Green Bay, WI. – Cuddeback, an industry leading trail camera company who designs products in the USA for performance and reliability is pleased to introduce the all-new H20 Long Range IR Camera.

As a company that has been building trail cameras for over 25 years, Cuddeback has taken all of the knowledge and experience they have gained over those years and integrated it into the new H20 Long Range IR camera. This camera boasts high performance, excellent image quality, easy operation, and a rugged housing built to withstand abuse and the environment.

“The H20 Long Range IR is designed for the serious hunter who wants performance, yet still desires an affordable camera,” commented Owner, Mark Cuddeback.  “Performance was not sacrificed to reach a price point that is within reach or most hunters.”

The H20 features an industry leading ¼ second trigger speed that is able to capture deer that lesser cameras miss. Fast trigger speed means deer won’t get missed, resulting in fewer blank photos and more deer.  The camera also features an extremely fast recover speed allowing the camera to be ready for the next picture within one second of taking the first. This allows the H20 to capture two photos before many trail cameras can capture one. Read more

At today’s meeting of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Lansing, the commission approved a series of deer hunting regulations aimed at slowing the spread of chronic wasting disease. The action came after months of commission members and Department of Natural Resources staff hearing from hunters, residents and others interested in the long-term health of the state’s deer population, and a thorough review of the best available science on chronic wasting disease.

“We hope that by setting these specific CWD regulations we can limit the movement of this disease in Michigan,” said Vicki Pontz, NRC chairperson. “We appreciate all the comments we have received from across the state. Michigan hunters are very passionate about deer and deer hunting, and I look forward to working with them as we continue to confront this threat to wildlife and our valued hunting tradition.”

CWD is a fatal neurological (brain and nervous system) disease found in cervids – deer, elk and moose. The disease attacks the brains of infected animals and produces small lesions that result in death. There is no cure; once an animal is infected, it will die.

The disease first was discovered in Michigan in a free-ranging deer in May 2015. To date, more than 31,000 deer in Michigan have been tested for chronic wasting disease, and CWD has been confirmed in 60 free-ranging deer in six Michigan counties: Clinton, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and Montcalm.

The approved deer hunting regulations, which will be in effect for the 2018 deer seasons unless noted otherwise, include:

• Reduced the 4-point on-a-side antler requirement on the restricted tag of the combination license in the 16-county CWD Management Zone. Under the new regulation, a hunter in the CWD Management Zone can use the restricted tag of the combination license to harvest a buck with antlers as long as it has at least one 3-inch antler.
• Created a discounted antlerless license opportunity in the CWD Management Zone on private land; if purchased, the license will expire Nov. 4, 2018.
• Effective immediately, a statewide ban on the use of all natural cervid urine-based lures and attractants, except for lures that are approved by the Archery Trade Association.
• An immediate ban on baiting and feeding in the 16-county area identified as the CWD Management Zone. This area includes Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Gratiot, Hillsdale, Ingham, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa and Shiawassee counties.
• A ban on baiting and feeding in the Lower Peninsula, effective Jan. 31, 2019, with an exception to this ban for hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements. The start date on this regulation is intended to allow bait producers and retailers time to adjust to the new rule.
• Effective immediately in the CWD Management Zone and four-county bovine tuberculosis area (in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency and Oscoda counties), hunters with disabilities who meet specific requirements can now use 2 gallons of single-bite bait, such as shelled corn, during the Liberty and Independence hunts.
• Allowance of all legal firearms to be used in muzzleloader season in the CWD Management Zone.
• A purchase limit of 10 private-land antlerless licenses per hunter in the CWD Management Zone.
• Restrictions on deer carcass movement in the five-county CWD Core Area (Ionia, Kent, Mecosta, Montcalm and Newaygo counties) and the CWD Management Zone.
• Antlerless options on deer licenses/combo licenses during firearms seasons in the five-county CWD Core Area.
• Expansion of early and late antlerless seasons in select counties.
• Changes to regulations regarding wildlife rehabilitators. Read more

BESSEMER, Ala.   — Steyr Arms values and recognizes the importance that professional hunters play in the success of its company, and for that reason, it is now offering them a special discount program. This new Guide and Outfitter Program is open to all licensed guides and outfitters, and it provides significant discounts on Steyr legendary rifles, world-class Merkel shotguns and rifles, technical performance apparel from X JAGD, as well as high-quality traditional hunting apparel and boots from JAGDHUND.

In addition to the amazing discounts that are offered to the guides and outfitters for themselves, Steyr Arms allows them to pass the fantastic savings on the X JAGD and JAGDHUND apparel on to their clients. Upon request, Steyr Arms will provide licensed outfitters and guides participating in the program with Preferred Client Cards that allow them to offer additional incentives to their clients. Guides and outfitters will be providing a great service to their clientele and will be assured that they will be appropriately attired for their upcoming hunt. Read more

Some areas of the state have a limited number of antlerless deer license applications available, making applying for that deer management unit important for some. Private-land applications do require a landowner phone number, so have it ready!

Private-land applications are not needed for chronic wasting disease (CWD) areas, such as DMU 033, 041 and 062. These  licenses will be available without application beginning Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. See antlerless deer license quotas for the complete list of CWD areas.

Young hunters, 16 and under, can buy antlerless deer licenses over the counter through Aug. 15.

Any leftover licenses that remain will go on sale Sept. 10 at 10 a.m. Read more

Reserved waterfowl hunt applications are available now through Tuesday, Aug. 28.

To apply for reserved hunts on certain managed waterfowl areas, visit a license agent or michigan.gov/waterfowl. Applications are $5, and hunters may only apply once. Drawing results will be posted Sept. 17.

Reserved hunts will be held both mornings and afternoons of the opening weekend (Oct. 13 and 14) of waterfowl hunting season at Fish Point State Wildlife Area, Harsens Island and Shiawassee River State Game Area.

The maximum party size is four hunters. For morning hunts and the second-day hunts, successful applicants must have appropriate licenses and stamps and be accompanied by one to three other appropriately licensed hunters. Youth have a special opportunity because the opening-day afternoon hunts are for those 16 and younger. Successful applicants for the opening-day afternoon hunts can have up to two adults who are 18 years of age or older with appropriate licenses. Read more

The Freedom Targets™ Coyote Silhouette from Birchwood Casey® offers shooters the ultimate in target portability and freedom from staples, tape and heavy stands.

The Freedom Targets Coyote Silhouette Target measures 12”x18” and features heavy cardboard construction and folds flat for easy transportation. The base easily folds up to hold the coyote silhouette backer for a sturdy, free-standing target that stands up to plenty of shooting. The coyote silhouette comes with 24 three-inch Birchwood Casey Shoot-N-C® Bulls Eye targets, which show a bright chartreuse ring around each bullet hole, making sight adjustments quick and easy.

The new Freedom Targets Coyote Silhouette is made in the USA and sells for a retail price of $7.60. Read more

While you might be thinking about your next visit to the beach right now, with bird hunting season just around the corner, it’s a great time to plan your fall hunting trip.

“Preseason planning for your fall bird hunt can really pay off,” said Michigan Department of Natural Resources upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. “Michigan has millions of acres of huntable public land with excellent young forests that have made northern Michigan a destination for many.”

You can find tools to get started on planning your fall bird hunting trip right on your mobile device. GEMS and Mi-HUNT are two DNR-developed programs to help you build a public-land hunting itinerary.

Nineteen GEMS (Grouse Enhanced Management Sites) in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula will be available to explore this fall. GEMS are large blocks of land managed for young forests, with winding hunter walking trails that provide added comfort to those unfamiliar with an area or those with mobility challenges. Read more