Could Balsam Fir Oil Help Save Michigan's Moose?

In the event that the weekend wasn’t quite long enough for you, here’s to hoping that your favorite dispatch from the outdoor world can give you 5-or-so minutes to prep yourself for yet another week.

So, without further ado, let’s grab that coffee or whiskey (no judgement) and get caught up on the outdoor news and views from the past few days. 

Here's what's worth reading about today:

IMPLEMENTATION MIGHT BE TRICKY
COULD BALSAM FIR OIL HELP SAVE MICHIGAN’S STRUGGLING MOOSE FROM WINTER TICKS?

Michigan's Upper Peninsula moose population has faced tough times for years, remaining largely stagnant despite suitable habitat and conservation efforts. One major culprit of the decline is believed to be the presence of winter ticks, a relentless parasite that infests moose in massive numbers, causing severe health issues and contributing to poor calf survival. With more warm-weather winters than usual, these ticks are able to thrive, as extreme cold no longer kills them off effectively.

As state biologists, hunters and wildlife advocates scratch their heads about how exactly we ought to deal with such an unstoppable rebel force, some innovative student-led research at Michigan Technological University is exploring a natural, plant-based solution. Native to the area and common in moose habitat, researchers are turning to the essential oil found in balsam fir trees as a possible solution. Building on prior studies showing the effectiveness of balsam fir oil against other tick species, this new initiative offers a glimmer of hope for a low-impact way to combat this growing threat…

Massachusetts looks to expand deer hunting, including Sunday and crossbow hunting: State wildlife officials are looking into expanding deer hunting opportunities, as they gather public input on Sunday hunting, crossbow hunting, and minimum setback distances for hunting. Massachusetts is now one of only two states with an outright ban on Sunday hunting.  Read the full story.

Arkansas GFC announces temporary WMA closures for feral hog control measures: Access to several Arkansas wildlife management areas will temporarily close for short periods on various days from Jan. 19 through March 31 to increase public safety while professional pilots and crew from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Wildlife Services conduct aerial operations to help control feral hogs. Read the full story.

Missouri Deer harvest totals rebound from previous hunting season, exceeding 300,000 deer: The Missouri Department of Conservation said 301,954 deer were harvested during the 2025-2026 deer hunting season that ended Jan. 15, according to a news release from the department. Read the full story.

Arkansas Hunter kills two monster bucks within minutes: Seven minutes after shooting the first buck, Conley shot at the second buck at 10 yards, but it ran away.  Read the full story.

B.C. considers expanding black bear hunt in Lower Mainland amid crop damage concerns: The B.C. government is considering expanding the black bear hunting season in the Lower Mainland to include the entire month of August. The province says it’s aimed at helping farmers deal with crop damage but some wildlife advocates say they are concerned about safety and long-term impacts on bears.  Read the full story.

Alabama man says deer tried ‘his best to kill me’ near Tennessee state line: ‘No help was coming’: “He then charged my left leg with his antlers. He sent me forward onto his antlers and as I came down, I grabbed hold of his antlers. He then proceeded to pull me back and then charge forward repeatedly to try his best to kill me.” Read the full story.

🙅 No. I will not poke my head inside that cave. Watch as this houndsman has a peek (and a slight scare) at a bear that’s doing all he can not to be seen.

Nope…

Ain’t that something?

📸 : @dusty.cressey

Oh, and one more thing…