Introduce Someone You Know to Turkey Hunting
DNR Encourages Hunters to Share the Turkey Hunting Experience With Others
January 28, 2005
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By: Guest Columnist
Hunters have until Feb. 1 to apply for a 2005 spring wild turkey hunting license. The $4 nonrefundable application fee must be paid at the time of application and does not include the cost of the license.
State conservation officials today encouraged Michigan's turkey huntersto invite friends and family, who have never experienced the adventure,to join them turkey hunting this spring.
"Traditional outdoor activities, such as turkey hunting, provideus opportunities to spend quality time with family and friends, creatinggreat memories that last a lifetime," said Thomas Oliver, huntingheritage program coordinator for the Michigan Department of NaturalResources.
"Because of Michigan's history of successful turkeyconservation, the time of year, and the need for developing outdoorskills, spring turkey hunting is perfectly suited for inviting newhunters afield, especially youths."
Hunters have until Feb. 1 to apply for a 2005 spring wild turkeyhunting license. The $4 nonrefundable application fee must be paid atthe time of application and does not include the cost of the license.
"Although thousands of hunters already have applied for theirlicense, we are encouraging them to become mentors. In order to apply, ayoungster must be at least 12 years old by the time a license ispurchased and have completed a hunter safety course," Oliver said.
Individuals who already have applied as an individual may form apartnership with a youngster simply by providing the license agent withtheir party ID number when the youngster applies for their license.Individuals may apply only once, and only two persons may bein aparty.
Hunters looking to enjoy the greatest hunting flexibility with ayoungster should check out the guaranteed hunt period (Hunt No. 234, May2-31), which includes all open areas, except public lands in Unit ZZ.Hunt No. 234 may be purchased online or from license agents during theapplication period.
Individuals who select this option will not becharged the $4 application fee. Hunters also may select this hunt as asecond choice on their application.
If licenses are still available after the drawing, the remaininglicenses will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis tounsuccessful applicants in the license lottery. These individuals maypurchase one leftover license in person at any license-issuing agentbeginning March 7 at 10 a.m. (EDT). The guaranteed hunt period (Hunt No.234) also is available to unsuccessful applicants.
First-time hunters may benefit from attending workshops locatedthroughout the state. The DNR and various conservation organizations arecooperating to offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses. Thetraining sessions are open to anyone and may include turkey huntingmethod, calling regulations and population status. A fee may be chargedand space may be limited. Below is a list of all workshops being offeredthis spring.
For more information on Michigan turkey hunting, or to apply viathe DNR e-license system, visit the DNR Web site at
http://www.michigan.gov/dnr Individuals who would like to share their story about taking anew hunter afield or a first-time hunting experience should send it,along with a cover letter giving the DNR permission to reprint thestory, to Hunting Heritage Program, Michigan Department of NaturalResources, PO Box 30444, Lansing, MI 48909.
2005 Spring Workshop Dates
March 5 Auburn Hills, Bass Pro Outdoor World, HuronValley Chapter/Beards and Spurs Chapter, NWTF, TedHundich (586) 979-9128
March 19 Vicksburg, Vicksburg Middle School, SW MichiganLongbeards Chapter, NWTF, Gary VanDyke (269) 649-0384
March 19 Grand Rapids, Devos Place, Grand Valley Chapter, NWTF, Gary Salmon (616) 538-4934
March 26 Baldwin, Baldwin High School, Pere Marquette Chapter,MWTHA, Jim Maturen (231)832-2575
March 26 Bloomingdale, Bloomingdale Telephone Co., Highbank Longbeards/Van Buren Longbeards, NWTF, DanHogbire (269) 427-6105 or Bert Vanderwheel (269)217-3310
April 2 Davison, Williams Gun Sight Co., Flint River Chapter,NWTF, Jim Miller (810) 736-1570
April 7 & 9 Dundee, Cabelas, River Raisin Chapter, NWTF, John Smith (734) 529-4700
April 8 & 9 Belding, Belding Sportsman's Club, Flat River ChapterYouth Event, Ron Hopkins (616)794-3364
April 9 Gaylord, Jay's Sporting Goods, Traverse BayChapter, MWTHA, Rick Riley (231)549-2705
April 10 Waterford, Pontiac Lake Recreation Area ShootingRange, Beard and Spurs, NWTF, Brian Williams (248) 666-8525
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