The Department of Natural Resources today announced a tentative diagnosis of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), an often fatal viral disease found in wild ruminants, for the more than 50 deer that have died off in an area around the Clinton River in Oakland and Macomb counties.

The disease is characterized by extensive hemorrhages and is transmitted by a biting fly or midge. White-tailed deer develop signs of the illness about seven days after exposure. Deer initially lose their appetite and fear of man, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively, develop a rapid pulse and respiration rate, become unconscious, and then die. Due to a high fever, the deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.

The virus can be transmitted to other wild ruminants, such as elk and moose; however, there is no evidence that humans can contract the virus.

There is no known effective treatment or control of EHD. The disease was first documented in Michigan’s white-tailed deer in 1955. Additional die-offs attributed to EHD occurred in 1974, and again in 2006 in Allegan County. The Allegan County die-off involved 50 to 75 animals.

Property owners who discover dead deer on their land should bury them at a sufficient depth so that body parts are not showing. Carcasses also can be disposed of at landfills that accept household solid waste.

For more information on EHD, please see the Michigan Emerging Diseases Web site at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases.

Agency: Natural Resources

Sept. 2, 2008The Department of Natural Resources announced today that a Wildlife Order will be signed to give hunters replacement kill tags in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) surveillance zone in Kent County if the deer they harvested appears to have a physical condition consistent with CWD. This is consistent with DNR policy in the northeastern Lower Peninsula for hunters who have harvested a deer that shows signs of bovine tuberculosis. This regulation will take effect in the nine townships that make up the CWD surveillance zone in Kent County, which includes Tyrone, Solon, Nelson, Sparta, Algoma, Courtland, Alpine, Plainfield and Cannon. Hunters will be provided with a replacement kill tag when the entire carcass is collected by the DNR for CWD testing, which is consistent with current actions for carcasses collected for TB testing. Hunters can then use the replacement kill tag to harvest another deer. Hunters can also retain the antlers or antlers attached to a skull cap cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue from the surrendered animal. On Aug. 25, the DNR and the Michigan Department of Agriculture confirmed the state’s first case of CWD in a three-year old doe at a private cervid facility in Kent County. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects deer, elk and moose. Infected animals display abnormal behaviors, loss of bodily functions and a progressive weight loss. Current evidence suggests that the disease is transmitted through infectious, self-multiplying proteins (prions). Prions are normal cell proteins whose shape has been transformed, causing CWD. The disease is transmitted by exposure to saliva of infected animals. Susceptible animals can also acquire CWD by eating feces from an infected animal, or soil contaminated by them. Once contaminated, soil can remain a source of infection for many years, making CWD a particularly difficult disease to manage. DNR officials remind citizens that, to date, there is no evidence that CWD poses a risk to humans, nor has there been verified evidence that the disease can be transmitted to humans. More information about CWD is available on the State of Michigan’s Emerging Diseases Web site at www.michigan.gov/chronicwastingdisease.

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-199210–,00.html

Tissue samples from a group of deer that recently died along the Clinton River in southeast Michigan have been sent to the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University to determine why they died. Initial tests by the Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Disease Lab show that the deer did not have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) or Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), two diseases of particular interest in Michigan. Final toxicology and virology reports are pending.

Approximately 20 deer died in a three-week period along a six-mile stretch of the Clinton River in Bloomer Park in Rochester. Necropsies were performed at the DNR’s Wildlife Disease Lab in Lansing on deer that were in good enough condition to examine. Several diseases were ruled out, but no common cause of death was found. One deer submitted for testing and necropsy died of a fractured skull, but also showed evidence of a bacterial infection, said Tom Cooley, DNR wildlife biologist who performed the necropsies.

“We have sent tissue samples and stomach contents out for further testing to try to determine what killed the deer,” Cooley said. “We were glad to rule out CWD and other diseases, and hope the lab at Michigan State University can help us solve this mystery.”

Citizens discovering a significant die-off of any wildlife species should report it to the DNR for investigation. An online form to report sick or dead wildlife is available on the state’s Emerging Diseases Web site at www.michigan.gov/emergingdiseases. The Web site also contains information on a wide array of animal diseases present in Michigan, including CWD. Citizens may also call their local DNR Operations Service Center to report significant wildlife die-offs. http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-199168–,00.html

Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials today announced the 2008 bear drawing results will be posted on the DNR Web site, www.michigan.gov/dnrdrawings, Monday, June 30. All hunters who applied online will need to check their drawing results online. Applicants who did not apply online will be mailed a notification postcard.

This year, leftover bear licenses are available in the Bergland and Baraga bear management units in the western Upper Peninsula. Available license quantities for these units will be posted on the DNR Web site at the same time. Unsuccessful resident applicants may purchase one leftover license online or from any license agent on a first-come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning July 7 at 10 a.m. (EDT). Any licenses that remain as of July 14 at 10 a.m. (EDT) also will be made available for purchase by residents who did not apply for a bear license. These licenses will be sold until the quota is met. Bear preference points will be reset to zero for hunters who purchase a leftover bear license. It is unlawful to purchase more than one bear hunting license.

Wildlife officials said the 2% cap on nonresident licenses per hunt unit was met in the drawing, so the leftover licenses may be purchased by residents only. For more information on availability of leftover licenses including hunt units and periods with leftovers, visit the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.

 

We went fishing on june 14th on Go Deep Sportfishing Charters out of Oscoda MI. We had alot of fun up there we ended up with 6 lake trout and 3 king salmons so if your ever in Michigan and want to do some great fishing give Captain Bill Hjorth a call at 989-257-5183.

DNR Reminds Citizens That Fire Danger is High This WeekendContact:  Paul Kollmeyer 231-775-9727 Agency: Natural Resources

May 21, 2008The Department of Natural Resources reminds Michigan citizens and visitors that wildfire danger is expected to be high this weekend across most of the state. The holiday weekend forecast is calling for warm and dry conditions. “The full forest ‘green up’ was delayed due to earlier cool weather,” said DNR Wildfire Supervisor Scott Heather. “Pine needle moisture levels are about as low as they get right now. Low fuel moistures make the threat of a crown fire spreading rapidly through the treetops a possibility under current fire conditions.” So far this spring fire season, the DNR has responded to 176 wildfires, with the largest being a 1,345-acre fire near Grayling. Motorists traveling along 1-75 will easily see where the fire crossed the highway on April 24, threatening the business district of Grayling and continued burning westerly destroying three homes before being controlled by firefighting forces. “When weather is dry during holiday weekends, we respond to a lot of human-caused fires due to the increase in outdoor activity during the weekend,” said DNR Fire Prevention Specialist Paul Kollmeyer. “The needles and leaves igniting so easily provide a perfect combination that elevates the chances of a fire getting started.” Kollmeyer reminded Michigan citizens and visitors to be extremely careful with outdoor fires this weekend. He suggested that campfires be kept small and never left unattended. All fires and barbeques should be completely extinguished. Use plenty of water, stir and then add more water until everything is wet and no steam is produced while extinguishing a fire or barbeque. Turn over unburned pieces of wood or charcoal and wet the underside. Soak unburned pieces of charcoal in a bucket of water before disposing of them. Do not simply cover a campfire with soil or sand - this is insufficient to extinguish it. For more information on wildfire prevention, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-fire. The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Fisheries Division

April 28, 2008

Proposal to review the number of rods authorized for use while fishing

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is considering a change in the number of rods

allowed for use by State recreational anglers while fishing. Currently, the number of lines (rods)

an angler may use on most waters is limited to 2. Several years ago, however, angling groups

worked with the legislature to allow 3 lines while in the act of trolling for trout and salmon in

lakes Michigan, Huron or Superior. This discrepancy has caused some confusion among anglers

and has created law enforcement problems. The Department has been asked to revisit this

regulation.

1. What are the current line limits for recreational anglers?

A person shall not use more than 2 single lines or 2 single rods and lines while fishing.

The exception to this rule is that on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior and the St.

Mary’s River, persons in the act of trolling may use 3 lines and rods if they are targeting

trout and salmon.

2. How long have the current regulations been in place?

 The 2-line limit has been in effect for more than 80 years.

 A change in statute in 2001 created the opportunity for anglers to use 3 lines on Lake

Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and the St. Mary’s River if they are trolling and

targeting for trout and salmon.

3. What is the new proposal?

 The new proposal is to allow anglers to use 3 lines statewide, including inland and Great

Lakes waters.

4. Does the Department have the authority to change line limits?

 An increase to three lines statewide will require a change in statute, which can only be

accomplished by an act of the legislature.

 The 2001 change in statute did grant the Department limited authority to increase the

number of lines that may be used to harvest trout and salmon while trolling on the Great

Lakes and connecting waters.

 Returning the limit back to 2 lines statewide for all anglers does not require legislative

action.

5. What are the line/rod limits in adjoining jurisdictions?

 Indiana: 3 rods

 Minnesota: 1 rod, 2 rods may be used while ice fishing

 Ohio: 2 rods

 Ontario: 2 rods

 Wisconsin: 3 rods

April 28, 2008 -2-

6. What are the potential positive aspects of increasing the number of lines to 3 statewide?

 Currently there is a disparity in the number of lines that can be used by certain anglers,

depending on where and how they are fishing. This proposal will create a uniform

regulation for all anglers.

 Regulations would be simplified.

 Anglers trolling for species other than trout and salmon will be able to use an additional

line than is currently allowed.

 Ice anglers will be able to use any combination of rods/tip-ups for ice fishing.

 Anglers will have a greater flexibility in choosing their level of effort.

7. What are the potential negative aspects of increasing the number of lines to 3 statewide?

 Overcrowding could result at piers, below spillways, or wherever high concentrations of

anglers already occur.

 Ice, bank, and surf anglers, especially those fishing in groups, may utilize larger fishing

areas (i.e. length of river bank), which may cause user conflicts.

8. What are the potential biological implications of this proposal?

 There are none that can be readily identified, but there is insufficient information available

to predict all of the potential impacts if there is increased harvest (e.g., potential for

additional harvest of northern pike during ice fishing). While some anglers may reach

their daily bag limit more quickly or frequently using an additional line, it is likely that

other anglers will be less efficient harvesting fish with additional lines.

9. Do the fishery biologists believe this change would have any impact to the fishery?

 An increase in the line limit may increase effort, but since most anglers do not catch their

daily bag limit of fish it is very unlikely such a change would result in a significantly

higher level of harvest that could negatively impact a fishery.

 In certain situations, especially ice fishing for vulnerable species such as northern pike and

muskellunge, there may be an overall increase in catch.

10. Will daily bag limits also be increased?

 No. The proposal only affects the number of lines. There is a separate proposal for

increasing the Chinook and coho salmon daily bag limit.

11. Has the current 3-line limit for trout and salmon on lakes Michigan, Huron and Superior

harmed the fishery in any way?

 No. Those anglers that fish for trout and salmon in the upper Great Lakes simply have the

opportunity to increase their efficiency when f ishing.

12. Why do we need line limits when there are already daily bag limits in place?

 Line limits and daily bag limits work together to distribute catch equitably among anglers.

If set too high, one result can be that relatively few anglers harvest a disproportionate share

of the catch.

 Socially, line limits create a fair level of effort and use of “space”, especially in shoreline

and pier fishing situations.

April 28, 2008 -3-

13. When will this regulation take effect?

 The earliest that this regulation would take effect is April 1, 2009.

14. Are public comments being accepted?

 Yes, public comments are being accepted through June 13, 2008, via e-mail to DNR-FISH-

3lines@michigan.gov or letters sent to Fisheries Division, PO Box 30446, Lansing, MI

48909. Comments will also be accepted after June 13, 2008, through various forums such

as Natural Resources Commission meetings.