Plentiful birds, 10 million-plus acres of public land available for hunting, and spring turkey season just days away – don’t miss your chance to gobble up some prime hunting April 23-May 31. The state’s strategic season structure – with multiple “openers” – gives hunters options that provide the opportunity to have a great hunting experience this spring.

That’s a giant leap from just decades ago. There was a time in Michigan when wild turkey was difficult to come by.

“I’ve heard stories from my grandpa about some of the wildlife we have today being hard to find when he was a kid,” said Katie Keen, communications coordinator for the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. “It’s hard to imagine it was so different just a few generations back.”

Unregulated hunting and dramatic habitat changes had made some wildlife, including turkeys, scarce.

“This once-common bird was eliminated from Michigan by 1900. In 1977, Michigan’s turkey population was estimated at 6,000 birds, and only 17 counties were open to turkey hunting,” said Al Stewart, DNR upland game bird specialist. “Through reintroduction efforts by the DNR and other conservation partners, more than 200,000 turkeys now roam the wilds in nearly every corner of the state.”

For four straight years, the DNR and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency have come together to highlight quieter camping options in a handful of Michigan state parks.

Fireworks-Free Fourth of July is geared toward veterans and other visitors, including pet owners, looking for a quieter camping experience. This year, 11 locations located farther away from traditional community firework displays are participating July 2-6.

Camping reservations can be made up to six months in advance, which means it's not too early to be thinking about those holiday dates. To check availability and make a reservation, visit www.midnrreservations.com.

Want to learn more? Visit  michigan.gov/FireworksFreeFourth. To learn more about services for Michigan veterans, visit michiganveterans.com.

When cleaning out gardens, flower boxes or home or office landscaping this spring, don’t be surprised if you find something extra. Duck nests, particularly mallard nests, appear just about everywhere this time of year. While you may think these are not the most ideal nesting locations, there’s really no cause for concern. 

You can expect a female mallard to sit on a nest for about a month prior to her eggs hatching. 

“If the nest fails on its own – something that happens regularly – just wish her luck on her next attempt,” said Hannah Schauer, a wildlife communications coordinator with the Department of Natural Resources. “If she is successful and her eggs hatch, the mother will lead her ducklings to the nearest body of water, often the same day they hatch.”

Canada geese sometimes build nests near houses or in parks, often near water. Just like mallards, Canada geese will lead their young to water soon after they hatch. 

Schauer said that adult geese can be quite protective of their nests and their goslings. They may chase people or pets away by hissing and running or flying toward the perceived intruders. It’s best to avoid the nesting locations altogether. If that’s not possible, carry an umbrella and gently scare away an approaching bird.

Birds and their nests and eggs are protected by law and must be left alone. Abandoned or injured wildlife can be possessed and cared for only by licensed wildlife rehabilitators. Unless a person is licensed, it is illegal to possess live wild animals – including birds – in Michigan.

This spring, if you’re lucky enough to come across a nest, enjoy it from a distance and wait for your newest neighbors to make their entrance.

Help keep Michigan’s wildlife wild. Learn more at michigan.gov/wildlife or contact Hannah Schauer at 517-388-9678. 

Michigan’s tourism industry prides itself on pioneering best practices as part of its daily endeavors. To recognize and inspire colleagues, the Michigan Travel Commission created the Pure Award to highlight the efforts of tourism organizations that have helped put Michigan on the map. 

Past recipients include the Grand Haven Salmon Festival and the Headlands International Dark Sky Park in Emmet County. Now, in its third year, the Pure Award celebrates another outstanding organization that has been an innovative and exemplary steward of Michigan's natural and cultural resources: Michigan Cares for Tourism, known familiarly as MC4T.

The group received the Pure Award at last month's Pure Michigan Governor's Conference on Tourism in Grand Rapids. Michigan Cares for Tourism is a 100-percent volunteer, 100-percent nonprofit, give-back organization that brings tourism professionals together to help restore Michigan's historic attractions, while encouraging participants to learn about state tourism destinations and network across industry segments. 

To date, MC4T has generated nearly $450,000 in monetary and in-kind support. With five major events under its belt and two more in planning stages (as well as student events and local community event opportunities), MC4T has created a legacy of commitment to preserving some of the state's most treasured natural and cultural tourism destinations.

To learn about past and upcoming MC4T events, visit gvsu.edu/michigancaresfortourism. For more information, contact DNR recreation programmer Maia Turek at 989-225-8573.