Pure Michigan Hunt winners hit the woods for fall hunting season

Every year Pure Michigan Hunt winners get to spend their fall hunting season living out a big dream - pursuing elk, bear, antlerless deer, turkey and ducks in Michigan's outdoors. For the most recent group of winners, the hunting adventure has begun.
On Sept. 14, Frank Zrepskey of Algonac successfully harvested a large 6 x 7 bull elk with the help of his guide, Gene Skiba, and sons. Zrepskey used his 30.06, given to him by Michigan Gun Owners as part of his Pure Michigan Hunt prize package, to harvest the elk.
“This elk hunt was great. The weather was perfect, we saw lots of game, and when the right bull came along, we were successful,” said Zrepskey. “The whole Pure Michigan Hunt contest win has been a great experience for me!”

Bruce Shaneour of Osseo also was successful in his elk hunt. He harvested a nice 6 x 6 bull elk on Sept. 27 in the Vanderbilt area with help from his guide, Kevin Johnson of Big Boys Adventures. [Pictured: Bruce Shaneour, left, and guide Kevin Johnson with Shaneour's Pure Michigan Hunt elk.]
“What a hunt! The elk were in full rut and bugling all around us. I’ve hunted elk out west a few times, but I’ve never had an experience like this,” said Shaneour. “Kevin Johnson and his team at Big Boys Adventures were excellent. It was the most phenomenal Michigan elk footage they’ve ever captured.”
Bill Kring of Cadillac is still awaiting his chance to harvest a trophy Michigan bull elk.
Bear season is also under way for the Pure Michigan Hunt winners.

This year, there was a Pure Michigan Hunt license transfer of a bear tag. Kring generously transferred his bear tag to a Michigan veteran from Manton. This veteran had the opportunity to hunt with Rob Nixon, on land southwest of Cadillac, and was able to harvest a 217-pound black bear. The veteran reports having a great time on his hunt and being "extremely happy" with his harvest. [Pictured, a Michigan veteran from Manton (left) with the black bear he harvested and guide Rob Nixon.]
New this year, Pure Michigan Hunt winners can now transfer one or all of their licenses to another eligible hunter of their choice or keep the licenses for themselves. This will allow anyone to buy as many applications as they want for themselves and others instead of needing to know someone else’s driver’s license number, address and birthdate to apply for the other hunter.
All three Pure Michigan Hunt winners have the flexibility to hunt many different times and places, with the ability to pick and choose hunt areas and seasons that fit into their schedules.
For hunters who dream of experiences like this, there's still plenty of time to make 2015 the hunt of a lifetime by applying for the Pure Michigan Hunt. Along with all of the hunting licenses, each winner will receive a hunting prize package valued at more than $4,000. Visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt for more information and to purchase applications.
Waterfowl season is coming up next for the Pure Michigan Hunt winners; look for more about their adventures coming soon.