From Jim Shpeherd

As pro-gun groups continue to win lawsuits nationwide that overturn rules and regulations designed to make lawful ownership difficult -if not downright impossible- a new study forwarded to me last week had me doing a double take.

No, it wasn’t another report on the origins of COVID-19…that’s this generation’s Warren Commission Report. There will never be a clear answer to either question that will be acceptable to everyone.

This latest piece of “rigorous investigation” came to the conclusion that the Defense Department should implement a series of “gun safety measures” to reduce suicides in our “armed” forces.

Among their suggestions:

• raising the minimum age for service members to buy guns and ammunition to 25,
• require the registration of anyone living in military housing to register all privately owned firearms,
• restrict the possession and storage of privately owned firearms in military barracks and dormitories.
• waiting periods for the purchase of guns and ammunition by service members on military property.

The Suicide Prevention and Response Independent Review Committee was formed by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in May of last year to study the issue of military suicide. The recommendations are only three of the 127 overall recommendations. Additionally, the Committee recommended the Defense Department take steps to “slow down” troops access to guns – more specifically those bought in stores on bases -so “people under stress” can survive periods of high risk. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

The recent ice storm has left many in Mid-Michigan with damage to trees and shrubs.  For do-it-yourselfers, it’s time to break out some tools that have been stashed out of sight for just such an occasion.  What follows are some tips to give your trees and landscape specimens a good chance of survival.

Safety has to be first when dealing with limbs that can fall onto one’s head, and tools that are sharp.  Hard hats, leather gloves, and eye protection can prevent trips to emergency centers.  Also, ladders can be downright dangerous, because falling limbs won’t give tree surgeons a place to run when they’re above ground.  If you’d like to be amused by others’ bad choices involving falling tree work, YouTube can demonstrate the many ways stupidity is rewarded.  If large limbs are broken or hanging, or if climbing or overhead chainsaw work is needed, hire a professional.

“Your life is more important than your trees or your property,” said Kevin Sayers, who leads the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program. “Be aware of downed power lines or trees touching power lines and stay at least 25 feet away. Immediately report any downed lines to your local utility company. Never attempt to prune or remove trees near power lines.”

Manual pole pruners are often the best choice for pruning smaller or higher branches.  Don’t go cheap here, because operating one of these rigs can be strenuous when sawing high-up limbs.  A cheap saw will only make the work more difficult.  I like to lube the blade before the work begins and when it is completed, clean it and lube it again.  The pruning function is also handy with a pull of the rope for branches approximately one-inch in diameter or less.

For work closer to the ground hand pruners are a must.  Lots of options exist in design and quality but I’ve found one that’s as good as its lifetime guarantee:  EZ Kut.  These one-hand wonders are all metal with replaceable carbon steel blades with built-in knuckle protectors.  They are of ratchet design meaning more leverage for tough jobs.

Although the pruners are tough, I found a way to break them by over-doing it with a dead limb on hardwood that took both hands to put me out of business.  When I contacted EZ Kut to test its lifetime warranty, I was pleasantly surprised when replacement parts arrived in the mail along with a brand new pruner!  Plus, the pink colored handles are easy to find when they are among the camouflaged surroundings.

Fruit trees can be particularly susceptible to damage and the general idea when pruning is to leave the center of the tree open.  That means eliminate any dead or damaged branches or those growing toward the center.  Also, take out branches that touch each other or ones that will eventually rub on other branches.  For bonus points, save those fruit tree branches for the rabbit population, because they find the tender bark irresistible.

The fortunate availability of a cellphone early Wednesday morning provided a lifeline for two snowmobilers stranded miles away from the nearest town in Luce County.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Justin Vinson received a call from Central Dispatch at 1:30 a.m. reporting two men, approximately 65 years of age, were lost in northern Luce County.

The two snowmobilers were from Minnesota and Iowa and were not new to snowmobiling, but they were unfamiliar with the area. Their sleds had run out of gas. Read more

After several days of above-40-degree temperatures and widespread rain showers, Michigan Department of Natural Resources trails officials are cautioning snowmobilers to anticipate potentially poor riding conditions.

“The recent weather conditions have had a detrimental effect on trails across the region,” said Ron Yesney, DNR Upper Peninsula trails coordinator. “Trails aren’t closed but may be in less-than-ideal condition.”

Trail grooming is not typically practical when temperatures are above freezing.

Weather conditions are forecasted to change soon with temperatures dropping significantly and snow showers possible in several places. This is expected to make trails icy. Ice can be difficult to groom.

“We encourage snowmobilers travelling to a region to check with snowmobile clubs and tourism associations to make sure trails are still being groomed in areas where they want to ride,” Yesney said. Read more

EAGLE, Colo. — QuietKat Electric Bikes, the leader in off-road eBikes and a Vista Outdoor Inc. (NYSE: VSTO) brand, is proud to announce the pre-release of a brand new eBike model. The Lynx will be previewed exclusively at the AIM EXPO on Wednesday, February 15 in the QuietKat booth #2082 and available to test at the demo track in the hall adjacent to the booth. The new Lynx represents the latest in full-suspension electric bicycles from the leader in off-road eBikes and is an innovative design that pushes the envelope of style and high-performance for the brand.

The Lynx establishes a new category for QuietKat, as it takes its proven off-road capabilities and blends it with a café moto style in a fun and powerful ride that is aimed for the discerning user who demands the latest technology and a premium ride. Able to tear up the road in style, then go further when the pavement ends, the Lynx is a fully capable off-road technical machine that can tackle the roughest terrain.

With a blend of on-road/offroad capabilities, the QuietKat Lynx features a 2-speed, 1000W hub motor with a twist throttle option for those who want to grip it and rip it. 203mm Inverted Mechanical Coil Fork in the front and a Mechanical Coil shock giving 100mm of travel in the back provide plenty of comfort and control, while deploying highly capable off-road 24×4.5″ off-road moto style tires. The Lynx is part of a new generation of QuietKat integrating IoT technology for remote control, tracking, and other smart features.

The Lynx will be available late summer 2023 and will retail for around $4000. Access to images can be found here. Contact QuietKat Marketing Director Michael Mayer for additional information @ michael_mayer@quietkat.com

GRINNELL, Iowa — Brownells invites freedom loving people all across the United States to celebrate, advocate and join in the rights and liberties guaranteed under the Second Amendment of the Bill of Rights during the second annual 2A Day on 2-22-23

Smith & Wesson is the co-presenting sponsor for 2A Day 2023. Other sponsors include CCI, Federal, Fiocchi, Henry Repeating Arms, SIG Sauer, Remington and Winchester.

2A Day offers three ways for participants to engage with their uniquely American Second Amendment rights. Read more

Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative’s 2022 Q4 Grants Fund Large-Scale Riding Area Clean Up and Essential Trail Maintenance Projects Protecting Access to Land for Motorized Recreation

MARIETTA, GA – Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, today announces the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) contributed more than $500,000 in grant awards for 2022, satisfying a commitment made in honor of National Public Lands Day. The final funding cycle for 2022 in the fourth quarter provided meaningful support to a wide variety of projects – from California desert cleanup and state-wide riding trail maintenance in Washington to multiuse bridges and trail resurfacing – making public lands sustainably accessible for motorized and outdoor recreation.

“The response from the outdoor community to our call for quality projects the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative can fund is the reason we were able to fulfill our 2022 pledge. While half a million dollars will make a significant impact, we know there are more opportunities out there in need of support,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager. “In 2023, our commitment is unchanged as we continue to invite and welcome partnerships with land managers, riders, land stewards, and anyone who relies on public land for outdoor recreation. Together we will work to protect, defend, and improve access everyone can enjoy for years to come.” Read more

Gator Waders Realtree Camp Boots, available in Realtree Original and Timber camo patterns, keep your feet dry without sacrificing comfort or style. As the name implies, these boots are ideal for slipping on when you return to camp after a long day of hunting or for wearing around fish camp. They’re also great for soggy adventures outdoors or for a trip into town on a rainy day.

The Camp Boots feature an interior neoprene-lining for comfort, while the 100% waterproof rubber outer layer keeps water out for dry wear all day long. These highly functional boots offer ultra-durability and protection with scuff- and slip-resistant outsoles and reinforced heels and toes. Read more