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Leadership representatives of Delta and Menominee County area conservation organizations met on October 12, to receive an update from Wildlife Biologist Craig Albright and Interim Forest Management Supervisor Eric Thompson. The group also shared news from each organization present and then discussed issues of importance.

An update on staffing levels show that three more biologists have been lost due to retirement. Albright indicated they are hoping that all positions will be filled but as of this date, seven remain covering specific areas within the region, each representing service areas aligned with other similar coalitions.

Bow hunters are just now experiencing cooler weather. Prior to the recent change, 42 deer had been registered at the Escanaba office by the 12^th.

There are only a total of seven Deer Management Units (DMUs) that had quotas for antlerless hunting in 2011. Only three remain open as of October 20^th, with over-the-counter purchase licenses that include (DMU-155) Delta, (DMU-122) Dickinson and (DMU-055) Menominee Counties:

DMU-055 quota of 9,000 private land and 2,000 public land are now 6,311 and 54 respectively.

DMU-122 quota of 2,500 private land and 200 public land are now 1,847 and 0 respectively.

DMU-155 quota of 3,000 private land and 400 public land are now 1,844 and 0 respectively.

Bear hunters presented with 52,147 applications for 11,742 hunting licenses available in Michigan. The last season will close October 26.

While some larger bears have been registered, one field dressed at 520 and taken in the Schaffer area, most being brought in meet the average of 140-150 pounds.

Hunters are also indicating that, as usual towards this time of year, bear are not hitting bait as aggressively as they did at the beginning of the season.

One question raised was why the bear specialist for the MDNR is located in Lower Michigan, while the majority of bear are here in the UP.

Concern over the formula used in issuing permits was also brought to the table. The normal rotation from first application to receiving a tag should take no more than four years. There are reports of individuals that have gone much longer to obtain a license. Craig Albright also reported that private land preference has failed previously and will be reconsidered in the future. “What is now policy was decided after involvement of a diverse group to gain consensus.”, Albright said.

Eric Thompson reported that the area forest planning process continues with recent completion of the Compartment Review and Open House within the region. He indicated his goal along with the biologists, is to continue in a collaborative effort towards wildlife habitat restoration.

Another concern expressed was why we still have a fall turkey hunt, given the fact that area populations are down over 35% on the average.

The entire UP is open to fall turkey hunting from September 15 to November 14. All of the 1,500 licenses available were purchased by hunters.

Members of the National Wild Turkey Federation local affiliates related that after considering the drop in population, they recommended the fall quotas be cut in half for this year. If recovery is not evident by next year, closing the entire fall season will be considered.

A new topic, the introduction of Elk in the western UP is being investigated by Special Projects Biologist Bob Doepker. The idea came at the request of UP Natural Resources Commissioner J.R. Richardson.

Preliminary reports indicate the highlands within the area of the Porcupine Mountains do not look feasible as a project area at this time.

Trapper raised concern over bobcat regulations. According to Bob Whitens and Bob Steinmetz from the UP Trappers Association, restrictions on bobcat put in place two years ago have made it difficult for trapping coyote where the two co-habitate. Trappers are moving out of that area to avoid incidental catches and loss of opportunity later. The two indicated more input is needed from the field, similar to that done for bear and turkey.

Question was also raised regarding the trapping of beaver out of season along the Norway ORV Trail System. Speculation that a bounty on the beaver was issued along the trail and that beaver were taken out of season.

A follow-up call to both SORVA of Delta County and the MDNR, indicated that although beaver populations in the area are down, a nuisance permit was issued due to the extensive damage occurring in that trail section and translocation of the beaver was not feasible. A member from UP Trappers had taken the beaver under the permit.

Regarding predators, the only information brought forward that evening was that UP Whitetails Association will not be providing a $10 bounty on coyote this winter. They will however consider contributing towards hunting promotions through their affiliate organizations.

These are but a small example of the sharing of information and discussion to bring resolve to issues by the newly formed coalitions across the UP. It keeps the local issues local and enhances the speed in which changes can be made.

Recent legislation signed into law in Michigan will allow expansion of volunteerism on conservation projects and in particular, those involving wildlife habitat.

Both Albright and Thompson are looking forward to future projects and hope to begin bringing ideas to the table at the next meeting in January.

It is another sign that we can work together and build for the future of enjoying our natural resources.