Pure Michigan Hunt shoots to score big with help from hunting industry, sportsmen's groups

The hunting industry and sportsmen’s groups are once again stepping up to support hunting and wildlife
management in Michigan by contributing to the fifth annual Pure Michigan Hunt.

“We have the greatest sportsman groups and hunting industry right here in Michigan,” stated Wildlife Outreach Technician Katie Keen. “It’s great that we can work together to help the resource, as well as making the dreams of three lucky hunters come true.”

Every year three winners are chosen by random to win hunting licenses and gear. Each winner is awarded an elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, and antlerless deer license and first pick opening morning at any managed waterfowl area.

If the licenses weren’t enough, prize packages donated by sportsmen's groups and the hunting industry have totaled approximately $4,400 in value for each winner. Shotguns, rifles, crossbows, camouflage clothing, pop-up blinds, guided hunts, hunting vests, knives, rear-window hunting graphics and memberships to sportsmen's groups are just some of the prizes seen in the past.

To date, this year’s Pure Michigan Hunt sponsors are:

• Ameristep in Clio
• Ducks Unlimited - Michigan Chapter 
• Michigan Trappers Association
• National Wild Turkey Federation - Michigan Chapter
• Quality Deer Management Association - Michigan Chapter
• Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation - Michigan Chapter
• East Lake Outfitters in Essexville
• Safari Club International - National and Mid- Michigan Chapter
• Steel Skinz Graphics in Howell
• The Trophy Room Taxidermy Studio with RJ Meyer in Jays of Clare 

The most recent winners – Jason Webb of Westland, Jim Bosscher of McBain and Dave Gittins of Kawkawlin – are all currently getting ready for their golden-ticket spring turkey hunt. As Pure Michigan Hunt winners, they can hunt in any open turkey unit in the state any day turkey hunting is allowed in that unit. Each winner also will be able to take advantage of the guided two-day turkey hunt with food and two nights lodging, donated by East Lake Outfitters in Essexville. Look for future information about their 2013 hunting adventures in future press releases.

All dollars generated from the Pure Michigan Hunt fund wildlife and habitat management work in Michigan.

“The Pure Michigan Hunt is an exciting way to showcase everything Michigan has to offer,” said Keen. “This is a wonderful opportunity for hunters to show their support and to also have a shot at the hunt of a lifetime.”

Those who would like to be in the running for the next Pure Michigan Hunt can purchase unlimited $4 applications anywhere hunting licenses are sold or online at http://www.mdnr-elicense.com (look for item #300). Applicants can enter as many times as they would like until Dec. 31. Winners will be drawn in January 2014. Visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt for more information.