Elk viewing areas can be accessed by roads throughout the Pigeon River Country State Forest near Gaylord. These designated areas have been managed for elk habitat, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to observe the herd or hear the beautiful, unmistakable bugle of a bull elk.

Use the elk viewing guide to plan your route and remember to bring your binoculars, spotting scope and camera. Learn more about the history of elk in Michigan.

This year, the weekend is open to hunters who are deaf or hard of hearing, a Liberty Hunt qualification that was added at the request of the DNR Accessibility Advisory Council.

“People with disabilities can experience difficulties with mobility, climbing into a tree stand, sighting in game, hearing game approaching or holding a firearm,” said Hannah Schauer, DNR Wildlife Division education and communications coordinator. “The Liberty Hunt provides opportunities for veterans and others to get outdoors and try a new sport or continue to enjoy one they love.”

Some locations offer track chairs, elevated hunting blinds or hunting blinds equipped with adaptive gear. Learn about additional outdoor recreation opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRAccessibility.

Valid licenses for this hunt include a deer, deer combo or antlerless deer license or a deer management assistance permit. Antler point restrictions do not apply. This hunt’s bag limit is one deer.

For those participating in the Liberty Hunt:

• Hunters with disabilities may bait now through Sept. 13.
• In areas of the Upper Peninsula where baiting is legal, youth hunters also may bait now through Sept. 13.
• In the remainder of the state, youth hunters may not use bait.

Additional regulations for all seasons can be found in the 2020 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Michigan Operation Freedom Outdoors is a proud sponsor and partner of the Liberty Hunt. Learn more about the organization at MiOFO.org or by calling 734-612-6677.

Hunters of all ages and experience levels are urged to put safety first. Find hunting safety tips and resources at Michigan.gov/HuntingSafety.

Questions? Contact [email protected].

This month features guests Alexis Hermiz, Ashley Autenrieth and Clay Buchanan talking about the department’s efforts to bring more diversity, equity and inclusion to the outdoors. Hermiz said that when it comes to equity among the DNR’s workforce and current and prospective users, it’s about much more than just race.

“Equity is about giving people what they need to succeed, because not everybody has the same starting point, not everybody has the same resources,” she said. “Inclusion makes sure that all of our voices are not only heard, but also considered in our workplace culture and in the type of recreation (people) want to see in our parks and our public spaces.”

In addition to that interview, the podcast has updates on hognose snakes, upland bird hunting and the elk season opener, answers to “mail bag” questions and more.

Questions? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

The sessions are free and open to anyone interested in learning more about Michigan’s many connections to the Underground Railroad.

This year’s events, hosted using the Zoom platform, include panel discussions, local research, tips for researching local history and more. Topics include antislavery journalism, archaeological findings that link to Michigan’s abolition history, how to nominate sites for the national Network to Freedom and many others.

Read the full story for information on the full slate of programs, along with links for registration.