Michigan Outdoors

Backpacking 517 miles across Upper Peninsula reveals much to 60-year-old hiker

2009-11-08T12:30:00Z

Jerry Gauld, a retired heavy equipment operator from Fife Lake, lived off the land, much as the early hunter-gatherers had, tapping Mother Nature's garden and his own woods sense.

Corn crop could play role in deer hunt

2009-11-08T12:20:00Z

Crops still standing in many southern Michigan agricultural areas could reduce the southern Michigan deer harvest next Sunday when the firearm deer season opens in Michigan.

Naming park after former Gov. William Milliken a reminder of his environmental efforts

2009-11-08T12:15:00Z

Whether he championed the cause of land-use planning, signed Michigan's first wetland protection law or fought to reduce the phosphates in soaps and detergents and thus water discharges, Milliken stood tall in the eyes of environmentalists

Rockford Sportsman's Club hopes to raise almost $1 million for planned archery facility

2009-11-08T12:10:00Z

The 9,500-square-foot building with indoor and outdoor shooting lanes -- expected to open in fall 2010 -- will cater primarily to young archers but also welcome adult archers.

Officials confirm more cougar evidence in UP

2009-11-05T00:55:10Z

A photograph and tracks found recently in the Upper Peninsula have rekindled a debate over whether Michigan has an established, breeding cougar population.The state Department of Natural Resources on Wednesday confirmed the authenticity of a cougar photo taken by a...

Event welcomes hunters in wheelchairs

2009-11-01T12:30:00Z

The annual two-day Wheelin' Hunters event in Montcalm County is a collaborative effort between local businesses, churches and individual donors that aims to limit boundaries for those with disabilities.

Kent City hunter drops 500-pound black bear

2009-11-01T12:20:00Z

Don Corrigan downed what likely is the second-biggest black bear killed in Michigan and possibly the seventh-ranked bruin ever.

Proposed fishing law puts travelers in bind

2009-11-01T12:15:00Z

If the Michigan House bill becomes law, anglers will have to freeze, smoke or can each limit of fish before fishing for a second or third limit. That's no big deal if they are close to home, but it is if they are camping or staying at a small mom-and-pop motel.

Book 'Barebow!' shares journey of killing all 29 big-game species

2009-11-01T12:10:00Z

Author Dennis Dunn was the first hunter to achieve a barebow Super Slam, which means he used bows without sighting devices and shot instinctively at close range. He chronicles his adventures in a beautifully illustrated -- albeit pricey -- large-format publication.

Michigan Fishing Report: Fresh fish harder to find

2009-10-28T23:53:22Z

Salmon are still being found in some locations around Michigan, but it is getting harder to find fresh fish, the state Department of Natural Resources said. The rivers have started to fill up with steelhead and whitefish are being caught in the waters of Lake Michigan, the DNR said Wednesday in its weekly recreational fishing report.

Couple's rescue on Grand River a reminder to paddlers to know before you head out

2009-10-28T00:35:21Z

A sign warning about the river's coffer dams is a start, but the more important message is paddlers need to use common sense and do their homework before launching on an unfamiliar stretch of water.

Women aim for protection in female-only concealed pistol classes

2009-10-25T11:30:05Z

The women in a recent class ranged in age from their early 20s to mid-60s. Most had come to learn how to defend themselves. Others feared losing that right sometime in the future.

Video: Weapons class at Caledonia Sportsman's Club arms women with protection

2009-10-25T11:30:01Z

The female-only class was sponsored by Great Lakes Outdoors Foundation, a 2-year-old nonprofit organization with Zeidler as executive director.

Mountain bike park planned for former Southwest Little League site in Grand Rapids

2009-10-25T11:20:00Z

Work is expected to begin on the mile-and-a-half-long trail and "skills" area soon, with completion by late spring.

Salmon debate cools: Five-catch limit likely again in 2010

2009-10-25T11:10:00Z

Concerns about longer hours on the water, higher fuel costs and Dumpsters full of unused, wasted fish were unfounded after the state raised the daily salmon limit to five per angler this year.

Michigan Fishing Report: Steelhead catches rise as salmon slow

2009-10-22T15:45:55Z

Walleye fishing is very good on inland lakes this time of year, although few anglers participate. This is also a good time of year to catch pike and muskie.

Cool weather means color to fall for

2009-10-19T13:00:09Z

View full sizeJeff Schrier | The Saginaw NewsBirches and maples are ablaze in fall colors at Tittabawassee Park in Tittabawassee Township.Bright days and cool nights have been the perfect recipe for fall color, the U.S. Forest Service reported. Steve Freitag,...

Canines work overtime at Mushing Boot Camp

2009-10-18T11:30:00Z

Mushers come to the three-day camp with dogs that might not pull the whole time, fight with other dogs or become distracted.

Pheasant population consisent with last year entering start of hunting season

2009-10-18T11:20:00Z

The consistent numbers follow a gradual, decades-long decline linked to loss of habitat and changing agricultural practices.

Gov. Granholm's plans for DNR, DEQ meet opposition in outdoors circles

2009-10-18T11:10:00Z

Combining the two agencies is not a problem for most. It is the other parts of Granholm's executive order that are troubling.