profit: helping to reforest state land Want to play a part in the Department of Natural Resources' mission of keeping state forests healthy and sustainable and maybe even make a few bucks in the process? Here's your opportunity! This fall, as cones are ripening, people can collect red and jack pine cones and sell them to the DNR by visiting offices in Cadillac, Gaylord, Manistique and Marquette.

Commercial fishermen haul in a trap net on Lake Huron.

Michigan's commerical fishery When most people think about fishing, they think about rods, reels and recreation on the state's lakes and streams. But there's an entirely different type of fishing in Michigan, commercial fishing, that flies under most folks' radar.