August 2025 NRC Preview

The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has a host of fisheries orders on the agenda for the August 14 meeting at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. 

The commission is expected to act on the Wildlife Conservation Order to reopen Michigan’s coyote season, which was tabled indefinitely at the May meeting.  



Email the NRC at nrc@michigan.gov to share your voice on why spring is the best time to hunt, and the best time to manage local populations and protect a host of game species.  

There are seven Fisheries Orders on the agenda for information, all would be eligible for action at the September meeting.

• Fisheries Order 202.26 defines the use of a bead and would require the line no further than four inches above the eye of a single pointed hook. 
• Fisheries Order 205.26 creates a catch and immediate release for sturgeon on the Menominee River between Sturgeon Falls Dam and Grand Rapids Dam. This season would run from the first Saturday in June to the first Sunday in March.  
• Fisheries Order 218.26 is intended to add clarity to the definition of an artificial lure. The definition in the order reads: Artificial lures, known as manmade lures, manufactured to imitate natural bait. “Artificial lures include spoons, spinners, flies, and plugs made of metal, plastic, wood and other non-edible materials. They also include plastic products made to resemble worms, eggs, fish and other aquatic organisms.” The order also adds the same bead language from FO 202.26 
• Fisheries Order 229.26 proposes to close the burbot hoop netting season from December 15 through the end of February to add protections for spawning fish on the Au Train River, Sturgeon River, and Peshekee River.  
• Fisheries Order 240.26 would change the length of the Black Lake Sturgeon season from first Saturday in February through the following Wednesday or until the quota is met, whichever comes first to first Saturday in February though the following Monday or until the quota is met, whichever comes first.   
• Fisheries Order 252.26 would create a statewide daily possession limit of burbot of five fish. 
• Fisheries Order 248.25 and Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment #9 of 2025 both would add enforceable language for law enforcement to act on illegally obtained, transported, and imported fish, reptiles, amphibians, or game species into Michigan. There is no expectation of any impact on legal Michigan hunters, anglers, or trappers.  

MUCC reviews all land transactions exceeding 80 acres, of which there are two. 

Land Transaction Case #20240088 is a purchase of 240 acres that will be managed under the Beaver Island State Wildlife Research Area.  

Land Transaction Case #20250005 is an exchange of 40 acres of non-profit owned land for 156 acres of state-owned land. The 40-acre parcel is surrounded by state owned land and would consolidate ownership. Similarly, the 156 acres requested in return would consolidate land owned by the non-profit and would come with substantial limits on development and maintain public access. 

MUCC will be streaming the NRC meeting as technology allows. 

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC.