Lights Out Crappie
By Jack Payne
Tap, tap, and with a slight wrist snap the tiny jig was embedded into the crappie's mouth. The battle was sweet due to the rod being a three-weight fly rod with spinning eyes instead of the fly eyes.
Crappies might be my favorite species to chase. There are many ways to hook a crappie as there are locations in finding them.
Cabbage weeds will always draw in crappies. Without a doubt, this is my favorite location. We will travel great distances to have the opportunity to fish cabbage weeds.
There is nothing complicated about fishing cabbage weeds. Cast over the top of the weeds. Work any openings spotted and the outer edges of the weeds. The fish can be anywhere from the surface down to the bottom. Cast out, let your jig sink for a count of three, and slowly start reeling it in. After a few casts, try letting your jig sink to a count of six.
Just about any fishing graph sold in the country today has an option that allows the user to color code a depth range to their liking. We highlight the best color depths that cabbage would grow in. Normally, I set the highlight color for a range of 6 to 12 feet - simple.
Pencil reeds and spawning crappies go hand in hand. Pencil reeds are generally found in shallower water with a sandy or sandy loam bottom. They stick out of the water a couple of feet and are easy to spot.
Pencil reeds are best fished with either a long rod or a Carlisle float. They are thick, and casting into them almost always results in a jig snagged.
Any type of standing timber, fallen timber, logs, or wooden docks will host spawning crappie. Once again, a float comes in handy. With a float, you control the depth of your jig and you can work one limb at a time.
The same techniques can be applied to any type of weeds including pond weeds, milfoil, and such if need be.
We love jigs. The jigs can be the action tails from Charlie Brewer the Crappie Grubs from Charlie Brewer, the Whip R Snap, the Original Pinky jigs, or any type of tube jig. When we use the plastics we work the jig. In that instance we would cast the slip float and plastic action tails and reel in a foot or two, pause, then reel it in another foot or two.
The Pinky jig with the maribou body pulsates and shivers in the water. You can add a minnow if you wish. The Pinky minnow combination works great when you want stationary bait. Examples would be a stump or any type of vertical wood.
Certain areas hold more crappie than in other locations. Crappies like green weeds, shade and minnows. Therefore, start your search along the weeds. Before wetting a line, verify that the crappies are there.
Side scan, which is available on most graphs, will show pods of fish. The same is true with forward sonar. When we fish the weeds, we turn up the gain or sensitivity on our graphs.
Cruise along a weedline staying 30 to 50 feet out. With the gain turned up, you will spot open pockets in the weeds. You will also see the fish moving. We also search for schools of baitfish. Baitfish will show up as a ball.
One tip: keep your eyes peeled for schools of baitfish being pushed upward. You will see the minnows or shads skipping across the surface. Whenever you see this, stop and start fishing.
Shade is another option. Cruise around areas with rafts, docks, and boats that have not moved for a long period. Once again, look for actual pods of fish or balls of baitfish.
The Road Runner spinner is another favorite of ours. This horse-head-shaped jig with a small spinner blade is a staple and a must-have lure. You can buy just the jighead and spinner or you can buy it with maribou tied on.
Use it where you would throw any other jig. Just remember to stop and pause partway through the retrieve. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
Tap, tap, and with a slight wrist snap the tiny jig was embedded into the crappie's mouth. The battle was sweet due to the rod being a three-weight fly rod with spinning eyes instead of the fly eyes.
Crappies might be my favorite species to chase. There are many ways to hook a crappie as there are locations in finding them.
Cabbage weeds will always draw in crappies. Without a doubt, this is my favorite location. We will travel great distances to have the opportunity to fish cabbage weeds.
There is nothing complicated about fishing cabbage weeds. Cast over the top of the weeds. Work any openings spotted and the outer edges of the weeds. The fish can be anywhere from the surface down to the bottom. Cast out, let your jig sink for a count of three, and slowly start reeling it in. After a few casts, try letting your jig sink to a count of six.
Just about any fishing graph sold in the country today has an option that allows the user to color code a depth range to their liking. We highlight the best color depths that cabbage would grow in. Normally, I set the highlight color for a range of 6 to 12 feet - simple.
Pencil reeds and spawning crappies go hand in hand. Pencil reeds are generally found in shallower water with a sandy or sandy loam bottom. They stick out of the water a couple of feet and are easy to spot.
Pencil reeds are best fished with either a long rod or a Carlisle float. They are thick, and casting into them almost always results in a jig snagged.
Any type of standing timber, fallen timber, logs, or wooden docks will host spawning crappie. Once again, a float comes in handy. With a float, you control the depth of your jig and you can work one limb at a time.
The same techniques can be applied to any type of weeds including pond weeds, milfoil, and such if need be.
We love jigs. The jigs can be the action tails from Charlie Brewer the Crappie Grubs from Charlie Brewer, the Whip R Snap, the Original Pinky jigs, or any type of tube jig. When we use the plastics we work the jig. In that instance we would cast the slip float and plastic action tails and reel in a foot or two, pause, then reel it in another foot or two.
The Pinky jig with the maribou body pulsates and shivers in the water. You can add a minnow if you wish. The Pinky minnow combination works great when you want stationary bait. Examples would be a stump or any type of vertical wood.
Certain areas hold more crappie than in other locations. Crappies like green weeds, shade and minnows. Therefore, start your search along the weeds. Before wetting a line, verify that the crappies are there.
Side scan, which is available on most graphs, will show pods of fish. The same is true with forward sonar. When we fish the weeds, we turn up the gain or sensitivity on our graphs.
Cruise along a weedline staying 30 to 50 feet out. With the gain turned up, you will spot open pockets in the weeds. You will also see the fish moving. We also search for schools of baitfish. Baitfish will show up as a ball.
One tip: keep your eyes peeled for schools of baitfish being pushed upward. You will see the minnows or shads skipping across the surface. Whenever you see this, stop and start fishing.
Shade is another option. Cruise around areas with rafts, docks, and boats that have not moved for a long period. Once again, look for actual pods of fish or balls of baitfish.
The Road Runner spinner is another favorite of ours. This horse-head-shaped jig with a small spinner blade is a staple and a must-have lure. You can buy just the jighead and spinner or you can buy it with maribou tied on.
Use it where you would throw any other jig. Just remember to stop and pause partway through the retrieve. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop.
Rick Gorczynski with a nice summer crappie.
Trout, Walleye and Other Fishing Seasons Open
An angler fishes for brook trout on a Marquette County stream.
Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources
It’s time to dust off your fishing gear and get ready to put that new fishing license to good use: trout and the Lower Peninsula inland walleye and northern pike seasons opened last Saturday. Make plans with your fishing buddies or bring someone new this year to share in the fun.
Anglers should note that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open Thursday, May 15.
Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7 (catch-and-immediate-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).
And don’t forget the catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. Check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations summary for specifics.
The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 24 — except for on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 21.
Anglers should be aware of potential road and waterway obstructions, including downed trees and branches, due to recent ice storm damage in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Find up-to-date information about closures and conditions on the DNR storm recovery page at michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/storm-recovery.
Michigan’s trout streams are under increasing threat from harmful species that affect habitat and food sources for trout and other fish. Both didymo (rock snot) and New Zealand mudsnail can be moved to new locations on waders, nets and gear. To protect Michigan waters, be prepared and take the time to decontaminate before moving to a new river or stream.
The new license season began April 1, so anglers should make sure they purchase a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2025 annual fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2026. If you need any assistance with your fishing license, contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License @Michigan.gov or call (517) 284-6057.
The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout and Salmon Maps are available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing, along with other helpful fishing information. Buy your license online or download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to purchase your licenses, report harvests, access regulations, and get the latest hunting and fishing updates.
Anglers should note that in Upper Peninsula waters, the walleye and northern pike possession seasons open Thursday, May 15.
Michigan’s muskellunge possession season on all Great Lakes, inland waters, the St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair, and the St. Clair and Detroit rivers opens Saturday, June 7 (catch-and-immediate-release fishing for muskellunge is open all year).
And don’t forget the catch-and-immediate-release season for largemouth and smallmouth bass is open all year on nearly all waters, unless otherwise closed to fishing. Check the current Michigan Fishing Regulations summary for specifics.
The possession season for bass opens statewide Saturday, May 24 — except for on Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River and the Detroit River, which open Saturday, June 21.
Anglers should be aware of potential road and waterway obstructions, including downed trees and branches, due to recent ice storm damage in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties. Find up-to-date information about closures and conditions on the DNR storm recovery page at michigan.gov/dnr/about/newsroom/storm-recovery.
Michigan’s trout streams are under increasing threat from harmful species that affect habitat and food sources for trout and other fish. Both didymo (rock snot) and New Zealand mudsnail can be moved to new locations on waders, nets and gear. To protect Michigan waters, be prepared and take the time to decontaminate before moving to a new river or stream.
The new license season began April 1, so anglers should make sure they purchase a new fishing license for this fishing season. The 2025 annual fishing licenses are valid through March 31, 2026. If you need any assistance with your fishing license, contact DNR licensing staff at MDNR-E-License @Michigan.gov or call (517) 284-6057.
The 2025 Michigan Fishing Regulations and Inland Trout and Salmon Maps are available online at Michigan.gov/Fishing, along with other helpful fishing information. Buy your license online or download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to purchase your licenses, report harvests, access regulations, and get the latest hunting and fishing updates.
Most MDOT Roadside Parks Reopen
Roadside parks operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reopened for the season.
MDOT maintains 85 roadside parks around the state. Some parks operate seasonally, usually closing in late October and reopening in the spring.
The following roadside parks will remain closed until later this year due to weather, maintenance or construction activities:
Alger County
• Deer Lake Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Grand Island Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Kiva Roadside Park on US-41 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Scott Falls Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until later in the year for restoration work)
Baraga County
• Tioga Creek Roadside Park on US-41/M-28 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
• Canyon Falls Roadside Park on US-41 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
Calhoun County
• Burlington Roadside Park on M-60 (closed for repaving)
Huron County
• White Rock Roadside Park on M-25 (closed until May for restroom installation)
Ingham County
• Red Cedar Roadside Park on M-43 (closed for the summer for construction)
Keweenaw County
• Esrey Roadside Park on M-26 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
Sanilac County
• Four Mile Roadside Park on M-25 (closed until May for restroom installation)
While most parks are open, motorists should not expect drinking water at all parks to be turned on until sometime later in May, after annual testing and treatment of the park water systems is completed.
A map showing the status of MDOT roadside parks is available on the MDOT website at michigan.gov/mdot/travel/tourists/roadside-parks.
MDOT maintains 85 roadside parks around the state. Some parks operate seasonally, usually closing in late October and reopening in the spring.
The following roadside parks will remain closed until later this year due to weather, maintenance or construction activities:
Alger County
• Deer Lake Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Grand Island Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Kiva Roadside Park on US-41 (closed until May 5 due to snow)
• Scott Falls Roadside Park on M-28 (closed until later in the year for restoration work)
Baraga County
• Tioga Creek Roadside Park on US-41/M-28 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
• Canyon Falls Roadside Park on US-41 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
Calhoun County
• Burlington Roadside Park on M-60 (closed for repaving)
Huron County
• White Rock Roadside Park on M-25 (closed until May for restroom installation)
Ingham County
• Red Cedar Roadside Park on M-43 (closed for the summer for construction)
Keweenaw County
• Esrey Roadside Park on M-26 (closed until May 12 due to snow)
Sanilac County
• Four Mile Roadside Park on M-25 (closed until May for restroom installation)
While most parks are open, motorists should not expect drinking water at all parks to be turned on until sometime later in May, after annual testing and treatment of the park water systems is completed.
A map showing the status of MDOT roadside parks is available on the MDOT website at michigan.gov/mdot/travel/tourists/roadside-parks.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
It was a beautiful morning. The rain was enough to get me wet, but not enough to keep me from pursuing another tom.
I did, however, wait until I heard a gobble before I decided where to set up. Therefore, it was breaking day. When I began to move, I heard some hens and thought I was busted. I turned around, went back up to the top of the hill and conferred with myself to determine what Plan B would be.
Evidently, those hens didn’t see me. Because after a few minutes, two of them showed up with two other gobblers. I was about 100 yards away. When they got behind some brush, I quickly set up a few decoys, and settled in, hoping to eventually lure them to me.
That next hour was nearly perfect. Not only did I witness these toms strutting their stuff, but at one point a rainbow appeared just over their stage. And that was right before another gobbler decided to join the party. For a few minutes, I was able to ease my gun down, pick up my phone and take pictures and videos of my view.
It was a rare morning, and after an extended period, they began to ease my way - slow but steady. And now only 75 yards away.
But then my perfect morning changed. The nearby cattle decided they wanted the grass where my turkeys had congregated. So, they pushed my hopes in the other direction.
But what I got that morning was more, and even better, than expected. For success, I had to be willing to change my weapon from my shotgun to my camera. It’s just what the circumstances demanded.
Don’t get me wrong, I was pretty upset with a few bovines, but after thinking about what had just transpired, I realized I was the only person invited to this one-day-only production. I thought about the hill that overlooked it all that I sat on, that provided my amphitheater view. I thought about the sun pushing through the rain to paint my rainbow. And I thought about those three toms who performed for my pleasure.
I’m not sure why God gave me this particular morning, and why it didn’t end with a dead bird, but I know this. The same God who provided the hens to start it, provided the cows to end it. And I was just there to enjoy it.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
It was a beautiful morning. The rain was enough to get me wet, but not enough to keep me from pursuing another tom.
I did, however, wait until I heard a gobble before I decided where to set up. Therefore, it was breaking day. When I began to move, I heard some hens and thought I was busted. I turned around, went back up to the top of the hill and conferred with myself to determine what Plan B would be.
Evidently, those hens didn’t see me. Because after a few minutes, two of them showed up with two other gobblers. I was about 100 yards away. When they got behind some brush, I quickly set up a few decoys, and settled in, hoping to eventually lure them to me.
That next hour was nearly perfect. Not only did I witness these toms strutting their stuff, but at one point a rainbow appeared just over their stage. And that was right before another gobbler decided to join the party. For a few minutes, I was able to ease my gun down, pick up my phone and take pictures and videos of my view.
It was a rare morning, and after an extended period, they began to ease my way - slow but steady. And now only 75 yards away.
But then my perfect morning changed. The nearby cattle decided they wanted the grass where my turkeys had congregated. So, they pushed my hopes in the other direction.
But what I got that morning was more, and even better, than expected. For success, I had to be willing to change my weapon from my shotgun to my camera. It’s just what the circumstances demanded.
Don’t get me wrong, I was pretty upset with a few bovines, but after thinking about what had just transpired, I realized I was the only person invited to this one-day-only production. I thought about the hill that overlooked it all that I sat on, that provided my amphitheater view. I thought about the sun pushing through the rain to paint my rainbow. And I thought about those three toms who performed for my pleasure.
I’m not sure why God gave me this particular morning, and why it didn’t end with a dead bird, but I know this. The same God who provided the hens to start it, provided the cows to end it. And I was just there to enjoy it.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day That Keep on Giving
Stylish garden gloves and a pruner with comfort grip handles are functional gifts, allowing mom to garden longer.
Photo courtesy Corona Tools
By Melinda Myers
Even though your mom may say “It’s the thought that counts”, you want to find the perfect gift this Mother’s Day to express how much you appreciate all she does throughout the year. No matter your budget, it’s possible to give mom a gift that provides days, months, and even years of joy.
Cut flowers rank as one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts. No dusting and maintenance are required, and they are sure to generate a smile. Behavioral research at Rutgers University found the gift of flowers had immediate and long-term benefits.
Extend her enjoyment further by helping her grow, tend, and enjoy gardening throughout the growing season. A gift certificate to her favorite garden center, hobby store, or retail location allows mom the freedom to select her own gift. She can enjoy time shopping for something special that she wouldn’t normally buy for herself.
A hanging basket or container garden is another way to give mom a season of flowers and much more. Gardening helps improve health and well-being by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility.
If mom likes to cook, a potted tomato, container of greens, or window box of herbs may be the perfect gift. She can grow, prepare, and boost the flavor and health benefits with fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs.
If she prefers to do her own planting, consider giving her a container, potting mix, and some seeds or plants. Add some plant labels and let her create her own container garden.
Update her garden tools and accessories with something colorful like the Burgon & Ball British Meadow pruner and holster set. This pretty and functional gift with comfort grip handles allows mom to keep gardening longer. The colorful holster keeps them right where she needs them for deadheading and pruning small branches.
No matter what mom’s age or fitness level is, it’s important to protect her joints when gardening. Gifting her a colorful Kneelo kneeler or knee pads (coronatools.com) will encourage her to do just that. The bright colors make them easy to find and the shock-absorbing foam interior provides a very comfortable surface that helps reduce knee stress.
Add a hat to further protect mom from the heat and sun when working outdoors. If it’s comfortable and looks good, she’s more likely to wear it. Include some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses for added sun protection.
Many mothers appreciate the gift of time. Helping mom in her garden, working around her home, or assisting her with another hobby is a great way to spend time together and create memories while doing something mom loves.
Consider giving mom one of these or another gift that provides immediate and long-term enjoyment. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness when she opens the package, unwraps the flowers, or puts the tools and accessories to use all season long.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Even though your mom may say “It’s the thought that counts”, you want to find the perfect gift this Mother’s Day to express how much you appreciate all she does throughout the year. No matter your budget, it’s possible to give mom a gift that provides days, months, and even years of joy.
Cut flowers rank as one of the most popular Mother’s Day gifts. No dusting and maintenance are required, and they are sure to generate a smile. Behavioral research at Rutgers University found the gift of flowers had immediate and long-term benefits.
Extend her enjoyment further by helping her grow, tend, and enjoy gardening throughout the growing season. A gift certificate to her favorite garden center, hobby store, or retail location allows mom the freedom to select her own gift. She can enjoy time shopping for something special that she wouldn’t normally buy for herself.
A hanging basket or container garden is another way to give mom a season of flowers and much more. Gardening helps improve health and well-being by reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, strengthening muscles, and increasing flexibility.
If mom likes to cook, a potted tomato, container of greens, or window box of herbs may be the perfect gift. She can grow, prepare, and boost the flavor and health benefits with fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-rich vegetables and herbs.
If she prefers to do her own planting, consider giving her a container, potting mix, and some seeds or plants. Add some plant labels and let her create her own container garden.
Update her garden tools and accessories with something colorful like the Burgon & Ball British Meadow pruner and holster set. This pretty and functional gift with comfort grip handles allows mom to keep gardening longer. The colorful holster keeps them right where she needs them for deadheading and pruning small branches.
No matter what mom’s age or fitness level is, it’s important to protect her joints when gardening. Gifting her a colorful Kneelo kneeler or knee pads (coronatools.com) will encourage her to do just that. The bright colors make them easy to find and the shock-absorbing foam interior provides a very comfortable surface that helps reduce knee stress.
Add a hat to further protect mom from the heat and sun when working outdoors. If it’s comfortable and looks good, she’s more likely to wear it. Include some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses for added sun protection.
Many mothers appreciate the gift of time. Helping mom in her garden, working around her home, or assisting her with another hobby is a great way to spend time together and create memories while doing something mom loves.
Consider giving mom one of these or another gift that provides immediate and long-term enjoyment. She’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness when she opens the package, unwraps the flowers, or puts the tools and accessories to use all season long.
—————
Melinda Myers has written over 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Corona Tools for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
DNR Makes Fuelwood Permits Available
Michigan residents interested in getting fuelwood for personal use such as home heating can now get a permit that allows wood collection on select state-managed land in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula.
Fuelwood permits, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, cost $20 per household with a limit of one permit per household per year. A typical permit allows you to collect five standard cords of wood. A standard cord is a stack measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet high.
Due to the amount of wood on the ground in state forests after the historic ice storm March 30-31, people in the 12-county emergency area will be allowed to collect extra wood. Residents may collect up to 10 standard cords of wood this year in the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle. In these 12 counties, all permits purchased since the season opened April 1 are eligible for 10 cords of wood.
All wood must be collected from already dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road. Permits are valid for 90 days after the date they are issued, but all expire Dec. 31 regardless of when they were purchased. There are three convenient ways to get a permit:
• Buy a permit online at mdnr-elicense.com.
• Purchase a permit in person. Permits are available at DNR customer service centers in the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula. A few forestry field offices also will sell permits in person; call ahead to confirm business hours and availability. Collection in roadside areas within ice storm-affected counties may be authorized by unit managers at the available forestry field offices.
• Mail a fuelwood application to the DNR office that manages the part of the state forest where you wish to collect wood.
A few rules are in place to ensure safe, sustainable wood collection:
• Do not drive vehicles off the road. You may use a wheelbarrow or handcart to carry wood to your vehicle.
• Gather wood only from already dead and downed trees; do not remove wood from trees that are/appear dead but are still standing.
• Have your permit with you while cutting wood and fill out the collection log before transporting any wood. Failure to do so could result in a citation.
• Do not sell or trade firewood. It is for personal use only.
• Collect wood close to home. Moving firewood across the state can unintentionally increase the spread of invasive insects and disease.
• Use extra caution in ice storm-damaged areas
Recent storms have caused significant tree damage in many parts of Michigan's 12-county emergency area. If you gather wood, use caution and avoid areas where crews are working to clear downed trees or repair utilities. Some tips:
• Work safely. Storm-damaged trees may be unstable, and broken branches can fall without warning, even long after a storm.
• Take a careful look around the area before collecting wood and avoid working in high-risk areas with leaning or hanging debris.
• Work with another person and wear personal protective equipment such as a hardhat, leather gloves, chainsaw chaps and hearing protection.
For more information and FAQs about fuelwood permits, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood or contact Jake Reid at 517-284-5908 or ReidJ6@Michigan.gov.
Fuelwood permits, issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, cost $20 per household with a limit of one permit per household per year. A typical permit allows you to collect five standard cords of wood. A standard cord is a stack measuring 8 feet long, 4 feet wide and 4 feet high.
Due to the amount of wood on the ground in state forests after the historic ice storm March 30-31, people in the 12-county emergency area will be allowed to collect extra wood. Residents may collect up to 10 standard cords of wood this year in the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle. In these 12 counties, all permits purchased since the season opened April 1 are eligible for 10 cords of wood.
All wood must be collected from already dead and downed trees within 200 feet of the road. Permits are valid for 90 days after the date they are issued, but all expire Dec. 31 regardless of when they were purchased. There are three convenient ways to get a permit:
• Buy a permit online at mdnr-elicense.com.
• Purchase a permit in person. Permits are available at DNR customer service centers in the northern Lower Peninsula or Upper Peninsula. A few forestry field offices also will sell permits in person; call ahead to confirm business hours and availability. Collection in roadside areas within ice storm-affected counties may be authorized by unit managers at the available forestry field offices.
• Mail a fuelwood application to the DNR office that manages the part of the state forest where you wish to collect wood.
A few rules are in place to ensure safe, sustainable wood collection:
• Do not drive vehicles off the road. You may use a wheelbarrow or handcart to carry wood to your vehicle.
• Gather wood only from already dead and downed trees; do not remove wood from trees that are/appear dead but are still standing.
• Have your permit with you while cutting wood and fill out the collection log before transporting any wood. Failure to do so could result in a citation.
• Do not sell or trade firewood. It is for personal use only.
• Collect wood close to home. Moving firewood across the state can unintentionally increase the spread of invasive insects and disease.
• Use extra caution in ice storm-damaged areas
Recent storms have caused significant tree damage in many parts of Michigan's 12-county emergency area. If you gather wood, use caution and avoid areas where crews are working to clear downed trees or repair utilities. Some tips:
• Work safely. Storm-damaged trees may be unstable, and broken branches can fall without warning, even long after a storm.
• Take a careful look around the area before collecting wood and avoid working in high-risk areas with leaning or hanging debris.
• Work with another person and wear personal protective equipment such as a hardhat, leather gloves, chainsaw chaps and hearing protection.
For more information and FAQs about fuelwood permits, visit Michigan.gov/Fuelwood or contact Jake Reid at 517-284-5908 or ReidJ6@Michigan.gov.
