Students Needed to Help Design Wildlife Patch

Contact: Al Stewart 517-373-1263
Agency: Natural Resources

November 15, 2005

Michigan students have an opportunity to help wildlife in Michigan by designing a patch for the third annual wild turkey patch contest, which is being sponsored by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Project WILD and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 5, 2005.

Students from kindergarten through grade 12 can participate in the contest. The winning design will be incorporated into the 2007 Michigan wild turkey management cooperator patch. The winner and his or her parents or guardians will be invited to the Michigan chapter of the NWTF banquet in January 2006, where the winner will receive an award of $100.

"This is a great opportunity for youth to use their design skills and creativity, and help wild turkeys by improving their habitat in Michigan," said Dale Elshoff, Project WILD coordinator at Michigan State University. "Wild turkeys disappeared from our state in the early 1900s, but now, thanks to proper management, Michigan's turkey population has returned to healthy levels."

Michigan's wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the NWTF, in partnership with the DNR. Young hunters, ages 12-17, who have a valid wild turkey hunting license may receive a free patch. Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase the patch for $5, including postage and handling. Only the current year patch is available for purchase. Sales and proceeds are used to support wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan.

For more information and complete contest rules, visit www.carrs.msu.edu/projectwild/ or contact Dale Elshoff at elshoff@msu.edu or (517) 355-1712.