This past winter (2013-2014) was one of the most severe in many years. Temperatures remained below freezing for several months, with deep snow depth and high winds. It was truly a very brutal winter especially on those species of wildlife that did not migrate or hibernate.
Several MWTHA chapters were purchasing and distributing shelled corn to thousands of Wild Turkeys. We did our best to get the word out that there was support available for turkey flocks, realizing at the same time that any turkeys that could not find a food source would not survive.
EDITORS NOTE: The following article was written by John Gunnell of Rockford and has been recently published in The North Woods Call. The letter was sent to those people listed in the article. It is appearing in Michigan Turkey Tracks with his permission.
Reading about the observing the results of ethical work being done by thousands of Michigan outdoor users outside the DNR is heartening. Unfortunately well intentioned efforts from within today’s department are compromised before the fact due to its tainted reputation of condoning laws and practices that cast suspicion on even rudimentary matters.
Did you ever wonder how the DNR thinks? They make Rules and Regulations on wild whims and guessing. Adult Hunters have to count antler points to make sure we don’t shoot an illegal Buck. Last year I had a seven point buck go by me at 30 yards, but I couldn’t count the points as his ears covered the small rack.
