Plenty of good snow, plenty of trail hazards

The effects from a pair of severe late-November snowstorms are still being felt across much of northern Michigan as work crews continue efforts to clear and groom snowmobile and ski trails. “The number of downed trees and limbs is astonishing,” said Rob Katona, central Upper Peninsula trails specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division. “We haven’t seen conditions like this in recent history.” Many trails remain open, but riders are urged to use extra caution, watching out for hazards obscured by snow, like logs, rocks or stumps, or trails left impassable. The storms brought more than 2 feet of snow to some areas, blocking trails and weighing down tree limbs. In many places, young birches, oaks and other small-diameter trees have been bent over, arched across trails to the ground, where treetops are held in place, buried with snow. Read more

Only two weeks left to get your Michigan-themed holiday gifts!

Special discounts end December 23; Order online by December 13 for Christmas delivery.

Still looking for that perfect holiday gift? The Michigan History Center stores have unique gifts for the Michigan lovers on your list.

All proceeds benefit the educational programs at the Archives of Michiganand the Center’s 12 museums and historic sites across the state. Read more

Saturday, Dec. 21
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
Porcupine Mountains Ski Area in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Michigan Highway 107, Ontonagon

Weave your own traditional wood-framed snowshoes during this all-day workshop for ages 16 and older.

The cost for the class is $200, which includes one pair of wood frames, tubular nylon lacing, boot bindings and step-by-step instruction. The style of snowshoe for this season’s class will be cross-country.

This class is part of the DNR Outdoor Skills Academy, which offers in-depth, expert instruction, gear and hands-on learning for a range of outdoor activities at locations around the state.

Join the Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park at their free annual “Christmas at the Lighthouse” event on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The lighthouse will be decked out in holiday finery for self-guided tours. Take a special climb up the spiral steps to the tower’s lantern room for a unique winter perspective of Tawas, Tawas Bay, Lake Huron and the ever-changing Tawas Point.

The decorations include a tree adorned with ornaments like the ones used each year by the lighthouse keepers and their families, as well as a very special Santa Claus collection that will delight all ages.

Although there is no cost to tour the lighthouse this day, donations are welcomed to assist with special projects, such as the historical Oil House restoration, brick paver pathway project and native planting garden.

You can also support the Friends by purchasing unique holiday cards, note cards and prints that feature the lighthouse during the holidays and winter season.

For members of the Friends of Tawas Point Lighthouse and State Park, there will be a special candlelight “Christmas at the Light” event from 4 – 6 p.m., which includes tours of the second-floor lighthouse keeper quarters.

Not a Friends member yet? Members would love to share with you the benefits of being involved with their award-winning Friends organization. You can support the lighthouse and state park activities as it fits your time schedule and interests, with a variety of membership levels and prices to meet your needs. Friends can take advantage of members-only events, regular meetings and opportunities to care for and raise funds for the lighthouse museum and state park. Read more

Those interested in pursuing a career as a Michigan conservation officer are encouraged to submit an application for the DNR’s 10th conservation officer academy, which will begin July 12, 2020, in Lansing. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Conservation officers (COs) are responsible for enforcing laws and regulations under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Stationed in nearly every county of the state, these fully licensed peace officers enforce laws related to fish and wildlife, state parks, trails and forests, and outdoor recreation activities such as off-road vehicle use, snowmobiling and boating. They are also first responders to a variety of natural disasters and emergencies.

Apply now for Recruit School #10

Duties Read more

Third of Four-Week Glocktober Event

Fully Kitted Roland Special Valued at over $2,700 in Parts and Upgrades

Uses Premium Custom-Built Frame from Rook Customs

Comes with Category-wide Sales on Glock Parts and Accessories

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms has revealed the third giveaway of their month-long Glocktober event. Built with all premium parts, Primary Arms’ Roland Special exemplifies the ‘Gucci Glock’ with a fully custom, kitted, and compensated Glock 19. The Giveaway starts on the 21st and runs through October 27th. One lucky winner will take home this custom build valued at over $2,700.

Enter now on the Primary Arms Blog, the Roland Special Giveaway brings a premium Glock 19 build into the spotlight. This build starts with a Tier 2 frame, purpose-made by Rook Customs. This frame is custom-stippled and includes a full remodel with gas pedal and trigger undercut for added control. Paired with an Agency Arms Syndicate S1 slide, complete with Trijicon RM06 and Overwatch Precision HAVE BLUE Sights. A match-grade KAB Defense threaded barrel and Arc Division Sparc Comp ensure groupings will be tight and quick on target, while the Surefire X300 gives visibility in all environments. The pistol is finished with aftermarket parts from Vickers Tactical, Zev Technologies, Taran Tactical, and Tango Down.

In addition to the giveaway, Primary Arms is rolling out a huge sale on Glock parts and accessories. All Glock Slides, Triggers, Barrels, and Magazines are having their prices reduced to celebrate their largest Glock giveaway yet. For those looking to replicate the Roland magic, this sale is the perfect opportunity to pick up an RMR-cut slide, match trigger, or threaded barrel. As countless other items hit sale prices ahead of Halloween, now is the perfect time to celebrate Glocktober with a premium parts and accessories from primaryarms.com.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — According to a recent survey* on hearing protection, 86% of hunters do not use any type of hearing protection while hunting. By the time they realize they should, it’s often too late. TETRA™, a new player in the outdoor industry, is here to change those statistics, from comfortable protection when waterfowl hunting or shooting on the range, to targeted enhancement of an elk’s bugle or a wild turkey’s gobble.

TETRA founders Bill Dickinson, Au.D., and David Gnewikow, Ph.D., combined their 50 years in the hearing-care industry and 80 years of hunting experience to provide outdoors men and women with innovative hearing products like TETRA’s new AlphaShield and AmpPods.

Read more

SANTA RITA, Guam — The U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, Federated States of Micronesia Police, and good Samaritans teamed to successfully rescue seven people adrift on their 18-foot vessel for six days during a joint rescue mission near the Mortlock Islands, Chuuk State, Saturday.

The boaters, missing since Sept. 8, were located by a Navy Commander Task Force (CTF)-72 P-8 Poseidon aircrew, 224 statute miles east northeast of Satawan Atoll and were then rescued by the crew of the patrol vessel FSS Micronesia. The rescued boaters were brought to Pohnpei to meet emergency medical personnel for evaluation, reportedly arriving in good health despite drifting for 145 hours.

“It’s a beautiful thing when multiple nations, agencies, and services develop a plan and successfully execute a multiday search covering thousands of miles to locate all survivors and return them safely to their loved ones,” said Chief Corley Myres, a Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JSRC) Guam watchstander. Read more