In 2016, a proposed initiative intended to reintroduce Arctic grayling to select Michigan streams was announced. That idea immediately caught fire, and Michigan’s Arctic Grayling Initiative now counts over 40 member organizations among its supporters.

Before the northern Lower Peninsula was heavily lumbered in the mid- to late 1800s, Arctic grayling were the dominant salmonid (fish of the salmon family) species found in cold-water streams.

They were present in such large numbers that people flocked to northern Michigan towns to target this attractive fish, known best for its prominent dorsal fin. Some anglers were catching them in huge numbers and shipping them on ice back to large metropolitan areas like Detroit and Chicago to be sold in fish markets.

They were extirpated (wiped out) from Michigan due to degrading of habitat associated with the timber harvest practices of the day and overharvest by recreational and market anglers. Competition with and predation by introduced species, like brown trout, also played a role in their disappearing from Michigan waters.

Fast forward more than a century to Sept. 17, 2020 – a big day in the history of fisheries management in Michigan.

That was the day the that the first year-class (fish all produced in the same year) of Arctic grayling future brood fish (those used for breeding purposes) were transferred from an isolated rearing facility at Oden State Fish Hatchery, near Petoskey, to the Marquette State Fish Hatchery in Marquette County.

Approximately 4,000 fish, averaging 6.5 inches in length, made the trip to Marquette.

Check out a video of the fish in their new surroundings. Read more

Many state-designated snowmobile trails in Alcona County are temporarily closed due to safety challenges caused by heavy, wet snow that blanketed the area Saturday, Dec. 12.

Trees and branches, weighed down by the heavy snow, broke and fell onto trails, creating hazardous obstacles. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Huron-Manistee National Forest and the Alcona County Parks and Recreation Department have determined that riding conditions are unsafe at this time.

Snowmobile Trails No. 96 (west of Trail No. 665), 961, 962, 963, 964, 966 and 971 will remain closed until the debris is cleared, and reroutes will not be identified due to the widespread impact of the snow on trails throughout the region. It’s estimated that it will take up to two weeks for the grant sponsor, Alcona County Parks and Recreation, to safely clear the trails. Closure signs and blockades will be removed as trails are cleared and deemed safe for riding. Read more

COLUMBUS, Georgia — Enjoy a warm, cozy fire anytime with the help of the Realtree Fire Starters 50 Pack. The Realtree Fire Starters 50 Pack comes packed in a lightweight canister and can be used to start 50 or more fires.

The camouflage fire starters light when wet and burn at 750 degrees for up to 10 minutes. If the fire starters get wet or freeze, they will still light as they are 100% waterproof inside or outside of the packet.

Realtree Fire starters were designed to accompany the rest of your Realtree gear on your next hunting trip, camping trip or anywhere else you want or need a fire.

Features:

• • Includes 50 Realtree fire starter pouches
  • Can be used for charcoal grills, fireplaces, campfires, wood-burning stoves and more
  • 100% waterproof
  • Burn time: Up to 10 minutes
  • Light time: 0.5 to 2 seconds
  • Flame height: 8 to 13 inches (20.32 to 33.02 cm)
  • 30-Year shelf life

Read more

After months of planning, Orchard Beach State Park’s historic shelter building now sits a safe 230 feet back from the eroding Lake Michigan shoreline. The necessary, winding, 1,200-foot journey through this popular park in Manistee, Michigan, wasn’t swift; the entire move took 23 hours over three days, from Thursday, Dec. 10, to Saturday, Dec. 12.

For more than 70 years, the building sat perched high atop a bluff overlooking the Great Lake. However, high water and wave action have made the bluff unstable, requiring that the 850-ton building be relocated within the park to preserve its story, protect public safety and keep the building open for future recreation.

“The DNR proudly preserves and protects both natural and cultural assets,” said Ron Olson, chief of the Parks and Recreation Division within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Investing in this important place is an investment in the story of Michigan and preserves the memories of those who have enjoyed this iconic destination.” Read more

When you need to carry a lot of gear up to the highest points on earth, you count on Sherpas to help make the journey possible. The QuietKat Sherpa is based on the Villager model and includes a longer wheelbase and an integrated rear rack to carry all the gear you need. Perfect for a trip to the lake, to the park, or take an epic multi-day adventure!

The Sherpa comes standard with a 750-watt hub-drive motor and 203mm disc brakes that give enough power to climb steep hills and mountains, as well as plenty of stopping power to inspire confidence on technical descents. A premium RST Coil Suspension Fork and 3” plus-size all-terrain tires make for a smooth and comfortable ride on a variety of terrain from paved paths, dirt roads, snow, sand, and everything in-between. Check out the all-new Sherpa at www.quietkat.com!

From now until January 4, 2021, Krieghoff International is offering Free Ground Shipping in the Continental United States when you spend $150.00 or more in their online store.

Stocked with Krieghoff logo apparel, gun care items, and accessories the newly launched Krieghoff Online store has something for all shooters. Read more

Stuff a Truck toy donation sites open in Detroit, Clare and Gaylord

Detroit Stuff a Truck locations

• Belle Isle Park, 99 Pleasure Drive – Accepting toys 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, now through Dec. 18. The donation bin is located just outside the park office.
• DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St. – Accepting toys 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 and Dec. 19.

Anyone bringing toys to the OAC will receive a courtesy family four pack for admission to the center, which can be used once it reopens. Additionally, donors will automatically be entered in a drawing to win a free, exclusive family experience – a group of up to 10 people, with a guide to assist them, will have the Outdoor Adventure Center to themselves for 90 minutes. To receive the courtesy admission tickets and a chance at the exclusive family experience, donated toys should be securely tagged with the donor’s name, phone number and email address.

Toys collected at the Detroit locations will be donated to the Detroit Police Department’s Sergeant Santa Program. Last year, conservation officers doubled the number of families that received donations in 2018. Read more

Smithfield, NC – The gift-giving season is upon us, and after such a tumultuous year, most folks will want to be a little extra generous for the gift-giving season. However, with pandemic restrictions getting tighter in various states across the country, shopping in person may be more difficult than ever this Christmas.

Shopping online is a great alternative to brick-and-mortar stores, but remember to make sure you order early and give yourself plenty of time for shipping. Visit Shield Republic today to find something for everyone on your shopping list this season, and get some great seasonal discounts, too!

If you have a bevy of stocking stuffers to round up for the America-loving conservatives in your life who are Second Amendment supporters and patriots, Shield Republic is your one-stop-shop!

You can find everything from hats and shirts with phrases and images that are guaranteed to garner a smile around the tree, not to mention drinkware, stickers and decals, flags, promats and lots more. There are items specifically for mom, dad or the range addict in the family. They even have some great beanies for when the weather turns cold this winter!

Be sure to check out Shield Republic’s Holiday Sale section for some great deals on various hats, shirts and drinkware, with many items discounted up to 50 percent!

Not only that, but right now, as part of Shield Republic’s Christmas sale, you can get 30 percent off your entire order by entering the code “CHRISTMAS30” at checkout! Read more

Today is the seventy-ninth anniversary of “a day that will live forever in infamy.” On December 7, 1941, the Imperial Japanese Navy attacked the United States Naval Base at Honolulu, Hawaii and brought the United States into the Second World War. After Pearl Harbor, the U.S. geared up for war, and the country never looked back. Today, as we live in another period of uncertainty, but we owe our lives and success as a nation to the more than 16 million Americans who left their homes and traveled over the world to protect freedom. Today, only about 325,000 of them are left, and estimates say they’re dying at the rate of nearly 300 per day. Today, it’s appropriate to remember them and the sacrifices they made for us.

Thank you, Uncle Van Wunderlich, for your bravery and for putting your life on the line so that we could remain free.  I will never forget.