Corey Robinson discovered this Northern Red Oak in West Olive, measuring 247 inches in circumference. That was the winning tree for Ottawa County in the 16th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest.
ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit tree planting and education organization, announces the winners of the 16th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest, held from spring 2023 through August 2025. The contest drew more than 500 entries from 76 of Michigan’s 83 counties, and each county’s winning tree was verified in person by arborists, foresters, and conservation professionals.
A Northern Red Oak measuring 247 inches in circumference claimed the top spot in Ottawa County, discovered in West Olive by Corey Robinson.
Certificates and prizes were awarded in several categories, including the largest tree from each county, the overall largest trees in two age groups, the largest Eastern White Pine, and any new potential state champion trees.
Grand prize winners were siblings Corey and Dani Town for a Sugar Maple (240 inches in circumference) in Lapeer County, Kathy Briggerman for a Weeping Willow (327 inches) in Shiawassee County, and Michael Anger for the largest Eastern White Pine (192 inches) in Antrim County.
Sixteen trees submitted for the contest qualified as new potential state champion trees and were submitted for review and confirmation to the Big Tree Coordinator of the Michigan Botanical Society, Ted Reuschel.
For more information about the Big Tree Hunt, including pictures and the list of winners, visit the ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt webpage at BigTreeHunt .com.
ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) tree planting and education organization. Its mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant, and maintain them. Its board is made up primarily of arborists, foresters, and researchers passionate about preserving one of Michigan’s most significant resources: trees.
Since 1988, ReLeaf Michigan has worked with more than 749 communities across the state, planting over 36,000 large-sized trees in public spaces throughout Michigan. Learn more at releafmi chigan.org.
A Northern Red Oak measuring 247 inches in circumference claimed the top spot in Ottawa County, discovered in West Olive by Corey Robinson.
Certificates and prizes were awarded in several categories, including the largest tree from each county, the overall largest trees in two age groups, the largest Eastern White Pine, and any new potential state champion trees.
Grand prize winners were siblings Corey and Dani Town for a Sugar Maple (240 inches in circumference) in Lapeer County, Kathy Briggerman for a Weeping Willow (327 inches) in Shiawassee County, and Michael Anger for the largest Eastern White Pine (192 inches) in Antrim County.
Sixteen trees submitted for the contest qualified as new potential state champion trees and were submitted for review and confirmation to the Big Tree Coordinator of the Michigan Botanical Society, Ted Reuschel.
For more information about the Big Tree Hunt, including pictures and the list of winners, visit the ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt webpage at BigTreeHunt .com.
ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) tree planting and education organization. Its mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant, and maintain them. Its board is made up primarily of arborists, foresters, and researchers passionate about preserving one of Michigan’s most significant resources: trees.
Since 1988, ReLeaf Michigan has worked with more than 749 communities across the state, planting over 36,000 large-sized trees in public spaces throughout Michigan. Learn more at releafmi chigan.org.
Invasive Earthworms Altering Soil in UP Forests, Research Shows
An earthworm in wet soil. Researchers have found that non-native varieties are having a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region.
Photo via iStock
(Ed. Note: This story was originally published by Bridge Michigan, a nonprofit and nonpartisan news organization. Visit the newsroom online: bridgemi.com.)
By Georgia Hill
Great Lakes Echo and Capital News Service
LANSING — In a recent study measuring the body size and growth patterns of invasive earthworms in the Huron Mountains, researchers uncovered their role in disrupting forest ecosystems.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of earthworms in North America are invasive species, unintentionally introduced during European colonization, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
These non-native worms have a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region, where they affect soil structure, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.
The study by researchers at Governors State University in Illinois examined the body mass and length of three invasive species and found distinct differences in the ecological roles and impacts each has on the forest systems in the Huron Mountains.
The largest species was identified as a major driver of soil disturbance and nutrient distribution. The smallest species was connected to fine-scale decomposition, while the mid-sized species disrupted multiple soil layers, balancing the traits of the other two species.
The study’s lead researcher, Xiaoyong Chen, said the findings will help scientists better predict how these invasive species spread and persist.
According to Chen, eradicating all non-native invasive earthworms is not a realistic goal. However, understanding where they are and how they affect the environment will further research and management efforts.
Chen is collaborating with other researchers on an earthworm ecology project to further investigate the ecological impact of these invaders.
“We always hear about earthworms being good for the soil and productivity for plants, but as it turns out, too many of them actually causes a lot of loss of nutrients like carbon and nitrogen,” said Tim Gsell, a microbiology professor at Governors State and one of Chen’s project colleagues.
According to Gsell and Governors State environmental biology professor John Yunger, invasive earthworms speed up the breakdown of organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases while depleting the soil’s carbon and nitrogen — nutrients essential for native plant growth.
“In the UP, around the Huron Mountains, 70 percent of the land is occupied by invasive earthworms,” Chen said. “Only in a small isolated area, where the lake is, there aren’t any.”
While the researchers don’t report any immediate concrete solution, one removal method used for worm collection and sampling is effective in very small areas.
“We use a mustard solution to get the earthworms to come to the surface,” said Gsell. “When we soak the soil, their mucus membranes get irritated and they want to get out of there as fast as they can.”
Using a yellow mustard and water solution, the researchers soak the soil for about 20 minutes and then collect the irritated worms at the surface.
While using this method on a larger scale is unrealistic, it is effective for collecting worms from smaller areas.
For now, the researchers say they’re focused on addressing the problem by learning as much as they can about invasive worms to inform management efforts.
By Georgia Hill
Great Lakes Echo and Capital News Service
LANSING — In a recent study measuring the body size and growth patterns of invasive earthworms in the Huron Mountains, researchers uncovered their role in disrupting forest ecosystems.
Contrary to popular belief, the majority of earthworms in North America are invasive species, unintentionally introduced during European colonization, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
These non-native worms have a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in the Great Lakes region, where they affect soil structure, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.
The study by researchers at Governors State University in Illinois examined the body mass and length of three invasive species and found distinct differences in the ecological roles and impacts each has on the forest systems in the Huron Mountains.
The largest species was identified as a major driver of soil disturbance and nutrient distribution. The smallest species was connected to fine-scale decomposition, while the mid-sized species disrupted multiple soil layers, balancing the traits of the other two species.
The study’s lead researcher, Xiaoyong Chen, said the findings will help scientists better predict how these invasive species spread and persist.
According to Chen, eradicating all non-native invasive earthworms is not a realistic goal. However, understanding where they are and how they affect the environment will further research and management efforts.
Chen is collaborating with other researchers on an earthworm ecology project to further investigate the ecological impact of these invaders.
“We always hear about earthworms being good for the soil and productivity for plants, but as it turns out, too many of them actually causes a lot of loss of nutrients like carbon and nitrogen,” said Tim Gsell, a microbiology professor at Governors State and one of Chen’s project colleagues.
According to Gsell and Governors State environmental biology professor John Yunger, invasive earthworms speed up the breakdown of organic matter, releasing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases while depleting the soil’s carbon and nitrogen — nutrients essential for native plant growth.
“In the UP, around the Huron Mountains, 70 percent of the land is occupied by invasive earthworms,” Chen said. “Only in a small isolated area, where the lake is, there aren’t any.”
While the researchers don’t report any immediate concrete solution, one removal method used for worm collection and sampling is effective in very small areas.
“We use a mustard solution to get the earthworms to come to the surface,” said Gsell. “When we soak the soil, their mucus membranes get irritated and they want to get out of there as fast as they can.”
Using a yellow mustard and water solution, the researchers soak the soil for about 20 minutes and then collect the irritated worms at the surface.
While using this method on a larger scale is unrealistic, it is effective for collecting worms from smaller areas.
For now, the researchers say they’re focused on addressing the problem by learning as much as they can about invasive worms to inform management efforts.
December Outdoor Activities Plentiful
By Jack Payne
I love deer hunting. Archery season is my favorite. I enjoy rifle hunting in the Upper Peninsula with my friends. Camp life is excellent, and visiting a local watering hole when the Packers are playing is a must.
This speakeasy is littered with photos going back 100 years. The ceilings are lined up with old fishing rods and nets. The walls hold old fishing lures, fish and deer mounts, and other memorable outdoor items.
The pool table is covered up on Packer gamedays. Crockpots are lined up with the local favorite dishes. When the Packers score a touchdown, the owners pass out their homemade apple pie moonshine. Everyone waits for the bell to ring, and a cheer is shouted out. It's a great time.
Once back home, my focus shifts to fishing. Our most productive month of the entire year is December. Crappie, bluegill and perch become our favorites. At times, we might chase down pike or walleye, but it's really tough pulling us away from the outstanding panfish.
Regardless of where we fish, we search out the deep basin. In some of our inland lakes, we fish at depths of 25-30 feet. On the bayous connecting to either of our favorite rivers, the depth might be 15-20 feet. Regardless, the deep-water basin holds huge schools of panfish.
We have four bodies of water dialed in, so it's a simple process of heading to past waypoints and watching the side scan. If we were to venture onto a new body of water, we would cruise at 25 miles per hour, watching the traditional 2-D sonar, then switch to side-scan mode.
A large tackle box is not needed. Tiny hair jigs, perch flies, perch pounders, or glow-in-the-dark teardrops work great. Jig sizes ranging from one-sixteenth to one-eighth work great. The Lindy Little Nipper is a popular store-bought brand. Tipping any of these baits with a spike, wax worm, or minnow will yield great results.
Ninety percent of the time, we find our fish either nose to the bottom or within four feet of the bottom. One tip to share. At least half of our fish are caught on a Hali Jig. We use the Hali Jig in place of a bell sinker. It works!
December always meant the start of rabbit hunting. My favorite locations are old homesteads, areas with old machinery sitting in fields, old orchards, and Christmas tree plantations.
Once we have snow on the ground, railroad tracks become a favorite. I love walking the tracks and letting the dog work the tunnels under the tall grass.
Squirrels are put onto the back burner until January. The season is open, but I hate disturbing a late-season deer hunter. My favorite way to hunt squirrels is a float trip. My second favorite, searching out a pawed-up area of leaves and parking my butt for 30 minutes.
Late-season deer hunting runs the entire month. The traditional black powder season now allows the use of shotguns and various pistol rounds. Check the regulations where you hunt, but basically, anyone in my readership can use the same gun that was used during the traditional firearms season. The exact dates and weapons allowed are easily found when checking the DNR website.
Archery hunters have the entire month of December to hunt. December hunting is vastly different from the previous two months. In many areas, the deer became extremely nervous.
Countless hunters have strolled the woods, bumping into deer and leaving their scent. The end result is that deer move much less during daylight hours and stick closer to thick or near-impenetrable cover.
Food sources have significantly changed. Acorns are still a favorite if they can be found. My favorite food source is fresh buds. I like damp areas that have shrubs or saplings. Take a close look, and you will find places where it looks like a pruner was used.
December is a great time to be outside, and Bob's Gun and Tackle has your Christmas items in stock.
I love deer hunting. Archery season is my favorite. I enjoy rifle hunting in the Upper Peninsula with my friends. Camp life is excellent, and visiting a local watering hole when the Packers are playing is a must.
This speakeasy is littered with photos going back 100 years. The ceilings are lined up with old fishing rods and nets. The walls hold old fishing lures, fish and deer mounts, and other memorable outdoor items.
The pool table is covered up on Packer gamedays. Crockpots are lined up with the local favorite dishes. When the Packers score a touchdown, the owners pass out their homemade apple pie moonshine. Everyone waits for the bell to ring, and a cheer is shouted out. It's a great time.
Once back home, my focus shifts to fishing. Our most productive month of the entire year is December. Crappie, bluegill and perch become our favorites. At times, we might chase down pike or walleye, but it's really tough pulling us away from the outstanding panfish.
Regardless of where we fish, we search out the deep basin. In some of our inland lakes, we fish at depths of 25-30 feet. On the bayous connecting to either of our favorite rivers, the depth might be 15-20 feet. Regardless, the deep-water basin holds huge schools of panfish.
We have four bodies of water dialed in, so it's a simple process of heading to past waypoints and watching the side scan. If we were to venture onto a new body of water, we would cruise at 25 miles per hour, watching the traditional 2-D sonar, then switch to side-scan mode.
A large tackle box is not needed. Tiny hair jigs, perch flies, perch pounders, or glow-in-the-dark teardrops work great. Jig sizes ranging from one-sixteenth to one-eighth work great. The Lindy Little Nipper is a popular store-bought brand. Tipping any of these baits with a spike, wax worm, or minnow will yield great results.
Ninety percent of the time, we find our fish either nose to the bottom or within four feet of the bottom. One tip to share. At least half of our fish are caught on a Hali Jig. We use the Hali Jig in place of a bell sinker. It works!
December always meant the start of rabbit hunting. My favorite locations are old homesteads, areas with old machinery sitting in fields, old orchards, and Christmas tree plantations.
Once we have snow on the ground, railroad tracks become a favorite. I love walking the tracks and letting the dog work the tunnels under the tall grass.
Squirrels are put onto the back burner until January. The season is open, but I hate disturbing a late-season deer hunter. My favorite way to hunt squirrels is a float trip. My second favorite, searching out a pawed-up area of leaves and parking my butt for 30 minutes.
Late-season deer hunting runs the entire month. The traditional black powder season now allows the use of shotguns and various pistol rounds. Check the regulations where you hunt, but basically, anyone in my readership can use the same gun that was used during the traditional firearms season. The exact dates and weapons allowed are easily found when checking the DNR website.
Archery hunters have the entire month of December to hunt. December hunting is vastly different from the previous two months. In many areas, the deer became extremely nervous.
Countless hunters have strolled the woods, bumping into deer and leaving their scent. The end result is that deer move much less during daylight hours and stick closer to thick or near-impenetrable cover.
Food sources have significantly changed. Acorns are still a favorite if they can be found. My favorite food source is fresh buds. I like damp areas that have shrubs or saplings. Take a close look, and you will find places where it looks like a pruner was used.
December is a great time to be outside, and Bob's Gun and Tackle has your Christmas items in stock.
Outdoor Truths: Bummer Lambs
By Gary Miller
I live only a few hundred yards from national park property. Needless to say, deer roam my neighborhood. Every winter, if it snows or if we have an extended cold period, I feed deer in my front yard.
It’s pretty neat to open your shades and see several deer munching away at the goodies I leave them. What I’ve noticed over the years is that there is always one doe among the herd, who is pushed away, run off, and not allowed close to the rest. This one doe ends up only getting a few kernels that she finds on the outskirts.
Since I know this is going to happen, I always sling a little feed far enough away so she can get a little of what the rest of the bullies are enjoying. This shun in the animal world is common. And unfortunately, it happens to humans as well.
Let me give you another illustration. Sometimes a ewe will push away her newborn lamb. This may happen because she had twins or triplets, because the lamb is too small, or because they simply don’t bond. This lamb is called a bummer lamb.
A bummer lamb will wander, cry, and slowly weaken, because without a mother’s milk and warmth, it can’t survive. When the shepherd notices this occurrence, he gathers up the lamb, brings it inside, warms it by the fire, bottle feeds it, and literally holds it to his chest so it hears a heartbeat again. He becomes its source of life.
After a week or so, the lamb grows stronger and eventually can be returned to the flock. But for the rest of its life, something special happens. Whenever the shepherd calls for his sheep, the bummer lamb is the first one to run to him, because it knows his voice more clearly than all the others. It remembers who saved it.
The truth is, many of us would consider ourselves bummer lambs. Rejection has followed us throughout our lives.
For some of you, rejection came very early in life. It came from parents, family, or friends. I am especially thinking about those children who live their lives in foster homes. I have loved on these bummer babies myself and my heart breaks for them.
The good news for all of us is this: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. And He takes in every bummer lamb, and loves them so much, they become the first to recognize His voice and run to His presence.
The shepherd doesn’t love these lambs more than the others, it’s just that the ones who have been radically rescued never forget the One who carried them. They never forget the warmth, safety, and heartbeat of the One that told them they were loved and wanted. And because of that, they stay close. Not out of fear, but out of gratitude.
No matter what your life has endured up to now, know that Jesus is your good shepherd, and He wants you, and He’s coming after you.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include a compilation of his articles and a father-son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
I live only a few hundred yards from national park property. Needless to say, deer roam my neighborhood. Every winter, if it snows or if we have an extended cold period, I feed deer in my front yard.
It’s pretty neat to open your shades and see several deer munching away at the goodies I leave them. What I’ve noticed over the years is that there is always one doe among the herd, who is pushed away, run off, and not allowed close to the rest. This one doe ends up only getting a few kernels that she finds on the outskirts.
Since I know this is going to happen, I always sling a little feed far enough away so she can get a little of what the rest of the bullies are enjoying. This shun in the animal world is common. And unfortunately, it happens to humans as well.
Let me give you another illustration. Sometimes a ewe will push away her newborn lamb. This may happen because she had twins or triplets, because the lamb is too small, or because they simply don’t bond. This lamb is called a bummer lamb.
A bummer lamb will wander, cry, and slowly weaken, because without a mother’s milk and warmth, it can’t survive. When the shepherd notices this occurrence, he gathers up the lamb, brings it inside, warms it by the fire, bottle feeds it, and literally holds it to his chest so it hears a heartbeat again. He becomes its source of life.
After a week or so, the lamb grows stronger and eventually can be returned to the flock. But for the rest of its life, something special happens. Whenever the shepherd calls for his sheep, the bummer lamb is the first one to run to him, because it knows his voice more clearly than all the others. It remembers who saved it.
The truth is, many of us would consider ourselves bummer lambs. Rejection has followed us throughout our lives.
For some of you, rejection came very early in life. It came from parents, family, or friends. I am especially thinking about those children who live their lives in foster homes. I have loved on these bummer babies myself and my heart breaks for them.
The good news for all of us is this: Jesus is the Good Shepherd. And He takes in every bummer lamb, and loves them so much, they become the first to recognize His voice and run to His presence.
The shepherd doesn’t love these lambs more than the others, it’s just that the ones who have been radically rescued never forget the One who carried them. They never forget the warmth, safety, and heartbeat of the One that told them they were loved and wanted. And because of that, they stay close. Not out of fear, but out of gratitude.
No matter what your life has endured up to now, know that Jesus is your good shepherd, and He wants you, and He’s coming after you.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 22 years. He has also written five books which include a compilation of his articles and a father-son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Christmas Tree Alternatives Provide Year-Round Beauty
Lemon cypress trees surrounded by poinsettias create a festive holiday display.
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
Photo courtesy MelindaMyers.com
By Melinda Myers
When looking for a unique holiday tree this season consider adding a plant you can enjoy now and throughout the year. Select a larger specimen to use as a floor plant, adding dramatic scale to your indoor décor. Smaller plants can be placed on tabletops throughout the house to add a bit of extra cheer in any room.
Transform a weeping fig, rubber tree or fiddleleaf fig into a holiday tree with a few lights, garland and ornaments. All three of these make great additions to an indoor garden and their tree-like appearance makes them a perfect substitute for more traditional Christmas trees.
Grow them in bright, indirect light with evenly moist but not soggy wet soil. Water thoroughly and pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Or place pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above the water, creating a gravel tray. The excess water will evaporate, increasing humidity around the plant. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air and be prepared for some leaf drop on the weeping fig with a change in the seasons or growing conditions. It will survive and eventually send out new leaves.
Consider a Norfolk Island pine when looking for something that looks more like a pine tree. You will often find them decorated and sold for the holidays in garden centers and floral shops. Or add your own decorations for the festive look you prefer.
Grow Norfolk Island pine in a cool, well-lit location that’s free of drafts of hot and cold air. Regularly turn the plant to encourage even growth. Avoid dry air and keep the soil evenly moist to retain green, flexible and healthy needles and branches. Boost the humidity around this and other plants while reducing maintenance by using a gravel tray.
Purchase Rosemary wreaths and tree topiaries for a festive as well as fragrant and edible addition to the holidays. Just give the leaves a pet to enjoy the fragrance as it boosts your spirits. Pluck a sprig or two to add flavor to your winter meals and beverages.
Growing Rosemary indoors can be challenging so don’t let past failures stop you from trying. Experiment until you find the location and maintenance routine that keeps your plant thriving. Grow it in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water thoroughly as the soil begins to dry. If the plant turns brown, move it out of sight to the back of your indoor garden. It still smells good when you give it a pet and only you will know.
Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree, centerpiece or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long after the holidays are over. Grow it in a sunny window and turn it occasionally to encourage even growth. You’ll have the best results if you keep it in a cool location free from cold and hot air drafts.
Investing in one of these plants is sure to brighten your spirits and holiday décor. With proper care you can continue to enjoy them year-round and for next year’s holiday celebrations.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
When looking for a unique holiday tree this season consider adding a plant you can enjoy now and throughout the year. Select a larger specimen to use as a floor plant, adding dramatic scale to your indoor décor. Smaller plants can be placed on tabletops throughout the house to add a bit of extra cheer in any room.
Transform a weeping fig, rubber tree or fiddleleaf fig into a holiday tree with a few lights, garland and ornaments. All three of these make great additions to an indoor garden and their tree-like appearance makes them a perfect substitute for more traditional Christmas trees.
Grow them in bright, indirect light with evenly moist but not soggy wet soil. Water thoroughly and pour off any excess water that collects in the saucer. Or place pebbles in the saucer to elevate the pot above the water, creating a gravel tray. The excess water will evaporate, increasing humidity around the plant. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air and be prepared for some leaf drop on the weeping fig with a change in the seasons or growing conditions. It will survive and eventually send out new leaves.
Consider a Norfolk Island pine when looking for something that looks more like a pine tree. You will often find them decorated and sold for the holidays in garden centers and floral shops. Or add your own decorations for the festive look you prefer.
Grow Norfolk Island pine in a cool, well-lit location that’s free of drafts of hot and cold air. Regularly turn the plant to encourage even growth. Avoid dry air and keep the soil evenly moist to retain green, flexible and healthy needles and branches. Boost the humidity around this and other plants while reducing maintenance by using a gravel tray.
Purchase Rosemary wreaths and tree topiaries for a festive as well as fragrant and edible addition to the holidays. Just give the leaves a pet to enjoy the fragrance as it boosts your spirits. Pluck a sprig or two to add flavor to your winter meals and beverages.
Growing Rosemary indoors can be challenging so don’t let past failures stop you from trying. Experiment until you find the location and maintenance routine that keeps your plant thriving. Grow it in a sunny window or under artificial lights and water thoroughly as the soil begins to dry. If the plant turns brown, move it out of sight to the back of your indoor garden. It still smells good when you give it a pet and only you will know.
Lemon Cypress makes a great miniature holiday tree, centerpiece or gift for a friend. The fragrant chartreuse foliage of this dwarf evergreen continues to brighten your winter décor long after the holidays are over. Grow it in a sunny window and turn it occasionally to encourage even growth. You’ll have the best results if you keep it in a cool location free from cold and hot air drafts.
Investing in one of these plants is sure to brighten your spirits and holiday décor. With proper care you can continue to enjoy them year-round and for next year’s holiday celebrations.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” streaming courses and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is MelindaMyers.com.
DNR Advises Waterfowl Hunters to Safeguard Against Bird Flu
Michigan Department of Natural Resources officials are reminding waterfowl hunters to take precautions to protect themselves and domestic animals from highly pathogenic avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu.
This fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported increasing outbreaks of HPAI in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, including new detections in counties with popular waterfowl hunting destinations.
The DNR reports more HPAI detections in 2025 than were found in 2024; 130 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in Michigan, with most detections in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Wildlife detections and pending cases are posted on the DNR’s HPAI webpage.
The disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred throughout the state.
HPAI has been detected in surrounding states and other parts of the U.S. as well. Hunters traveling out of state are advised to follow all health and safety precautions regardless of where they are hunting. Visit the USDA H5N1 Influenza webpage (aphis.usda.gov/ 5n1-hpai) for more information about national detections and response.
Michigan’s earliest waterfowl season opened Sept. 1 and the final season closes Feb. 15. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Waterfowl.
“Make sure to take appropriate precautions when field dressing wild birds. In order to kill the virus, use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit,” DNR wildlife veterinarian Dr. Scott Larsen said. “It’s also important to properly clean and disinfect gear and equipment before coming into contact with domestic birds.”
HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in wild birds and mammals. HPAI infections can occur at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations. Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick.
Anyone who observes a die-off of six or more wild birds should report it through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool (www2 .dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home) or a local DNR field office.
—————
Precautions for waterfowl hunters
The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but the virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or material. Hunters should always take precautions when handling wild birds to avoid contracting or spreading bird flu:
• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.
• Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds, and wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when handling wild birds.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.
• Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.
If you have close contact with obviously sick or dead wild birds, or surfaces contaminated by them, monitor for these symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure:
• Fever with temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or chills. Fever may not always be present.
• Sore throat.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Eye tearing, redness or irritation.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body aches.
For more information about HPAI and human health, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage for Communicable Disease Information and Resources or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for Avian Flu.
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Protecting domestic animals from infection
HPAI has been found in Michigan commercial and backyard domestic poultry, as well as dairy cattle. Waterfowl hunters who care for domestic animals, including hunting dogs, cats and backyard poultry, should take the following precautions:
• Keep domestic animals away from wild birds, including dead waterfowl.
• Keep domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds or their mucous, saliva or feces.
• Cook waterfowl meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it to other animals.
• Shower after hunting and before tending to domestic animals.
• Wash hands immediately before and after caring for animals.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between premises.
Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your animals or how to best protect them from disease.
For more information about HPAI in Michigan’s domestic animals, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) webpage (michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza).
This fall, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has reported increasing outbreaks of HPAI in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, including new detections in counties with popular waterfowl hunting destinations.
The DNR reports more HPAI detections in 2025 than were found in 2024; 130 wild birds have tested positive for HPAI in Michigan, with most detections in Canada geese, bald eagles and red-tailed hawks. Wildlife detections and pending cases are posted on the DNR’s HPAI webpage.
The disease has been found in every Michigan watershed, indicating that it has occurred throughout the state.
HPAI has been detected in surrounding states and other parts of the U.S. as well. Hunters traveling out of state are advised to follow all health and safety precautions regardless of where they are hunting. Visit the USDA H5N1 Influenza webpage (aphis.usda.gov/ 5n1-hpai) for more information about national detections and response.
Michigan’s earliest waterfowl season opened Sept. 1 and the final season closes Feb. 15. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Waterfowl.
“Make sure to take appropriate precautions when field dressing wild birds. In order to kill the virus, use a food thermometer to ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit,” DNR wildlife veterinarian Dr. Scott Larsen said. “It’s also important to properly clean and disinfect gear and equipment before coming into contact with domestic birds.”
HPAI is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in wild birds and mammals. HPAI infections can occur at any time of the year, but upticks are expected during spring and fall waterfowl migrations. Wild birds can carry HPAI without appearing sick.
Anyone who observes a die-off of six or more wild birds should report it through the DNR Eyes in the Field online tool (www2 .dnr.state.mi.us/ors/Home) or a local DNR field office.
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Precautions for waterfowl hunters
The risk of HPAI infecting people is low, but the virus can spread through direct contact with infected animals or material. Hunters should always take precautions when handling wild birds to avoid contracting or spreading bird flu:
• Do not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead.
• Process wild birds in the field. Remains from processed birds should be buried on-site or double-bagged and disposed of with household trash.
• Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling and cleaning wild birds, and wash hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleanser, even if hands are not visibly soiled.
• Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth when handling wild birds.
• Do not eat, drink or smoke while handling or cleaning wild birds.
• Cook all meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any viruses.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect all knives, equipment and surfaces that come into contact with wild birds.
If you have close contact with obviously sick or dead wild birds, or surfaces contaminated by them, monitor for these symptoms for 10 days after your last exposure:
• Fever with temperature over 100 degrees Fahrenheit or chills. Fever may not always be present.
• Sore throat.
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Eye tearing, redness or irritation.
• Runny or stuffy nose.
• Muscle or body aches.
For more information about HPAI and human health, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services webpage for Communicable Disease Information and Resources or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for Avian Flu.
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Protecting domestic animals from infection
HPAI has been found in Michigan commercial and backyard domestic poultry, as well as dairy cattle. Waterfowl hunters who care for domestic animals, including hunting dogs, cats and backyard poultry, should take the following precautions:
• Keep domestic animals away from wild birds, including dead waterfowl.
• Keep domestic animals away from hunting apparel and footwear that has come into contact with wild birds or their mucous, saliva or feces.
• Cook waterfowl meat to 165 degrees Fahrenheit before feeding it to other animals.
• Shower after hunting and before tending to domestic animals.
• Wash hands immediately before and after caring for animals.
• Do not share equipment or other supplies between premises.
Contact your veterinarian if you have any questions about the health of your animals or how to best protect them from disease.
For more information about HPAI in Michigan’s domestic animals, visit the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) webpage (michigan.gov/mdard/animals/diseases/avian/avian-influenza).
