Hunting with Maggie, an English setter, Joyce Ziegler loves it when the bird dog points the grouse or woodcock, even if she doesn’t always hit the bird. (Ziegler photo)
IRON COUNTY—Michigan’s ruffed grouse season opened Saturday, Sept. 15.
 This year’s grouse hunters can still expect to see a fairly good grouse population in the Western Upper Peninsula. The adjacent woodlands of Wisconsin are a good indicator for U.P. grouse numbers.
 An annual report by Brian Dhuey of the Wisconsin DNR indicates that grouse drumming counts in their northern area decreased from about 2.3 (2011) to 1.7 (2012) drums per stop.

The Sno-Kats have finished work on a new trail into the west end of Crystal Falls, which replaces an older trail. (Sno-Kats photo)
CRYSTAL FALLS—The Chippewa Sno-Kats Trail Club has been busy this summer. That will mean better trails for snowmobilers this winter—and for those who ride all-terrain vehicles, too.
 Club President Joe Chavis said the Sno-Kats, helped by a grant from WPPI Energy, has finished work on a new trail into the west end of Crystal Falls, which replaces an older trail.
 The new one splits from the existing snowmobile-ATV trail along U.S. 141 and runs parallel to the east side of 141 south to Zavada Drive in the industrial park, connecting with the trail system in town.

AMASA—The Iron County 4-H Sharpshooters will meet on Sunday, Sept. 23, at 5 p.m. at the Amasa Recreation Center.
 All parents and club members are asked to attend. Registration and fees should be turned in at this time.

Wild turkey season opens in the Upper Peninsula Sept. 15. Wild turkeys are numerous across Iron County, as can been seen while driving along roadways and along fields. (Bob McCarthy photo)

LANSING—Small game hunting season began Sept. 1 with the opening of the early Canada goose season and continues until rabbit and hare season ends on March 31.
 DNR wildlife biologists across the state say hunters should find conditions similar to last year – with a couple of notable improvements – in Michigan’s wood lots, farm fields and wetlands.

IRON COUNTY—Wildlife Unlimited of Iron County is gearing up for this year’s youth deer hunting season.
 Coordinator Scott Westphal wants to get the word out that WU is signing up youths who would like the opportunity to get out and hunt. This hunting experience is only offered to 25 youths each year. Those interested should get in touch with the WU committee soon.

IRONWOOD—As part of its continued efforts to provide for a high-quality, sustainable OHV trail system, the Ottawa National Forest is proposing to designate additional OHV access to provide connections to the state of Michigan Multi-Use trails (e.g. Bergland to Sidnaw, Marenisco to Iron River and Bill Nicholls Trail) on the eastern side of the Forest.

IRONWOOD—The DNR’s Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council (CAC) will meet in Gogebic County on Monday, Sept. 17, at Gogebic Community College in the Lindquist Student Center, located at E. 4946 Jackson Road here.
  Beginning at 4:30 p.m., DNR staff will present division reports on current DNR projects and business and answer questions from council members and the public.

Five years ago, Larry Pifke of Iron River caught this bear on his trail camera and later harvested it on Sept. 10. It weighed 588 pounds. (Ziegler photo)
By Bill Ziegler for the Iron County Reporter
IRON COUNTY—Michigan’s bear season opens Saturday, Sept. 10. This year’s bear hunters can expect to find a bear population in the Western Upper Peninsula “that has decreased” said DNR Wildlife Upper Peninsula Bear Specialist Kevin Swanson of Marquette.
 Swanson stressed that it should be a good season, especially for bait hunters, with less hunters in the woods as a result of a decrease in bear hunting permits issued.

CASPIAN—The Lee LeBlanc Chapter of the Audubon Society will meet Monday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Iron County Museum here.
 The program will be presented by Monica Joseph, DNR wildlife biologist. She will speak on the relationships between predators and prey.
 The meeting is free and open to the public.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

IRON MOUNTAIN—The United Sportsmen Club will host a gun and knife show Sept. 7-8.
 The two-day event will take place at the United Sportsmen Club, located at W7689 Sportsmen’s Club Road in Iron Mountain (five miles north of Iron Mountain on M-95, then two miles east on Sportsmen’s Club Road).