The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced programs that may interest area deer and turkey hunters and anglers.

Hunters in several townships in Ionia County will have an additional firearm only deer hunt Jan. 11-14. Hunters are required to submit the head of harvested deer within 72 hours for disease testing. The hunt includes Easton, Ionia, Keene, Lyons, North Plains, Orleans, Otisco and Ronald townships in Ionia County.

Go to www.mi.gov/deercheck for a list of available check stations and self-service drop boxes. For details on licenses, visit Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest.

During the 2018 Winter Free Fishing weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 17-18, residents and nonresidents can fish without a license, and the weekend includes free entry into Michigan’s 103 state parks and recreation areas. The event promotes awareness of the state’s vast water resources. Many locations will host weekend events for the whole family. For a full list of events, visit michigan.gov/freefishing.

For turkey hunters, the 2018 spring turkey hunting applications can be purchased from now through Feb.11. Licenses are available on line at E-license or wherever hunting licenses are sold. The spring turkey hunt runs from April 23 through May 31, with several hunting periods to choose from.

For details on spring turkey hunting, visit michigan.gov/turkey.