The Natural Resources Commission met on May 13 and approved several changes to deer regulations for the 2026 and 2027 hunting seasons.

The full list of NRC-approved changes for the 2026 deer seasons can be found here. Some of the changes include:

The commission approved the following changes for the 2027 deer hunt in the Lower Peninsula:

The commission did not make changes to the 2027 deer hunting regulations in the Upper Peninsula.

The full 9 1/2-hour meeting is available on the DNR’s YouTube channel.

From May 18-31, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning will conduct a statewide “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign to emphasize the importance of seat belt safety.

Each year, thousands of people across the country lose their lives in car crashes because they were not wearing seat belts. In Michigan, more than 200 vehicle occupants die annually because they were not buckled up.

The Michigan State Police and local law enforcement agencies across the state will actively conduct seat belt enforcement efforts during the campaign.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for wildlife habitat improvement grants through the Wildlife Habitat Grant Program. Established in 2013, the program is funded through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses.

Funding is available through a competitive process for local, state, federal and tribal governments, as well as nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Grant awards range from $50,000 to about $1 million.

The 2026 grant cycle prioritizes projects that restore large complexes of grassland and savanna habitat.

Applications are due June 25 and must be submitted through the MiGrants system.

Michigan is home to 10 turtle species, including eastern box turtles, painted turtles and snapping turtles. Many hatchlings spend their first winter in the nest before emerging in April and May.

Young turtles instinctively travel toward water, making them vulnerable to predators and traffic. If you see a small, “rock-like” object crossing a road near water, wetlands or marshes, it could be a hatchling. If it is safe and legal to do so, please gently move the turtle to the side of the road in the direction it was already heading.

Many turtle species in Michigan are protected. For rules and regulations regarding the possession of reptiles and amphibians, visit the Michigan Fishing Guide.

Michigan’s summer Free Fishing Weekend will take place June 13-14.

During the Free Fishing Weekend, fishing license fees are waived, and state parks and boating access sites are open without a Recreation Passport. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish for any species, though all fishing regulations and laws still apply.

The search is underway for Michigan’s 2026 state Christmas tree.

For 40 years, trees have been selected from communities across the state to display at the Capitol and serve as the centerpiece of the annual Silver Bells in the City tree-lighting ceremony, scheduled this year for Friday, Nov. 20.

To qualify, a tree must:

To nominate a tree, email your name, phone number, a photo of the tree, and details about its size and location to ChristmasTree@michigan.gov. Nominations are due by Monday, Aug. 17.

The selected tree will be harvested and transported to Lansing with assistance from the Michigan Association of Timbermen and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association.

Memorial Day is a time to pause and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. While we can never fully repay their sacrifice and dedication, we can honor their memory and the freedoms they helped protect.