About

Nick Buggia, of Adrian, is the Eastern Great Lakes Engagement coordinator  the Ruffed Grouse Society. Formerly, Buggia was the Upper Midwestern States manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Buggia works with Ruffed Grouse Society chapters in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana to promote events and engagement opportunities and give aid to any policy issues that arise. A native of Mayville, Nick is an avid outdoorsman. On the council, he represents individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis.

Beth Gruden, of Perrinton, who represents Michigan’s agricultural producers on the Michigan Wildlife Council, is the owner of Blue Wing Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in nutrient management and compliance for livestock farms. She is a certified plan writer for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Gruden has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University.

Franklin Hayes, of West Bloomfield, is the deputy chief for the Detroit Police Department. Hayes is a life member of the Michigan Trapshooting Association and is a member of the Association’s Executive Committee. He attended Michigan State University School of Staff and Command. He is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, including at least once during each of the last 3 years, and who are recommended by a statewide sportsmen’s organization.

Jon Spieles, of Curtis, has over 20 years of experience managing communication and education for the DNR. He has served as chief of the Marketing and Outreach Division since September 2022. Prior to serving as chief, Jon worked as a field manager for the same DNR division, helping school children, park visitors and many others understand the work of the DNR and help them feel confident and comfortable in the outdoors.

Brent Pike, of Grand Haven, is the founder of Pyke Gear outdoor apparel brand and a realtor with At Home Realty. Pike is the president of the Ruffed Grouse Society Lakeshore Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University. He is appointed to represent local businesses in this state that are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.

Dawn Levey, of Elsie, retired in 2022 after teaching in an alternative program for thirty-two years. She holds an associate’s degree in social work from Montcalm Community College and a Bachelor of Science in education from Central Michigan University. She has been involved in conservation for more than forty years, serving as the president of Michigan United Conservation Clubs and as a member of numerous boards, including Michigan Bow Hunters and the National Wildlife Federation. She is appointed as an individual who has purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, including at least once during each of the last 3 years.

Daniel Ulfig, of Munith, is the owner and president of Master Craft Floors. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He is an active leader in National Deer Association, a board member of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger and is endorsed by Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. He is appointed as an individual who has purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, including at least once during each of the last 3 years.

Daniel Cooke, of Northville, is the founder and chief executive officer of Expedition Detroit, LLC and the principal attorney of Daniel Cooke Law, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and received his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. He is appointed as an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department.