The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to check their 2015 elk license drawing results, now available on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

Two elk seasons will be held in 2015. The first season will run Aug. 25-28, Sept. 11-14 and Sept. 25-28. The second season will run Dec. 5-13. An additional season may be held Jan. 13-17, 2016, if the DNR determines the harvest insufficient to meet management goals. Read more

Landowners looking to make the most of their land can support local hunting traditions and economy, improve their land, and get paid to do it through the Department of Natural Resources’ Hunting Access Program. The DNR encourages landowners to consider enrolling their lands in the program, which provides private-land hunting opportunities in southern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula. Landowners with at least 40 acres are eligible to enroll.

Michigan’s Hunting Access Program (HAP) was created in 1977 to increase public hunting opportunities in southern Michigan, where 97 percent of the land base is privately owned. Landowners enrolled in the program receive an annual payment, up to $25 an acre, for allowing hunters to access their lands. HAP, one of the oldest dedicated private-lands public-access programs in the nation, provides access to quality hunting lands close to urban properties.

Using funds from the new hunting license package and a new United States Department of Agriculture  grant, the DNR – in collaboration with Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and local conservation districts – plans to continue expanding the program over the next three years.

According to DNR wildlife biologist Mike Parker, “Providing access to hunting lands that are close to home is critical for supporting Michigan’s strong hunting heritage. Our commitment to providing access has more than tripled the number of farms enrolled in HAP the past three years. We now have over 140 farms and nearly 16,000 acres available for public hunting. 

“HAP is also good for the economy,” Parker said. “Hunters taking trips to HAP lands contribute $1.7 million annually to Michigan’s economy. The majority of the HAP hunter trips are only 25 miles from the hunter’s home, making HAP lands extremely accessible and close to home.” 

Landowners have the ability to choose which types of hunting are allowed on their lands. Hunting options include: Read more

ATHENS, GA – In answer to demand from hunters suffering high fawn predation, QDMA is pleased to announce the addition of a Predator Management course to its highly successful Deer Steward Certification program.

The intensive three-day course will take place September 11-13 at Ames Plantation in Grand Junction, Tennessee, and will be led by professional trapper Clint Cary, owner of Tactical Trapping Services. Clint has been a speaker at the QDMA National Convention and Deer Steward courses. Through this new, comprehensive course he will teach all aspects of a predator management campaign, including: pre-planning, making successful sets, laying out a property for a campaign, trap modifications, lures, baits and other attractants, and more. The instruction will include a mix of in-class and in-the-field. Read more

Keep in Communication When Off the Beaten Path with Superior Performance and Even the Local Weather

Whether you plan to trek through Yosemite, climb the Himalayas or raft Middlefork this summer, don’t forget to include the new X-TALKER T51VP3 two-way radios by Midland Radio Corporation, which promise to deliver the highest quality and functionality, including the addition of Midland’s legendary Weather Alert feature. With crystal clear reception, industry-leading transmission technology and the premier sound quality, the radio features the company’s renowned weather alert capabilities making it an easy choice for all your adventures.

For some travelers getting lost can be part of the fun. Even if you do get a little lost, know you’re safe with the X-TALKER T51VP3, which is compact measuring 6.1″ x 2.2″ x 1.3″, and slides easily into a backpack or pants pocket. The radio has up to a 28-mile range, call alert features and acts as a weather alert radio which warns you of severe incoming weather, which can be critical when needing to find shelter outdoors. Read more

The new Epic Headlamps from Browning combine singe-battery power with multiple LED lampheads and high-output circuits to deliver maximum performance with minimal size and weight. Available models include a 1AA Epic Headlamp model that uses one AA Alkaline battery and a 3V Epic Headlamp model that uses one CR123A 3V battery.

A flexible elastomer headplate adds comfort and the rugged matte black polymer body features a Vista® camo front.

The 1AA Epic uses two white LEDs to produce 20 lumens for general use around camp. Two green LEDs provide stealth and protect night vision. Holding down on the mode switch for three seconds activates the Fast-Strobe with white LEDs for signaling.

1 AA Epic Headlamp suggested retail: $24.00.

The 3V Epic headlamp has a super-bright white LED that generates 225 lumens of night piercing light. Two lower-output white LEDs are ideal for general use and two green LEDs offer stealth and protect night vision.

3V Epic Headlamp suggested retail: $48.00.

For more information on new Browning flashlights for 2015, please visit www.browning.com.