DNR Events newsletter: March 29 - April 14

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. Bookmark and Share 

Spring flower

March 29 - April 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.  


Easter egg hunt

Take the kids to find Easter eggs

Bring your camera and your Easter basket and join us at a one of the parks below on Saturday, March 30 for a fun day outdoors finding Easter eggs! We'll have prizes and games to keep the whole family entertained. 

Don't forget to get your picture taken with Smokey Bear or the Easter Bunny! Activities vary at each park, so be sure to click on the links to learn more. 


Man turkey hunting

Learn how to hunt that elusive spring turkey

Turkey hunting can be a challenge for new hunters--and even seasoned hunters! Join us on April 6 at Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon for Turkey Hunting 101. We'll break down the basics so you can learn all about how to get started, without feeling overwhelmed. We'll cover scouting, locating, calling and harvesting, and help you get ready for a successful hunt. 

Buy your turkey license
Did you know that Michigan is one of the top six turkey hunting states in the country? Find out why this spring! Leftover spring turkey licenses are now on sale at any license agent or online at E-License - they will be sold until quotas are met. Season dates vary by hunt unit, beginning on April 22. 

Licenses for Hunt 234, which offers flexibility because it includes all open areas of the state except the public lands of southern Michigan, are available until May 1. Learn more about available leftover spring turkey licenses at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings or about turkey hunting at www.michigan.gov/turkey


Michigan Cavalry Brigade Monument at Gettysburg

Feed your intellectual curiosity

The Battle of Gettysburg. You've heard of it, and other Civil War battles, but do you know exactly what happened? How many Michiganders joined the Union Army and what did they do? Did women serve in America's bloodiest war? 

Find out the answers to these questions and many more from authors, professors, historians and more. Join us at the Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing on April 6 for the Michigan Civil War Symposium: 1863, The Turning Point of the War


Man trout fishing from a boat

Looking ahead...

Trout and salmon season on inland lakes and streams opens April 27. You can fish for these species on:

  • Inland Type 1 streams (about 1,400 locations)
  • Inland Type 2 streams (14 locations)
  • Inland Type A and D lakes 

Not sure what stream and lake types are near you? Check out the county listings for help!

Not sure what size you can keep and how many? Check out the Inland Trout & Salmon Lake Regulations and Stream Regulations--the charts are really handy! And don't forget to bookmark the page for quick and easy reference!


Know before you go!

A 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 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.