DNR Events newsletter: Aug. 31 - Sept. 14

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Autumn leaves in a pond

Aug. 31 - Sept. 14


Below is a sampling of the family-friendly activities across the state for the next two weeks. For a full listing of events at state parks, visitor centers, hatcheries, museums and more, visit us at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.  

kids on a hayride
Welcome fall fun
Fall will soon be in the air, and with it comes cider, donuts, pumpkins, hayrides and more! Many state parks host fabulous, family-friendly harvest festivals in September and October to celebrate the colorful autumn season. Here are just a few: 



  • Indian Lake State Park in Manistique, Sept. 3
  • Van Riper State Park in Champion, Sept. 14
  • Baraga State Park in Baraga, Sept. 14-16
  • Charles Mears State Park in Pentwater, Sept. 15

woman with archery equipment and target
Learn to shoot
Just for the ladies! The Becoming an Outdoors-Woman program is designed especially for women, offering classes in all kinds of outdoor sports and activities from kayaking to snowshoeing and learning to shoot. On Sept. 19, join us at the Demmer Shooting Center on the Michigan State University Campus in East Lansing for Introduction to Archery (hurry, registration is due by Sept. 13).  

If learning to shoot a handgun sounds intriguing, sign up for Introduction to Handgun Shooting on Sept. 22 at the Linwood Bay Sportsmen’s Club in Linwood. We’ll provide all firearms, eye and ear protection and instruction. Register by Sept. 13 to secure your spot!

hunter in the woods
Plan your hunt
Are you planning to deer hunt for first time this fall? If so, take advantage of our introductory Whitetails 101 class on Sept. 23 at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at William Mitchell State Park in Cadillac. You’ll learn the basics of whitetail hunting, including rules and regulations, what to use, and how to choose a hunting spot.
 
And, don’t forget to mark these upcoming hunting seasons on your calendar!
  • Ruffed Grouse Sept. 15 – Nov. 14
  • Squirrel (Fox and Gray) Sept. 15 – March 1
  • Wild Turkey Sept. 15 – Nov. 14
View the  2012 Hunting and Trapping Digest for details. 

Take in an old-time ball game
Imagine playing baseball without gloves! Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the gentlemanly style and fun of a vintage base ball game played 1860s style! The Walker Wheels take on the Wood County Inmates at noon on Sept. 9. at Walker Tavern Historic Site in Brooklyn. Come a little early and buy yourself a tasty treat at the farmers market also being held that day at Walker Tavern. 
men playing baseball in old-fashioned uniforms

MI camping and recreation locator
Download our handy smartphone app!
Looking for a place in Michigan to explore the great outdoors this Labor Day? The official Department of Natural Resources Michigan Camping and Recreation Locator app helps you find just the right place. Want to swim? We have hundreds of miles of sandy beaches waiting for you. Want to fish? Our parks, forest campgrounds and boat launches are your gateway to world-class fishing. Feel like pitching a tent under the stars? Let the night sky dazzle you at our state campgrounds.
 
Find camping, lodging or a boat launch near you. Search by region, city, zip code or proximity. See a map of all the places that match your search, and click on the locations to learn more about that park, forest campground or boat launch. Learn more >>

Looking Ahead…
It’s time to start mapping out your hunting plans! No matter where you are in Michigan, you can find public hunting land with our Mi-HUNT interactive map application on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/mihunt

Navigate through a variety of map layers and create your own custom maps or download pre-made maps. With the interactive layers you can view private land open to public hunting, all state game and wildlife areas, 7 million acres of vegetation cover types, aerial imagery and more. Mi-HUNTalso include GPS download, so you can pick a spot on the map in Mi-HUNT and navigate to it while hunting.

Know before you go!
A $10 Recreation Passport is required for entry to Michigan state parks and recreation areas. If you don't have one yet, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport for details. Also, registration and fees apply to some of the above programs and events. Please be sure to click on each section's links to learn more. 

The advertisement below is brought to you through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Dunham’s Sports.  

Dunham's Sports ad

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.