Fall is one of the best times of the year to enjoy Michigan’s natural areas, and the state’s many hunting seasons offer even more reasons to get outside. Veterans or active-duty military personnel looking for some amazing hunting experiences at DNR-managed waterfowl areas are invited to take part in this month’s veterans preference hunt drawings.

The drawings will take place Nov. 10, 11 and 12 for properly licensed resident, active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans. For entry requirements, check out the rules in the 2019 waterfowl digest.

To be eligible for the drawings, individual hunters must be active-duty military personnel or veterans; group hunters must have at least one member in their party who is active-duty military or a veteran. All hunters also must possess a waterfowl license and a federal duck stamp. Read more

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will make up to $50 million available to help create or expand state government and tribal programs that encourage landowners and land managers to allow public access to their land for hunting, fishing and other wildlife-dependent recreation. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals through November 27 from state governments and tribes for the Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP).

“These projects are excellent examples of how we engage in public-private partnerships, uniting both public and private entities to deliver long-term conservation benefits that the public, outdoor enthusiasts, wildlife, landowners and land managers may experience,” said NRCS Chief Matt Lohr. “With more than 70 percent of the lower 48 states being privately owned, this program enables landowners and land managers to benefit from offering public access to their land.”

Only state governments and tribes are eligible to apply. Projects can last up to three years. The maximum amount for a single award is $3 million.

Highlights of the new VPA-HIP funding opportunity include:

• Up to 25 percent of the funding for each award can be used to provide incentives to improve habitat on enrolled public access program lands.
• Landowner participants must follow NRCS practice standards for any habitat improvement activities. This requirement can be waived if an awardee provides sufficient justification.
• State governments and tribes can request up to 10 percent of program funds for technical assistance.

Additionally, the Farm Bill included a new provision that requires NRCS – to the maximum extent practicable – to invest $3 million of VPA-HIP funding to increase public access on lands covered by a U.S.-held wetland easement. This includes lands enrolled in the former Wetland Reserve Program or the Wetland Reserve Easement Component of the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. Read more

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Eliminate fatigue and beat buck fever: Kopfjäger’s obsessively engineered Ambush Rest Kit is designed to reduce fatigue, improve safety and fill tags, providing rock-solid support for your favorite rifle in your deer stand.

The Kopfjäger Ambush Support Assembly (KJ85005) is a patent-pending stabilizing arm designed to mount effortlessly to the interior wall of your box blind. Used in conjunction with Kopfjäger’s Reaper Grip and a bipod (sold separately), the Ambush’s innovative design frees up valuable space in your deer blind, eliminating the need for a tripod or shooting stick. The Ambush combined with a Reaper Grip gives shooters of all ages and capabilities the confidence they need to make a precise shot. Though the Ambush is a useful tool for all hunters, it is especially practical for young, elderly and disabled hunters, due to its load-bearing qualities and ease-of-use.

The Ambush Shooting Rest Kit (KJ85005K) comes complete with a bipod and Reaper Grip Rest. The Reaper’s curved grip anchors your rifle to the rest and is angled to secure both tapered and straight stocks. The Reaper Grip’s patent-pending hinge block boasts pan rotation and tilt range of a combined 109 degrees (21 degrees up and 87 degrees down). Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Sitting in a treestand last week, as the sun began its daily disappearing act, I couldn’t help but think how deer hunting has changed over the past 50 years. Never have the opportunities for successful hunts been better. We have far more deer and far more means to take home some nourishing venison and here are just some of the reasons.

* We now have more deer seasons than ever before beginning in September and running through December.

* The practice of Quality Deer Management has had a dramatic effect on the ability of deer to grow larger and healthier. Recent statistics show that the take of older deer has increased – a true testament to the popular approach.

* The internet and Google Earth were yet to be invented. Years ago, if a hunter did not scout an area before heading afield, luck had more to do with success than anything else. Today, not only do we have satellite views of the land, but we can share information more readily with text, pictures and videos.

* Trail cameras did not exist – and, when they hit the scene, we had to get the film developed to see what we had been missing. Today, not only can we view photos and videos from our relatively inexpensive trail cams, if we have cell phone service in an area, we can view live action – all from the comfort of our homes or offices.

* Crossbows have exploded onto the archery scene and for good reason: They are simple and effective. Sure, traditionalists can still use their recurve bows, but many in the aging hunting community would have given up by now without the laws permitting crossbows.

* Firearms and ammunition are more refined and purpose-built. The time-tested .30-30 Winchester has taken a back seat to more effective choices. And, with the ability to use straight-wall cartridges in Michigan’s Zone III (the old shotgun zone), more effective choices are available across the state.

* Ammunition has been refined to include more aerodynamic bullets and cleaner burning powders. With concern about lead in the environment, copper bullets have become readily available in factory loads and are just as effective – if not more so – than lead.

* Optics are superior. A hunter can choose low-end glass that’s better than anything of yesteryear. Fancy reticles with built-in range compensating features, and even laser rangefinding technology, can take the guesswork out of longer shots – that is, if the operator can factor in the wind conditions.

* Portable blinds not only conceal hunters and their inevitable movements, but they can be warmed with modern propane heaters. And, those stinky, fuel-fired hand warmers have been replaced with throw-away chemical packages.

* ATVs are everywhere, and although their use is somewhat limited on state land, they’ve opened up areas that otherwise would be inaccessible. And, when it comes to transporting game in the field, they’ve taken the drag out of dragging.

One thing that hasn’t changed all that much over the years is the fact that hunters must still pay those dues afield. And when one chooses to do so, and that heart begins to pound relentlessly, it’s still deer hunting.

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Recently acquired Sellmark brand, Kopfjäger, is set to release four tripod kits—Reaper Grip with an aluminum or carbon fiber tripod and a Reaper Rail with an aluminum or carbon fiber tripod. Kopfjäger’s obsessively engineered products are designed to reduce fatigue and enhance mission-, competition- and hunting-oriented shooting in all conditions by stabilizing your firearm.

The K700 Heavy Duty Tripod is crafted of a sturdy aluminum material and features 3-leg extensions with locking levers and can withstand a maximum weight capacity of 25 pounds. The rock-solid K800 Carbon Fiber Tripod boast 4-leg level extension, 3-position angle locks, twist leg locks, can withstand a max weight of 20 pounds allowing you to adjust the tripod to your comfort.

Included with the tripods is the dependable class Reaper Grip. The heavy-duty aluminum grip system features smooth 360° pan rotation with 21° up and 87° down tilt, user-friendly locking, adjustable, offset grip and protective padding to prevent scratches on your firearm. Reaper Rails boast a Picatinny rail instead of a locking grip with effortless 360° pan rotation with 21° up and 87° down tilt. Read more

Lodgepole, NE – When cold weather is at its worst, Thiessens new V1 Whitetail Heavyweight clothing system is at its best. Ruggedly built for the pursuit-driven deer hunter, the heavyweight line gives hunters the ultimate protection against the frigid temperatures and moisture that are typical of late-season hunts.

Featuring strategically placed and supremely warm Thinsulate™ insulation for maximum heat retention, as well as T-Dry waterproofing and Wind Defense technologies, the new heavyweight system keeps wind, rain, and snow at bay so hunters can stay in the deer stand longer. Also, a moisture-wicking design and anti-odor treated core lining keep sweat and stink from building up. Each item features Realtree EDGE™ camo for the best in concealability in the deer woods. Read more

With Michigan’s firearm deer season drawing near and bow season underway, the DNR encourages hunters to help feed hungry families by donating deer to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger. Since 1991, this all-volunteer, nonprofit organization has worked to connect donors, wild game processors and charities like food banks, pantries and shelters that help feed those in need.

Michigan hunters donated enough deer last year to produce over 50,000 pounds of ground venison, providing more than 200,000 meals.

“This is great, but we know we can do better,” said Dean Hall, Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger executive officer.

To help boost participation, MSAH is partnering for the second year with the DNR and Jay’s Sporting Goods to offer a special opportunity for hunters to donate deer taken in the first few days of the firearm season to local food banks.

Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger will have a truck at the Jay’s location in Clare (8880 S. Clare Ave.) Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 17, from noon to 4 p.m. Hunters who donate a legally taken deer during the event will have their names entered for a chance to win a $500 Jay’s Sporting goods gift certificate. Read more