Woods-N-Water News

05/06/2026

Sad to hear! Ken was a great friend to us here at Woods-N-Water News, it was our pleasure to work with him.

It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that Ken Dalton - "Mr. Pheasident" - passed away today.

Ken was the founder of the Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative, and if you've ever walked a state game area in southern Michigan chasing roosters, you owe him a debt.

He fought for years to make that happen - lobbying legislators, arguing with the DNR, working through the MUCC process, and pushing until Governor Whitmer signed the pheasant stamp into law.

He brought over 8,000 hunters back to the field.

He never did it for recognition. He kept going, even when solutions were hard to find and criticism came from the very people who benefited most from his relentless work.

He did it because he loved pheasant hunting and didn't want to see it disappear in this state. Michigan pheasant hunters lost a great one today.

If you've ever spoken with Ken, no matter what it was you were talking about, somewhere in the conversation he would have mentioned his relationship with the Lord.

Ken was as enthusiastic about knowing Jesus as he was about the pheasant hunting program. He mentioned many times that he wasn't afraid of "going over the ridge" because his faith guided him every day.

Rest easy, Mr. Pheasident.

Thank you for everything.

05/05/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) announces its decision to dissolve after nearly 90 years of conservation advocacy, citing ongoing financial challenges and outlining next steps in an orderly wind-down process.

05/04/2026

Planning for The 40th Anniversary of the Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend is in full swing! The show is taking shape with returning exhibitors and NEW ones. It's going to be the best yet!
wnw@pageone-inc.com or kjorgensen@pageone-inc.com
www.outdoorweekend.net

04/27/2026

5 dead eagles found in Delta County
Michigan DNR conservation officers are requesting assistance with any information regarding five deceased eagles that were located in Delta County’s Garden Peninsula in the U.P., April 3-17.
First Lt. Mark Zitnik, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Newberry said, “We can confirm that the eagles did not die from natural causes, predators or vehicle collisions.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching Hotline by calling or texting 800-292-7800. Tipsters may remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward.

www.woods-n-waternews.com
www.outdoorweekend.net

04/22/2026

Despite the flooded woods, Millard Holton scored on this gobbler, his 25th CBM Record Book entry! Millard said, “I believe at 89 years old it is still a blessing to get to the woods and accurately call in and outsmart a three-year-old gobbler with my crossbow, early on the season opener!” Remember, successful hunters, Michigan has mandatory turkey harvest reporting…
How to Report a Turkey Harvest
Hunters must use the unique license number printed on their paper kill tag or listed with their electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) to report a harvest within 72 hours.
Harvests can be reported in two ways:
• Online: Visit Michigan.gov/DNRHarvestReport and enter your kill tag or eHarvest tag number and date of birth.
• Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app: Open the app, sign in, select the tag used and complete the harvest report.
Once the report is submitted, hunters will receive a confirmation number. Hunters using an electronic tag must also validate the harvest in the app immediately after harvest.

Share your successful adventures with us! Email photos and descriptions wnw@pageone-inc.com

04/21/2026

May issue on stands now, go get yours today!
www.woods-n-waternews.com
www.outdoorweekend.net

04/21/2026

Ava Leighton! Van Buren County! You have to look twice!

www.woods-n-waternews.com

04/17/2026

Today is the day! Stop in to either location for your chance to win a Charter Trip for you and a buddy and enjoy in-store specials all weekend long! Don't forget, purchase a case of Wi******er AA and get some free White Flyer targets with it! Clay time is now!

04/16/2026

Ultimate Air Dogs are back at the 40th Annual Woods-N-Water Outdoor Weekend September 11th-13th at the Eastern Michigan State Firgrounds in Imlay City, MI.
www.outdoorweekend.net

04/10/2026

Mike Avery Outdoors

04/10/2026

Trees provide a healthier future!
About $500,000 in funding is now available from the MDNR to support community tree management and planting projects. Grant awards range from $10,000 to $75,000. Applications are due 5 pm, May 18. Eligible applicants include local units of government (city, village, township or county), tribal governments, state agencies, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations. Applications are available through DNR MiGrants.