environment

Established in 1972, National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates and recognizes hunters and anglers for their immense contributions to fish and wildlife conservation and to society.

That year, Congress resolved, “That the President of the United States declare the fourth Saturday of September 1972 as ‘National Hunting and Fishing Day’ to provide that deserved national recognition, to recognize the esthetic, health and recreational virtues of hunting and fishing, to dramatize the continued need for gun and boat safety and to rededicate ourselves to the conservation and respectful use of our wildlife and natural resources.”

Michigan provides a unique opportunity for the 650,000 hunters and 1.2 million anglers who annually enjoy an abundance of land and more than 11,000 inland lakes, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and 3,300 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. 

Hunting and fishing benefit Michigan’s economy by annually generating $11.2 billion, and this spending supports more than 171,000 jobs in Michigan.  

This Saturday, head out for a day of fun in the field or on the water. Just make sure you have a 2022 hunting or fishing license with you when you go. Licenses can be purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or via the DNR Hunt Fish app, putting licenses, permits, regulations and more right in the palm of your hand.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, avid angler or beginner, review safety tips at Michigan.gov/DNR under the Education and Safety tab in addition to reviewing rules and regulations at Michigan.gov/DNRDigests.

Reporting for WGRT – George James

The spotted lanternfly is a menace and has the potential to destroy Michigan staples like apples and hardwood trees. But it’s not picky. It feeds on more than 70 different species, and an infestation could be devastating to the state’s agricultural economy.

Robert Miller with the Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said, “Our agricultural and natural resources are part of Michigan’s identity, and spotted lanternfly has the potential to forever change that landscape.”

The pest has been spreading rapidly across the northeastern United States and dead lanternflies have been found in packaging materials in Michigan. So far, MDARD hasn’t found any live ones.

Miller said, “With the current rate of spread, it is possible spotted lanternfly could reach Michigan at any time.”

If you come across the dreaded pest, let MDARD know immediately. Citizen awareness and reporting are critical in containing the pending arrival of the invasive pest.

From MDARD:

From late summer to the first hard frost, spotted lanternflies are in their adult stage and easiest to identify. Adults are roughly one inch long. Their folded wings are gray to brown with black spots. Open wings reveal a yellow and black abdomen and bright red hind wings with black spots transitioning to black and white bands at the edge.

Female spotted lanternfly lay egg masses in the fall, which resemble old chewing gum, with a gray, waxy, putty-like coating. Egg masses can survive winter temperatures to hatch in the spring. Hatched eggs appear as brownish, seed-like deposits. Spotted lanternfly juveniles are wingless and are black with white spots, developing red patches in their final juvenile stage

Before traveling, check out the map of confirmed spotted lanternfly locations. For additional information on identifying or reporting, visit Michigan.gov/SpottedLanternfly.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland