Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as drones, will be banned from interfering with hunting and fishing on Michigan lands, under bills signed by Gov. Snyder.
Senate Bills 54 and 55, prohibit the use of unmanned aerial vehicles for taking game or interfering with hunting or fishing. Using a drone to harass someone who is hunting is also banned under the bills. The bills are now Public Acts 12 and 13 of 2015.
After a year in which the Browning Trail Cameras Strike Force rose to prominence by becoming one of the best-selling game cameras available in the marketplace, one may have wondered what the “next step” would be for such a popular camera. Well the team at Browning Trail Cameras did not disappoint and for 2015 the Strike Force HD Sub Micro Series camera aims to take the game camera experience to unprecedented heights.
From industry defining trigger speeds and recovery times to the self-adjusting IR illumination feature to the highest quality images available, these cameras were already destined to remain a staple for game camera enthusiasts around the country, but now equipped with their cutting edge BuckWatchHD™ technology, these cameras are positioned to become one of the hottest items in the entire outdoor industry this year.
With the ability to capture stunning 1280 x 720 HD videos with sound, users will immediately see how the improved video quality will enhance their overall game camera experience while seeing things they’ve never seen before with their old trail cameras. Whether it is two-weeks away from your deer season or the early stages of the rut, using these videos to strategically scout the wildlife in your area will arm you with more knowledge than ever before and increase your chances of harvesting that trophy of a lifetime. Read more
With spring turkey season right around the corner, the Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters who haven’t purchased a license yet that spring turkey licenses are still available.
“Michigan has been ranked in the top 10 in the nation for turkey harvest on an annual basis by the National Wild Turkey Federation,” said Al Stewart, DNR upland game bird specialist. “The DNR’s goal for the spring turkey season is to maximize hunting opportunities and maintain satisfactory hunting experiences. Over the years, Michigan has consistently exceeded turkey hunter satisfaction goals.”
Spring turkey hunters may purchase a Hunt 234 license throughout the entire spring turkey season (through May 31). Hunt 234 is a statewide license valid for all open areas except public lands in Unit ZZ (southern Lower Peninsula). Turkey hunters also have the option to purchase a leftover license for units where licenses are still available. Hunt 301 in Unit ZZ is another great option, with many leftover licenses that can be purchased over the counter. For a list of available licenses, go to www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. Read more
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) launched its new website, www.NWTF.org, the web’s undisputed one-stop-shop for all things related to wild turkey conservation and hunting.
Website visitors will immediately notice the visually appealing interface and navigation options to the topics that receive the highest amount of web traffic.
“We are very proud to give our website a more modern look with several interactive resources,” said George Thornton, NWTF CEO. “It provides easier access to the most important information related to the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative.”
The new website provides turkey hunting articles and tutorials from basic to advanced experience levels, and numerous wildlife and habitat conservation related articles. The site also outlines the NWTF Save the Habitat. Save the Hunt. initiative while highlighting the organization’s success in helping restore wild turkey populations from historic lows. Read more
Walker’s® Game Ear®, the shooting and hunting industry pioneer in hearing protection, introduces three new versions of their most popular muff. The PRO – Low Profile Folding Muffs, previously available in black only, are now available in Mossy Oak Blaze, Mossy Oak Break Up Country, and Pink.
The ultra-light Walkers PRO – Low Profile Folding Muffs provide complete protection with outstanding comfort whether in the field or at a shooting range. To ensure comfort, these muffs feature low profile contoured cup, a padded headband and soft PVC ear pads all in a compact folding design. With a noise reducing rating (NRR) of 31db, the PRO – Low Profile Folding Muffs help protect your hearing from sustained or loud sounds. Other uses of the PRO – Low Profile Folding Muffs are yard work, operating heavy machinery and any other tasks where noise causes irreversible hearing damage.
Walker’s Game Ear PRO – Low Profile Folding Muffs Features:
Iola, Wisconsin – Hunters from across the country have varied opinions on what makes their state among the best or worst for whitetail hunting. When it comes to discussing the best and worst states for deer hunting, don’t rely on anecdotes and coffee shop chatter when you can get the facts in cold, hard numbers.
From North to South, Deer & Deer Hunting Editor Dan Schmidt reveals the Top 10-plus deer hunting states in the latest episode of Deer Talk Now, and he explains why they’re that strong in this epic episode of Deer Talk Now. Learn more about deer behavior, distribution and hunter success rates for the top states.
Is your state on the list? Do you think it should be? Bonus: The Worst Deer Hunting States in America and the Top 3 Underrated States. Also, what happened in Texas in 2009 that drastically changed deer harvest records?
Watch the show here: http://www.deeranddeerhunting.com/media/videos/featured-video/deer-talk-now-real-top-10-list-best-deer-hunting-states Read more
WASHINGTON, D.C. – More than 100 hunting, fishing, and conservation organizations, including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Trout Unlimited, Dallas Safari Club, Pope & Young Club, the American Fly Fishing Trade Association, and more than 80 state-based groups, have released a letter to local and national decision-makers opposing the sale or transfer of federally-managed public lands. Recipients include House members meeting tomorrow to discuss federal land acquisition, and its impacts on communities and the environment, and Senators who recently passed a budget resolution that could encourage the sale or transfer of public lands.
“We’re calling on lawmakers to end this conversation now,” says Whit Fosburgh, TRCP’s president and CEO, whose recent blog post addressed the Senate amendment, which passed 51-49 on March 26. “Nothing galvanizes sportsmen like the loss of access for hunting and fishing, and continuing to indulge this controversial idea is keeping us from the real task of managing our public lands.”
America’s 640 million acres of federal public lands—including our national forests and Bureau of Land Management lands—provide hunting and fishing opportunities to millions of sportsmen and women. Since late last year, efforts to wrest public lands from the federal government and put them under state ownership have been matched by the unanimous outcry of sportsmen across the country. “Decision-makers need to know what they are stepping into,” says Joel Webster, director of western public lands for the TRCP. “Over 72% of western hunters depend on public lands for access, and sportsmen are not going to stand idly by as they’re sold away.” Read more
Natural turkey biology can make turkey hunting seem difficult. Then throw in the mistakes we make and the sour hands Mother Nature can deal every so often and harvesting a springtime tom can seem near impossible. Persistence, patience, and hunter’s savvy are valuable qualities when it comes to hunting turkeys, and save heart, there are ways to combat our errors, Mother Nature and even a stuck-up tom.
It’s good to be the king
It’s dark when you sneak into your morning set up and you’re waiting for the horizon to brighten. You commence calling with a few soft tree-yelps and he hammers your offering. Then you hear live hens beginning to sound off around you. I don’t care if you were born with a diaphragm call in your mouth – it’s difficult to compete against live hens. If you’ve done your scouting, the birds may have a pattern from day to day. Try to set up in the direction you believe they’ll travel once they fly down.
If all you have is a good guess there are several tactics you might try. Read more
Lombard, IL – Billy Kats, owner and host of GVK11 Outdoors, announced that he has released a new online video aptly titled “Kyli’s First Hunt.” As the title suggests, this life-changing hunt marks the first time in which Billy’s legacy is truly measured against his father’s.
George Vasilios Katsigiannis left quite a legacy, one forged from a life of outdoor pursuits and stewardship, firmly rooted in his son and fostered by life lessons learned beyond the sidewalk. This short video marks a new chapter for Billy Kats as he transcends from the student of his father’s legacy to the teacher, sharing their legacies with Kyli while helping her begin building her own. Support Billy’s dream of sharing this message far and wide by watching this video, sharing it often and making the commitment to pass on your outdoor legacy to the youth in your midst… and beyond. Visit GVK11Outdoors.com (www.gvk11outdoors.com) to see this inspiring hunt unfold and stick around to watch other great videos!
Use the following link to share Kyli’s First Hunt with others:
http://gvk11outdoors.com/my-daughter-kylis-first-hunt-she-cant-wait-to-hunt-again/ Read more
The deadline to remove scaffolds, raised platforms, ladders, steps and any other device to assist in climbing a tree from public land was March 1. The Department of Natural Resources reminds those who have not removed any of the previous listed equipment to please do so. Public lands are available for the use and enjoyment of everyone.
It is imperative that equipment is removed by March 1 to ensure the safety of all visitors. Owners of equipment that is left on public land past the deadline are subject to a 90-day misdemeanor and a fine from $50-$500. Read more