Michigan Mixed Bag: Trappers and Predator Callers expo and convention returns to Evart

Evart, Mich. — The Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers 2025 Convention and Sports Show returns Friday and Saturday, Aug. 15-16, to the Osceola County Fairgrounds, 101 Recreation Ave., Evart, MI 49631.

This year’s event promises to be both educational and entertaining for the entire family.

The demonstration schedule, which begins at 9 a.m. Friday, includes Jeff Robinson (canines), Jeff Dunlap (bobcat and coyote trapping), Jeff Hagerty (muskrat trapping), Trevor Barnes (fair market report), Cal Dittmar (mink trapping), Merle Jones (conservation science and law), and J.M. Chagnon (raccoon trapping)

The event also includes food, a live auction, a kids raffle, the MTPCA raffle, skillet toss/possum toss, a general membership meeting and more.

Admission is $10 per person and kids 16 ad under will be admitted free. On-site camping also is available. Visit MTPCA.com or call Jon Southworth at (517) 285-4596 for more info.

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Invasive red swamp crayfish found in pond at Michigan’s Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery

77TH POINTE MOUILLEE WATERFOWL FESTIVAL AND MONROE DECOY SHOW ON TAP

Brownstown Twp., Mich. — Wildlife arts and crafts, dog jumping, hunting and fishing equipment and supplies, kids activities, and more highlight the 77th Annual Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival, Sept. 13-14 at Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Brownstown Township.

The festival also includes layout shooting, the annual duck hunters tournament, the Monroe Decoy Show, an outdoor trading post, retriever demonstrations, a beer tent, live music, a live auction, a football watch party and more.

Visit www.ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival.org for more info.

NEW FOR 2025: NO APPLICATION NEEDED FOR FALL TURKEY HUNTING

Lansing — Starting this fall, you no longer need to apply for a license to hunt wild turkeys in the fall in Michigan. All fall turkey licenses will now be sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis.

Why the change? This update simplifies the process and improves access while still supporting healthy turkey populations and hunting opportunities. It also reflects the shift in focus for the fall season – from population control to providing more recreational opportunity.

Important reminders for the 2025 fall turkey season:

• No application period – just purchase your license online at eLicense, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or at a license retailer. Fall turkey licenses will go on sale Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.

• New turkey management units – two large units replace the old 11-unit system:

Unit M (Upper Peninsula). License quota: 2,200. Licenses can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis starting Aug. 15 at 10 a.m.

Unit I (Lower Peninsula, excluding Monroe County). Unlimited quota.

• One license per hunter, valid for one bird of either sex on public and private lands within the designated fall TMU.

• Season dates for the fall turkey season for both Unit I and M are Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2025.

‘BEYOND BACKSTRAPS’ VENISON CULINARY EVENT SET FOR AUG. 16 IN ALPENA COUNTY

Hubbard Lake, Mich. — Want to learn how to make the most of the deer you harvest? Attend the “Beyond Backstraps” venison culinary event sponsored by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Deer Association on Saturday, Aug. 16, in Hubbard Lake.

The course, open to all, will be guided by Doe Getter, two hunters passionate about cooking with a mission to ethically harvest deer for food while assisting farmers losing crops to deer damage.

Experienced mentors in the Field-to-Fork program, Doe Getter will cover four methods of utilizing a deer: high heat, low heat, grinding and sausage, and stock and broth.

This event begins at 10 a.m. on Aug. 16 at the Ossineke Township Hall, 9041 Nicholson Hill Road in Hubbard Lake.

Samples of meat covered during the presentation will be provided, along with refreshments. The cost is $15 per person.

Seats are limited. For more info and to register call or text (989) 884-3870.

FEDERAL LAUNCHES PERSONAL DEFENSE DEALS REBATE PROGRAM

Anoka, Minn. — Federal Ammunition has announced a new rebate program for customers purchasing select Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition. The Personal Defense Deals rebate gives customers the chance to earn up to $200 back. Rebate submissions must be received by Aug. 31

To qualify, customers must buy at least two boxes of eligible Federal Premium Personal Defense handgun ammunition and will receive a rebate of 20% of the purchase price, with a maximum rebate of $200 per person or household.

Qualifying handgun products are limited to HST, Hydra-Shok, Hydra-Shok Deep, Practice & Defend, HST Micro, and Hydra-Shok Low Recoil. For rebate details, visit www.federalpremium.com.