Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Brady’s First Turkey Hunt
After a quick lesson with the vintage Stevens .410 bolt-action shotgun, Landon and Brady went for their first turkey hunt in Shiawassee County, Michigan on opening day (4/19/25). Brady connected on this fine gobbler with an 11-inch beard and 1-inch spurs. The ammo was Apex Ninja, 9 1/2 size shot TSS.
Brady’s First Turkey Hunt Successful and the hero’s walk home.
April 16, 2025
Douglas Allen Smith, 66, from Lewiston pleaded not guilty to four charges related to impersonating an emergency responder in the Montmorency County 88th District Court on Friday.
Smith faces one misdemeanor charge for the unlawful use of fire department/emergency medical services emblems and three felony charges, including:
On Feb. 18, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officer was patrolling in Albert Township when he was passed by what appeared to be a fire emergency vehicle. The vehicle, operated by Smith, had the words “Search and Rescue” on the side, a loud siren, and active red, white and blue emergency lights.
In Michigan, red and white emergency lights are used for emergency vehicles, while only law enforcement vehicles display blue lights.
The vehicle was recklessly traveling at a high speed around cars and through intersections.
The CO confirmed with Montmorency County Dispatch that there was not an active fire or EMS call in the county.
Smith pulled into the parking lot of Lewiston Fun Ones, a closed venue located on County Road 489, where the CO conducted a traffic stop.
Smith told the officer he was, “going to a call,” but it was called off.
The CO verified that Smith was not affiliated with any emergency response agency in Michigan and located an uncased pistol in the front of the vehicle.
A warrant request was submitted to the Montmorency County Prosecutor’s Office for the above-listed charges. Smith was arrested on March 21 for those charges and released when his bond was paid. A future court date will be determined.
Contact: Lt. Jim Gorno, 231-350-0963
This year, NRAAM is right in our backyard! Daniel Defense is thrilled to exhibit at this year’s NRAAM in Atlanta, Georgia, from April 24-27, 2025. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience everything we have to offer, including new product reveals, exclusive show savings, and a special guest appearance.
Win the Adventure of a Lifetime! As part of our exciting presence at NRAAM, we’re offering an unforgettable chance to win an exclusive SHERP all-terrain driving and riding experience. Plus, the winner will receive an all-inclusive range day and training session with Daniel Defense’s best experts. The giveaway runs from April 24, 2025, to June 5, 2025. Read more
Since 1697, Hults Bruk axes have been hand made in Norrkoping, Sweden, by professional blacksmiths. Now, the brand is introducing Spika (pronounced “speak a”), a multi-purpose axe with a 17.5″ handle and total weight of 2.1 lbs. In addition, for the first time, Hults Bruk has designed and produced a collection of six essential accessories for its entire line of axes.
Hults Bruk axes are recognized for their strong Swedish steel, solid American hickory handles and heads that are hand-finished for a razor-sharp edge and stamped with the HB logo.
The new Spika boasts a unique hybrid design with a shorter handle and multi-purpose head – a combination that makes the axe more portable and versatile. Spika can be used for precision work like carving and whittling, as well as campsite and bushcraft tasks like chopping, splitting, delimbing and trail maintenance.
Spika Head – The Spika head is 1.5 lbs. and its cutting edge is approximately 3.125″. (Since all Hults Bruk axes are hand forged, there can be slight length variations from axe to axe.)
Spika Head Features – A hand notch in the head provides a solid grip for work close to the body and allows users to steer the axe with maximum control. The axe has a semi-straight edge with a flat and wide grind so it can rest firmly against whatever is being worked on. In addition, the edge has a slight curve so Spika can be used for light forestry work, such as clearing a path. The head is also a bit thicker over the cheeks, giving it good splitting capabilities. Finally, Spika has a hardened butt that can be used to pound non-steel items like tent stakes. Read more
Whether you’re running and gunning, trolling for trout, or catching a college game, the D-Wedge from ThermaSeat provides the portable support you need for long-lasting comfort.
This self-supporting seat boasts the best ergonomic position for extended sitting stints, a lightweight construction, and breathable mesh for added comfort. The D-Wedge is finished with waterproof SilentTouch fabric in Mossy Oak Camo, Realtree XTRA, Coyote Brown, or Black and sports an over-the-shoulder carry strap with side-release buckles. Built to last a lifetime, the durable D-Wedge features military-grade hardware, webbing, and a rubber-coated non-slip base.
To view the full lineup of ThermaSeat products, visit ThermaSeat.com.
Louisville, CO: Post pandemic, firearm and protection categories may be waning, but customer interest for new and innovative accessories that help them shoot safer…is at an all-time high. ULTRX™, a new transformative brand launched by Allen Company in 2024, continues that momentum into the new year with the expansion of key product segments including digital sound enhancement, expanded youthful color palettes and a multitude of stylish eye protection options.
ULTRX™ Ear and Eye Safety Protection products were picked up nationwide by some of the industry’s largest retail outlets and can be identified by the high-visibility chartreuse and gray retail packaging they utilize. The initial launch year included approximately 65 new items targeted across digital earbuds, high-fidelity sound earmuffs, passive earmuffs, and small in-ear protective formats. Read more
In hunting, success depends on preparation, skill, and the right gear. The team at URSI knows this better than anyone, which is why they’ve poured their passion, creativity, and expertise into developing Emerge 2.0 Camouflage. Designed with hunters in mind, Emerge 2.0 is a pattern that doesn’t just blend in—it outsmarts nature itself.
Emerge 2.0 features a blend of earthy greens, browns, and beige tones. It mimics natural environments with sharp pixelated edges and strategic layering. The mix of light and dark contrasts ensures versatility across forests, grasslands, and open terrain. Read more
Grab your friends and ride 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized) on two back-to-back days during Michigan’s Free Snowmobiling Weekend, Jan. 17-19.
Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride without the requirement of a snowmobile registration or trail permit. All other snowmobile rules and safety certificate requirements still apply, and the Recreation Passport is required where applicable.
Don’t forget to “Ride Right,” so you get home safe to your family and friends. Ride sober, on the right side of the trail and at safe speed.
Doubling down in their resistance movement, a total of 159 U.S. House Democrats voted Tuesday, January 7th, against proposed legislation titled the Laken Riley Act that would require federal immigration authorities to detain illegal migrants who have committed theft-related crimes in the U.S. The bill would also allow states to sue the Department of Homeland Security for harm caused to their law-abiding citizens because of illegal immigration.
The bill easily passed the House in spite of the Democrat crazies.
Outdoor Stewards of Conservation Foundation (OSCF) is excited to announce its partnership with industry leaders for the All I Want for Christmas is Pew Sweepstakes. This collaboration between OSCF, Gun Tote’n Mamas (GTM), Princeton Tec, C&H Precision, Shell Shock and HOIST offers the opportunity to win an incredible prize package.
The grand prize package ($928.87 total value) for the All I Want for Christmas is Pew Sweepstakes includes: