Jim Bosscher’s hunting party, from left to right: Greg Bosscher, Brian Drabik, Jim Bosscher and Jim Naber with dog “Tank.”

Waterfowl season is well under way, and the Fish Point Managed Waterfowl Hunt Area recently hosted two of the Pure Michigan Hunt (PMH) winners on opening weekend.

Jim Bosscher from McBain chose Fish Point for his Pure Michigan waterfowl hunt. The opening morning of waterfowl season, Bosscher and three of his lucky friends got to pick first among the 35 total parties, or approximately 140 people. PMH winners not only get to hunt at any of Michigan’s first-class managed waterfowl hunt areas, they also get first pick at selecting their hunting area. Normally hunters are entered into a drawing to find out their order for choosing their hunting location. As an added bonus, PMH winners get to bring three friends with them to enjoy their prime hunting location.

“We saw hundreds of ducks and geese,” said Bosscher. “We had plenty of shooting and even got some!”

Dave Gittins from Kawkawlin hadn’t duck hunted in many years, although that didn’t slow him down. He grabbed some of his close friends to fill up his four-person party limit, and also hunted Fish Point on the second day of the season.

“I had not duck hunted in over 20 years. It brought back some memories,” stated Gittins. “I think that’s a great part of every hunt—to listen and talk about past hunting trips.”

Both Bosscher and Gittins have already harvested their PMH elk, bear and spring turkeys. All that remains for them is their antlerless deer license, valid for anywhere in the state that is open to antlerless hunting. A full freezer of meat, new friendships and all the hunting gear they won will remind them of the memorable 2013 hunting season.

For your chance to win a $4,000 package of hunting licenses and gear donated by Michigan businesses and organizations, visit www.michigan.gov/puremichiganhunt to purchase unlimited $4 Pure Michigan Hunt applications and to view the extensive prize package.

Pure Michigan Hunt winners Dave Gittins of Kawkawlin (right) and Jim Bosscher of McBain celebrate the 450-pound bear Gittins took in the Cadillac area.

Every year Pure Michigan Hunt (PMH) winners get to spend their fall hunting seasons living out their dreams—pursuing elk, bear, deer, turkey and ducks in Michigan’s outdoors.

All three 2013 Pure Michigan Hunt winners recently harvested bear. Dave Gittins of Kawkawlin and Jim Bosscher of McBain both successfully harvested bear in the Cadillac area, using Wayne and Rob Nixon as their hunting guides.

Gittins harvested a 450-pound bear on public land. “This is my first bear,” said Gittins. “I’m still amazed at his size!”

Bosscher harvested his bear accompanied by Jenny Olsen from Michigan Out-of-Doors TV. “Hunting is all about the experience and the friends that you are with that make the memories,” said Bosscher.

Jason Webb, the PMH winner from Westland, also harvested a bear on public land in the Lewiston area.

Webb hasn’t hunted for his elk yet; he’s waiting to hunt the December elk season, while both Bosscher and Gittins have already taken theirs. PMH winners can hunt any open unit, during any hunt period for that animal. They are not restricted to a unit or a hunt period.

Pure Michigan Hunt winner Jim Bosscher of McBain with his 6×6 elk, taken near Vanderbilt.

Gittins shot his choice elk on the morning of Sept. 15, the second week of the early elk hunt.

“Hearing those bulls bugle that close was an experience I will never forget,” said Gittins. “It truly was a hunt of a lifetime … I had the best hunt ever.”

Bosscher started out his elk season passing over many bulls, and even harvested a 9-inch-bearded turkey in between his morning and evening elk hunts. His waiting finally paid off on Sept. 29,when he took a 6×6 beauty. Bosscher used Chad Sides and Brett McVannel as guides to help land his bull in the Vanderbilt area.

“I had a fantastic time and will remember it forever,” Bosscher said.

For hunters who have dreams of experiences like this, there’s still plenty of time to make 2014 the hunt of your lifetime, by applying now and applying often. 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 Pure Michigan Hunt applications.

Waterfowl season is coming up next for the Pure Michigan Hunt winners; look for more of their adventures coming soon.