A wolf pack is shown walking down a road on a late winter day.
By Andy Henion
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
For the first time, researchers from Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have successfully estimated Michigan’s wolf population using remote cameras deployed throughout the Upper Peninsula.
The camera survey method, which began with a pilot project in 2022 and has since expanded, produced monthly estimates that generally align with wolf biology – lower counts during winter when the wolf population is at its lowest due to mortality, then increasing in the spring after pups are born.
In addition, the camera survey aligned closely with the DNR’s longstanding winter track survey. Both surveys produced a February/March 2024 estimate of just under 800 gray wolves.
While the track survey is limited to producing a minimum estimate during winter, when wolf tracks are clearly visible in the snow, the camera survey provides a first look at how Michigan’s wolf population fluctuates throughout the year.
Camera survey estimates ranged from a low of 525 wolves in March 2025 to a high of 1,198 wolves in October 2024.
“Our winter track survey was doing exactly what it was designed to do, and that is to get a minimum count of wolves in wintertime,” said Tyler Petroelje, the DNR’s northern Michigan research specialist. “And now the camera survey is doing exactly what it’s intended to do, and that is to provide information on changes in total abundance throughout the year.”
In Michigan, the gray wolf is a federally protected endangered species.
However, wolves have surpassed state and federal population recovery goals for more than two decades and no longer warrant endangered status, according to the DNR’s wolf management plan.
The state’s ability to produce data on wolf abundance is important for reclassifying the animal as a recovered species and satisfying post-delisting federal monitoring requirements.
The DNR has monitored the wolf population through winter track surveys every other year since 2014. Because track surveys cover about 60% of the U.P. in any given year, they can be labor-intensive and costly. Staff must not only locate wolf packs multiple times but also follow them, sometimes for miles, to determine the number of wolves in each pack. In addition, track surveys require ideal snow conditions.
Biologists are increasingly using remote cameras across the country to estimate wildlife abundance, according to project researcher Jerrold Belant, Boone and Crockett chairman of wildlife conservation at Michigan State University.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
For the first time, researchers from Michigan State University and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have successfully estimated Michigan’s wolf population using remote cameras deployed throughout the Upper Peninsula.
The camera survey method, which began with a pilot project in 2022 and has since expanded, produced monthly estimates that generally align with wolf biology – lower counts during winter when the wolf population is at its lowest due to mortality, then increasing in the spring after pups are born.
In addition, the camera survey aligned closely with the DNR’s longstanding winter track survey. Both surveys produced a February/March 2024 estimate of just under 800 gray wolves.
While the track survey is limited to producing a minimum estimate during winter, when wolf tracks are clearly visible in the snow, the camera survey provides a first look at how Michigan’s wolf population fluctuates throughout the year.
Camera survey estimates ranged from a low of 525 wolves in March 2025 to a high of 1,198 wolves in October 2024.
“Our winter track survey was doing exactly what it was designed to do, and that is to get a minimum count of wolves in wintertime,” said Tyler Petroelje, the DNR’s northern Michigan research specialist. “And now the camera survey is doing exactly what it’s intended to do, and that is to provide information on changes in total abundance throughout the year.”
In Michigan, the gray wolf is a federally protected endangered species.
However, wolves have surpassed state and federal population recovery goals for more than two decades and no longer warrant endangered status, according to the DNR’s wolf management plan.
The state’s ability to produce data on wolf abundance is important for reclassifying the animal as a recovered species and satisfying post-delisting federal monitoring requirements.
The DNR has monitored the wolf population through winter track surveys every other year since 2014. Because track surveys cover about 60% of the U.P. in any given year, they can be labor-intensive and costly. Staff must not only locate wolf packs multiple times but also follow them, sometimes for miles, to determine the number of wolves in each pack. In addition, track surveys require ideal snow conditions.
Biologists are increasingly using remote cameras across the country to estimate wildlife abundance, according to project researcher Jerrold Belant, Boone and Crockett chairman of wildlife conservation at Michigan State University.
While initial camera purchase costs are high, short- and long-term costs can be less expensive, and the camera surveys are not weather-dependent. Biologists can deploy remote cameras across large survey areas for extended periods, providing abundance estimates throughout the year.
Camera surveys can also be used to document and potentially help manage other wildlife species. The U.P. camera survey produced more than 2 million total images of various species including white-tailed deer, gray wolf, coyote, wild turkey, red fox, black bear and bobcat.
The DNR is currently using remote camera images of the elusive gray fox for another research project.
“There are many applications for remote camera surveys, not just for wolves but other species as well,” Belant said. “When you think of the importance of monitoring wildlife – not only for biodiversity but in relation to harvestable species – having a single tool you can use to monitor multiple species simultaneously can be a real advantage, both in terms of time and cost.”
Belant developed a proposal for the remote camera survey to estimate wolf abundance in 2020 with Dean Beyer, a former wildlife research biologist for the DNR.
After the DNR greenlit the project, researchers conducted a pilot camera survey of wolf abundance in 2022 and early 2023. The results were promising, and the U.P.-wide camera survey was launched in mid-2023.
For the U.P.-wide survey, researchers placed 1,311 DNR-owned cameras throughout the peninsula.
The cameras were positioned on tree trunks about 4 to 5 feet high along low-use roads and trails where wolves were expected to travel. Researchers also posted a notice to passersby about the research purpose of the cameras.
The research team changed out the cameras’ memory cards and batteries every year.
Matt Nelson, an MSU doctoral candidate who is coordinating the fieldwork, said the images were downloaded, run through machine learning programs to identify species and then double-checked by researchers.
Computer software removes all photos of humans and vehicles.
Using a scientific “space-to-event” model, the researchers can estimate the wolf population at specific times throughout the year. Researchers estimated Michigan’s wolf population monthly. By doing so, they could evaluate how mortality, reproduction and provisioning of pups changed the estimates throughout the year.
Results from the first 21 months of the full research project (October 2023-June 2025) show:
• The three highest monthly population estimates were in October 2024 (1,198 wolves), November 2023 (1,084 wolves) and September 2024 (1,061 wolves). During the fall months, wolf detection is greater as pups are now large enough to travel with the pack and young wolves disperse to find a mate and new territory of their own.
• The three lowest monthly population estimates were in March 2025 (525 wolves), February 2025 (538 wolves) and April 2025 (544 wolves). This makes sense, researchers say, because late winter is the lowest point in the annual population cycle for wolves. In addition, denning season typically occurs in early spring, when female wolves give birth. Fewer wolf detections occur when pups remain in the den and pack members spend more time returning to the den to care for the young.
• Camera population estimates from February 2024 (773 wolves) and March 2024 (794 wolves) were very similar to the snow track survey estimate – 768 wolves – conducted during the same timeframe.
Researchers said the results support what they expected about Michigan’s wolf population.
“There were no real surprises,” Nelson said. “The camera survey worked really well and aligned with what we know about wolf ecology.”
Nelson said he’ll be in the U.P. until October pulling memory cards from the cameras to collect a third year of data, including an estimate for this past winter. That estimate will be compared to the 2026 winter track survey, which produced an estimated minimum population of 792 wolves.
Gray wolves once roamed the entire state of Michigan but are now known to inhabit only the U.P. Michigan is one of about 14 states with wolves, according to the Wolf Conservation Center.
In Michigan, the gray wolf is currently protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The federal government delisted the gray wolf from endangered species status in 2020, but a federal judge struck down that delisting in 2022. Prior to that, the wolf had been reclassified seven times from 2003 to 2014 amid a host of legal challenges involving conservation groups, ranchers, developers and others.
To find out more about wolves in Michigan visit Michigan.gov/Wolves.
Camera surveys can also be used to document and potentially help manage other wildlife species. The U.P. camera survey produced more than 2 million total images of various species including white-tailed deer, gray wolf, coyote, wild turkey, red fox, black bear and bobcat.
The DNR is currently using remote camera images of the elusive gray fox for another research project.
“There are many applications for remote camera surveys, not just for wolves but other species as well,” Belant said. “When you think of the importance of monitoring wildlife – not only for biodiversity but in relation to harvestable species – having a single tool you can use to monitor multiple species simultaneously can be a real advantage, both in terms of time and cost.”
Belant developed a proposal for the remote camera survey to estimate wolf abundance in 2020 with Dean Beyer, a former wildlife research biologist for the DNR.
After the DNR greenlit the project, researchers conducted a pilot camera survey of wolf abundance in 2022 and early 2023. The results were promising, and the U.P.-wide camera survey was launched in mid-2023.
For the U.P.-wide survey, researchers placed 1,311 DNR-owned cameras throughout the peninsula.
The cameras were positioned on tree trunks about 4 to 5 feet high along low-use roads and trails where wolves were expected to travel. Researchers also posted a notice to passersby about the research purpose of the cameras.
The research team changed out the cameras’ memory cards and batteries every year.
Matt Nelson, an MSU doctoral candidate who is coordinating the fieldwork, said the images were downloaded, run through machine learning programs to identify species and then double-checked by researchers.
Computer software removes all photos of humans and vehicles.
Using a scientific “space-to-event” model, the researchers can estimate the wolf population at specific times throughout the year. Researchers estimated Michigan’s wolf population monthly. By doing so, they could evaluate how mortality, reproduction and provisioning of pups changed the estimates throughout the year.
Results from the first 21 months of the full research project (October 2023-June 2025) show:
• The three highest monthly population estimates were in October 2024 (1,198 wolves), November 2023 (1,084 wolves) and September 2024 (1,061 wolves). During the fall months, wolf detection is greater as pups are now large enough to travel with the pack and young wolves disperse to find a mate and new territory of their own.
• The three lowest monthly population estimates were in March 2025 (525 wolves), February 2025 (538 wolves) and April 2025 (544 wolves). This makes sense, researchers say, because late winter is the lowest point in the annual population cycle for wolves. In addition, denning season typically occurs in early spring, when female wolves give birth. Fewer wolf detections occur when pups remain in the den and pack members spend more time returning to the den to care for the young.
• Camera population estimates from February 2024 (773 wolves) and March 2024 (794 wolves) were very similar to the snow track survey estimate – 768 wolves – conducted during the same timeframe.
Researchers said the results support what they expected about Michigan’s wolf population.
“There were no real surprises,” Nelson said. “The camera survey worked really well and aligned with what we know about wolf ecology.”
Nelson said he’ll be in the U.P. until October pulling memory cards from the cameras to collect a third year of data, including an estimate for this past winter. That estimate will be compared to the 2026 winter track survey, which produced an estimated minimum population of 792 wolves.
Gray wolves once roamed the entire state of Michigan but are now known to inhabit only the U.P. Michigan is one of about 14 states with wolves, according to the Wolf Conservation Center.
In Michigan, the gray wolf is currently protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
The federal government delisted the gray wolf from endangered species status in 2020, but a federal judge struck down that delisting in 2022. Prior to that, the wolf had been reclassified seven times from 2003 to 2014 amid a host of legal challenges involving conservation groups, ranchers, developers and others.
To find out more about wolves in Michigan visit Michigan.gov/Wolves.
County Parks Open Applications for Hunting Permit Lotteries
Ottawa County Parks & Recreation offers hunting opportunities on more than 4,500 acres across selected park properties. Six properties require a special permit, which is available through an annual lottery. Applications for the 2026 lottery are now open.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31, 2026.
General hunting regulations, property maps, and lottery application details are available at miOttawa.org/hunting.
Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is critical to ecosystem health and is dependent on a delicate balance of predator and prey populations. In Michigan, this balance has been altered by a significant loss of predators. As a result, some prey populations, such as deer, do not have the natural checks and balances needed to prevent overpopulation. Humans have always and will continue to play an important role in hunting prey populations.
Properties requiring a special permit for hunting include:
• Crockery Creek Natural Area
• Upper Macatawa Natural Area
• Stearns Creek South
• Stearns Creek North
• North Ottawa Dunes/Ottawa Sands
Lottery drawings are held prior to the hunting periods at each of these sites. Hunters may apply for each of the three lotteries but may submit only one application per lottery. Duplicate entries result in removal from the entire lottery system.
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Special Permit Archery Hunting
Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Stearns Creek South are open to archery deer hunting by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters. The parks remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for these hunts; please review before you apply.
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Archery Hunting Season Dates
Fall: Oct. 15-Nov. 15
Winter: Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 2027
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
• Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
• Complete a post-season survey.
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Stearns North All Game Hunting
This special permit opportunity is for all game hunting per DNR regulations. There are two hunting seasons available on this property. The park will remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season.
Fall: Oct. 15, 2026- Jan. 1, 2027
Spring: April 15, 2027 - May 15, 2027
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
• Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
• Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
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Lakeshore Wildlife Management
The Lakeshore Wildlife Management firearm hunt will take place Nov. 20-23 at North Ottawa Dunes, Ottawa Sands, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Each selected participant will be assigned two hunt dates during the four-day event. The collaboration with P.J. Hoffmaster expands the hunt area by approximately 1,200 acres and includes 28 hunting zones.
The parks will be closed to the general public on all four days. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for this hunt; please review them before you apply.
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Selected hunters will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20; due prior to the pre-hunt meeting.
• Attend a required pre-hunt meeting (in-person): Oct. 17, 2026 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or Oct. 21, 2026 from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
• Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
For more information about hunting at Ottawa County parks, visit miottawa.org/parks/hunting.
Applications will be accepted through Aug. 31, 2026.
General hunting regulations, property maps, and lottery application details are available at miOttawa.org/hunting.
Hunting is an important part of managing natural lands and parks in Ottawa County. Biodiversity is critical to ecosystem health and is dependent on a delicate balance of predator and prey populations. In Michigan, this balance has been altered by a significant loss of predators. As a result, some prey populations, such as deer, do not have the natural checks and balances needed to prevent overpopulation. Humans have always and will continue to play an important role in hunting prey populations.
Properties requiring a special permit for hunting include:
• Crockery Creek Natural Area
• Upper Macatawa Natural Area
• Stearns Creek South
• Stearns Creek North
• North Ottawa Dunes/Ottawa Sands
Lottery drawings are held prior to the hunting periods at each of these sites. Hunters may apply for each of the three lotteries but may submit only one application per lottery. Duplicate entries result in removal from the entire lottery system.
—————
Special Permit Archery Hunting
Crockery Creek Natural Area, Upper Macatawa Natural Area, Stearns Creek South are open to archery deer hunting by special permit only, during specific periods by lottery-chosen hunters. The parks remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for these hunts; please review before you apply.
—————
Archery Hunting Season Dates
Fall: Oct. 15-Nov. 15
Winter: Dec. 1-Jan. 1, 2027
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
• Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
• Complete a post-season survey.
—————
Stearns North All Game Hunting
This special permit opportunity is for all game hunting per DNR regulations. There are two hunting seasons available on this property. The park will remain open for hiking, fishing, and other recreational uses during the hunting season.
Fall: Oct. 15, 2026- Jan. 1, 2027
Spring: April 15, 2027 - May 15, 2027
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Hunters selected to receive a permit (either season) will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the permit fee of $20 to the parks office.
• Read and agree to follow the rules for the hunt.
• Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
—————
Lakeshore Wildlife Management
The Lakeshore Wildlife Management firearm hunt will take place Nov. 20-23 at North Ottawa Dunes, Ottawa Sands, and P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Each selected participant will be assigned two hunt dates during the four-day event. The collaboration with P.J. Hoffmaster expands the hunt area by approximately 1,200 acres and includes 28 hunting zones.
The parks will be closed to the general public on all four days. Special hunting rules and regulations are in effect for this hunt; please review them before you apply.
The online application must be completed by Aug. 31, 2026. Hunters may only apply once. Hunters whose names appear on more than one application will be disqualified. All applicants will be notified of lottery results by e-mail in September. Selected hunters will be required to do the following:
• Complete and return a liability release form (will be sent by e-mail to those selected).
• Pay the non-refundable permit fee of $20; due prior to the pre-hunt meeting.
• Attend a required pre-hunt meeting (in-person): Oct. 17, 2026 from 10 to 10:30 a.m. or Oct. 21, 2026 from 6 to 6:30 p.m.
• Complete a post-season survey. Failure to complete this survey will result in being excluded from the opportunity for a special permit in the future.
For more information about hunting at Ottawa County parks, visit miottawa.org/parks/hunting.
Doubling Down on a Daily Double
Jack Pikaart shows off a triple catch of bluegill.
Photo credit Jack Payne
By Jack Payne
Something felt different when the rod pulled hard. The three-weight rod can fool you on the size because of its soft nature. Wow, a walleye was on the end of the rod.
The fish was barely legal, but a welcome sight. We ended up with four walleyes, all caught when targeting bluegill. Only one was a keeper. Our next trip to White Lake produced three more walleyes. Now the lightbulb was starting to get brighter.
We were fishing a tight drop-off that bordered a weedbed on White Lake. Bluegills were the target fish, but once we realized the number of walleye present, we used a two-technique system that produced bluegills, walleye, and even a few bonus perch.
The first technique is an old one with a few twists. A crawler and a hook. To be precise, we used a size-six slow-death hook with a piece of a crawler. We always use a Mack Smyle blade. Add a bead or two between the hook and the Smyle Blade.
The mylar Smyle blade will turn at speeds below 0.3 mph. At snail's pace, you can follow a drop-off or the edge of a weedbed with pinpoint accuracy. This technique works equally well on the walleye and the bluegill.
If bluegills are your primary target, go with a Tru-Turn hook and a piece of a worm. We use a small 00 or 0 size Colorado Blade. This super small presentation really smacks the bluegill.
A single hook or two hooks nearly touching each other is better than two hooks spaced apart. If using two hooks, you need a large worm. A Belgium or a large garden worm will work.
Under either scenario, adding a small in-line float will lift your bait a few inches off of the bottom. I really believe that this tip will make a startling difference in your catch rate.
A second tip to share. When using a Slow Death hook, thread your crawler up to the knot where your line meets the hook. Leave one inch of crawler hanging and pinch off the balance.
If slow trolling isn't for you, or if the fish are schooled up tightly, grab a slip bobber. A properly set-up slip bobber will let you tangle with both the bottom-feeding fish and the suspended fish at the same time.
On two of our last three trips out, the fish were schooled up in a spot maybe 24- foot square. Because of this, fishing either vertically or with a slip bobber would be your best option.
The beauty of a slip float is two-fold. First, no fear of spooking fish as you might when fishing straight over a school. Second, you can cover the entire school from a single anchored or spot-locked position.
Often, we use an egg sinker below the bobber but above the hook or jig. A small egg sinker placed on your line, with a barrel swivel below it, will balance a slip float perfectly and without tangles. Just remember that a properly set-up float will be 60% submerged. Tie a short leader from the swivel to your jig or hook.
A jighead is used on most occasions when targeting walleye. About 20% of the time, we can opt for a glow-in-the-dark or chartreuse octopus hook. We use leeches until the water drops down near fifty degrees.
For bluegills and perch, we use a perch fly, a perch-pounder-style rig, teardrops, or a rubber spider. I like using a mixture of the above. Crappies and perch, maybe a minnow on some marabou jighead.
A size eight hook on a Sabaki rig will land more fish than a size six hook rig. A size ten works well and can be the top fish-getter; however, under a good bite, the fish might swallow the hooks. I avoid carrying or buying size-6 hooks of any type when dealing with bluegill.
Fishing tight to a fast drop-off that comes near a weedline is a ticket to a mixed bag. Last, stop by Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for your fishing and outdoor gear.
Something felt different when the rod pulled hard. The three-weight rod can fool you on the size because of its soft nature. Wow, a walleye was on the end of the rod.
The fish was barely legal, but a welcome sight. We ended up with four walleyes, all caught when targeting bluegill. Only one was a keeper. Our next trip to White Lake produced three more walleyes. Now the lightbulb was starting to get brighter.
We were fishing a tight drop-off that bordered a weedbed on White Lake. Bluegills were the target fish, but once we realized the number of walleye present, we used a two-technique system that produced bluegills, walleye, and even a few bonus perch.
The first technique is an old one with a few twists. A crawler and a hook. To be precise, we used a size-six slow-death hook with a piece of a crawler. We always use a Mack Smyle blade. Add a bead or two between the hook and the Smyle Blade.
The mylar Smyle blade will turn at speeds below 0.3 mph. At snail's pace, you can follow a drop-off or the edge of a weedbed with pinpoint accuracy. This technique works equally well on the walleye and the bluegill.
If bluegills are your primary target, go with a Tru-Turn hook and a piece of a worm. We use a small 00 or 0 size Colorado Blade. This super small presentation really smacks the bluegill.
A single hook or two hooks nearly touching each other is better than two hooks spaced apart. If using two hooks, you need a large worm. A Belgium or a large garden worm will work.
Under either scenario, adding a small in-line float will lift your bait a few inches off of the bottom. I really believe that this tip will make a startling difference in your catch rate.
A second tip to share. When using a Slow Death hook, thread your crawler up to the knot where your line meets the hook. Leave one inch of crawler hanging and pinch off the balance.
If slow trolling isn't for you, or if the fish are schooled up tightly, grab a slip bobber. A properly set-up slip bobber will let you tangle with both the bottom-feeding fish and the suspended fish at the same time.
On two of our last three trips out, the fish were schooled up in a spot maybe 24- foot square. Because of this, fishing either vertically or with a slip bobber would be your best option.
The beauty of a slip float is two-fold. First, no fear of spooking fish as you might when fishing straight over a school. Second, you can cover the entire school from a single anchored or spot-locked position.
Often, we use an egg sinker below the bobber but above the hook or jig. A small egg sinker placed on your line, with a barrel swivel below it, will balance a slip float perfectly and without tangles. Just remember that a properly set-up float will be 60% submerged. Tie a short leader from the swivel to your jig or hook.
A jighead is used on most occasions when targeting walleye. About 20% of the time, we can opt for a glow-in-the-dark or chartreuse octopus hook. We use leeches until the water drops down near fifty degrees.
For bluegills and perch, we use a perch fly, a perch-pounder-style rig, teardrops, or a rubber spider. I like using a mixture of the above. Crappies and perch, maybe a minnow on some marabou jighead.
A size eight hook on a Sabaki rig will land more fish than a size six hook rig. A size ten works well and can be the top fish-getter; however, under a good bite, the fish might swallow the hooks. I avoid carrying or buying size-6 hooks of any type when dealing with bluegill.
Fishing tight to a fast drop-off that comes near a weedline is a ticket to a mixed bag. Last, stop by Bob's Gun and Tackle Shop for your fishing and outdoor gear.
How to Manage Powdery Mildew on Garden, Indoor Plants
By Melinda Myers
Whether gardening indoors or outdoors, gardeners are likely to encounter powdery mildew on one or more of their plants.
First, a white powdery substance will appear on the surface of leaves, stems and flower petals. As the powdery mildew expands and covers the leaves, it blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves inhibiting photosynthesis. As the disease progresses, it develops structures that enter plant cells to obtain nutrients. It usually is not fatal but severe infestations can cause plant leaves to yellow, twist and discolor and the plant may decline.
Several closely related fungi are responsible for the group of diseases called powdery mildew. Different species of powdery mildew fungi attack different plants. If the weather conditions are right and the various fungi are present, gardeners may find powdery mildew on a variety of plants in their landscape or indoor garden.
Watch for powdery mildew on azaleas, crabapples, dogwoods, lilacs, photinia, roses, coral honeysuckle vines and other trees, shrubs and vines. Check beebalm, dahlias, peonies, phlox, zinnias, cucumbers, squash and other susceptible plants in gardens. Indoors, especially during the winter, monitor African violets, begonias, ivies, jade and kalanchoes that may develop this disease.
Unlike many fungal diseases, powdery mildew fungi need high humidity, not wet leaves to develop. Their spores also form in high humidity and are distributed when the humidity is low.
Powdery mildew is more likely to occur on indoor plants growing in low light with poor air circulation and cooler temperatures near 70° F. Although the disease is more common in winter the disease can occur anytime these conditions exist.
Reduce the risk of powdery mildew by keeping plants healthy and avoiding overfertilization. Provide plants with the needed light and other preferred growing conditions. Properly space landscape plants and avoid overcrowding plants, indoors and out, to provide sufficient light penetration and air circulation.
Water new plantings thoroughly and often enough to keep the roots moist. Gradually reduce the frequency to encourage the plants to develop a robust root system. Continue to water established plants thoroughly as needed during dry weather.
Further decrease the risk of this disease with a bit of spring thinning on phlox and beebalm. Remove about ¼ of the phlox and beebalm stems in early spring to allow more air and light to penetrate the plant. This strategy will encourage sturdier stems and discourage disease problems.
Select mildew resistant varieties of these and other plants prone to this disease. Resistant plants are not immune but are less likely to develop the disease than those that are not.
Practice sanitation by removing infected leaves and plant debris where the fungal spores overwinter. As temperatures rise above 60°F the spores may begin to germinate.
With proper care and sanitation healthy perennials, shrubs and trees, especially those infected late in the growing season, will return the following year. Masking the diseased foliage with a somewhat shorter plant is one way to enjoy the flowers while dealing with the disease. If opting to treat the disease, select the most eco-friendly product, apply it at the first sign of the disease and repeat as directed. As always, read and follow label directions.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
Whether gardening indoors or outdoors, gardeners are likely to encounter powdery mildew on one or more of their plants.
First, a white powdery substance will appear on the surface of leaves, stems and flower petals. As the powdery mildew expands and covers the leaves, it blocks sunlight from reaching the leaves inhibiting photosynthesis. As the disease progresses, it develops structures that enter plant cells to obtain nutrients. It usually is not fatal but severe infestations can cause plant leaves to yellow, twist and discolor and the plant may decline.
Several closely related fungi are responsible for the group of diseases called powdery mildew. Different species of powdery mildew fungi attack different plants. If the weather conditions are right and the various fungi are present, gardeners may find powdery mildew on a variety of plants in their landscape or indoor garden.
Watch for powdery mildew on azaleas, crabapples, dogwoods, lilacs, photinia, roses, coral honeysuckle vines and other trees, shrubs and vines. Check beebalm, dahlias, peonies, phlox, zinnias, cucumbers, squash and other susceptible plants in gardens. Indoors, especially during the winter, monitor African violets, begonias, ivies, jade and kalanchoes that may develop this disease.
Unlike many fungal diseases, powdery mildew fungi need high humidity, not wet leaves to develop. Their spores also form in high humidity and are distributed when the humidity is low.
Powdery mildew is more likely to occur on indoor plants growing in low light with poor air circulation and cooler temperatures near 70° F. Although the disease is more common in winter the disease can occur anytime these conditions exist.
Reduce the risk of powdery mildew by keeping plants healthy and avoiding overfertilization. Provide plants with the needed light and other preferred growing conditions. Properly space landscape plants and avoid overcrowding plants, indoors and out, to provide sufficient light penetration and air circulation.
Water new plantings thoroughly and often enough to keep the roots moist. Gradually reduce the frequency to encourage the plants to develop a robust root system. Continue to water established plants thoroughly as needed during dry weather.
Further decrease the risk of this disease with a bit of spring thinning on phlox and beebalm. Remove about ¼ of the phlox and beebalm stems in early spring to allow more air and light to penetrate the plant. This strategy will encourage sturdier stems and discourage disease problems.
Select mildew resistant varieties of these and other plants prone to this disease. Resistant plants are not immune but are less likely to develop the disease than those that are not.
Practice sanitation by removing infected leaves and plant debris where the fungal spores overwinter. As temperatures rise above 60°F the spores may begin to germinate.
With proper care and sanitation healthy perennials, shrubs and trees, especially those infected late in the growing season, will return the following year. Masking the diseased foliage with a somewhat shorter plant is one way to enjoy the flowers while dealing with the disease. If opting to treat the disease, select the most eco-friendly product, apply it at the first sign of the disease and repeat as directed. As always, read and follow label directions.
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Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. Her website is MelindaMyers.com.
DNR Announces Adjusted Hours at Waterfowl Areas
Decreasing revenues, increasing costs from inflation and years of deferred maintenance on critical infrastructure have prompted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to adjust hours at four managed waterfowl areas this fall.
The change will mean fewer daily draw opportunities for hunters. Reserved hunts will continue as planned, and all changes will take effect after the 2026 duck season opening weekends.
Changes are coming to managed hunting operations at the following premier state game and wildlife areas:
• Fish Point in Tuscola County
• Nayanquing Point in Bay County
• Shiawassee River in Saginaw County
• Harsens Island Unit at St. Clair Flats in St. Clair County
These areas have traditionally held daily morning and afternoon draws for free waterfowl hunting permits, valid for specific zones. For the 2026 waterfowl season, draw opportunities will be reduced to five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, with one draw per day at 5:30 a.m. Permits will be valid until the close of shooting hours.
Leftover zones will be available until 8 a.m. only, when check stations will close to the public. Self-registration for leftover zones will not be available after the draw. If there are no leftover zones, the check station will post a notice on the door and close immediately following the draw.
Managed hunting zones at Fish Point, Nayanquing Point, Shiawassee River and Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats will be closed to waterfowl hunting on Sundays and Mondays, with no draws and no self-registration. This will provide a 48-hour quiet period each week, a practice that has been successfully implemented at managed waterfowl areas in other states.
Opening weekend reserved hunts are Oct. 3-4 at Fish Point and Nayanquing Point, and Oct. 17-18 at Harsens Island, Shiawassee River and Pointe Mouillee. The application period for reserved hunts is now through Aug. 28.
Three more prized state wildlife and game areas have already implemented reduced draw schedules and will continue without further reductions this fall:
• Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Monroe and Wayne counties
• Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center
• Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County
Muskegon County Resource and Recovery Center will continue to operate four draws per week, with 5:30 a.m. draws on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. draws on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesday morning permits are valid until close of shooting hours.
Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area will continue to operate three draws per week, with 5:30 a.m. draws on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17-18, and Dec. 19-Feb. 14. Permits are valid until 4:30 p.m. Self-registration is available for duck hunting outside of drawing dates during the South Zone duck season. Self-registration is available for goose hunting Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 19-Nov. 4.
Michigan’s managed waterfowl areas, also known as the Wetland Wonders, are public lands stewarded by the DNR Wildlife Division to create wildlife habitat and opportunities for hunting. These areas are used by approximately one out of every four waterfowl hunters in Michigan. They also provide a variety of other recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers and birders.
For more information about managed waterfowl areas, visit Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
The change will mean fewer daily draw opportunities for hunters. Reserved hunts will continue as planned, and all changes will take effect after the 2026 duck season opening weekends.
Changes are coming to managed hunting operations at the following premier state game and wildlife areas:
• Fish Point in Tuscola County
• Nayanquing Point in Bay County
• Shiawassee River in Saginaw County
• Harsens Island Unit at St. Clair Flats in St. Clair County
These areas have traditionally held daily morning and afternoon draws for free waterfowl hunting permits, valid for specific zones. For the 2026 waterfowl season, draw opportunities will be reduced to five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, with one draw per day at 5:30 a.m. Permits will be valid until the close of shooting hours.
Leftover zones will be available until 8 a.m. only, when check stations will close to the public. Self-registration for leftover zones will not be available after the draw. If there are no leftover zones, the check station will post a notice on the door and close immediately following the draw.
Managed hunting zones at Fish Point, Nayanquing Point, Shiawassee River and Harsens Island at St. Clair Flats will be closed to waterfowl hunting on Sundays and Mondays, with no draws and no self-registration. This will provide a 48-hour quiet period each week, a practice that has been successfully implemented at managed waterfowl areas in other states.
Opening weekend reserved hunts are Oct. 3-4 at Fish Point and Nayanquing Point, and Oct. 17-18 at Harsens Island, Shiawassee River and Pointe Mouillee. The application period for reserved hunts is now through Aug. 28.
Three more prized state wildlife and game areas have already implemented reduced draw schedules and will continue without further reductions this fall:
• Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Monroe and Wayne counties
• Muskegon County Resource Recovery Center
• Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County
Muskegon County Resource and Recovery Center will continue to operate four draws per week, with 5:30 a.m. draws on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. draws on Thursdays and Saturdays. Tuesday morning permits are valid until close of shooting hours.
Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area will continue to operate three draws per week, with 5:30 a.m. draws on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 17-18, and Dec. 19-Feb. 14. Permits are valid until 4:30 p.m. Self-registration is available for duck hunting outside of drawing dates during the South Zone duck season. Self-registration is available for goose hunting Sept. 1-30 and Oct. 19-Nov. 4.
Michigan’s managed waterfowl areas, also known as the Wetland Wonders, are public lands stewarded by the DNR Wildlife Division to create wildlife habitat and opportunities for hunting. These areas are used by approximately one out of every four waterfowl hunters in Michigan. They also provide a variety of other recreational opportunities for hunters, anglers and birders.
For more information about managed waterfowl areas, visit Michigan.gov/WetlandWonders.
