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LANSING – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has provided an update on state land, park, and wildlife news. Below is information on the ongong DNR projects and initiatives.
Let us know about bear den locations
In case you missed it, the DNR is asking those who spend time outdoors to keep an eye open for black bear dens this fall and winter. Reporting den locations is a simple yet effective way to support bear management programs.
These reports can help DNR biologists with the department's ongoing research project studying Michigan's black bears.
Learn about Michigan's new firewood quarantine
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development recently announced a quarantine, effective Jan. 1, 2027, designed to stop the movement of uncertified firewood into Michigan.
How does that affect campers or anyone who travels in and out of state? Find out during the NotMISpecies webinar "What Does it Mean? Michigan's New External Firewood Quarantine Explained," at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Amber Neils, MDARD quarantine compliance and export specialist, will provide an overview of the quarantine, its purpose and how to comply with its rules. Guests from the DNR and Michigan's Invasive Species Program will be on hand for an extended Q&A session following the presentation.
Supported by the Michigan Invasive Species Program, the monthly, hourlong NotMISpecies webinars are designed to keep people informed about available programs, current research and emerging issues in the state and the Great Lakes region. If you are interested but cannot attend the live session, a recorded version will be available on the NotMISpecies webpage.
More ways to help
From mentoring new hunters and sharing Michigan’s history to supporting conservation projects and cleaning up forests, there are dozens of ways to show love for your favorite places and outdoor spaces. Visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers and find your perfect fit.
Get the 2026 wild turkey patch, help design 2028 patch
The 2026 Michigan wild turkey patch is available now to hunters, collectors and other turkey enthusiasts. It’s free to hunters 16 and younger who had a 2026 wild turkey hunting license, but anyone can purchase the patch for just $8, postage and handling included.
The state's wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR. Each year, patch sales from this program contribute more than $20,000 to wild turkey management, outreach and research.
To order a patch, visit the NWTF Michigan website.
Help design the 2028 patch
K-12 students, here's a chance to make your mark by submitting the winning design for the 2028 wild turkey patch! All entries must be received by Dec. 31, 2026.
Original, hand-completed designs should include an eastern wild turkey or components of a turkey (e.g., feathers, tracks). Drawings may be done in any medium (pencil, oil, pen and ink, chalk, crayon, etc.) and be color or black and white. If color, no more than 13 colors may be used. All entries must be submitted on 8.5-inch-by-11-inch paper and without mat, glass, frame or cover sheet (spray chalk with fixative).
Each patch design entry must include the following phrases or elements:
“Wild Turkey Management Cooperator”
“2028”
The DNR logo (or simply create a circular placeholder for the logo with a minimum size of 1 inch)
First-, second- and third-place winners will receive cash awards of $250, $100 and $50, respectively.
The winning design will serve as the basis for the 2028 Michigan wild turkey management cooperator patch. Contest details and entry form are available at minwtf.org/patch-contest-rules.
Questions can be emailed to miturkeypatch@gmail.com.
Help Michiganders in need this deer season
Hunters -- and everyone else -- can help fight hunger by contributing to the DNR's Hunters Feeding Michigan program and ensuring that more Michiganders have access to a nutritious protein source when they need it the most.
The program gives hunters a way to share their harvest by donating their deer, at no cost to the hunter, at a participating processor.
Hunters Feeding Michigan also will host a series of deer donation drives:
– Friday, Nov. 20, to Sunday, Nov. 22, at Jay's Sporting Goods locations in Clare and Gaylord and Frank's Great Outdoors in Linwood.
– Saturday, Dec. 12, to Sunday, Dec. 13, at Monroe Rod and Gun Club/Emersen Archery in Monroe.
– Saturday, Dec. 12, at RealTruck in Rochester Hills.
"More than a million people in Michigan don't have enough to eat, and hunters can make a real difference," said Joe Presgrove, Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist. "Donating is fast, simple and changes lives."
Each deer donated provides an estimated 160 servings of high-quality protein. Since 2005, hunters have donated 3.5 million servings of venison. The DNR partners with Feeding America and deer processors throughout the state to ensure the donated meat is fresh, safe and delivered to Michigan residents in need.
Hunters can also support the program by making a monetary donation when they purchase their licenses, and nonhunters can contribute by donating online. Monetary donations help offset the cost of processing and packaging venison.
Questions? Contact Joe Presgrove at 517-643-3809 or learn more at Michigan.gov/HuntersFeedingMichigan.