Recent Pure Michigan Hunt winner Dan Beaudoin of Waterford with his 6×6 elk. Photo courtesy of Drew Socia.
Dan Beaudoin of Waterford, Mich., recently had a Sunday morning he will never forget. “My heart was pounding! I’m a big guy and my guide had me running, so I was breathing hard,” said the 2012 Pure Michigan Hunt winner.
Recently, Beaudoin harvested an enormous 6×6 bull elk during the second elk hunt period with the help of his guide, Kevin Johnson of Big Boys Adventures in Gaylord, Mich.
“My guide said the elk had a whale tail; I didn’t even know what that was!” said Beaudoin.
Although the bull has yet to be officially scored, everyone has a guess for the record book, according to Beaudoin.
Beaudoin is one of three winners of the Department of Natural Resources’ Pure Michigan Hunt program. Each winner received all 2012 limited licenses and the ultimate hunter’s prize package from Michigan companies and organizations. Beaudoin purchased a $4 Pure Michigan Hunt application last year, and found out in January of 2012 he was one of the winners.
Pure Michigan Hunt applications for the 2013 season are available for $4 at any license agent or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com. There is no limit to the number of applications hunters may buy now through Dec. 31. Three winners will be announced in February 2013.
The 2013 prize package includes licenses for elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, and antlerless deer; first pick at a managed waterfowl area, and the following prizes:
2012 Darton crossbow package
30.06 rifle from Michigan Gun Owners
12 GA shotgun from the Lake Effect Chapter of the Michigan Duck Hunters Association
Camo ground blind from Ameristep
Guided spring turkey hunt from East Lake Outfitters
Sitka camo clothing from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Camo vest, custom box call and patch from National Wild Turkey Federation
Rapid River knife, duck decoy and membership from Ducks Unlimited
Herd monitoring kit and membership from Quality Deer Management Association
National and local memberships from Safari Club International
Sweatshirt and hat from the Southwest Lake Erie Chapter of Waterfowl USA
As a Pure Michigan Hunt winner, Beaudoin also got the first pick at a managed waterfowl area hunt, bringing along a hunting companion to share the experience.
“I hunted waterfowl at Fish Point Managed Waterfowl Area,” said Beaudoin, “I took along one of my oldest friends and the guy who actually got me into duck hunting years ago.”
To learn more about the Pure Michigan Hunt, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt.
Comments by our Readers