Headlines From The Outdoors

“Fish for Free” Winners Announced

With 2009-2010 fishing licenses expiring on March 31, we thought it would be fun to have our viewers submit their best and funniest fishing photos from the closing season for a chance to fish for free this year. And fun it was. Over 80 photos were posted to our Facebook Page showing off your best catches from last year. Gorgeous spring run steelhead, lunker bass, massive brown trout, limit catches of salmon and walleye, messes of panfish, and some really hilarious moments caught on camera. Your photos truly displayed the diverse fishery and wonderful opportunities to fish in our Great State of Michigan and highlight all the reasons we love to fish.

Many thanks to everybody who participated. While our "Fish for Free" Photo Contest is over, don't let that stop you from posting your best fishing and hunting photos on our page throughout the 2010-2011 season!

Congratulations to our winners and please visit our Facebook Page to see all of the other great photos that came up short on votes. Become a "fan" of us while your at it!

Grand Prize & Adult "Big Fish" Category - Jeff Yorks

Jeff's proudly holding a 27 inch walleye and 24 inch Northern Pike pulled through the ice. Jeff received 186 votes ("likes") for this photo, making him the "Grand Prize" overall winner. In addition to receiving a $30 gift card to purchase his 2010-2011 license, Jeff will also receive a special tackle package courtesy of Michigan United Conservation Clubs/MichiganOutofDoors.com, Bay de Noc Lure Co. (Swedish Pimple and Do-Jigger lures), Berkley (PowerBait Trout Bait), Eppinger (Daredevle lures) and the National Bass Anglers Association (Hat and fishing towel).

Adult "Humorous" Category - Chad Smith

Receiving 46 votes, Chad Smith of Big Rapids caught this massive perch last summer. Chad, we hope you take advantage of your free license to keep up the good work this year.

Youth (18 and under) "Big Fish" Category - Little Girl in the photo posted by Jessica Warren Rich

The look on this little girl's face says it all. Receiving 20 votes, she'll be hitting Michigan's lakes and rivers this summer for free - and since she only has to purchase a $2 youth license, that extra cash can go toward a serious tackle arsenal. Watch out!

Youth (18 and under) "Humorous" Category - Sarah Burns (Photo posted by Mom, Shantell Lynn)

Girls ruled the youth category and this young lady sure out-fished her mom on what looks like a great afternoon on the lake! (13 votes)

Special Mention - Quinn Knox

We really did not know where to put this one. With a whopping 146 votes, Quinn still came up short on the adult "big fish" category and it's not really "humorous" - just a great photo. We could not send Quinn home empty handed, so we're giving her a free one-year membership to Michigan United Conservation Clubs, which includes an annual subscription to Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine and a host of member benefits ($35 value). Nice job, Quinn! You may have inspired us to create a "Pure Michigan" category for next year.

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