I have lived in Michigan all my life.  I grew up here and probably will stay here right until my death.  It is an argument I’ve had with a few different individuals.  How much money would it take for me to move away from here?  Away from my home?  Away from family?  My answer.  I don’t think it could ever happen.  I don’t want to say never because I hate using the word never.  I will tell you though that my bond to Michigan is strong.  I think that Tony Hansen feels the same way.

Tony Hansen is the editor of Michigan Out-of-Doors Magazine.  Michigan Out-of-Doors magazine is  the official publication of the Michigan United Conversation Clubs.  According to their website, “MUCC is the largest statewide conservation organization in the nation, with nearly 100,000 members and more than 500 affiliated clubs”. 

I have to be honest.  I was honestly harsh to the MUCC in a local internet forum I frequent.  However, in this forum where Tony is also a member, he changed my mind.  He changed my mind by single handedly pointing out his devotion to Michigan.  In Tony’s words from the forum:

 ” I could certainly work in a more high-profile position. There are groups/companies out there that would pay me much more money. But I stay here in Michigan because I love it and I want to be part of the solution for us all. That’s the truth. I know there are a lot of people on staff here at MUCC that feel exactly the same way.”

With those words Tony single handedly convinced me that  I was going to become an MUCC member.

MUCC was founded in 1937.  It is an organization founded by Michigan outdoorsman for Michigan outdoorsman.  MUCC is very diligent in keeping up with the latest legislative issues that face the Michigan sportsmen.  They focus their work in five areas: Sportsmen’s Heritage, Restoration, Habitat, and Access and Protection.  These are the areas they feel help to protect Michigan’s conservation heritage.

MUCC is also involved in multiple things that are geared towards youth education.  They have a TRACKS magazine publication geared towards upper elementary kids and educating them about Great Lakes wildlife.  They also have Michigan Out of Doors Camp for Kids that allows youngsters to have hands on experience in rifle shooting, archery, and fishing.  That only covers a few of their youth organizations.

I think that MUCC, with members like Tony Hansen, who honestly believe in Michigan and protecting our heritage, is going to be making our voices heard.  I think they are definitely looking out for the Michigan outdoorsman’s best interests.  While things have been slow, if all of us join and help out in whatever we can, they will make a strong comeback.  As Tony said when I spoke to him through email:

“For more than 70 years, MUCC has been Michigan’s voice for the outdoorsman. We’re an organization that was founded by hunters and anglers and made up, primarily, of hunters and anglers. In this day and age when so many groups would like to see our rights taken away, it’s vitally important that we have a strong state organization that can help pull together groups from all areas of the outdoors. Together, we can do great things and MUCC is proud to be part of Michigan’s outdoors landscape.”

I couldn’t agree more and plan on joining that fight tonight!

Note: Have to give credit where credit is due.  This idea also stemmed from a challenge posed to all of us bloggers by Kristine, over at the Hunt Smart, Think Safety blog.  My fellow Michigan blogging buddie!  Great idea Kristine!

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