About
The Michigan Wildlife Council is entrusted with educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation and its role in preserving Michigan’s great outdoor heritage for future generations.
Ensuring our forests, waters and wildlife are clean, healthy and support diverse wildlife is important to our families and outdoor traditions, our economy and our overall enjoyment of the outdoors.
All people of Michigan enjoy the state’s beautiful forests, waters and wildlife, which is why we take great care to protect and enhance these valuable assets. The Michigan Wildlife Council is dedicated to increasing public knowledge about how wildlife and Michigan’s outdoors are managed and funded so that we can continue to enjoy them as we do today.
Establishment of the Council
The council is a governor-appointed, nine-member public body established by Michigan Public Act No. 246 of 2013. The legislation updated the hunting and fishing license fee structure and requires the state Department of Natural Resources to use $1 from the sale of every license to fund the Michigan Wildlife Council public education campaign. The $1 share of each license sale generates approximately $1.6 million annually in revenue.
Michigan Wildlife Council Members
The nine members of the Michigan Wildlife Council are located in all parts of the state and represent a wide range of residents, but they share a common vision when it involves Michigan’s cherished outdoor traditions — ensuring they’re here for generations. Council members — appointed by the governor and subject to the advice and consent of the Michigan Senate — are entrusted with educating the public about the importance of conserving and managing our forests, waters and wildlife.
Nick Buggia
Chair
Term Ends 03.31.2026
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.
Jason Garvon
Term Ends 03.31.2024
Jason Garvon, of Brimley, is a professor of biology at Lake Superior State University. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, advisor to the LSSU Student Chapter of DU, and former member of the Michigan DNR Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in wildlife science from Texas A&M / Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last three years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations.
Beth Gruden
Vice Chair
Term Ends 03.31.2026
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
Term Ends 03.31.2025
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
Treasurer
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
Term Ends 03.31.2025
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.
Edgar Roy
Term Ends 03.31.2024
Edgar Roy, of Traverse City, is an attorney with Kuhn, Rogers, PLC. Previously, he practiced with Brandt, Fisher, Alward and Roy, PC. Roy holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. On the council, he represents individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in Michigan at least once during each of the past three years.
