Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
FOND DU LAC, WI – Brunswick Boat Group and Mercury Marine are encouraging boaters and dealers to follow the lead of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) as they continue to advocate the “Look Before You Pump” campaign aimed at the prevention of E15 in marine engines. E15 is gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol and is extremely harmful to marine engines. Read more
Morgan, UT –New for 2014, Browning’s Featherweight Knives offer heavyweight performance. The line of Featherweight Knives will include seven different models to meet the needs of virtually every hunter and outdoorsman. All of the models feature a stylish retro design.
Models in the Featherweight line include a Fixed Drop Point, Fixed Semi-Skinner and Fixed Drop Point with Guthook. A Large Folder, Small Folder, Big Game and Multi-blade with scissors are also offered. The Big Game model features a drop point blade, guthook blade and saw. Read more
Monticello, Arkansas-Team Ward, Inc., makers of the well-known War Eagle Boats, announces the addition of the 544 Warhawk to their line. The 544 Warhawk is built on a 6Ëš Vee hull, offering great maneuverability. The 544 model has a low front deck and a rear cross-seat for tiller operation. The 21″ wing design transom and Vee bottom give the hull more lift for shallow running, great turning ability and a smooth ride. The 544 Warhawk has a sharp bow and turns on a dime, making navigating through the flooded timber and marshes nice and easy. Read more
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Coast Guard interdicted a Mexican fishing crew poaching in South Texas waters, Sunday, 30 miles offshore and 70 miles north of the U.S./Mexican border. Read more
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2014 Summer Kickoff, with a variety of recreation activities across the state. During Summer Kickoff, fees will be waived for some of the state’s most 
popular outdoor activities, making it a great time to grab a fishing pole, ride an ORV or enjoy a day in the outdoors at a state park. The DNR Summer Kickoff includes:
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Mitchell has been making quite the splash over recent years, introducing the reinvigorated Mitchell 300 and 300 Pro. Now, the legendary company is running a sweepstakes contest that runs through July 31, 2014. Grand prize winners will receive one of 100 limited edition Mitchell 300 reels. Read more
OLEAN, NY – KA-BAR Knives is proud to announce the acquisition of legendary knife brand Ek Commando Knife.
Ek Commando Knife was created in 1941 by John Ek in Hamden, Connecticut. During World War II, Ek Commando Knives were restricted to military personnel. The knives featured serial numbers that were recorded and kept for tracking and identification. Luminaries ranging from General George Patton, President Franklin Roosevelt, and actor turned soldier Clark Gable owned Ek Knives during the Second World War.
Ek Commando Knives have served our military in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, and countless other hotspots around the globe. Today, Ek continues to be a staple of the United States military.
Ek Commando Knives made by KA-BAR will be available for purchase in 2015.
The Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers and retail minnow dealers of the baitfish regulations that need to be followed in Michigan. Although the requirement for state-licensed bait retailers to provide customers with receipts upon purchasing live minnows was recently removed, all other regulations with respect to minnow use continue to be enforced.
Baitfish regulations were enacted in 2006 to reduce the potential for baitfish to move fish diseases as the state saw multiple fish die-offs in lakes Erie and Huron from viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSv).
“While fish kills from VHSv have become less common, we do not want this fish pathogen to spread across Michigan,” said DNR fisheries biologist Tom Goniea. “Our regulations are designed to prevent this from occurring.” Read more
COLUMBIA, S.C. (April 14, 2014) – The Berkley Experience trailer is poised to set up in Kalamazoo, Mich. Consumers are encouraged to flock to the D&R Sports Center April 17 – 19. Each year the Berkley Experience Trailer continues to bring new and exciting things to consumers. This year is no different, redesigning the entire trailer for a better experience all around. In its 9th consecutive year, the Berkley Experience is on the road giving families the full Berkley experience. Read more
GW: Now, I’d call this giving back. Very cool.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is making it easier for Michigan seniors age 65 and older to get a price break on the hunt/fish combo license. The new senior hunt/fish combo license includes a fishing license (good for all legal species), a base hunting license and two deer licenses for $43.
When purchasing the 2014 licenses without a senior discount, seniors who purchased the regular hunt/fish combo license paid $76. The only way to get a senior discount on these items was to purchase them separately as senior licenses.
The newly packaged discounted license is available for purchase as of April 14. In addition, resident seniors who paid the higher $76 price for a 2014 license will be receiving a letter from the DNR offering a refund of $33 — the difference between the regular hunt/fish combo and the senior hunt/fish combo. Read more