Celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day with MWC by expanding Michigan’s outdoor heritage
National Hunting and Fishing Day took place on Saturday, Sept. 28 and the Michigan Wildlife Council (MWC) invited residents to celebrate Michigan’s rich outdoor heritage by purchasing a hunting or fishing license, which supports conservation efforts.
In addition, the MWC is hosting its inaugural Harvest to Table event on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the Great Lakes Culinary Center in Southfield. The event will showcase Michigan’s rich hunting, fishing and foraging traditions with a four-course meal prepared by renowned local chefs. It will culminate with a "Conservation Conversation" with a focus on how hunting, fishing and sustainable food practices directly support wildlife management, habitat restoration and the preservation of Michigan’s natural resources.
“Fishing and hunting licenses are crucial for supporting conservation efforts that benefit everyone by preserving Michigan’s natural resources,” said MWC Chairman Nick Buggia. “Whether you hunt, fish or simply enjoy nature, this event underscores the importance of protecting our natural resources for future generations by buying a fishing or hunting license."
Licenses purchased by more than 1.7 million anglers and hunters generated $66.1 million for the Michigan Game and Fish Protection Fund in 2023. The fund is the DNR’s largest revenue source and is critical to its conservation and wildlife management work. Taxes on the sale of hunting and fishing equipment raised an additional $32 million to support wildlife and natural resource management.
The dollars generated from the sale of fishing and hunting licenses has allowed dedicated professionals and volunteers to make habitat improvements, take measures to prevent diseases and work to restore wildlife populations to sustainable levels. Conservation activities keep wildlife populations in balance, protect Michigan waters from habitat degradation and invasive species and safeguard forested habitats for thousands of wildlife species while reducing the risks of flooding and wildfires.
Buggia added that the first ever Harvest to Table event was designed to illustrate in a “tangible way the various direct benefits derived from fishing and hunting license sales in supporting conservation and community.”
"By bringing together Michigan’s culinary talents and conservation leaders, the Harvest to Table event provides an opportunity to highlight the deep connection between our food and our state's outdoor heritage," Buggia said.
The event will also highlight Sportsmen Against Hunger, a vital initiative that combats food insecurity across the state by connecting hunters with local processors to donate wild game to food banks.
“Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger is more than a food program—it's a community of hunters and anglers using their resources to help those in need, ensuring that our wild game serves a meaningful purpose beyond the hunt,” said spokesman Joe Presgrove.
The Metro Detroit featured chefs for the event include:
- Jeff Rose – Executive chef and liaison. He is a restaurant consultant and former owner and chef at C.A.Y.A. Smokehouse and Grill in Walled Lake. He is known for bringing high-quality dining experiences focused on Michigan’s local produce.
- Danny Pejsa – Farm-to-table expert. He currently is Chef de Partie at Sylvan Table in Keego Harbor. He is committed to sustainability and highlighting the natural flavors of Michigan.
- Mike Ransom – Celebrated noodle chef. He is owner and chef at Ima Noodles in Detroit and Madison Heights and well-known for blending Asian techniques with Michigan-grown ingredients.
- Paul Grosz, CEC – He is owner and wxecutive chef of Cuisine Restaurant in Detroit and specializes in fine dining with Michigan-sourced ingredients.
- Abigail Tull – Pastry chef at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon and known for her creative and Michigan-sourced desserts.
Each course will be crafted with ingredients sourced from Michigan’s natural bounty, including walleye, venison and foraged greens.
The MWC encourages Michiganders to not only purchase a hunting or fishing license but also to donate to Sportsmen Against Hunger, supporting both conservation and community hunger relief efforts. For more information and to get involved, visit Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger.
As part of National Hunting and Fishing Day, the Michigan Wildlife Council encourages everyone to purchase a license. Proceeds from licenses and equipment sales contribute more than $66 million annually to conservation efforts, ensuring the continued protection of Michigan’s wildlife and habitats.The Michigan Wildlife Council is entrusted with educating the public about the importance of habitat restoration, wildlife conservation and the role fishing and hunting play in protecting and enhancing Michigan’s wildlife and natural resources. The council is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation for Michigan’s outdoor heritage, ensuring that it remains accessible and thriving for generations to come.
