LANSING - A new hunting opportunity in Michigan today was launched with the opening of the Pure Michigan Hunt application period. Dunham's Sports in Madison Heights sold the first Pure Michigan Hunt applications to Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Jr. and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Rebecca Humphries at a special kick-off event. Application sales for this new, multi-species hunt are now available to the public.

The Pure Michigan Hunt will allow three lucky individuals to hunt for elk, bear, spring and fall wild turkey, and antlerless deer. The successful applicants will also have first pick of hunting sites at managed waterfowl areas during the reserved hunt period. Hunters can purchase as many applications for the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as they wish. Applications are $4 and will be sold at license retailers through December 31, 2009. Three applicants will be chosen in January 2010 for eligibility to participate in the 2010 hunting seasons.

"This is an outstanding way to continue Michigan's hunting and conservation heritage," said Cherry, an avid hunter and angler. "I encourage hunters to apply for the Pure Michigan Hunt to experience an unparalleled hunting opportunity."

The drawing is designed to increase opportunity for hunters to participate in some of Michigan's most-prized hunts, making it a hunt of a lifetime for Michigan hunters, Humphries said.

"The Pure Michigan Hunt will allow individuals an additional opportunity to participate in our most in-demand, limited-access hunting opportunities through one application," Humphries said. "We think this is an outstanding opportunity to get the full flavor of Michigan hunting."

"Michigan is the first state east of the Mississippi to create a multi-species hunt," said DNR Wildlife Chief Russ Mason. "This is a popular type of hunting opportunity in western states, and we felt it was worthwhile to offer here in Michigan where we have some of the best hunting in the Midwest."

The first Pure Michigan Hunt will be in 2010. Hunters may apply for this hunt beginning July 27 through December 31, 2009. The Pure Michigan Hunt is designed to be an annual event. Applications will cost $4, but unlike other limited-access hunts, individuals can apply as many times as they wish.

Being selected to participate in the Pure Michigan Hunt will not impact eligibility to apply for any other limited-access hunts. It will not negate any preference points for bear nor weighted chances for elk. Similarly, hunters who are disqualified from applying for future regular elk hunts because of past success will be eligible for the Pure Michigan Hunt. In addition, the applicants who are chosen for the hunt are not excluded from future limited-access elk drawings.

Successful applicants can participate in any open season until they fill their tags and can hunt in any unit or hunt period that is open for hunting that species (except for bear on Drummond Island).

In addition, the DNR has a commitment from the archery industry to donate equipment to each of the three chosen hunters.

Applications will be available at all license vendors or online at www.michigan.gov/dnr.