One of the Upper Peninsula’s two representatives on the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, J.R. Richardson of Ontonagon, will join staffers from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to answer viewer questions live Thursday night on “Ask the DNR” on WNMU-TV13.

In addition to Richardson, who lives in Ontonagon, the DNR panelists will include John Bauman, fisheries biologist from Escanaba, Dave Jentoft, wildlife biologist from Sault Ste. Marie and conservation officer Colton Gelinas, who patrols Mackinac County.

With the firearm deer hunting season approaching quickly, many questions are expected to focus on deer hunting and its various regulations, but the discussion is typically wide-ranging based on viewer interests.

The hour-long broadcast, hosted by Mike Settles, will air live at 8 p.m. EDT, Thursday, Nov. 4. The program will be available later for online viewing, where WNMU-TV13 archives past shows.

The broadcast will be underwritten by the U.P. Whitetails Association of Marquette County, whose members will be volunteering to answer calls during the program.

“This show will be another great opportunity for viewers to get their questions answered from DNR experts, as well as an important regional representative on the NRC, the appointed regulation-making body for the DNR,” said John Pepin, DNR deputy public information officer. “Getting to have questions answered directly is a great way to share information between the department and the public.”

Viewers are reminded to leave their name, city and phone number when calling in questions. Those questions not answered on the air will be answered by DNR staffers in returned phone calls following the program.

To phone questions in during the live telecast, call 1-800-227-9668.

“We are also collecting hunter and angler trophy photos of deer, bears, grouse and fish harvested this fall for the Dec. 2 broadcast,” Pepin said. “We will share some of these photos on the air.”

Please send images to pepinj@michigan.gov, including names of those pictured, age and town. This information will also be included when the photos are broadcasted on the show.

Contact: John Pepin, 906-226-1352