Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
“Murph: The Protector” is a documentary that tells the true story of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy, who joined the Navy Seals and fought overseas in Operation Enduring Freedom. Family members, friends and other people who knew “Murph” tell the story of the man who, due to his bravery in combat, would go on to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. Details here…
Brownells has released a new three-part video series showing how to prepare for emergencies that could arise at work, at home and in the car. Each video covers potential situations and shows how to use specific supplies and gear – including products featured in the recently-released Brownells ESG Essentials Kits.
The At Work video shows examples of good supplies to stash at the job site that can help make unexpected stays more comfortable.
The At Home video focuses mostly on knowledge and training, and asks key questions everyone needs to answer to be really fully prepared.
The In the Car video provides tips for keeping a well-stocked vehicle emergency kit to help motorists make it through any crises from flat tires to accidents. Read more
MOORESTOWN, NJ – SeaLife has taken camera technology to a new level, with the introduction of the world’s first permanently sealed waterproof camera. SeaLife’s new revolutionary ultra-compact Micro HD camera can be used above or below the water line and is guaranteed not to leak for the life of the camera. Read more
DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division named a Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador
When a severe thunderstorm capable of producing damaging hail and 60-mph winds rolled through Yankee Springs State Recreation Area on a hot and humid Sunday afternoon in late July, park rangers were faced with a daunting task: ensuring the safety of the hundreds of visitors enjoying the park’s campgrounds, picnic areas and lakes.
After a flurry of activity – directing visitors to storm shelters, checking on the welfare of campers, avoiding trees that were toppled by the wind, and assessing other damage to the park – the weather eventually calmed and it became clear to the rangers that their mission had been accomplished. Read more
WILMINGTON, NC – DryCASE, the manufacturer of waterproof electronic cases, just introduced the Brunswick waterproof backpack in Mossy Oak® Shadow Grass Blades™ camouflage.
The Brunswick is perfect for toting all your hunting essentials and offers complete concealment in the field, blind or boat. It’s 100-percent waterproof and highly functional thanks to the unique two-way air valve on the bottom. Simply roll down the top closure and secure it shut, then you can open the valve and squeeze out any captured air, or trap air inside so the pack will float. The two-way valve even doubles as a draining tool if you want to fill it with ice and use the backpack as a portable cooler. Read more
As you may have already heard, Michigan’s off-road vehicle (ORV) license options changed as of March 1, 2014. The new license structure – authorized by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013 – provides vital funding to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for ORV riders.
The new ORV license structure includes two levels depending on the type of riding you are doing. An ORV License ($26.25) is required on eligible county roads, state forest roads in the Upper Peninsula and eligible national forest roads as well as on the frozen surface of public waters. This license is required to operate anywhere off of private lands.
In addition to the ORV License, an ORV Trail Permit (an additional $10, for a total of $36.25) will be required when operating on State-designated ORV trails, routes and scramble areas. Read more
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is offering a bear hunting clinic at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac.Three separate clinics are offered and will take place on Aug. 9, 10 and 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students will learn the ins and outs of bear hunting with experienced hunters and experienced DNR educators. The class will cover habitat, gear, stand placement, baiting, rules and regulations, carcass care, and hide care by master taxidermist Kevin Perry. Participants will spend about four hours in the classroom then go outdoors to learn how to place a stand and bait in the woods. Read more
Waterfowl hunters can now buy the federal migratory bird hunting stamp – also known as the Duck Stamp – online at www.mdnr-elicense.com. The online purchasing option is part of a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s Federal Duck Stamp Office, designed to make the Duck Stamp more readily available and increase participation in this successful wetland conservation program.
The Federal Duck Stamp, required annually for all migratory waterfowl hunters age 16 or older, costs $17 via E-license, the DNR’s online hunting, fishing, ORV and snowmobile license sales system. The stamp cost is $15, and both the stamp distributor and the DNR charge a $1 processing and handling fee. There will be no refunds available once the stamps are purchased. Read more