The Upper Peninsula’s northern pike and walleye season opener is coming soon! On Tuesday, May 15, the season opens on all U.P. waters, including the Great Lakes, inland waters and the St. Marys River.

Please note, the season opener for muskellunge in the U.P. has changed – in addition to all other waters in Michigan. On all Great Lakes and inland waters, the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River, the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair, the season doesn’t open until Saturday, June 2. But catch-and-immediate-release muskellunge fishing now is allowed on all waters all year. 

Anglers can currently catch and immediately release largemouth and smallmouth bass on most waters statewide. The possession season for bass opens statewide on Saturday, May 26, except for Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open on Saturday, June 16.

Please note, anglers fishing the Michigan-Wisconsin boundary waters, Big Island Lakes Complex, Sylvania Wilderness Area and Seney National Wildlife Refuge should check the 2018 Michigan Fishing Guide for specific regulations governing those areas.

Visit www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests for more information about seasons and regulations. 

Contact: Christian LeSage, 517-284-5830 or Elyse Walter, 517-284-5839

Did you forget to get a turkey license? It’s not too late to get out and on the hunt for a Michigan gobbler this spring. Many licenses are still available for the May spring turkey seasons. Hunt 234 keeps you hunting until May 31.

A $15 turkey license could put a fresh, local bird on your table. Along with a great story to tell, you could have a true “field to fork” experience!  Go to michigan.gov/turkey to watch our spring turkey hunting video, see where licenses remain, and read the spring rules and regulations. Have questions? Get answers by calling us at 517-284-WILD. Find the turkey season that works best for you – and get out there.

Contact: Katie Keen, 989-385-0336

Have you always wanted to hunt a bear or elk but don't know where to start? May 1 to June 1 is the elk and bear license application period. For a chance to hunt these big game, you need to apply for the drawing. To help understand the drawing process for each species, watch our videos:

• Bear Draw Preference Point System Explained
• Elk Weighted Lottery System Explained

You can increase your chances of getting a bear or elk license by buying an application for the Pure Michigan Hunt! Apply as many times as you'd like for $5 each chance. Learn more at mi.gov/pmh.

Contact: Katie Keen, 989-385-0336

Explore Michigan's vast system of nearly 3,700 miles of off-road trails and consider purchasing an ORV license or trail permit for the season. 

Throughout the year, fees generated through ORV licenses and trail permits are reinvested back into the ORV system. These important dollars help fund trail expansion, maintenance and infrastructure improvements such as bridge and culvert construction and repair, as well as law enforcement and the offsetting of damage created by illegal use.

Visit michigan.gov/orvinfo to learn where you can ride, purchase an ORV license and trail permit, learn about Free ORV Weekends and more.

The June 9-10 weekend also lines up with Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees will be waived. In addition, the DNR is waiving the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks the same weekend.

Contact: Jessica Holley, 517-331-3790