HANCOCK – Grouse season is almost here, and recently several groups have shown their support by donating dollars to the Department of Natural Resources’ GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Systems) program.

Mike Rose, with the UP Wildlife Habitat Fund, donated $1,500 for the three GEMS locations in the western Upper Peninsula.

“Many of us talk a good game when it comes to working for wildlife habitat improvements, and Mike Rose has really shown how important partners are for the success of programs,” said DNR Upper Peninsula Regional Supervisor Terry Minzey. “On his own, he has created an endowment fund specifically for funding education and young forest habitat projects, and GEMS fits right in line with his interests.”

GEMS areas are large blocks of land that are intensively timber-managed. Currently, GEMS sites range from 1,000 to 5,000 acres, and walking trails can be found throughout. GEMS locations are predominantly made up of aspen, and are managed for different age-classes of aspen. As a result of this young forest management, walking trails are established on old logging roads, providing both great habitat and access for existing grouse and woodcock hunters, hunters new to upland bird hunting, or those with limited mobility.

The goals of GEMS are to provide a unique, walk-in hunting experience, promote hunter recruitment and retention, expand local economies, provide a destination point for traveling grouse hunters, and to accelerate the timber harvest. These goals benefit not only hunters but the economy as a whole.

In addition to the UP Wildlife Habitat Fund, Ruffed Grouse Society, the American Woodcock Society, Ducks Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation have also donated money for GEMS. Creating a successful and educational hunting experience has shown to be important to many wildlife organizations. Without their help, GEMS would not be successful.

Sept. 15 marks the opening day of ruffed grouse season across the state, with woodcock season opening on Sept. 20. To hunt ruffed grouse and woodcock, a base license is needed, and new this year for woodcock hunting, a free woodcock stamp is required.

“If you are already a hunter in Michigan, you have the license you need – a base license,” said DNR wildlife technician Katie Keen. “So many people have always wanted to give upland bird hunting a try, or maybe just haven’t done it in years. The new GEMS program is a great way to get started.”

To learn more about the GEMS program, visit michigan.gov/hunting.