♪ >>> WE ARE BACK WITH ANOTHER ADDITION OF ASK THE DNR RIGHT HERE AT WCMU PUBLIC MEDIA.

PUBLIC TELEVISION TO ME.

ANYWAY.

IT WILL BE HARD FOR ME TO CHANGE.

WANT TO INTRODUCE SOME FOLKS IN THE ROOM, THE GREENROOM -- IF WE CAN CUT TO THAT CAMERA.

THE FOLKS TAKING THE QUESTIONS.

THE FIRST ONE IS GAVIN.

GAVIN IS ON THE RIGHT.

GAVIN KELSO, THE CAREER TRACK.

IN THE MIDDLE OF DAVE HOCH.

DAVE IS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND HAS BEEN HERE FOR YEARS AND YEARS TAKING QUESTIONS, ANSWERING THE PHONES.

THE CHICLET ON THE LEFT IS MY WIFE BETH.

I CAN GET AWAY WITH DOING THAT.

OH!

BUT NOT LEFT.

SAW ANOTHER LADY APPEAR.

ANYWAY THANK YOU ALL GAVIN AND BETH, DAVE FOR COMING BY AND ANSWERING THE PHONES AND WRITING DOWN QUESTIONS.

OKAY.

WE WILL START OFF WITH A FEW QUESTIONS.

AHEAD ONE THAT A LADY FROM HERE YET OR A WANTED ME TO ASK.

THIS IS EASY EASY-GOING WINTER WE HAD.

IT IS NOT WINTER.

ARE WE GOING INTO SPRING OR FALL?

NOT REALLY SURE AT THIS POINT TIME.

SHE'S VERY CONCERNED THAT THAT DOES ARE GOOD TO HAVE THEIR FORMS ARE A LOT EARLIER.

THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, RIGHT?

>> TEMPERATURE AND WEATHER HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH IT.

GESTATION PERIOD IS ABOUT 200 DAYS FOR A WHITE TAILED DEER.

MOST DEAR OUR BREAD IN MICHIGAN, LATE OCTOBER, EARLY NOVEMBER.

EVERYBODY KNOWS THE ROD.

RIGHT.

200 DAYS EVERY BUDDY LOOKING AT A LATE MAY/EARLY JUNE PEAK OF WHEN THE FORM SO BEEN BORN.

WHAT HAPPENS IN BETWEEN IS REALLY IRRELEVANT.

THERE'S A LITTLE BIT OF WIGGLE ROOM ON EACH END BUT THAT'S WHERE THAT PEAK BREEDING AND FOREIGN PERIOD APPEARS.

>> BOB HALF YEARS AGO, WILDLIFE BIOLOGISTS OUT OF CADILLAC AND OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE.

IT IS SAID HE HAD BURN AT BUNCH OF TEAR RESEARCH AND FONTS HAD BEEN DOCUMENTED BEAD BOARD AND EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR IN MICHIGAN.

I SAW SOME OF THOSE LATE FORMS DURING GUN SEASON THERE WERE JUST BORN.

NOT MUCH CHANCE OF SURVIVAL.

>> NOT AT THAT POINT.

>> THE OTHER THING.

I GET A THANK YOU FOR COME AND COMING UP HERE.

YOU JUST ABOUT DIDN'T MAKE IT.

>> IT IS A LITTLE BIT OF A LATE START AND SOME UNEXPECTED ROADWORK.

WASN'T EXPECTING ROAD WORK SEASON TO BEGIN SO EARLY SO IF THERE'S ANYTHING THAT HAS TO DO WITH THIS WARM WEATHER MAY BE OF THE ONSET OF THE ROAD ROADWORK SEASON.

EARLY ROADWORK SEASON.

>> CHAD STEWART, THE DEER BIOLOGIST FOR THE STATE OF MICHIGAN.

THANKS FOR GETTING HERE.

I APPRECIATE THAT.

THE NEXT QUESTION.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE NEW STEELHEAD POSSESSION LIMITS ON CERTAIN RIVERS?

>> YEAH.

>> EXPLAIN THE LEGAL NATURE.

>> WE HAVE NEW -- SOME NEW -- PART OF MY VOICE, A LITTLE UNDER THE WEATHER SO WE WILL TRY TO FIGHT THROUGH IT.

WE HAVE NEW STEELHEAD REGULATIONS THIS SPRING.

THE GIST OF IT IS IT IS ALL IN THE GUIDE.

MAKE SURE YOU ARE LOOKING AT THE GUIDE.

MOST OF THE NEW STREAMS ARE IN LIKE THE NORTHWESTERN NORTHWESTERN AND WESTERN LOWER PENINSULA.

ALTHOUGH THERE ARE A FEW IN THE YOU PEE TOO SO MAKE SURE YOU ARE CHECKING BUT THE GIST OF IT IS THAT ALL THE REGULATIONS STILL APPLY SO IF IT IS A TYPE THREE STREAM OR A TYPE FOUR STREAM THOSE REGULATIONS TO APPLY.

THE ONLY CAVEAT IS NOW YOU ARE ONLY ALLOWED TO POSSESS ONE STEELHEAD THAT WOULD BE OVER 20 INCHES.

>> ONE OVER 20.

>> CORRECT.

>> YOU ARE PRAYING FOR ONE OF THOSE AND FOUR SMALL ONES.

THERE YOU GO.

>> THAT IS CORRECT.

>> JOEL JOE, OF COURSE.

MARK AND NOW JOE.

LIEUTENANT JOE FROM CADILLAC.

WALLEYE REGULATIONS AROUND SAGINAW BAY -- MAY BE YOU AND MARK AND WORK ON OF THAT ON THAT ONE.

SOME PEOPLE ARE CONFUSING CENTER STREET AND CENTER ROAD BRIDGES.

>> YEAH.

I TALK TO OUR BAY CITY FOLKS ABOUT THIS ONE.

IT IS THAT DOUGLAS SHANK BRIDGE.

WHAT I DID WAS I LOOKED ON GOOGLE MAPS ON MY COMPUTER.

IT COMES UP AS THAT DOUGLAS SHANK BRIDGE.

IF YOU FIND THAT BRIDGE THAT'S THE UPSTREAM LIMIT FOR THOSE REGULATIONS.

>> OKAY.

CHECK AGAIN, THE REGULATIONS.

>> YEAH.

>> WE WILL GET ONE HERE.

THE TURKEY LICENSE OPTIONS PICK AND YOU KNOW THOSE AT ALL, JOE?

>> THIS TIME OF YEAR FOLKS ARE TRYING TO GAUGE WHAT SEASONS THEY WANT.

ONE OF THE MORE COMMON QUESTIONS IS IF THEY DID PUT IN AN APPLICATION FOR A TURKEY LICENSE, MAY BE FOR A SPECIFIC CONTENT PICK WHAT DO THEY HAVE TO BUY THAT LICENSE?

SOME PEOPLE WILL FLIP-FLOP BACK AND FORTH OF WHETHER THEY WANT TO BUY THEIR LICENSE OR MAYBE WAIT AND PURCHASE THAT 234.

ULTIMATELY YOU CAN ONLY BUY ONE LICENSE SO ONCE YOU BUY YOUR LICENSE YOU CAN SWITCH TO ANOTHER SEASON AND ONLY ALLOWED ONE TURKEY FOR THE SEASON.

>> IF YOU'VE GOT THE FIRST SEASON IN AREA K LET'S SAY.

THE FIRST SEASON AREA K AND YOU WANT TO GO TO SOUTH CAROLINA TO SEE YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW OR SOMETHING AND YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT THE LICENSE ALREADY.

>> AS LONG AS YOU HAVEN'T BOUGHT THE LICENSE YOU CAN STILL CHOOSE TO BUY THAT TO 34 OR ANY OTHER LEFT OVER LICENSE.

>> NICE.

WHO WANTS TO HANDLE WHY THE COYOTE SEASON DATES CHANGE AND THEY WERE CHANGED FULLY BUT SOMETIMES -- EXPLAIN THAT TO US, WILL YOU?

WHAT THE COMMISSION DID.

>> ULTIMATELY THE COMMISSION CHOSE TO SHUT DOWN COYOTE HUNTING SEASON DURING THE POINT WHERE THE COYOTES WERE HAVING THEIR PUPS AND THE PUPS WERE RELIANT ON THE MOTHERS, THE ADULTS.

THEY CHOSE TO CLOSE THAT DOWN.

OUTSIDE OF THAT I DON'T HAVE TOO MUCH MORE.

PEOPLE STILL -- >> WHEN DOES IT CLOSE?

>> STARTS APRIL 15th IT CLOSES THROUGH JULY 15th.

THE DATES IT WILL BE CLOSE.

>> LIKE THE OLD DOG TRAINING.

>> I THINK IT GOES BACK TO WHAT THE OLD COYOTE SEASON WAS BEFORE 2016 I THINK IT WAS.

THE REASON THAT THE DEPARTMENT BUT THAT BEFORE THE NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION AS THE BIOLOGIST WORKS WITH A GROUP OF STAKEHOLDERS CALL THE FOR A BEAR TAKE A GROUP.

THAT RECOMMENDATION GENERATED OUT OF THAT GROUP.

A MAJORITY OF THOSE GROUPS RECOMMENDED TO THE DEPARTMENT FOR THIS CLOSURE.

THAT APARTMENT IN GOOD FAITH WORKING WITH THOSE GROUPS BROUGHT IT FORWARD TO THE NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION.

>> OKAY BUT IF THE COYOTE IS ABOUT READY TO DO DAMAGE OR AFTER YOUR DOG OR WHATEVER DON'T HOLD YOUR FIRE.

>> WE STILL HAVE OUR NUISANCE WILDLIFE LAWS THAT IF A COYOTE IS ACTIVELY ATTACKING LIVESTOCK OR IN PROXIMITY TO ATTACK LIVESTOCK.

YOU CAN STILL AS A FARMER TAKE THAT SHOULD THAT COYOTE AND HARVEST THAT COYOTE SO THAT WAY YOU ARE PROTECTING YOUR LIVESTOCK.

IT'S GOT TO BE DOING DAMAGE OR IN PROXIMITY TO DOING DAMAGE.

CAN BE WALKING ACROSS THE BACK 40 AND NO FEAR OF TAKING OUT YOUR LIVESTOCK.

IT HAS TO BE IN PROXIMITY TO IT.

>> THE COMMISSION DECIDED TO DO THAT.

MARK, CAN WE GET BACK TO THE WALLEYE?

A CERTAIN STEELHEAD EGG TAKE IT.

>> STEELHEAD EGG TAKE HAS NOT STARTED YET.

THE PONDS ARE PUMPED UP WE DO HAVE FISH OF THE PONDS.

THEY ARE NOT RIPE YET.

WE ARE HOPING TO START STEELHEAD EGG TAKE LOOKING AT THE FORECAST NEXT WEEK.

I THINK LATE NEXT WEEK WE MIGHT START.

WE HAVE NOT STARTED STEELHEAD YET.

>> THE GREAT NEWS IS -- ALL WALLEYE EGGS.

>> WALLEYE EGG TAKE ON THE MUSKEGON RIVER FINISHED UP THIS MORNING.

FEELS GOOD TO HAVE THAT DOWN AND ALL THOSE WALLEYE EGGS INCUBATING IN HATCHERIES.

>> PEOPLE NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE WALLEYE THAT ARE PLANTED IN THE LOWER PENINSULA COME FROM THAT MUSKEGON RIGGER.

>> IT'S NEAR NEW WACO.

YEAH.

I WILL SAY FOR PEOPLE LOOKING FOR STEELHEAD LAST WEEK WE DID NOT SEE A LOT OF STEELHEAD AND EARLIER THIS WEEK ON TUESDAY WE DIDN'T SEE MANY EITHER BUT TODAY WE STARTED TO SEE MORE STEELHEAD IN THAT REEF.

>> THINK THE RAIN HAS SOMETHING TO DO?

>> I THINK THAT CAR YEP.

>> THAT'S COOL.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN -- CHAD GIVE US IDEAS.

PEOPLE ARE GOING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT BEARS CAUSING DAMAGE.

THEY DO EVERY TIME.

YOU TELL THEM TO TAKE BIRDFEEDERS DOWN AND THEY LOOK AT YOU LIKE YOU'VE GOT THREE HEADS BUT YOU'VE REALLY GOT TO DO THAT IF YOU KNOW WHAT BEER IS AROUND.

>> THE BEARS IF THEY ARE NOT OUT OF THEIR DENS NOW THEY ARE ON THEIR WAY OUT.

THE FIRST THING THEY ARE FOCUS ON IS FOOD.

THEY HAVE NOT HAD A REALLY GOOD MEAL IN A WHILE SO THEY ARE REALLY FOCUS ON GETTING FOOD.

IF YOU ARE FEEDING BIRDS TRY TO MAKE THOSE BIRDFEEDERS BIRDFEEDERS INACCESSIBLE TO BEARS OR BETTER YET MAYBE EVEN BRING THEM IN FOR A LITTLE BIT.

MAKE SURE THE GARBAGE THAT YOU PUT OUT IS IN A BEAR PROOF CONTAINER OR AT LEAST INACCESSIBLE TO THEM.

GRILLS ARE A BIG ONE TOO.

MAKE SURE YOUR GRILLS ARE CLEAN.

>> AHEAD A NEIGHBOR THAT TWO PIECES OF CHICKEN DROPPED OUT IN HIS GRILL AND THAT NIGHT HIS GRILL WENT FLYING EVERYWHERE.

THE BEARS A SMELL THAT.

>> GRILLS ARE EXPENSIVE TO REPLACE.

KEEP YOUR GRILLS AND SMOKERS CLEAN.

IF YOU HAVE OUTDOOR PADS MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT LEAVING FOOD OUT LONG-TERM.

THE OTHER THING IF YOU HAVE A BEEHIVE.

TRY TO GET SOME TYPE OF ELECTRICAL TAPE OR SOMETHING AROUND THAT TO PROTECT THOSE BEEHIVES BECAUSE THEY WILL ABSENTLY GO AFTER BEEHIVES AS WELL.

>> BEARS LIKE HONEY.

>> BEARS LIKE HONEY.

>> NOT JUST PORRIDGE.

THAT'S GREAT ADVICE.

ALSO I WOULD LIKE TO POINT OUT ALL OF THESE QUESTIONS HAVE BEEN CALLED IN TO TNR DNR OFFICES ALREADY.

SHARED, HOW ABOUT -- WE WILL TAKE SOME MORE OF SOME OF THE CALLS THAT CAME IN THAT WEREN'T WRITTEN DOWN.

WILL ZONE THREE EVER GO BACK TO A MUZZLE ORDER ALL WEEK WE.

>> MAY BE.

I DON'T KNOW YET IS I GUESS THE BEST WAY TO SAY THAT.

I WILL SAY THE DATA WE LOOKED AT IT HAS REALLY SHOWED NO REAL INCREASE IN PARTICIPATION.

NO REAL CHANGE AND HARVEST.

IT'S REALLY A MATTER OF PREFERENCE.

WE'VE GOT A QUESTION ON OUR DEER HUNTERS SURVEY RIGHT NOW ASKING ABOUT WHAT HUNTERS LIKE WITH THAT REGULATION CHANGE NOW THAT IT'S IN PLACE SEVERAL YEARS.

I HAVEN'T SEEN THE RESULTS COME THREE UP BUT FROM A BIOLOGICAL IMPACT STANDPOINT DOESN'T SEEM TO BE MOVING THE NEEDLE EITHER DIRECTION, HARM OR GOOD SO I THINK IT'S GOING TO AMOUNT TO WHAT YOU HUNTERS WANT.

>> OKAY.

THIS IS THE ELEPHANT OR THE WOLF IN THE ROOM.

FROM LEROY MICHIGAN PICK HIM.

HOW DID THE WOLF THAT WAS SHOT IN CALHOUN COUNTY GET THERE?

THAT IS THE $64 MILLION QUESTION.

>> I DON'T THINK ANYBODY KNOWS.

IF EVERYBODY HAS A CONFIRMED WOLF KILLED BY A COYOTE HUNTER IN CALHOUN COUNTY.

AS FAR AS I'M AWARE THAT'S UNDER INVESTIGATION TRYING TO UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON BUT THE DNA TEST THAT DID GO OUT, THAT GENETICALLY TESTED CONFIRMED TO BE A WOLF.

>> IT IS A WOLF.

>> IT IS A WOLF.

>> MUST HAVE WANDERED OVER FROM WISCONSIN.

>> NOBODY KNOWS WHERE IT CAME FROM JUST YET.

>> WILL BE INTERESTING.

>> WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE HOW THAT EVOLVES.

>> OKAY.

INTERESTING QUESTION FOR ALL THREE OF YOU.

DIDN'T SAY WHERE THE QUESTION CONFERENCE ROOM BUT WHAT DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE DNR HAS THE MOST PROMISING FUTURE IN TERMS OF EMPLOYING INCOMING STUDENTS FROM COLLEGES OR OTHER SCHOOLS?

PARKS, WOULDN'T YOU SAY?

>> PARKS IS BY FAR ONE OF OUR LARGEST DIVISIONS WITH A NUMBER OF STATE PARKS WE HAVE ALL THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

THEY.

THEY ARE ONE OF OUR LARGEST DIVISIONS.

LOTS OF PEOPLE GET THEIR START IN PARKS.

I STARTED IN PARKS AT WILLIAM MITCHELL STATE PARK FOR FOUR SUMMERS GOING TO COLLEGE.

ONCE I BECAME OLD ENOUGH I APPLIED TO GET INTO LAW ENFORCEMENT.

PARKS DIVISION IS A GREAT STEPPING STOOL FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO GET INTO THE DEPARTMENT.

GREAT WAY TO GET YOURSELF SOME EXPERIENCE WITH THE DEPARTMENT BUT THAT'S ONE OF THE LARGER ONES.

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?

IF YOUR PASSION IS FISHERIES SET YOUR GOALS ON FISHERIES.

IF IT'S WILDLIFE BIOLOGY SET THEM FOR WILDLIFE BIOLOGY.

IF YOU LOVE TREES AND HAVE INTEREST OUR FORESTRY DIVISION ALSO HAS GREAT ASPECTS AS WELL.

THROW THROUGH A PLUG-IN RIGHT NOW.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION ARE CURRENTLY STARTING A HIRING PROCESS.

THIS LAST WEEK -- FOR MORE CEOS.

THOSE ARE INTERESTED IN BECOMING CONSERVATION OFFICERS GET ONLINE AND LOOK AT THE HIRING PROCESS AND SEE ABOUT AN APPLICATION.

ALL OF OUR DIVISIONS HIGHER EVERY YEAR.

>> IF YOU CAN'T GET INTO FISHERIES OR WILDLIFE OR LAW LIKE YOU MIGHT WANT TO, MIGHT NOT BE BETTER TO START IN PARKS AND SEE HOW IT DEVELOPS PICK AT LEAST YOU GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR.

>> LOTS OF OFFICERS WERE FULL-TIME PARK RANGERS FOUR YEARS.

I'VE GOT THREE OR FOUR WITHIN MY DISTRICT ALONE THAT STARTED OUT AS PARK RANGERS.

>> I WILL SAY THAT IN FISHERIES WE HAVE LESS THAN HALF THE EMPLOYEES NOW THAT WE DID WHEN I STARTED 25 YEARS AGO.

>> YEAH.

>> THAT MIGHT BE WHAT THEY ARE GETTING THAT.

THERE ARE FEWER JOBS BUT THERE ARE NINE AND SHOW IS RIGHT WE HIGHER EVERY YEAR.

>> EVERY YEAR.

>> I WOULDN'T TRY TO DISCOURAGE YOU.

>> WHERE DID YOU START, CHAD?

>> I STARTED IN WILDLIFE DIVISION AND STARTED IN GAME BUT CAME FROM ANOTHER STATE TOO.

I'VE KIND OF GONE THROUGH A DIFFERENT PATH WITH A WORKING FROM VARIOUS NONPROFITS IN FEDERAL GROUPS AS WELL.

THE ONLY THING I WOULD ADD IS IT'S EASY TO THINK OF THE DNR'S WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES AND FOURTH STREET AND CONSERVATION OFFICERS BUT KEEP IN MIND WE ALSO HAVE ACCOUNTANTS.

SECRETARIES.

WE HAVE A LOT OF DIVERSE INDIVIDUALS WITH BACKGROUNDS THAT ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL GOAL.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE OR YOUR EXPERTISE SAYS THERE IS PROBABLY A ROLE FOR THAT SUMMER IN OUR AGENCY.

>> EXACTLY.

IT IS A COOL AGENCY IF YOU ARE A SERVER YOU CAN WORK FOR DNR.

ALL KINDS OF COOL STUFF YOU CAN DO.

A CHANGING GUN LAWS, JOE.

I KNOW THIS IS NOT -- FOLKS FROM CLAIRE WOULD CLEAR WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT DO YOU DO.

I THINK I KNOW.

WHAT YOU DO IF SOMEBODY PASSES?

HOW CAN THEY LEAVE A GUN?

CERTAINLY THE WAY IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME IS YOU GO TO THE SHERIFF SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OR WHATEVER.

>> IF SOMEONE PASSES AWAY AND IN THEIR WILL THEY LEAVE HANDGUNS TO SOMEONE ELSE YOU NEED TO TAKE THOSE INTO THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT AND THEY WILL WORK TO GET THOSE TRANSFERRED.

>> OR CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IF YOU LIVE IN THE CITY TOO.

CAN WE TRANSPORT -- THIS ONE IS FROM SHAR LAVOIE.

CHARLEVOIX.

SURPRISE.

CAN WE TRANSPORT DEER TO BE VIOLENT?

I NEVER HEARD ANYBODY -- >> WE ARE NOT GOING TO AUTHORIZE ANY MOVEMENT OF DEER ACROSS THE STATE.

WHEN YOU MOVE IT TO YOUR YOU ARE MOVING THE ENTIRE BIOLOGICAL PACKAGE THAT IS THE DEER AND GRANTED MOST OF OUR DEER ARE FIT AND HEALTHY.

IF YOU HAPPEN TO MOVE A DEER THAT HAS SOMETHING LIKE TUBERCULOSIS OR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE YOU ARE ALSO MOVING THAT INFECTIOUS DISEASE WITH IT.

WE HAVE A PRETTY STRONG STANCE AGAINST MOVING TEAR ANYWHERE.

IN ADDITION WHEN YOU DO MOVE DEAR OUT OF THEIR HOME RANGE TO A COMPLETELY NEW AREA THAT THE ART OF SURVIVAL ARE VERY SMART OF THE DEER LIVING A VERY LONG TIME.

US THE OTHER THING TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT THAT SORT OF ACTIVITY.

>> LIKE A SURVEY ON SALMON OR ANY UPDATE?

>> LAKE SURVEY ON SALMON?

I WONDER IF THEY ARE THINKING ABOUT WALLEYE.

WE ARE DOING -- I THINK HEATHER -- MY COUNTERPART OUT OF TREVOR CITY IS PLANNING ON DOING A NETTING SERVICE ON PLATT LAKE.

THE RESULTS OF THAT SURVEY WILL HELP US PLAN OUR PATH FORWARD, SPECIFICALLY FOR PLANT LAKE PLATT LAKE.

THAT SAID WE HAVE A COHOST SALMON HATCHERY ON THE PLATTE RIVER.

THE OPERATION IS NOT GOING TO STOP AND WE WILL CONTINUE TO STOCK AROUND 700,000 COHO AND THE PLATTE RIVER EVERY YEAR.

I WOULD FORESEE THAT CONTINUING IN THE FUTURE.

>> FROM LYONS CAR LITTLE TOWN DOWN ON THE FLAT RIVER.

>> THE GRAND OR MAYBE WHERE THEY COME TOGETHER.

>> VERY CLOSE OF THAT BUT THE GRAND.

HAULING FIREWOOD WITH OAK WILL IS OAK WILL IS OKAY WHO INSPECTS IT?

I THOUGHT IT WAS JUST BAND MOVING YEAR.

>> MUST OF THOSE ARE US DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURAL RULES OR REGULATIONS THAT WOULD PROHIBIT TRANSPORT OF FIREWOOD ACROSS DIFFERENT LOCATIONS SO YOU MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL USDA AGENCY TO COVER ANY OF THOSE RULES OR REGULATIONS.

ULTIMATELY WHETHER OR NOT THERE IS A RULE OR REGULATION AGAINST IT IS NEVER A GREAT IDEA TO MOVE WOOD FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER.

SUPPORT THE LOCAL BUSINESS WHEREVER YOU ARE GOING CAMPING.

BY LOCAL FIREWOOD SO THAT WAY YOU ARE NOT WORRYING ABOUT MOVING DISEASES FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER.

LIKE CHAIR TALKED CHAD TALKED ABOUT TRANSPORTING DEAR.

IF YOU MOVE WEATHER HAS OAK WILL OR EMERALD ASH BORE AND NUMEROUS DIFFERENT DISEASES IN TREES THERE IS NO REASON TO MOVE THERE AND POSSIBLY CAUSE THE SPREAD OR A NEW SPOT FOR THOSE DISEASES.

>> I WILL ALSO THROW IN A PLUG ALONG THE SAME LINES.

DON'T TAKE FISH FROM ONE LAKE AND STOCK THEM IN ANOTHER.

WHEN WE DO THAT WE DO A FULL PATHOGEN EVALUATION BEFORE WE ARE ALLOWED TO DO THAT.

IT'S ILLEGAL.

>> I CAN REMEMBER A GREAT TROUT LAKE THAT WAS RUINED BECAUSE PEOPLE THOUGHT IT NEEDED PIKE AND IT AND NOW YOU CAN FIND TROUT.

>> MANY TROUT LAKES ARE PROVEN RUINED THAT WAY.

>> EVERYBODY KNOWS BETTER.

CAN DEAR SPREAD TB WHEN USING FOOD PLOT?

I SUPPOSE AS POSSIBLE BUT NOT NEARLY AS MUCH IS BAITING.

>> YOU AS BAITING.

>> YOU ARE REALLY TALKING ABOUT -- TB IS A RESPIRATORY DISEASE AT ITS CORE.

THERE CAN BE PASSAGE THROUGH SALIVA.

WHAT HAPPENS MORE LIKELY IS WHEN YOU HAVE A CONCENTRATED FOOD SOURCE WHERE YOU HAVE MALTHUS WITHIN VERY CLOSE PROXIMITY THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS MUCH MORE LIKELY IN THAT SCENARIO.

THAT'S WHY WE REALLY WORK CLOSELY WITH USTA AND FARMERS IN THAT AREA TO PROTECT FOOD SOURCES FOR CATTLE AND KEEP TEAR OUT OF THOSE AREAS BECAUSE IF YOU HAVE A CONCENTRATED AREA WHERE DEAR CONTINUALLY SHARE FOOD IN CLOSE PROXIMITY THE LIKELIHOOD OF SPREADER TRANSMISSION IS GREATLY INCREASED.

NOT AS MUCH IN FOOD PLOT.

CAN'T SAY IT DOESN'T EXIST BUT MUCH HIGHER WHEN THEY ARE FEEDING CLOSER TOGETHER.

>> 42,000 SQUARE FEET FOR 1 ACRE?

IT IS A LOT LESS LIKELY THAN DUMPING -- >> SURE.

>> ANYWAY.

MARK IN EMMET COUNTY CAR WHILE DOING LIKE PLANTING RAINBOW TROUT?

>> AS FAR AS WE KNOW WE ARE NOT PLANTING RAINBOW TROUT IN WILD AND LAKE.

WE DID YEARS AGO AND I DON'T THINK THAT WAS REAL SUCCESSFUL.

THERE'S A LOT OF WALLEYE.

IT'S A VERY GOOD WALLEYE LAKE AND I THINK THEY TEND TO EITHER TROUT.

I THINK THAT'S MORE OF A WALLEYE.

>> THAT'S FISH FOOD IS IN IT.

>> EXACTLY.

EXPENSIVE TO RAISE THOSE TRAPPED SO WE DON'T WANT THEM GOING TO FEED WALLEYE.

>> YEAH.

LET'S GO BACK TO YOU, CHAD.

WHEN YOU REGISTER YOUR DEAR THEY WANT TO KNOW IF WHY.

WHY ARE SO MANY BROKEN POINTS.

>> THAT'S A GOOD QUESTION.

A REALLY GOOD QUESTION.

TRYING TO THINK ABOUT A WAY TO SAY SAVE US THE SINGLY.

WHEN WE ASK HOW MANY POINTS ARE ON THEIR WE USE A LOT OF THOSE DIFFERENT NUMBERS TO GENERATE -- WHERE THE AGE LIKELY IS ON THE ANIMAL.

IF SOMEONE HAS WHAT WOULD NORMALLY BE A FOUR-POINT RACK ON ONE SIDE BUT BROKEN OFF AND ONLY LIKE TWO COUNTABLE POINTS IT WON'T DETECT THAT LOOKING AT JUST THE NUMBER.

LOOKS LIKE A TWO-POINT OR A MUCH SMALLER DEAR.

THAT'S HELPFUL FOR ANTLER POINT RESTRICTION DEVELOPMENT INTERIM OF THRESHOLDS.

WHEN YOU HAVE A BROKEN POINT WE KNOW AUTOMATICALLY THERE WOULD BE MORE POINTS IF THAT WASN'T BROKEN AND WE CAN REMOVE THEM FROM ANY TYPE OF POTENTIAL ANALYSIS OR CONSIDERATION WHEN WE DEVELOP THOSE EVER EVOLVING THRESHOLDS.

HOPEFULLY THAT MAKES SENSE.

>> I GET IT.

MORE INFORMATION THE BETTER OFF YOU ARE.

>> IT HELPS US TEASE OUT WHAT IT WOULD BE COMPARED TO WHAT IT IS BECAUSE WE WANT TO BASE REGULATIONS ON WHAT THEY ARE RATHER THAN AN ACTIVE NATURE WHAT IS BROKEN.

>> OKAY.

FOLKS ABOUT -- WE ARE NOT THAT FAR.

THEY WANT TO KNOW IF THE NRC WILL OPEN WALLEYE SEASON YEAR-ROUND FOR SENIOR CITIZENS.

>> I WAS SUSPECT NOT.

I HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING OF THAT NATURE.

>> OKAY.

CHOKE OUT WE NEED TO ASK YOU THIS.

THIS IS A SERIOUS LAW QUESTION.

STANDING VEHICLE HUNTING PERMIT, THE CALLER HAS ONE.

CAN HE HUNT TURKEYS FROM HIS VEHICLE?

>> THE HEIGHT FROM STANDING FOR ME A CALL PERMIT ALLOWS YOU TO HUNT ANY GAME FOR ME STANDING MOTOR VEHICLE.

IT HAS TO BE PART.

NOT MOVING AND QUICKLY THROWN INTO PART BECAUSE YOU SEE THAT TURKEY OR THAT DEAR BUT YOU ARE ABLE TO DRIVE OUT TO YOUR LOCATION, PUT IT IN PARK AND LOAD UP YOUR FIREARM AND HIDE FROM IT.

THAT IS DEER, TURKEY, WHATEVER YOU MIGHT BE HUNTING.

>> ANY PROGRAMS OR ASSISTANCE WITH MOVING NUISANCE LIKE RACCOONS OR POSSUMS?

THERE IS NO REAL -- >> I THINK THE BEST THING TO DO , A LOT OF TIMES WHERE WE DIRECT FOCUSES CONTACT A LOCAL NUISANCE CONTROL OPERATOR IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY TYPE OF ISSUES.

>> THE ONE THING IS BASICALLY OPENED UP ALL THE STOVE BURNERS TO GIVE YOU EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO HARVEST THEM YOURSELVES TOO.

>> THOUGH NUISANCE ANIMAL LAWS THAT SHOW REFERENCE EARLIER HAVE BEEN -- THERE'S A LOT OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS TO PROTECT THEIR PRIVATE ENTERPRISE OR PRIVATE PROPERTY FROM ANY TYPE OF DAMAGE.

>> INTERESTING QUESTION FROM HONOR.

I KNOW JUST THE MAN TO ANSWER IT TOO.

MARK.

HOW DO WE KEEP OUR TROUT WHERE WE STOCK THEM?

WHY DID THEY GO TO WISCONSIN?

>> HE'S PROBABLY TALKING ABOUT STEELHEAD IS MY GUESS.

ONCE THE STEELHEAD AND THE SALMON CAR ONCE THEY GET TO LAKE MICHIGAN THEY'VE GOT FINS AND THEY CAN SWIM AND WHAT THEY DO AS THEY FOLLOW THE FOOD AND SO A FRUSTRATING THING FOR MICHIGAN ANGLERS IS THAT WISCONSIN DURING THE SUMMER TYPICALLY CAR LIKE JULY A CAR A LOT OF TIMES WISCONSIN HAS ALL THE BAIT ON THEIR SIDE OF THE LAKE AND SO THE STEELHEAD AND THE SAM AND FOLLOW THEM INTO THAT CAN MAKE FOR SOME PRETTY POOR FISHING ON OUR SIDE OF THE LAKE.

UNFORTUNATELY THERE'S NOTHING WE CAN DO TO KEEP THE FISH HERE.

THE ONE FISH THAT TENDS TO BE MORE NOT QUITE AS MIGRATORY AS WOULD BE LAKE TROUT.

I KNOW FRANKFURT -- THERE IS PRETTY GOOD LAKE TROUT FISHING NOT TOO FAR FROM FRANK FORT AND THOSE FISH TEND TO SAY AND NOT RUN OVER TO WISCONSIN.

THIS SALMON AND STEELHEAD COME BACK BECAUSE THEY GET CLOSER TO RUNNING THE STREAMS.

IN THE SUMMER THEY GO TO WISCONSIN TO FIND FOOD SOMETIMES.

>> MARK IF YOU HAD PROVIDED SOME SORT OF ANSWER TO KEEP THEM ALL IN MICHIGAN I WOULD'VE PROBABLY FALLEN RIGHT OUT OF THIS THE SHEER.

>> NEED TO COME UP WITH SOMETHING BECAUSE I WANT TO SEE THAT!

>> THAT'S TRUE.

AT MY AGE AND SIZE OF IT WENT DOWN I WOULD BE A WRECK.

>> WE HELP YOU UP.

>> I'M SURE YOU WOULD!

JOE CAR BERT LEG.

FOLKS WANT TO KNOW WHY DO SNOWMOBILE LICENSES COST $50.

CAN THEY BE LESS?

>> ULTIMATELY OF THE TRAIL PERMIT IS $50.

THAT IS SET BY THE LEGISLATURE.

THAT IS STATUTORILY SET.

WE DON'T HAVE THE ABILITY TO INCREASE IT OR REDUCE IT.

WOULD TAKE IN ACTIVE LEGISLATION IN ORDER TO CHANGE THAT PRICE.

>> THERE'S AN INTERESTING FACET TO THAT TOO BECAUSE WHEN I WAS ON A COMMISSION AND WORKED FOR THE LEGISLATURE WE WERE DEALING WITH LICENSES AND PERMITS AND STUFF LIKE THAT.

MANY TIMES IT WOULD BE THE SNOWMOBILE COMMUNITY WHO WOULD COME IN AND LOBBY FOR MORE EXPENSIVE LICENSES SO THEY CAN GET MORE TRAILS TAKING CARE OF SO THEY CAN GET MORE ACCESS AND THAT SORT OF STUFF.

IT WASN'T GOVERNMENT TRYING TO GET HIS GREENY HANDS -- >> THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE MONEY FOR THE SNOWMOBILE TRAIL PERMIT GOES BACK TO THE CLUB'S GROOMING AND MAINTAINING TRAILS.

UNFORTUNATELY WE HAD A REALLY POOR SNOWFALL SO PEOPLE WEREN'T ABLE TO GET OUT AND RIDE EVEN IN THE UP THE TRAIL CONDITIONS WERE POOR.

IT IS FRUSTRATING BUT I CAN REMEMBER PLENTY OF YEARS EATING SOUP.

YOU BUY YOUR LICENSES AND YOUR TRAIL PERMITS OR WHATEVER THEY MIGHT BE AND UNFORTUNATELY YOU HAVE FAVORABLE CONDITIONS OR YOU DON'T.

>> ZACH PETER A FEW WEEKS AGO, WHO IS A CONSERVATION OFFICER.

A FEW WEEKS AGO REPORTED THAT HE HAD RIDDEN ONE SNOWMOBILE TICKE.

>> MARQUETTE JUST GOT 3 FEET OF SNOW SO MAYBE THERE'S OPPORTUNITY TO GET THOSE SLEDS OUT YET.

>> EXACTLY.

FROM LUDINGTON.

DOES DNR DO ANYTHING ABOUT TRESPASSERS [INAUDIBLE] >> ULTIMATELY WE HAVE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS THAT WE HAVE TO BE ABLE TO PROVE TO BE ABLE TO CHARGE PEOPLE.

THERE ARE SOME OPPORTUNITIES BUT THE BEST THING IF YOU ARE HAVING TRESPASSING PROBLEMS GET YOUR PROPERTY POSTED AND IF YOU HAVE SOMEBODY OUT ON THE PROPERTY CALL OR REPORT POACHING HOTLINE OR CALL CENTRAL DISPATCH AND WE WILL GET AN OFFICER WHETHER IT BE COUNTY TROOPER OR CONSERVATION OFFICER DISPATCH TO THAT TRESPASS SPOT.

>> FS FARMLAND IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE POSTED SPEAK OF THOSE DIFFERENT.

>> THOSE DIFFERENT NUANCES FOR RECREATIONAL TRESPASS OR SNOWMOBILE.

THEY HAVE DIFFERENT ASPECTS IN THEIR STATUTE.

THE BEST WAY TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ABLE TO PROSECUTE SOMEBODY TRESPASSING IS HAVE A POST.

>> MARK, MUCH LIKE CHAD HAS BEEN ABLE TO BE INVOLVED IN FOLKS FROM GRAND TRAVERSE WANT TO KNOW IF YOU COULD DO A REPORT TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF [INAUDIBLE] YOU HAVE TO HIRE.

>> ACTUALLY, THERE ARE REPORT YOUR OWN CATCH PROGRAMS THAT ARE IN EFFECT RIGHT NOW THROUGH MICHIGAN SEED GRANT.

THERE IS ONE THAT IS DESIGNED FOR THE GREAT LAKES.

IT IS CALLED THE SALMON AMBASSADORS PROGRAM.

THROUGH THAT IF YOU GO OUT SALMON FISHING ON LAKE MICHIGAN YOU CAN REPORT YOUR CATCH.

THE OTHER ONE IS STEELHEAD AMBASSADOR AGAIN THROUGH MICHIGAN SEA GRANT.

THOSE PROGRAMS ARE ALREADY IN PLACE.

THAT SAID WE STILL NEED -- THERE ARE CERTAIN TYPES OF DATA THAT THOSE PROGRAMS DON'T GET.

THOSE PROGRAMS CAR WHILE THEY MIGHT GET US SOME CATCH DATA, WHAT THEY DON'T GET AT IS HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE OUT THERE FISHING WHEREAS OUR CLERKS ARE ABLE TO DO COUNSELING GET THAT KIND OF DATA.

THE VOLUNTARY DATA IS HELPFUL.

>> FOLKS FROM WILLIAMSBURG A LITTLE CONFUSED AND ARE A LITTLE CONFUSED AND I UNDERSTAND WHY.

IS DNR GOING TO DEDICATE DEER FOR CW D?

THERE'S NO MEDICATION.

>> MAYBE THE CONFUSION IS THE DISEASE AND MAYBE THE PROJECT IN THE NEWS LATELY.

RIGHT NOW THERE IS NO KNOWN CURE FOR CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE, WHICH WE HAVE ABOUT 13 COUNTIES.

MOSTLY IN SOUTHWESTERN MICHIGAN BY RECENTLY IDENTIFIED IN MIDLAND.

WHAT THE EXPERIMENT WE ARE TRYING RIGHT NOW IS A VACCINE EFFORT FOR BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS IN THE NORTHEAST WHICH WE HAVE HAD 30 YEARS AT THIS POINT.

WE HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL AT GETTING THE INCIDENCE OF BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS FROM ABOUT 5 PERCENT TO ABOUT 2 PERCENT BUT WE PLATEAUED FOR QUITE A WHILE.

THE ULTIMATE GOAL FROM A STATEWIDE PERSPECTIVE IS ERADICATION.

PRESENTS A TREMENDOUS THREAT TO AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRIES, SPECIFICALLY CATTLE INDUSTRY.

WE CONTINUALLY WORK WITH PARTNERS IN THAT AREA, ESPECIALLY USDA.

RESEARCHERS TO TRY A NEW APPROACH.

WE'VE GOT RELATIONSHIPS WITH LOCAL LANDOWNERS THAT WE ARE TRYING THIS OUT IN.

IT IS A VACCINE -- I DON'T KNOW THE EXACT TERMINOLOGY BUT BCG I BELIEVE IT IS WHAT IT'S CALLED.

IT'S BEEN AROUND FOR OVER 100 YEARS.

VERY SAFE.

HOPEFULLY NO CONCERNS THERE BUT IT IS ANOTHER TOOL WE ARE TRYING TO FIGHT DISEASE MANAGEMENT FROM A BACTERIAL SIDE OF THINGS WITH BOVINE TUBERCULOSIS.

>> ALSO WITH CWD.

THE HUMAN VARIANT.

IT HAS -- A NUMBER OF STORIES ABOUT SOME CORE AREAS ARE SPRINGING UP WITH THAT.

IF YOU THINK CWD IS NO NEED TO TAKE IT SERIOUSLY, YOU ARE WRONG.

VERY, VERY WRONG.

CARIBOU LAKE NEAR DETOUR.

WHY IS THE TRIBE DOING ANY FISHING SURVEY AND NOT THE DNR?

YOU MAY NOT KNOW BUT TYPICALLY THAT WILL HAPPEN, RIGHT?

>> YEAH.

I THINK MOST OF THE TRIBES IN THE STATE ALL HAVE NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENTS THAT DO FISHERY SURVEYS.

IN MY AREA OF THE MOST PROMINENT TRIBE IS LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS AND THEY HAVE CREWS LIKE WE DO AND THEY DO FISHERY SURVEYS.

WE SHARE DATA WITH THEM.

WE WORK WITH THEM ON OCCASION.

THAT DOESN'T SURPRISE ME THAT WHATEVER -- WHETHER THE SOUP AND/OR BAY MILLS WILL BE DOING -- OR CARIBOU LAKE.

>> ANYTIME YOU GET SCIENTIFIC WORKED ON THE BETTER OFF WE ALL ARE.

>> AGREED.

>> YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS BUT WE ARE DOWN TO ABOUT TEN MINUTES.

THAT'S IT.

I CANNOT BELIEVE THE WAY THIS HAS FLOWN BY.

SAGINAW COUNTY.

SAGINAW COUNTY.

A COOL QUESTION.

A LARGE NINE-POINT BUCK A COUPLE YEARS AGO TOLD IT WAS 1.5 YEARS OLD.

HOW IN THE WORLD TO WILDLIFE TECH DETERMINED TECH DETERMINE THE AGE OF A IT YEAR?

IT IS SIMPLE AND COMPLEX.

20 MINUTES WE'VE GOT LEFT.

I'M SORRY.

>> DEFINITELY BELIEVABLE.

ESPECIALLY IN A PRODUCTIVE AREA LIKE SAGINAW COUNTY TO HAVE A YEARLING THAT GETS YOU NINE POINTS.

BUT THE WAY YOU AJAY DEAR IS THROUGH WHAT IS CALLED TOOTH WEAR AND REPLACEMENT.

IF THIS ANIMAL WAS IN FACT AGED BY SOMEONE WHO KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING TYPICALLY THEY ARE LOOKING IN THE JAR, SPECIFICALLY THE CHEEK TEETH AND YOU GOT A GET WAY BACK IN THERE.

A LOT OF TIMES WE HAVE TO CUT THAT CHEAT CHEEK TO GET -- OBVIOUSLY A SHOULDER ABOUT.

WE DON'T DO THAT.

REALLY WHAT YOU'RE STARTING TO LOOK AT FIRST OFF IS THE NUMBER OF TEETH AND IF THERE IS LESS THAN SIX IT'S GOING TO BE A FOREIGN.

EVERYBODY CAN IDENTIFY A FAWN ANYWAY.

A YEARLING FROM AN OLDER TO HEAR YOU ARE LOOKING AT WHAT IS CALLED THAT FIRST -- THAT LAST PREMOLAR.

THAT THIRD TOOTH.

IT WILL HAVE EITHER THREE RIDGES, WHICH IS BASICALLY WHAT THEY CALL THE MILK TOOTH OR BABY TOOTH AND TICKETS REPLACE INTO A TWO,.

>> TH.

THAT'S ONE OF THE TELLTALE SIGNS IF YOU HAVE A THREE CUSP TOOTH ON THAT THIRD TOOTH IT'S GOING TO BE A YEARLING BUT YOU CAN ALSO HAVE AN EXPERIENCE WHERE EITHER THE TOOTH IS JUST COMING THROUGH OR IT HAS COME THROUGH ALL THE WAY BUT HASN'T DEVELOPED THE STAINING YET SO IT'S PEARLY WHITE.. YOU SEE STAINING ON THE OTHER SIZE.

THAT'S TYPICALLY HOW YOU TELL YEARLING'S FROM AN OLDER DEER AND AFTER THAT STARTING TO LOOK AT THE WEAR ON THOSE BACK TEETH.

THOSE BACK TEETH ARE VERY SHARP AND THEY START TO SLOWLY GO DOWN OVER TIME AND IT STARTS -- THE DENTYNE WHICH IS THE BROWN STRIP ACTUALLY STARTS TO EXPAND SO THEY ARE TEETH LOOK MORE BROWN THE OLDER THEY GET BECAUSE OF THE ENAMEL IS WEARING AWAY FASTER.

>> I THINK THAT'S HAPPENING WITH ME RIGHT NOW.

IT IS.

ALL BASED ON SCIENCE AND TEETH AND DEVELOPMENT.

YEAH.

THAT'S WHAT IT IS HARD TO TELL.

THE OLDER IDEA GETS IT'S HARD TO TELL EXACTLY.

>> A LOT MORE UNCERTAINTY AS THEY GET OLDER BECAUSE IT BECOMES MORE SUBJECTIVE.

YOU WILL NEVER MISTAKE A NINE -YEAR-OLD DEAR FOR A TWO -YEAR-OLD DEAR BUT THE ABILITY TO TAKE A NINE -YEAR-OLD DEAR TO A SEVEN -YEAR-OLD DEAR CAN BE COMPLETELY SUBJECTIVE.

>> CALL.

IT IS COMPLETELY POSSIBLE.

CAN YOU CUT A RIGHT-OF-WAY IN RIVER SO BOATS CAN RIVER SO BOATS CAN PASS?

>> IF YOU ARE YOUR NAVIGABLE STREAMS YOU ARE ABLE TO IN SOME INSTANCES -- THERE IS NUANCE SO IF YOU ARE GOING TO LOOK TO DO SOME CUTTING.

REACH OUT TO YOUR LOCAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTER AND ASK TO SPEAK WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT DIVISION.

YOU ARE ABLE TO OPEN UP A STREAM FOR NAVIGATION.

YOU CAN'T CUT BIG TREES LOOSE OR TRESPASS ONTO THE PERSON'S PROPERTY AND CUT ROOT BALLS AND THAT KIND OF STUFF BUT NAVIGABLE STREAMS YOU ARE ABLE TO DO CERTAIN AMOUNTS TO MAINTAIN NAVIGATION.

>> AS FISH BIOLOGIST HAS TO PIPE IN HERE.

>> YES.

>> WHAT IS FISH HABITAT.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND TO FOLKS IS CUT AS NARROW A PATH AS YOU NEED TO GET THROUGH.

IF IT IS A STREAM THAT IS USUALLY HAS CANOES AND KAYAKS YOU SHOULDN'T NEED A REALLY WIDE GAP TO GET THROUGH AND SO LEAVE AS MUCH OF THAT WORD IN PLACE AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE THAT IS FISH HABITAT FOR GROWING THE BIGGER FISH THAT WE ALL LIKE TO CATCH.

>> ALL THE SURVEY INFO SAYS THAT WORD IS -- EVERYBODY THINKS GRAVEL IS GOOD BUT WOULD IS THE BEST.

>> ESPECIALLY IF YOU WANT TO GROW UP BIG TROUT AND BIG SMALLMOUTH BASS YOU WANT WORD.

>> I GIVE YOU A LOT OF CREDIT.

YOU'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THIS.

IF YOU KNEW HOW HARD IT WAS FOR HIM TO GET WORDS OUT RIGHT NOW.

I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.

HE'S WEEDKILLER EVER EVERY USE OF PUBLIC LAKES?

IT IS, ISN'T IT?

>> I COULD TALK ON THIS ABOUT TEN MINUTES BUT I WON'T.

>> I HEARD YOUR TEN MINUTES.

>> HALF-HOUR.

>> IN MICHIGAN WE HAVE A PRIVATIZED SYSTEM WHERE IF YOU ARE ON A LAKE ASSOCIATION OR THERE IS A LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD IT IS TYPICALLY THOSE FOLKS THAT HIRE A PRIVATE COMPANY TO COME IN AND DO CHEMICAL WEED TREATMENTS AND NUISANCE PLANTS IN LAKES.

WE PROVIDE COMMENTS ON THAT AND WE WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS.

>> YOU ARE NOT PERMITTING AGENCIES.

>> WE ARE NOT.

THAT IS EAGLE OUR SISTER AGENCY THAT DOES THAT.

WE OBVIOUSLY WANT TO HELP BALANCE IN LAKES.

IF YOU LIKE SPECIES LIKE BLUEGILL, LARGEMOUTH BASS, WALLEYE YOU NEED HEALTHY AQUATIC PLANT POPULATIONS IN YOUR LAKE.

WHAT WE DON'T LIKE TO SEE IS WHERE PEOPLE TRY TO NUKE THE LAKE AND KILL EVERY PLANT IN THE LAKE.

WE ABSOLUTELY TRY TO AVOID THAT AND WE RECOMMEND AVOIDING THAT BUT WE UNDERSTAND THAT SOMETIMES SPECIES CAN REALLY BE A PROBLEM AND PREVENT FISHING, SWIMMING, BOATING.

WHEN THAT HAPPENS THEN ABSOLUTELY BY ALL MEANS CHEMICALS ARE THE RIGHT WAY TO GO TO MAKE THAT LAKE SO WE CAN USE IT.

>> THAT WAS ONLY 2.5 MINUTES.

YOU DID A GREAT JOB.

ALSO SOME OTHER FOLKS WANTED TO KNOW THAT SAME QUESTION.

FROM ALPENA ARE THEY STILL DOING DEAR DEER CALLS IN THE TB AREA?

>> THEY HAVE HAPPEN ALMOST EVERY YEAR UP THERE.

I DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE ACTIVELY HAPPENING RIGHT NOW.

AGAIN IT IS HELD ON PRIVATE LAND.

PART OF OUR AGREEMENT WITH USDA THAT WE ARE TRYING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL SPREAD RIGHT ALONG THAT LIVESTOCK DEAR INTERFACE SO IT'S NOT WIDESPREAD.

VERY LOCALIZED.

WE TYPICALLY HAVE THAT EVERY YEAR.

YES.

>> NOT THE DNR CALLING THEM IT IS LAND OWNERS A GREEN.

>> ABSOLUTELY ALWAYS DONE 100 PERCENT WITH LANDOWNER PERMISSION.

CORRECT.

>> OKAY.

WILL DNR LOWER THE COSTS OF LICENSES TO COST OF LICENSES TO ERADICATE CWD?

DNR DOESN'T HAVE MUCH FLEXIBILITY.

>> THERE'S A COUPLE THINGS.

WE DON'T HAVE ANY EVIDENCE THAT WE CAN ERADICATE CWD IS THE FIRST PART.

WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE REDUCING LICENSE COSTS OR NOT.

WE HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH WHAT WE CALL THE DISEASE CONTROL PERMIT AND ACTUALLY HAVE ISSUED THOSE FOR FREE IN OUR CWD COUNTIES AND WHAT WE HAVE FOUND OUT WAS THERE PEOPLE GRAB ON TO THOSE AS YOU WOULD EXPECT VERY READILY BUT THEN THEY DID NOT BY THEIR ANIMAL LICENSE AND WOUND UP SHOOTING ABOUT AS MANY DEAR IS AS THEY WOULD EITHER WAY SO BASICALLY LIKE GIVING A FREE PERMIT AND THEN YOU DON'T HAVE TO PURCHASE YOUR LICENSE.

WE DID NOT EVEN SEE AN IMPACT AND HUNTER BEHAVIOR OR HUNTER CHANGE BY GIVING OUT A FREE PERMIT IN OUR CWD AREAS.

THE LARGER PICTURE WITH LICENSES LONG-TERM.

I DO THINK IT PROBABLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED AT FROM A MANAGEMENT STANDPOINT BUT FROM A DISEASE MANAGEMENT STANDPOINT WE ARE NOT GOING TO ERADICATE CWD AND WE HAVE NOT REALLY SEEN A LOT OF EVIDENCE THAT REDUCE COST LICENSES ARE GOING TO ALLOW PEOPLE OR INCENTIVIZE PEOPLE TO SHOOT MORE DEAR.

WE HAVEN'T SEEN IT.

>> I CAN'T BELIEVE THE QUESTIONS ARE JUST POURING IN.

THIS IS GREAT.

ALONG LAKE GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY.

MARK.

CAN PEOPLE USE NETS TO CATCH FISH AT NIGHT?

>> NO.

>> YOU BETTER BE NETTING A FISH.

>> YOU CAN USE A HAND NET TO HELP LAND A LAWFULLY HOOKED FISH BUT NO YOU CANNOT BE SETTING KILLED THAT'S OUR TRAP NETS.

WE DO THAT ON OCCASION FOR SURVEY SURVEYING A LAKE BUT THE GENERAL PUBLIC -- >> THOSE FISH ARE RETURNED TO THE LAKE.

>> RIGHT.

>> NATIONAL CITY.

PRISON THAT WEATHER CHICKEN PLACES?

I'VE NEVER BEEN THERE BUT I ALWAYS WANTED TO GO.

ANYWAY.

WHERE DOES THE MONEY FROM WILDLIFE VIOLATION FINES GO, JOE?

STATE OR COUNTY?

>> THE VAST MAJORITY OF A FINE GOES RIGHT BACK -- RIGHT INTO THE COUNTY.

WITH FISH AND GAME VIOLATIONS THERE'S WHAT'S CALLED A CONSERVATION FEE SO THERE'S $10 ASSESSED TO ALL OF THOSE AND IT GOES BACK INTO THE FISH FISHING GAME PROTECTION FUND.

THOSE REIMBURSEMENT ON POST GAME SO IF SOME SOMEBODY LEGALLY HARVEST SAY FISH OR ILLEGALLY HARVEST YEAR THERE IS REIMBURSEMENT.

FISH IT IS $10 A POUND AND DEER, TURKEY IS ALL BASED IN STATUTE.

THOSE MONIES GO BACK TO THE FISH FISHING GAME PROTECTION FUND AND WE UTILIZE SOME OF THOSE FUNDS TO HELP FUND REPORT POACHING PROGRAM.

>> DISTRICT COURTS GET COSTS.

>> THE COUNTIES -- SAY A TICKET IS $100 AND IT WAS FOR FISHING GAME VIOLATION.

THE DEPARTMENT MAY SEE $10 OF THAT BUT THAT $90, THE VAST MAJORITY OF THAT STAYS WITHIN THE COUNTY WHERE IT IS WRITTEN IN.

>> NOW WE DO HAVE TEN MINUTES TO GO SO WE ARE GOING TO GET INTO A LITTLE BIT OF A MARATHON HERE.

WHAT HAPPENS TO FISH AFTER SWALLOWING PLASTIC BAIT?

>> I THINK IN MOST INSTANCES THEY ARE ABLE TO PASS IT BUT WE CERTAINLY DO FIND A FISH -- I KNOW I HAVE CAUGHT THEM.

I'M GOING TO EAT THEM AND THEY HAVE PLASTIC BAIT IN THEIR GUT.

I THINK MOST OF THE TIME THAT IS NOT A FATAL CONDITION BUT CERTAINLY CAN BE.

WE SHOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO KEEP PLASTICS OUT OF THE WATER IF WE CAN.

>> CWD TIER.

INTERESTING QUESTION.

I'M NOT SURE WHY THEY MIGHT HAVE ASKED BUT WHY DOESN'T THE DNR OFFER A BOUNTY ON THEM?

>> FOR ONE YOU CAN'T TELL A CWD TIER.

>> UNLESS IT'S IN THE TEN STAGES.

>> EVEN THEN I'VE SEEN DEAR THAT HAVE DIFFERENT OTHER NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS LIKE ABSCESS.

BRAIN ABSCESS AND VERY MUCH MIMICS THE LATE STAGES OF CWD.

BOUNTIES GENERALLY ARE NOT REALLY SOMETHING WE ARE INTERESTED IN FROM A DEER MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE.

I THINK THE MAIN THING IS YOU WOULDN'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SHOOTING UNTIL YOU'VE GOT THE POSTMORTEM TEST BACK.

>> EXACTLY.

CAN THE RIVER IMPROVE STEELHEAD FISHING?

>> CERTAINLY COULD.

AT THE MOMENT WE ARE NOT PASSING STEELHEAD ON THE BOARD MEN AND THAT WAS AN AGREEMENT WITH THE FISH PASS PROJECT AS THEY ARE WORKING AND BUILDING THAT NEW FACILITY BUT ONCE IT SAID WE WILL HAVE THE ABILITY TO PASS A STEELHEAD AND WE ABSOLUTELY SHOULD.

A FEW YEARS AGO IF A FEEL STEELHEAD A FEW STEELHEAD GOT ABOVE THE DAM AND THERE WAS FANTASTIC NATURAL REPRODUCTION.

THERE'S A PRETTY BIG MISCONCEPTION THAT IF WE ALLOW STEELHEAD UP THERE THEY WILL ANNIHILATE THE BROOK TROUT OR WIPEOUT THE BROOK TROUT.

YES THERE MIGHT BE SOME COMPETITION BUT IT WOULD BE A FANTASTIC WILD STEELHEAD STREAM IF WE LET STEELHEAD GET ABOVE UNION STREET.

>> A BEAUTIFUL AREA TO FISH AND TOO.

WOULD YOU MIND IF I TOOK THIS QUESTION FOR MYSELF?

>> PLEASE TAKE IT.

>> PETE.

PEOPLE WANT TO KNOW CAN DEAR STILL HAVE ANTLERS IN MARCH?

I SAW A BEAUTIFUL EIGHT-POINT BUCK FOR SURE IT WAS LEGAL TO HUNT RABBITS IN SOUTHERN MICHIGAN ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE END OF MARCH.

WE HUNTED ON THE LAST DAY MARCH 31t AND THIS BOX JUMPED UP FULLY INTACT.

BEAUTIFUL EIGHT-POINT AND ONE YOU WOULD PUT ON ANY WALL SO.

GIVE US YOUR THOUGHTS.

>> EVERY YEAR WE GET REPORTS OF DEAR STILL HOLDING THEIR ANTLERS IN MARCH AND THEN INTO APRIL.

HONESTLY A LOT OF TIMES BASED ON FITNESS SO IF YOU ARE SEEING STILL HOLDING ANTLERS RIGHT NOW THEY ARE PROBABLY IN A REALLY GOOD SHAPE WHICH MAKES SENSE BECAUSE WE'VE HAD A MILD WINTER SO UNDOUBTABLY MOST OF THE BOX CERTAINLY HAVE SHARE THEIR ANTLERS AT THIS POINT BUT NOT UNCOMMON AT ALL TO HAVE A FEW STILL HANGING ON.

>> COOL.

CHILL, ELECTRIC TROLLING MOTORS ARE OKAY TO USE?

>> AS LONG AS DOESN'T HAVE A LOCAL WATERCRAFT CONTROL THAT WOULD PROHIBIT THE USE OF A MOTOR IT IS PERFECTLY FINE.

YOUR VESSEL HAS TO BE REGISTERED AS YOU WOULD WITH ANY GAS MOTOR.

>> PRETTY COMMON PRACTICE TOO.

>> EXACTLY AND YOU SEE THEM IN A LOT OF KAYAKS TOO NOW.

THAT'S PRETTY COOL TOO.

DNR FISHERY EVER CONSIDER PROMOTING BAITFISH TO LURE IN SALMON?

>> PROMOTING BAITFISH?

>> YOU KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SAYING.

>> RAISING BAITFISH TO IMPROVE?

YEAH.

GOOD QUESTION.

COMES UP QUITE FREQUENTLY.

THE PROBLEM IS WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO RAISE BAITFISH ON THE SCALE THAT YOU WOULD NEED TO DO IT TO HAVE ANY KIND OF MEASURABLE IMPACT ON A LAKE LIKE MICHIGAN OR HERE ON.

>> ANY CONSIDERATION FOR LIMITING OR RESTRICTING LIVE IMAGING SONAR?

NOT SURE -- >> IF YOU GO ONLINE AND SPENT TWO MINUTES ONLINE YOU WILL FIND ALL KINDS OF ONLINE DEBATES AND FIGHTS OVER ALL OVER THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SONAR THAT ARE AVAILABLE NOW.

SIDE LOOKING AND FORWARD IMAGING.

IT IS INCREDIBLE STUFF.

TO THIS POINT IN MICHIGAN THERE IS NO MOVE TOWARD RESTRICTING ANY OF THAT.

>> OKAY.

LET'S GO TO ANOTHER ONE.

IS THERE ANY DISCUSSION ON LIMITING THE USE OF FORWARD FACING SONAR IN ANY MICHIGAN WATERWAYS?

>> AT OUR LEVEL THERE IS NOT -- I GUESS WHAT I WOULD SAY IS IF YOU AS AN ANKLE OR DON'T FEEL IT IS ETHICAL TO USE THAT THEN DON'T.

THE OTHER THING I WILL SAY IS WE CONTROL FISH POPULATIONS THROUGH BAG LIMITS.

IF IT GETS TO THE POINT WHERE THAT TYPE OF GEAR IS MAKING FISHERMEN SO MUCH OR ANGLER SO MUCH MORE EFFECTIVE THAT THEY ARE AFFECTING THE OVERALL POPULATIONS THAT IS THE WAY WE WOULD REACT TO THAT WOULD BE BY REDUCING BAG LIMITS.

>> OKAY.

SHOW, I THINK SOMEONE HAS IT BE IN THEIR BONNET.

MOUNT PLEASANT.

WHY DO DNR OFFICERS ASSUME SOMEONE IS GUILTY BEFORE PROVEN?

>> ULTIMATELY IF WE ARE CONTACTING SOMEONE GENERALLY IT'S BECAUSE WE HAVE SEEN SOME TYPE OF ACTIVITY THAT IS LIKELY ILLEGAL OR FLAT-OUT ILLEGAL THAT THEY ARE GOING TO CONTACT.

I ALWAYS TRY TO TREAT PEOPLE WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT WHEN I'M IN THE FIELD CONTACTING HUNTERS AND ANGLERS.

SOMETIMES YOU HAVE INDIVIDUALS THAT ARE VIOLATING THE LAW AND HAVE TO DEAL WITH IT .

I MEAN, WE HAVE TO PROVE OUR CASE SO IF WE SEE SOMETHING ILLEGAL OR SUSPICIOUS WE ARE GOING TO INVESTIGATE.

>> SOMEBODY FROM WATERVILLE WANTS TO KNOW IF YOU ALLOW EVERY HUNTER TO TAKE 12 DEAR -- I WONDER WHAT PERCENTAGE THAT TAKE ANYWHERE NEAR THAT.

THAT WOULD BE NO DEER LEFT SO WHY DO YOU ALLOW 70?

>> BECAUSE THEY DON'T.

YEAH.

WE ONLY SEE SOMETHING LIKE 3 PERCENT OF HUNTERS TAKING THREE OR MORE DEER IN TOTAL.

THE REASON WHY WE HAVE LIMITS HIGH IS BECAUSE THERE ARE INDIVIDUALS THAT HAVE ABUNDANT DEER AND OVERABUNDANT YEAR ON PROPERTY THAT NEED THAT EXTRA ASSISTANCE FROM A MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE AND IT IS LESS INVASIVE FOR THEM OR INTENSIVE FOR THEM TO GO THROUGH EXTRA HOOPS TO GET SPECIFIC PERMITS TO DO THAT.

BY ALLOWING THAT NUMBER SO HIGH IT GIVES THEM THE FLEXIBILITY AND FREEDOM TO GO OUT AND MANAGE THEIR DEER HERD ON THEIR PROPERTY AS THEY SEE FIT AND WE KNOW THE GENERAL POPULATION IS NOT GOING TO TAKE MORE THAN ONE OR EVEN TWO DEER IN TOTAL FOR A YEAR.

>> CHAD, CAN YOU DO ABOUT 30 SECONDS OF WHAT THE LONG-TERM PLAN IS FOR EXISTING ANTLER POINT RESTRICTIONS?

>> WE HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE.

GRASSROOTS APPROACH.

IF AN AREA GETS OVER 60 PERCENT SUPPORT THROUGH SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED SURVEY WE WILL RECOMMEND THAT TO THE NATURAL RESOURCE COMMISSION TO IMPLEMENT ANTLER POINT RESTRICTIONS OR.

>> WILL BAITING BE BROUGHT BACK AT ANY POINT?

>> WE DON'T KNOW.

>> DOES IT AFFECT HUNTER NUMBERS?

>> WE HAVE NOT SEEN A CHANGE IN THIRD DECLINE IN HUNTER NUMBERS.

POST BAITING BEEN COMPARED TO PRE- BAITING BAND.

WE ARE LOSING HUNTERS AT THE SAME RATE.

>> CAN THERE BE A DOE ONLY SEASON FOR SEPTEMBER?

HE CERTAINLY COULD BE.

>> RIGHT NOW WE HAVE A EARLY ANTLER LESS SEASON SO IT'S ONLY TODAY BUT WE HAVE THAT AVAILABLE.

EVERY OTHER LOCATION IS UP FOR CONSIDERATION.

>> MARK, DO NATIVE AMERICANS USE CONVENTIONAL GEAR ON THE GREAT LAKES?

>> YES.

>> OKAY.

DOES THAT DNR APPROVE OF BAIT BEING SOLD EVERYWHERE?

DNR HAS NO CONTROL.

>> NO CONTROL.

>> WE GET THIS EVERY YEAR, FOLKS.

EVERY SURE SHOW WE GET THIS.

YES.

YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND DNR CANNOT CONTROL WHAT BAIT IS A SOUL THAT.

YOU CAN CONTROL WHAT -- THEY CAN SUGGEST AN AND OFFER FINES FOR NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING.

ANYWAY WE ARE DOWN TO THE LAST MINUTE.

I'VE GOT TO THINK YOU GUYS SO MUCH.. MARK AND SHATTUCK, JOE.

ALWAYS GREAT TO WORK WITH YOU AND IT GOES REALLY, REALLY FAST.

ALSO WITH GAVIN AND BETH AND DAVE TOO TAKING THEIR PHONE CALLS.

THINK ALL OF YOU THAT CALLED IN AND MADE YOUR QUESTIONS GET TO THE FOREFRONT OF THINGS.

WE STILL HAVE PILES OF QUESTIONS THAT WE DIDN'T GET TOO.

WE ARE SORRY ABOUT THAT BUT WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO KEEP AT THIS AND MY BEST GUESS IS WHEN MARK DETERMINES WHAT THURSDAY IN OCTOBER WE ARE GOING TO DO THIS AGAIN WE WILL BE BACK AND I HOPE YOU WILL JOIN US.

RIGHT IN THE MISTS OF ONE OF THE DEER SEASON'S RIGHT THEN AND THERE.

WE SURE APPRECIATE -- WE REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOUR HELP AND THANKS SO MUCH.

MARK.

TAKE MARK.

TAKE CARE PICK EVERYBODY OUT THERE, PUBLIC TELEVISION.

REMEMBER THEY ARE THE ONES THAT WILL HAVE A SHOW LIKE THIS.

YOU WILL NOT SEE THIS TYPE OF SHOW ON COMMERCIAL TV.

NOT EVEN POSSIBLE BECAUSE THEY WON'T TAKE THE TIME TO DO IT.

PUBLIC TELEVISION UNDERSTAND PEOPLE IN NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MICHIGAN NORTHERN AND CENTRAL MICHIGAN COME FROM.

THOSE THINGS THAT WE LIKE TO DO.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH PUBLIC TELEVISION.

THANK YOU GUYS FOR SHOWING UP AND THANKS EVERYBODY BACK THERE TAKING THE QUESTION AND THOSE THAT CALLED THEM IN.