Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Lansing, MI — August 1, 2023
Hunting and trapping are an undeniable part of our state’s outdoor traditions. New and veteran hunters and trappers and anyone interested in how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages wildlife populations are invited to two upcoming opportunities.
But you are going to have to drive a bit to attend. Of course, if you hunt bears or want to trap in the most productive areas, you are probably already prepared to do that. The 2023 Michigan Bear Forum (set for August 19th) and the 2023 Michigan Furtaker User Group meeting (set for September 1st) will be held in St. Ignace at the Little Bear Arena.
St. Ignace is about a 3.5-hour drive north on I-75 from Fenton, to Michigan’s Upper Pensilua, just across the Mackinaw Bridge. Individual event details are listed below.
Michigan Bear Forum
Black bears are an important species to Michigan’s landscape and history. The DNR has managed the bear population since the first regulated hunt in 1925. Over time, as populations, land use, and technology have evolved, so has the management of black bears.
If you’re curious about bear management and the status of the bear population in Michigan, join the DNR Saturday, August 19, where DNR staff and Michigan Bear Forum members will meet from 10 am to 4 pm at the Little Bear East Arena 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace. Learn about population estimates, 2022 harvest information, hunting regulations, and trends across the bear range.
Planning to attend? Help us best address your interests by completing a brief survey to tell us what you want to learn about and what recommendations we should consider for the 2025-2026 bear regulations cycle.
Take the survey by August 9th.
Michigan Furtaker User Group
If trapping and furbearers are more your speed, join the DNR Friday, September 1, for the 2023 Michigan Furtaker User Group meeting, 1 to 4 pm at the Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace. We’ll discuss regulation recommendations for the 2024-2025 hunting and trapping seasons, population estimates, and species updates. Anyone interested in furbearers or furbearer management is encouraged to attend.
If you plan to attend, we want to hear from you via a brief survey ahead of the meeting. Help shape the discussion by sharing your interests about furbearers. What are you most interested in learning? What recommendations should we consider for the 2024-2025 furbearer regulations period?
If you go, Drive Safe and Have Fun!
