The Department of Natural Resources announces that the Bear Cooperator's Patch will again be available in 2009. The patch, which was eliminated in 2007, was reborn last year when the DNR and the Michigan Bear Hunters Association (MBHA) partnered to produce the patch in an arrangement similar to the relationship between the DNR and the National Wild Turkey Federation, who produces the turkey patch.

All proceeds exceeding the cost of the bear patch program will be directed toward bear management, explained DNR bear specialist Adam Bump.

"Funds raised by this partnership will go toward the bear program with an emphasis on educational efforts to help Michigan citizens understand, appreciate and coexist with black bears," Bump said.

Individuals interested in purchasing a patch may contact MBHA by sending a letter and $5 to: MBHA, Bear Patch Program, 10510 Fairgrieve Rd., Johannesburg, MI 49751. Youth with a bear license for 2009 may receive a free patch by sending a copy of their current bear hunting license to MBHA to the address above.

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Idaho Bighorn Crags Ram
As a friend of mine and I climbed a high cliff face that overlooked a giant creek basin, the daunting feeling of the steep terrain came over me and I knew the likelihood of finding rams was not good. After 3 separate trips and 27 total days I had met my match in this country. As a native Idahoan I have hunted throughout most of the state for various big game species but bighorn sheep hunting in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River country is the most grueling hunt I've been on as of yet.