We understand there are questions about how COVID-19 is affecting outdoor recreation. Here are some tips on how to enjoy the outdoors and still prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

CAN I STILL

GO FISHING?

Right now, yes, fishing is permitted, and the 2020 season opened Wednesday.

In fact, fishing is one outdoor activity that can be done with proper social distancing — just make sure to remain six feet away from people outside of your household and be respectful of others. Also, keep it local. Extensive travel is allowed only for essential needs. Limiting your travel helps keep you and others safe, while also reducing the spread of COVID-19.

If you decide to go fishing, it’s easy to get your 2020 license online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.

GET SAFETY

CERTIFICATES

AT HOME

You can earn your boating, snowmobile or off-road vehicle safety certificate from home with the DNR’s self-paced, online courses available at Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety. To protect the health of Michigan residents, all traditional classroom setting courses for these program areas have been canceled until further notice, including hunter education field days.

The online portion of the hunter safety course is still available. If you have questions about a recreational safety class you were signed up for, please contact the instructor.

With online learning, you can stay home, stay safe and help keep yourself and fellow Michiganders healthy.

CHECK OUT

‘WARDENS’ ON TV

For a few years now, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has partnered with the Outdoor Channel on the television show “Wardens” to tell the story of the department’s dedicated staff and the work we do to conserve the state’s natural resources, weaving important conservation messages into every episode. Now through April 30, the Outdoor Channel is making its programming free to viewers. Check with your TV provider for details.

“Wardens” airs every Monday at 8:30 and 11:30 p.m. and Tuesday at 2:30 a.m., with repeats Saturday and Sunday. In the Upper Peninsula, WLUC-Fox UP broadcasts “Wardens” at 9:30 a.m. Coming up on this week’s episode: inland lake patrols find safety issues, DNR fisheries researchers conduct a trawling survey on Saginaw Bay, and an ORV rider learns you can’t cheat the system.

To get the Outdoor Channel, check your TV or cable provider or streaming service, or go to OutdoorChannel.com or MyOutdoorTV.com.