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Outdoors

New DNR shooting range to open Oct. 11

MARQUETTE — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources plans to open its long-awaited $2 million public shooting range in Marquette County Oct. 11. “The builders are still putting finishing touches on the facility and the shooting range remains closed until Oct. 11,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “In the meantime, shooting is prohibited at the range site and former gravel pit shooting areas nearby have been cleaned up and closed.” With the help of the Michigan National Guard, 142 tons of trash and debris were removed from those illegal shooting ...

UP archery opener Sunday

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports deer numbers similar to a year ago in the southern Upper Peninsula as the archery season opens Sunday. “Where oaks are abundant, acorn production looks good for this year, and bowhunters may find added success by emphasizing these areas early in the season,” the DNR said in its deer hunting preview. While there were several late snowfalls, major winter and spring die-offs from the severe weather were mostly avoided. At the same time, deer numbers remain low along the Superior shoreline, western U.P. counties, ...

Canada geese have ‘cousins’ who may pass through

A flock of geese passed overhead earlier in the week, the first one I’ve seen this fall migration. It’s still early for most waterfowl — ducks, geese and swans — to begin making the exodus out of the north in earnest. But it was a good reminder that this is the time of year when ...

Tree planting need not wait ’til spring; Wisconsin DNR board coming to Manitowish Waters

IRON MOUNTAIN — Along with hunting, fishing and simple sightseeing, there’s another fall activity to keep in mind as the weather cools. Tree planting. “Fall planting can offer some advantages,” said Kevin Sayers, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources urban and community forestry coordinator. “Planting in cooler weather allows trees to establish roots even after leaves fall, and they’ll continue growing until the ground freezes.” Conifers such as pine, spruce and fir and most broadleaf trees do well when planted in fall, although oak trees may struggle, according ...

Project Appleseed clinic teaches marksmanship, patriotic values

CHANNING — Twelve shooters ages 13 to 75 attended a Project Appleseed rifleman clinic at Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club to learn the many aspects of rifle shooting. Bullseyes to Badguys Pistol and Tactics Training of Kingsford helped the club host the two-day event in August. Between ...

Wisconsin archery hunt begins

IRON MOUNTAIN — Wisconsin hunters get their first chance to pursue deer this fall with today’s opener of the archery and crossbow season. “Observations from this spring and early summer show the deer herd made it through the winter in good shape,” said Curt Rollman, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources biologist in the Northern District. “This should lead to more deer on the landscape and more chances for hunters.” Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations remain available in many units. In northeastern counties, the remaining tags are mostly for private lands. Find ...