Nick Buggia works as the Upper Midwestern States manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). As part of CSF’s States Program Team, Nick works closely with state legislators and governors across the Midwest to promote scientific-based conservation policy. He has experience working in Michigan’s executive branch and in the Michigan Senate, where he spent the majority of his time focusing on natural resources policy. Nick holds a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University. A native of Mayville, Michigan, Nick is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys hunting on the family farm and takes every opportunity to go fishing on Saginaw Bay. On the council, he represents rural areas of the state whose economies are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing. 

Gruden is the owner of Blue Wing Consulting where she works with producers to comply with permits and develop comprehensive nutrient management plans. She holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University. Gruden will represent agriculture producers in this state and fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Merisa Campbell.

Jon Spieles, of Curtis, has over 20 years of experience managing communication and education for the DNR. He has served as chief of the Marketing and Outreach Division since September 2022. Prior to serving as chief, Jon worked as a field manager for the same DNR division, helping school children, park visitors and many others understand the work of the DNR and help them feel confident and comfortable in the outdoors.

Brent Pike, of Grand Haven, is the founder of Pyke Gear outdoor apparel brand and a realtor with At Home Realty. Pike is the president of the Ruffed Grouse Society Lakeshore Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University. He is appointed to represent local businesses in this state that are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.

Daniel Ulfig, of Munith, is the owner and president of Master Craft Floors. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Eastern Michigan University. He is an active leader in National Deer Association, a board member of Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger and is endorsed by Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. He is appointed as an individual who has purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, including at least once during each of the last 3 years.

Daniel Cooke, of Northville, is the founder and chief executive officer of Expedition Detroit, LLC and the principal attorney of Daniel Cooke Law, PLLC. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations from Michigan State University and received his Juris Doctorate from Wayne State University. He is appointed as an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department.

Carol Rose is vice president of Jeffress-Dyer Inc.–Real Estate Appraisal and Consulting, specializing in commercial land and large forestry and recreational use lands in Northern Michigan. She lives in the Northeast Michigan town of Hillman, where she has access to world-class trout streams, inland lakes, forest and trails. Rose – the first person to serve as chair of the Michigan Wildlife Council – represents individuals with a media or marketing background who are not employees of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources on the MWC.

Matt Pedigo of Howell is an engineer for Federal-Mogul, where he has worked for over 13 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Kettering University in Flint. For the Michigan Wildlife Council, he serves as a voice for individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in the state at least once during each of the past three years.

Sarah L. Topp, of Wallace, is the UP stream restoration manager for Trout Unlimited. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Michigan University. Topp represents rural areas of the state whose economies are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.

Roy is an attorney with Kuhn, Rogers, PLC. Previously he practiced with Brandt, Fisher, Alward and Roy, PC. Roy holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. He will represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in Michigan at least once during each of the past three years.

Jim Hammill doesn’t just love the natural environment, he also enjoys learning about it. Hammill earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Adrian College and studied wildlife management at Michigan State University. The Crystal Falls resident runs a land consulting and management business in the Upper Peninsula and is a certified plan writer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He also holds a real estate license and has sold recreational land for more than a dozen years.

Henry Stancato is a member of Stancato Tragge Wells PLLC in Detroit, where he has practiced law for more than 35 years. Stancato, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Brandeis University and a law degree from Wayne State University, has served as a member of Youthville Detroit and New Center Community Mental Health Services. On the Michigan Wildlife Council, he is a representative of regular purchasers of Michigan hunting or fishing licenses.

T. Elliot Shafer, of Grosse Point Woods, is the senior vice president of commercial banking for Huntington Bank. He is a member of The Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, Huntsman Hunt Club, and the Northland Sportsman’s Club. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in Finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Shafer is appointed to represent an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department.

Jason Garvon, of Brimley, is a Professor of Biology at Lake Superior State University. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, advisor to the LSSU Student Chapter of DU, and former member of the MDNR eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science from Texas A&M / Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last 3 years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations.