Meeting called to order by President Ed Spinazzola. Board members present: Ed Spinazzola, Frank Myers and Phil Andres. General membership attendees: Bob Jacobson, Sheila Jacobson, Herb Klekamp, Jim Newman, Bruce Patterson, Bill Sclesky, Dick Shellenbarger, Al Urban and Boyd Wiltse.

A brief period of silence and prayer was led by Ed in recognition of member Bob Williams contributions who recently passed away.

New member Jim Newman was introduced to the group.

• Secretary Report: Motion by Sheila Jacobson and 2^nd by Boyd Wiltse to accept minutes as written and publish to general membership. Motion carried.

• Treasurer Report: Treasurer Phil Andres reported bank account balance of $1,692.23 as of March 31, 1998. Expense items to be applied against this balance include $100 for raffle tickets, $1,200 in raffle ticket prizes and $64 for stamps. Other future expense items include $300 for member name tags and six months of funding for our internet web page at a total cost of $300. Motion by Bob Jacobson to pay outstanding bills and accept treasurers report as stated and 2^nd by Bill Sclesky. Motion carried.

• Education Report: Ed Spinazzola reported that our September 12, 1998 annual educational seminar is set to be held at Gladwin High school and everything is progressing well. Dr. Harry Jacobson has been confirmed as our featured speaker. Dr. Jacobson is recognized in the deer world as the deer genetics GURU. Any questions you might have from, once a spike always a spike, to how important is genetics in a free ranging deer world. Also on the agenda is Mr. John H. Williams, noted outdoor author, photographer and deer hunting enthuisiast along with other noted specialists, including representatives from the DNR Wildlife Division. Raffle tickets now available for this year's fund raising were distributed to members in attendance. For tickets, contact Ed Spinazzola (810-739-3874 or 8770) or Ted Novak (616-345-3865).

• Feedback on DMU 107 QDM Proposal (Three Point on One Side Antler Requirement): Ed Spinazzola gave an overview of the April 8, 1998 Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting and presentations made to the NRC by Ed, Mark Yenkel and Boyd Wiltse. We received a favorable reaction on the proposal with some concern directed at our questionnaire response rate of 43%. We must be cautiously optimistic as the DNRs general guidelines for change appear to be a 70 % survey response rate along with 70% of the respondents in agreement with the proposal. The DNR plans on giving the public further opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposal and has held off on making a final decision, probably not until after the next monthly NRC meeting, May 13 and 14. Ed mentioned a petition with 25 signatures opposing the DMU 107 proposal had been presented to the NRC. Although our results are statistically valid and indicate that a significant majority (close to 70%) favors the proposal, it is especially important for us to obtain petition signatures supporting the proposal, in light of action underway by the minority opposition. Ed disseminated a petition form which should be returned to Ed prior to the May 13 and 14 NRC meeting. It may be mailed (Ed Spinazzola, 12120 24 Mile Rd, Shelby Twp., MI 48315 or faxed (810-739-7281) to Ed. Also, there will be two public sessions beginning at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., respectively, for those wishing to attend the May 13 NRC meeting at the Lansing Center, 333 E. Michigan, Lansing. You may sign-up to address the NRC for 5 minutes by contacting Teresa Gloden (517) 373-2352 prior to May 8^th. And you also have the option to fill out a card on the day of the meeting to address the NRC for three minutes.

• Boyd Wiltse presented an overview of our internet web document and furnished copies to those in attendance (if others would like a copy, please contact Boyd at 810-231-9560). The group agreed that this was a good instrument to promote our organization and quality deer management. Bruce Patterson motioned that we utilize the web page for a six-month period at a monthly cost of $50 and then revisit with membership to obtain approval for continuation. Motion 2^nd by Frank Myers. Motion carried.

• Sheila Jacobson spoke on behalf of the Michigan Conservation Foundation Banquet to be held Friday, May 29, 6 p.m. at the Houghton Lake Playhouse. 100% of all banquet proceeds will be used for Habitat Projects on public land in Roscommon and Crawford Counties and future projects include a marsh walkway with handicapped hunter waterfowl blinds. (Contact Gary Dellinger (517-366-5644) or Elizabeth Fortino (366-5356).

• Motion made by Bruce Patterson to nominate Boyd Wiltse for Secretary officer position and 2^nd by Al Urban. Motion carried.

• Dick Shellenbarger nominated Boyd Wiltse to fill Bob Williams vacated Director position. Motion 2^nd by Phil Andres and motion carried.

• Dick Shellenbarger has been working on getting member name tags and indicated that the total cost would be about $300. Bruce Patterson motioned to purchase the name tags and 2^nd by Bob Jacobson. Motion carried. Dick indicated that the name tags would be available for our next meeting, June 13^th.

• As previously agreed upon, one of the raffle ticket prizes would be a three day bow hunt in October ($400 value). In this regard, Herb Klekamp volunteered his hunting property for this prize and will work out details with the winner as to specific dates, etc. Thank you Herb for this gracious contribution.

The meeting was most productive with a good exchange of information and discussion among members, especially the progress we've made on our DMU 107 Quality Deer Management proposal to the NRC. And as Ed says, let's keep the fun in hunting and deer management.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.

Next Meeting
Saturday, June 13, 1998
12 Noon at Jay's Sporting Good's
on Old US 27, one mile north of Clare, MI

bwiltse@123.net