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

On Friday and Saturday, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers ran patrols over hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails, making contacts with nearly 800 sledders over the 54th-annual running of the International 500 snowmobile race in Sault Ste. Marie.

For many years, conservation officers have taken advantage of the race running as great opportunity to make contacts with hundreds of snowmobilers attracted to the area for the popular track race.

“Overall, activity on the trails in Chippewa County was way up from past years, as were the number of violations encountered,” said DNR District 2 Law Supervisor Eugene “Skip” Hagy. “The lack of snow in the Lower Peninsula compared to the recent cold spell with ample snowfall in the Upper Peninsula likely contributed to the large number of snowmobilers in the area.”

The stepped-up patrols began Friday, Feb. 3 and continued through Saturday night, as conservation officers patrolled over 660 miles and contacted a total of 782 snowmobilers. Read more

For more information contact:Mark Oliva202-220-1340

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, is committed to reducing suicide – particularly suicide of America’s military veterans – that will be highlighted as part of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union to the nation tonight.

The White House released a Vision to Advance Progress on Unity Agenda in Year Ahead, which underscored the Biden administration’s pledge to reduce veteran suicides. This is a topic upon which the firearm industry is in agreement and is diligently working in complementary efforts to reduce the instances of veteran suicide.

NSSF, on behalf of the firearm industry, launched a partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in 2016, to confront and reduce these tragedies. The firearm industry recognizes that about 55 percent of firearm deaths are suicides and preventing access to lethal means is a crucial factor in reducing this figure. Keeping firearms securely stored puts space between the period of risk and the means to act, and sometimes that space can help save a life. Read more