2017 Winter Free Fishing Weekend

DNR News

Grab a fishing rod and enjoy some of the finest fishing Michigan has to offer during the 2017 Winter Free Fishing Weekend, set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 18-19. On those two days, everyone – residents and non-residents alike – can fish without a license, though all other fishing regulations still apply.

During #MiFreeFishingWeekend, the DNR also will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. Several of these locations will host official 2017 Winter Free Fishing Weekend events perfect for the whole family.

Michigan has celebrated winter’s #MiFreeFishingWeekend every year since 1994 as a way to promote awareness of the state’s vast aquatic resources. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and 11,000 inland lakes – Michigan and fishing are a perfect match.

“There’s nothing better than bundling up and heading out on the ice for Michigan’s annual Winter Free Fishing Weekend,” said Jim Dexter, DNR Fisheries Division chief. “For those avid anglers, we encourage you to take someone out who has never experienced winter fishing to show them how simple and fun it can be.

Official winter #MiFreeFishingWeekend activities are being scheduled in communities across the state to assist with public participation. These activities are coordinated by a variety of organizations including constituent groups, schools, local and state parks, businesses and others. A full list of these events can be found online at michigan.gov/freefishing.

Even ducks are employable…

Business Insider Story & Video:  A South African vineyard employs a flock of 900 ducks to keep its grounds in pristine condition

They race to work every day!

 

 

 

 

 

Goodbye honey, got to go to work at the vineyard…

 

 

 

 

 

Story by Tony Manfred and editing by Ben Nigh, Apr. 2016

 

We have a new baby eaglet! Congratulations Harriet!

One of two baby American bald eagles broke free of its shell and was captured chirping Saturday morning on a live-stream of their nest that has been viewed by millions.

Eagle mom Harriet and mate M15 welcomed their offspring, known as E9, or eaglet 9, at 7:33 a.m. ET, according to the real estate company hosting the webcam.

Eagle Cam Live Feed

The 2016-2017 season is the fifth season Dick Pritchett Real Estate has provided the live look into this Southwest Florida nest. This season we will again catch all the action using three cameras that film the birds 24/7 and stream live video directly to this site.

http://www.dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html

Camera #1 is positioned six feet above the nesting tree and is equipped with night vision or infrared light, which emits no actual light. Nor does it make any noise. The birds do not see or hear anything coming from the camera. Camera #2 is located approximately 60 feet from the nest and has the ability to capture images of the nest action outside the view of Camera #1. (See diagram right for picture of cam locations) Both cameras are environmentally friendly, non-intrusive and positioned to offer the best view of the nest and birds while preserving the pristine beauty of the nest and their surroundings.

A third camera (Cam #3) is installed closer to the north of the pond, to capture activity happening around the pasture and in the pond area.

•The original adult bald eagles pair, known as Ozzie and Harriet, had been coming to this nest since 2006. After Ozzie’s passing in the early fall of 2015, Harriet & M15 bonded in late fall of 2015. This is their second season as a mated pair at this location.
• While spotted most months out the year in the area, they officially reside in this nest between the months of October and May.
• The nest sits 60 feet above the ground, in a Slash Pine tree. In the Spring of 2016, the nest detrioriated and completely fell apart. This season, if they re-build, will be a brand new nest for this couple.
• The nest camera faces South East.
• The pair relocated the nest from across the street to its current location for the 2006-2007 nesting season. This nest is labeled LE026-B of the Florida State Monitoring Program. It has been monitored at this location for 8 years.