The Michigan deer management cooperator patch, given to hunters who bring their deer to a DNR check station, has been a popular collector’s item for hunters since the early 1970s. Every year the patch design is different, but always portrays the designer’s interpretation of white-tailed deer or deer hunting in Michigan.

Those interested in sharing their design ideas for the 2020 deer patch are encouraged to enter this year’s contest, which is open to everyone.

“Every year we get a fantastic selection of designs!” said Emilie O’Grady, an outreach assistant in the DNR Wildlife Division. “We look forward to seeing all the new submissions, and we wish good luck to all of this year’s artists.”

O’Grady said that the DNR offers the deer patch to thank hunters who present their deer at check stations during the hunting seasons, because it is during these checks that DNR staff is able to collect valuable information about Michigan’s deer population – things like locations where hunters have been successful, the age and sex of deer taken, and a big-picture look at herd health.

Design submissions for the 2020 deer management cooperator patch are due by March 10. Patch designs may be created in any medium and shape, with no more than five colors used. The work must be original and submitted by the artist.

Complete contest information and submission guidelines are available at Michigan.gov/Deer under Cooperator Patches. This year’s contest winner will be contacted in early May.

Questions about the contest? Contact Emilie O’Grady at 517-284-9453

Just in time for the anniversary of Michigan's statehood (we joined the Union as the nation's 26th state on Jan. 26, 1837), Michiganology.org has launched a compelling collection of new K-12 materials that creatively tell our state's diverse stories.

The Statehood Era: 1787-1840 section, specifically, digs into the different perspectives on freedom and citizenship, using a variety of primary source materials including interviews, letters, photos and other items from the Michigan History Museum and the Archives of Michigan. 

"One of the coolest things about these new collections in Michiganology is that everyone can discover something new," said Tobi Voigt, community engagement director at the Michigan History Center. "Different parts of the Michiganology content are geared toward different grade levels, which is great for early learners and high schoolers, not to mention people who simply want to revisit things that maybe they forgot they learned in school."

There are 20 available stories within the statehood content, including:

• The Indigenous People in Michigan.
• Toledo, Michigan?
• Henry Bibb Speaks Out Against Slavery.
• What Is a Constitution?

Plus, if you happen to be near downtown Lansing Saturday, Jan. 25, drop by the Michigan History Museum for a celebration of our state's 183rd birthday. The day includes live folk music, a visit with the King's 8th British Regiment, the chance to see statehood documents and many statehood-era crafts and trades.

Questions? Contact Tobi Voigt at 517-241-1442.

Looking for something new to jazz up your daily commute or walk in the woods? Give a listen to the DNR's "Wildtalk" podcast – an opportunity every month to hear from many of the department staff and partners who do their best to take care of Michigan's natural resources and make it easier for the public to enjoy them.

This month's featured guest is Karen Cleveland, who talks about her role as "game biologist" for the DNR and how games actually can teach people in a fun way about the variety of wildlife found in Michigan. Karen helps design games (like the "What in the Wild" card game) that break from traditional learning and give players the chance to explore and make some natural connections on their own.

In addition to that interview, this month's podcast also includes updates on goose hunting, regional reports about license and regulations planning, answers to "mail bag" questions and more.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.