Traverse Bay Notes - Winter 2006

In an effort to save money on printing and mailing costs this year, Traverse Bay chapter members are being encouraged to sign up on the chapter's new email list to receive notices of monthly meetings, events, and corn distribution. This method of communication is proving to be very helpful both in cost savings and in serving as a quick and easy method of communication. All TB chapter members are encouraged to sign up for the list by simply clicking on this e-mail address: TBchaptermwtha@yahoo.com

All monthly meetings this winter (through April) are scheduled for the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Gaylord DNR office. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

With an early start to the chapter's winter feeding program in mid-December due to early deep snow and cold, many tons of shelled corn have already been distributed to the wild turkeys of Area J, despite the very mild weather of the past few weeks, which everyone, most especially the turkeys, has been very grateful for, especially in light of our current cash constraints.

With lower income last year, despite the success of our August fundraiser picnic, the chapter is very hopeful we'll see excellent raffle sales this spring. Tickets for raffle prizes (again, thanks to our good friends from Jay's Sporting Goods!) are available now through any TB chapter member. Give us a shout at the above email address to purchase tickets for a very good cause!

Raffle winners will be drawn at our annual Turkey Hunter's Workshop at 1 p.m. on April 8th at the Gaylord Jay's Sporting Goods, which is free and open to everyone-we hope to see you there!

Ever wondered how the DNR gets wild turkey counts? Well, in southern Michigan, we wonder, too, but in northern Michigan, it's simple-we count every single turkey out there while they're standing at a feeder, if possible, and turn those numbers over to our local DNR field biologist, another activity we'll be busy with in the next few weeks.

We'll also be at the Traverse City Outdoor Show in March again this year, be sure to stop by to see us!

We'd like to thank TB chapter member Jerry Michrina, of Charlevoix, who has graciously offered to take over the updating and promotion of the statewide MWTHA site. Some updates have already been done-check out the site when you have a moment at: http://www.mwtha.net

If you would like to make contributions to our website's Photo Gallery, contact Jerry at: Jerry@mtechlaptops.com

We love to see those photos!

And finally, kudos to all MWTHA members for supporting the Hunting Heritage Defense Fund, Michigan's dove hunt, and the fight against Michigan's anti-hunters. Let's get this great sport back, and this time, let's make it a statewide event!!