Navigation Made Easier with BaseMap

Introducing BaseMap’s New Industry-Leading Navigation Features.

Bothell, WA – In the spirit of innovation and drive to enhance the hunter’s outdoor experience, BaseMap Inc. has launched their industry-leading XDR (Exact Direction & Range) Navigation tool in 5.0, the latest version of the BaseMap app. The latest release also includes a hyper-accurate digital compass, and an all-new user interface engineered by hunters to make navigating and using the app even easier.

“Our goal is to provide the best hunting app on the market, and that means listening to our customers,” said Jeff Balch, CEO of BaseMap. “We have received many requests to include more navigation features in the app, and we delivered with our latest update. These new features will help everyone recreating outdoors plan their travel in the field, navigate to their location with greater efficiency, and feel confident in using the BaseMap app in their outdoor pursuits.”

With BaseMap’s new XDR navigation tool, users can immediately get the exact distance between their current location and desired destination, determine the most precise route, and pinpoint an area on the map to navigate to.

Other 5.0 features include:

  • A distance scale bar that allows users to determine the exact distance between their location and a landmark or area on the map.
  • XDR navigation and compass, so users know the exact direction they are moving in and the distance between them and a location on the map.
  • The ability to set the compass bearing on a Smart Marker on the map and stay on course to that location.

BaseMap’s new industry-leading navigation features are the most advanced on the market, helping hunters stay safe, legal, and en route to their destination. Read more

Michigan: Great Lakes Beach Safety Is Key to Great State Park Visits

As the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.

Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.

“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”

Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional  Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Lake Ovid is a reservoir located within Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County and it was time for me to discover its lure.  Loading my small jon boat into my truck the night before would make for an early get-away and a solitary experience on the man-made lake, or so I thought.  When I arrived at the boat launch, I couldn’t believe the sight:  dozens of bass boats lined up at water’s edge for some type of tournament.  Curses!  Good for them but bad for my idea of being alone.  I made a U-turn and headed away.

That scene played out last year and I figured to try again a week ago; this time, only one other boater met me along the shore at daybreak.  Within minutes, I had the oars in the water and began my discovery mission.  As I applied some muscle power, one oar was not cooperating properly and actually came out of the oar lock.  Unfortunately, I found that one of my nylon oar lock bushings had inexplicably vanished over the winter, as rowing became problematic.  Somehow, I managed to jam the oar hardware in place and limped along.

The first cast with my open-faced reel had a rather large bluegill brighten my day.  Unharmed, it was given back to the lake and I slipped closer to the nearby shore, where I witnessed a huge surface splash moments before.  Switching to a Rapala minnow, I tossed it toward the area of commotion.  Wham!  A largemouth bass gave a good tussle and found its way into my landing net.  Since the season had yet to open – and, because I never keep bass for table fare – I eased the hook from its lip and turned it loose without measuring it.  For a few hours on the water, the action was steady until the heat of the day took over.

The 410-acre Lake Ovid was created in the 1970’s with the construction of a dam on the Little Maple River. With an average depth of 10 feet, Lake Ovid is generally fairly shallow, with depths not exceeding 23 feet.

The typical fish species available are Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.  A bit of research shows that some 6800 Channel Catfish were planted in 2019 – the last stocking activity found.

Hours are from 8 am – 10 pm and a Recreation Passport is required.  Other entities include a beach with swimming plus kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats and pontoon boats are available for rent. Camping with modern restrooms, and miles of walking trails and some horse trails are all part of the 2600 acre state park.

Since the lake is defined as a “no wake” lake, electric trolling motors are probably the most desirable method of propulsion but gasoline motors are permitted, as well.  The lake weeds are evident along the shore and other shallow areas of the lake, but it is there you’ll find some good action.

So, if you are looking for a get-away close to home, Lake Ovid may serve you and your family well.

When releasing deep-water fish, the right tools mean everything

Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. Photos by Florida Sea Grant.

When releasing deep-water fish, the right tools mean everything

Will you be fishing for snapper or grouper on your next fishing trip? Continue your role as a conservationist by paying close attention to signs of barotrauma and being prepared to respond. Barotrauma is a condition seen in many fish caught at depths greater than 50 feet and is caused by pressure changes leading to an expansion of gases in the swim bladder. It is important to treat barotrauma in fish you do not intend to keep. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes.

Barotrauma can cause damage to internal organs and be fatal unless appropriate steps are taken to mitigate its effects. It is important to know in advance what tools are available and how to use them to help fish return to the bottom and increase their chances of survival. Read more

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’

The Department of Natural Resources has three big reasons for you to get outdoors Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13. Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks – is back and all free of charge.

“Michigan is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities and most beautiful natural spaces you’ll find anywhere,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

These two days include:

  • Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and nonresidents can enjoy two days of free fishing without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
  • Free ORV Weekend. Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride 3,800 miles of designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
  • Free Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and 1,300 state-managed boating access sites. Visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport to learn more about all the Passport provides.

Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends take place twice a year on back-to-back days.

Protect yourself and the outdoors

view of a single-file row of off-road vehicles, driven by people wearing helmets, heading away from the camera, on a tree-lined trailFor the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when they’re enjoying Michigan’s woods, water and trails. Helpful safety tips – for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics – are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducationin the Safety Information section. The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.

Additionally, the DNR encourages people to recreate responsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit our Do Your Part website to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state. Read more

Sellmark $10K Summer Sportsmans Gear Giveaway

The Sellmark Corporation’s most popular brands, Pulsar, Sightmark and Kopfjäger are partnering with Sniper Hog Lights, ICOtec and the Googan Squad to give away over $10K worth of gear in an all-inclusive hunting and fishing package!

One lucky contestant will receive:

Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50

Sightmark Wraith 4K Max

Kopfjäger K700 Reaper Grip Kit

Sniper Hog Lights 66LRX IR light package

ICOtec OUTLAW Programmable Game Call

Googan Squad Gear Package

This contest is available in the USA only. After clicking the link, contestants can multiply their entries by completing several action steps! There are over 30 ways to enter to win over $10K work of top-notch outdoors gear!

Entry Link >>> https://gleam.io/widIV/a-complete-all-outdoor-sportsmens-summer-giveaway

Sharkbanz Zeppelin Turns Sharks Away

The world’s first and only shark deterrent tackle makes a cool utility gift for fishing fathers.

CHARLESTON, SC – Serious fishermen know the routine. Drop your line to the bottom, tighten up the slack, and set the hook on a solid grouper, snapper or other bottom species that’s sure to provide some tasty fillets. Now comes the hard part, cranking your catch to the surface before a shark takes half (or all) of it for lunch.

When sharks attack a fish at the end of an angler’s line, it’s called shark depredation, and it’s become a major problem in recent years, especially in Southern and Gulf Coast waters. As the fish struggles on the hook it sends erratic electrical impulses through the water that the ocean’s Taxman properly interprets as a distress signal, prompting it to move in for the kill. Reef fishermen, in particular, endure plenty of disappointments from these attacks, often losing more than half their catch to the sharped-toothed predators. In some areas, sharks even key on the sound of boat engines, gathering before vessels get their lines in the water.

Fortunately, the Sharkbanz Zeppelin, the world’s first and only shark deterrent fishing tackle, can turn the tide. A new, science-based product that generates an electromagnetic field to fend off Nature’s eating machines, it’s already winning acclaim from veteran bottom bouncers wherever sharks may roam. Read more

Michigan: ‘Lodge and Learn’ about walleye fishing with Outdoor Skills Academy

Starting this month, the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy will offer classes at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon – commonly known as the RAM Center – giving you an opportunity to add an overnight stay on the shores of on Higgins Lake to your outdoor recreation education experience.

The first class at the RAM Center will be the June 19 Walleye Fishing Clinic.

Pro walleye tournament angler Dan Miller will cover the ins and outs of walleye fishing in this class that will go through how Outdoor Skills Academy pro-staffers, Pure Fishing pros and others spend their day chasing trophy walleye. Learn about seasonal activities, how to set up your boat and more. DNR staff will be on hand to answer any rules and regulations questions you may have. Plus, tips from a master taxidermist on how to care for your trophy fish when you catch it and want to have it mounted.

Cost for the class is $45, which includes lunch and instruction. To register, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses and click on the “Purchase a license” button. Sign in (using either a username and password or your ID and birthdate), and find the class under the Outdoor Skills Academy tab. Read more

Michigan ‘Three Free’ Weekend: Fishing, ORV riding and Recreation Passport

June 12-13, residents and out-of-state visitors can fish, ride Michigan’s off-road trails or visit state parks and state-managed boating access sites – all for free.

Free Fishing Weekend: Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy one of Michigan’s premier outdoor activities, Michigan fishing, for free! All fishing license fees will be waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations will still apply. This year’s weekend includes a 4-H Youth Virtual Fishing Derby for kids ages 5-19 (no need to be a 4-H member).

Free ORV Weekend: Twice a year, residents and nonresidents legally can ride without buying an ORV license or trail permit during Free ORV Weekends (the second one is set for Aug. 21-22). All other ORV rules and laws still apply. Riders will have access to nearly 3,800 miles of off-road trails and the state’s six scramble areas.

Waived Recreation Passport: A Recreation Passport will not be required for entry into state parks and boating access sites during ‘Three Free’ Weekend.

Millennium Marine R500 Perfect for Trolling

PEARL, MS – One of the best things about fishing is anglers being able to set their rods and relax until a fish bites. Setting rods in a Millenium R500 Pontoon Rod Holder makes things smoother and easier to fish with ease.

The R500 Pontoon Rod Holder is constructed with anodized aluminum to withstand the elements and resist harsh weather conditions. The patented Spyderlok Technology guarantees incremental locking angles and a 360° rotation, and it has a rugged design that will last a lifetime. Rubber-coated contact points protect your favorite rods from damage.

The R500 mounts seamlessly on boats or piers from 3/4- to 1 1/2-inch round, flat or square tube. Drilling is unnecessary. The R500 is adjustable, too, thanks to oversized knobs so anglers can raise or lower the holder to their liking. With the R500, anglers will be able to enjoy the day, put more fish in the cooler and smiles on everyone’s faces. Read more

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