Members of the NRC voted on a package of proposed deer regulations for the fall 2021 hunting season. Major changes included the creation of a universal antlerless license, with some restrictions for U.P. hunters, as well as an extension of the urban archery season in southeast Michigan and changes to the supplemental and recreational feeding rules. The DNR’s recommendation had originally included more robust changes, however, NRC commissioner amendments repealed four of these. All four of these amendments passed unanimously, as did the entire order once these amendments had been made. As reported by the DNR, specific changes for the 2021 deer regulations include:

• Deer Management Unit-specific antlerless deer licenses have been replaced with a universal antlerless license that may be used across multiple DMUs.
  • Antlerless licenses may now be purchased without an application in the Lower Peninsula and portions of the south-central Upper Peninsula that have DMUs open to antlerless deer hunting. Licenses may be used on public or private land.
  • In the mid-zone Upper Peninsula DMUs that are open to antlerless deer hunting, a deer hunting access permit must accompany the universal antlerless license. The deer hunting access permit, intended to limit participation where the population can be sensitive to harsh winter weather, will be available through a drawing.
  • The northernmost DMUs of the U.P. are closed to antlerless deer hunting in all seasons.
• Archery hunters in portions of the Upper Peninsula may pursue antlerless deer on their deer or deer combo licenses. DMUs 127, 066, 131, 042, 031, 007 and 048 will be closed to antlerless harvest during the archery seasons.
• The expanded urban archery season through Jan. 31 is now permanent in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
• Upper Peninsula supplemental and recreational deer feeding regulations have changed, including:
  • A permit is no longer required for supplemental feeding in the Upper Peninsula.
  • Supplemental feeding can occur Jan. 1 to May 15.
  • Recreational or supplemental feeding is prohibited if a location is deemed to be a safety hazard.
  • All recreational feed must be given in increments of only 2 gallons per calendar day and only 2 gallons at any one time.

Deer hunting regulations for the 2021 season were approved Thursday by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission at its regular meeting, hosted virtually. The changes, aimed at further simplifying deer regulations and removing barriers to hunting participation, go into effect with the start of the 2021 deer hunting seasons in September.

The regulations will provide additional opportunity, flexibility and cost savings for hunters and – based on existing and projected data the Department of Natural Resources uses to gauge the impact of proposed regulations – are not expected to have a significant negative effect on the deer herd or the quality of deer hunting.

“Our goals with these regulations are twofold: to make hunting regulations easier to understand and follow in Michigan, and also to manage Michigan’s abundant deer herd,” said DNR deer program specialist Chad Stewart. “We feel that these changes move us in the right direction.”

The 2021 approved regulation changes are as follows: Read more

A 12V Amorphous Solar Panel for Game Cameras

Irving, TX –Stealth Cam® is proud to introduce the new SOL-PAK 3000! This upgraded unit is stronger, quicker and operates in low light conditions. The solar panel and battery combo harnesses the power of the sun and keeps your Stealth Cameras running longer!

Engineered for our hi-resolution and cellular trail cameras, the SOL-PAK 3000 operates cameras with a new 3000mAh Li-ion battery which is charged by the 12V Amorphous solar panel. The rugged panel is designed to work in even low light conditions and providing a trickle charge to your cameras. Made from very durable all-weather construction, the Stealth Cam SOL-PAK 3000 was developed to withstand even the most inclement weather conditions.

Simply mount the SOL-PAK 3000 to a tree, post or other object the camera is on using the serrated mounting provisions and included strap. The power solar panel also includes a USB charging port, 10ft metal shielded conduit to protect the power cable against varmints and features the accepts Python lock pass through for additional security. Read more

MISSOULA, Mont. – The Boone and Crockett Club’s recently released sixth edition of “Records of North American Whitetail Deer” is a true celebration of successful conservation measures that have supported healthy deer populations across the continent. The 674-page book compiles state and provincial data of trophy whitetail deer featuring more than 17,000 trophy listings for whitetail deer dating back to the late 1800s and up through December 31, 2019. The book also showcases stories and color photos of the 37 record whitetails taken in the 21st Century, including the 17 new state and provincial records accepted since the last edition. “Records of North American Whitetail Deer” is available for sale on the Boone and Crockett Club’s website. Read more

Hawke® Optics, the world leader in high-quality sporting optics with field-proven performance and the highest value to consumers, once again breaks down barriers with two all-new, laser range finders (LRF) that come loaded with high-end features. The LRF 400 and LRF 800 are made for multiple outdoor activities and round out Hawke’s impressive lineup of LRFs, giving you impeccable accuracy regardless of your budget. Read more