As a fellow outdoorsperson, and someone who spends the majority of his outdoor time on public lands, I find the opportunity of gaining access to new land exciting. While huge tracts are every sportsperson’s dream, sometimes even the smaller parcels, heretofore not accessible, are indeed as imperative and promising, and a cause for celebration. One such opportunity faces us now – Interior Secretary David Bernhardt has proposed increasing access for hunting and fishing on over 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and nine national fish hatcheries. Parcels, both large and small, will be opened that before now, have not been able to be accessed by anglers and hunters. This an amazing prospect, one we should not let slip by; one that you can voice your support for.
Here in Michigan, there is an opportunity for new access at the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery in northern Michigan, that is surrounded by the Gaylord Forest Management unit. The proposed expanded opportunities here would include migratory bird hunting for duck, geese, coot, and rail; upland and small game hunting opportunity for squirrel, fox, bobcat, rabbit and others; while big game opportunities could include whitetail deer, turkey, and even black bear in the coveted Red Oak unit. This equates to new land that is open for hunting as well as offer closer parking access to The Gaylord Forest unit. This would be an amazing win for anyone seeking greater access to the natural resources we Michiganders love and cherish.
This is something that you, fellow hunters and anglers, can help facilitate by taking action and commenting here! More information for this proposal can be found here www.fws.gov/home/feature/2020/2020-2021-Station-Specific-Hunting-and-Fishing-Proposed-Rule-Narratives.pdf. We can all make a difference by making our voices heard!”