Barb Gajewski harvested a wild turkey on April 30 in Stambaugh Township with hunting partner Bill Artwich. Bill said success was due to his good guiding; Barb said it was because she is such a good shot. (Artwich photo)

LANSING—With Memorial Day approaching, Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ conservation officers remind Michigan residents to practice safety when boating.

WATERSMEET—The Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center, located in Watersmeet begins its summer operating schedule this weekend. Beginning May 26, the Visitor Center is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST).

MARQUETTE—“Ask the DNR” returns to WNMU-TV Channel 13 in the Upper Peninsula on Thursday, May 30, at 8 p.m. (EDT). The show will focus on fishing seasons and regulations, along with summer recreation opportunities, including camping, boating and state trails.

Luke Rice of Crystal Falls, who was five days shy of his eighth birthday, had a successful turkey hunt for the second year in a row while hunting with his dad, Ed.  They were hunting in Iron County on the morning of April 30, when dad called the gobbler in for Luke. The tom had a 10 inch beard and weighed 20 pounds.  “The Michigan Department of Natural Resources mentored youth program and youth-sized equipment, like this Remington youth model 870 20 gauge shotgun, enables parents to instill the love of hunting and to pass on responsible sportsmanship to kids at any age.,” said Luke’s parents, Ed and Eva. (Rice photo)

Bill Ziegler and his fishing partner had a nice catch of walleyes between them on opening day two years ago on the Peavy Reservoir. (Ziegler photo)
IRON COUNTY—The long awaited game fish (walleye, northern pike and muskie) opening day is Wednesday, May 15. Many anglers will be venturing out to fish on the opening day and opening weekend, although by far the most popular target species is walleye. 

IRON RIVER—The 10th annual Michi-consin Bird and Nature Watch sponsored by Crystal Waters Resort and Lee LeBlanc Audubon Club will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 7 a.m.

LANSING— The DNR reminds hunters that applications for Michigan elk and bear hunting licenses are available now through June 1.

On May 4, youths and instructors met at Camp Gibbs Recreation Area for the annual Hunter Safety field day. Certified instructors offer a number of required classroom programs as well as hand-on skills during the field day events. Approximately 80 youths from the area completed the course to receive their Hunter Safety certificates. In the Ojibway Archers clubhouse, program coordinator Tony Dallavalle and Michigan Conservation Officer Jason Wicklund direct the participants before they received their certificates.

As part of the field day exercises, instructors work with youths on how to properly handle a shotgun at the trap shooting range at Camp Gibbs.