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July 31, 2023
Contact: Cody Norton, 906-202-3023
Mark your calendar: Michigan Bear Forum and Furtaker User Group meetings set for August, September in St. Ignace
Hunting and trapping are an undeniable part of our state's outdoor traditions. New and veteran hunters and trappers and anyone interested in how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources manages wildlife populations are invited to two upcoming opportunities in St. Ignace: the Michigan Bear Forum (Aug. 19) and the Michigan Furtaker User Group meeting (Sept. 1).
Keep reading for details about each event, including links to surveys where the DNR will be collecting recommendations to help shape the discussions.
 Black bears are an important species to Michigan’s landscape and history. The DNR has managed the bear population since the first regulated hunt in 1925. Over time, as populations, land use and technology have evolved, so has the management of black bears.
If you’re curious about bear management and the status of bear population in Michigan, join the DNR Saturday, Aug. 19, where DNR staff and Michigan Bear Forum members will meet from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace. Learn about population estimates, 2022 harvest information, hunting regulations and trends across the bear range.
Planning to attend? Help us best address your interests by completing a brief survey to tell us what you want to learn about and what recommendations we should consider for the 2025-2026 bear regulations cycle.
Take the survey by Aug. 9.
 If trapping and furbearers are more your speed, join the DNR Friday, Sept. 1, for the 2023 Michigan Furtaker User Group meeting, 1 to 4 p.m. at the Little Bear East Arena, 275 Marquette St., St. Ignace. We'll discuss regulation recommendations for the 2024-2025 hunting and trapping seasons, population estimates and species updates. Anyone interested in furbearers or furbearer management is encouraged to attend.
If you plan to attend, we want to hear from you via a brief survey ahead of the meeting. Help shape the discussion by sharing your interests about furbearers. What are you most interested in learning? What recommendations should we consider for the 2024-2025 furbearer regulations period?
Take the survey by Aug. 11.
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