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Applications, outings, free fishing on calendar

Outdoors report

Hunting in Dickinson County, Alexander Andes, 8, of Breitung Township scored his first buck on Nov. 15 — the opening day of Michigan’s firearm season. (Courtesy photo)

IRON MOUNTAIN — Michigan’s spring turkey hunt application period is open through Feb. 1. Applications are $5 and are available online, at a license agent, or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

The number of units has been reduced from 14 to 3. The units are M (Upper Peninsula), NN (northern Lower Peninsula) and ZZ (southern Lower Peninsula).

The Upper Peninsula season is April 18 to May 31 with a license quota of 6,000.

Meanwhile, there is an unlimited license quota for a statewide hunt that will run from April 25 to May 31. That hunt does not require an application in the drawing and licenses will go on sale March 16. You can, however, purchase just one spring turkey license per year.

Drawing results will be available March 2. Applicants can check results online, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453.

A youth hunter 10-16 years old can purchase a spring turkey youth license without application. This license is valid for all spring turkey management units and season dates.

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Tri-County Snowmobile Club has begun grooming local trails, but it may take into next week to get through the entire system and start a regular schedule.

There are a number of trees down, which slows the grooming, the club said on its Facebook page. The next scheduled meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday at Waucedah Township Hall in Loretto.

In Florence County, riders were asked to use caution as groomers and volunteers were still getting trails cleared after the ice and snow storm earlier this week. The trail base was reported at 8 to 12 inches.

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Snowshoe outings are being held throughout the winter by the Silent Sporters. The list includes Perch Lake in Iron County on Saturday, Jan. 10.

For more information, call 906-282-7309. The group also has a Facebook page.

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The 20th annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, coinciding with Free Fishing Weekend in Wisconsin.

The “fish anywhere” tournament is hosted by Homestead-Aurora Conservation Club and C & R Bar in Aurora, Wis. Entry fee is $10, or free for ages 12 and under.

Register in advance at Bob’s Midland Service in Aurora.

There are cash prizes for perch, walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill and pumpkinseed. Register derby day catches by 7 p.m. at C & R Bar in Aurora.

The event also features door prizes.

This winter’s Michigan Free Fishing Weekend is Feb. 14-15. Michigan’s event is always the Saturday and Sunday of President’s Day weekend.

Starting at $3.50/week.

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