SPYPOINT Introduces the FLEX-M Cellular Trail Camera

SPYPOINT is proud to unveil the latest addition to its innovative FLEX series lineup – the SPYPOINT FLEX-M. The FLEX-M delivers unparalleled quality and connectivity at an unbeatable price, making it the best value on the market.

“Our goal is to make switching to cellular easier than ever before,” said Jimmy Angers, President and Chief Executive Officer at SPYPOINT. “The FLEX-M provides our customers with the best value and reflects our commitment to delivering incredible quality at an unbeatable price.”

The FLEX-M features a variety of cutting-edge features, such as; true Dual SIM technology that ensures cross-carrier coverage on all major cellular networks, mobile activation and on-camera buttons that facilitate the formatting of the required microSD card and capture of a test photo, four capture modes including Time-Lapse and Time-Lapse+, a responsive trigger that automatically optimizes settings for each photo, and Constant Capture technology that allows the camera to send and capture photos simultaneously. Integration with the SPYPOINT app offers easy camera activation, customizable maps, weather information, and BUCK TRACKER technology that utilizes AI image recognition to scan images with species filters. The app allows you to manage settings and update firmware remotely, putting the entire hunt in the palm of your hand. Read more

Whitetails Unlimited Grants more than $370,000 in Michigan

Whitetails Unlimited has granted $375,710 to various mission related projects in the state of Michigan over the past fiscal year. More than 130 different organizations received grants pertaining to outdoor education, habitat enhancement, and hunting and shooting sports preservation. This was done in large part with the help of Whitetails Unlimited’s 47 Michigan chapters.

Whitetails Unlimited supports hunter rights and the Second Amendment. Hunting is a wholesome family activity that provides outdoor recreation and healthy food for millions of people. Major initiatives of WTU focus on increasing hunting opportunities and providing outdoor experiences for youth, women, veterans, and those with a disability. Large portions of these funds were granted to several shooting sport groups throughout the state that include funds to offset cost of clay targets, ammo, and safety equipment, as well as well as the purchase of bows for underprivileged youth. Along with managing hunts to control the deer population on and around nature center property, funds were also granted to repair food plot equipment that is available for use by all area WTU members. Read more

RMEF Files to Intervene in Northern Rockies Wolves Relisting Case

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation asked a federal court to join a lawsuit in opposition to environmentalists seeking to place gray wolves in the Northern Rockies back under Endangered Species Act protections.

RMEF supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which cited extensive peer-reviewed scientific assessments to deny two petitions by litigants earlier this year when it ruled, “Despite current levels of regulated harvest, lethal control, and episodic disease outbreaks, wolf abundance in the Western United States has generally continued to increase and occupied range has continued to expand.”

“Wolf populations in Idaho and Montana are respectively 800 and 600 percent above minimum federal recovery goals while Wyoming’s population met minimum federal recovery criteria the last 21 consecutive years. Plus, those in Oregon and Washington are at their highest modern-day levels ever,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “It is incumbent that these groups stick to proven science and not emotion for the sake of healthy predator and prey populations alike.”

Environmentalists claim monitoring techniques used by Northern Rockies’ states to estimate wolf population size are flawed and overestimate the number of wolves. They also claim that previously accepted population sizes required for healthy wolf genetics are now no longer valid and minimum wolf populations need to be larger.

“Again, their arguments are not grounded in the best available science. The Crabtree and Creel white paper, which they cite as science, are independent reports authored by wolf proponents and not scientific, peer-reviewed research subject to rigorous testing. Another cited study is funded by the Turner Endangered Species Fund, a well-known wolf proponent group, as pointed out in its own conflict of interest section,” added Weaver.

Sportsmen’s Alliance and Safari Club International also filed to intervene alongside RMEF, which has always maintained that state wildlife agencies should sustainably manage wolves just as they manage elk, mountain lions, deer, black bears and other wildlife in line with the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Read more

Leupold’s ‘Project Hunt’ Now Accepting Applications for 2024

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the return of its ‘Project Hunt’ contest, which offers hunters across the United States the chance to have their next hunt filmed and featured on Leupold’s digital media platforms. It’s your tag, your hunt, and your story.

Leupold’s ‘Project Hunt,’ presented by GOHUNT, will be accepting applications through June 18, 2024. The winning entrants will have a professional videographer sent along on their 2024 hunt to capture every moment–to be featured in a Leupold short film that will debut in 2025. Winners will also receive a complete Leupold Optics kit and a GOHUNT Insider Membership.

“Over the last three years, the submissions we’ve received have been incredible,” said Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development & Marketing at Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “What makes a hunt memorable isn’t necessarily its difficulty or the scarcity of the tag–it’s the richness of the story behind it. Our past ‘Project Hunt’ winners, and the countless others who have submitted their own fantastic entries, have proven that. We’re looking forward to seeing what our diehard Leupold Core members have in store this year.”

For 2024, Leupold has added an exciting new twist to the ‘Project Hunt’ campaign: Two entry categories, East and West. Applicants should enter in the region where their hunt will take place, and Leupold will choose a winner from each region. Whether you’re chasing bighorn sheep in the west or settling into your family’s age-old white-tailed deer camp, every hunt has a story, and Leupold wants to tell it.

Entries must be submitted at Leupold.com/ProjectHunt. Applicants will need to detail what they’re hunting, where they’re hunting, and why their story is unique. A 2-minute video explaining why your submission should be selected is also required to enter. Winners will be selected and announced in early August 2024. Read more

Stacking the Deck Against Sportsment and Women

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

It didn’t take long for a contingent of Yoopers to react to Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) ruling that closes coyote hunting for three months each year on state land.  State Representatives Greg Markkanen (R) Hancock and Dave Prestin (R) Cedar River have announced HB 5721 to reestablish hunters’ rights by allowing coyote hunting year-round.  It’s doubtful that their impassioned response will do any more than their recent proposal to create an Upper Peninsula NRC, which hasn’t received a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources controlled by Democrats.

As much as anyone may identify with their resolve, their methodology is exactly what Michigan voters were opposed to when they overwhelmingly passed the voter-initiated referendum of Proposal G in 1996, which aimed to take such decisions out of the hands of politicians.

“The commission has a responsibility and a legal charge to use the best available science,” remarked Michigan United Conservation Clubs Policy and Government Affairs Manager, Justin Tomei, in an article by Bridge Michigan. Tomei added, “We laid out a clear scientific argument for the use of lethal coyote management, via hunters, during the spring and summer months. Coyote management is most effective in the spring when you can actively control local predator populations, limit depredation, and increase deer densities.  No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC had an obligation to oppose this part of the order per Proposal G and the authority it provides to them.”

According to the Sportsmen’s Alliance (www.sportsmensalliance.org), there is another questionable methodology being employed by anti-hunting groups nationwide and it appears Michigan has fallen victim to their scheme.  Paramount to their plan is the idea of “rewilding”, which removes hunters from the landscape altogether and instead allows predators to “control” populations of ungulates and other prey species.  It’s a hands-off, preservationist view of wildlife management that overlooks man’s undeniable impact upon the ecosystems of North America.  It’s a child-like fantasy that ignores science and history in favor of ideology and unproven promises.

They’ve expanded their reach beyond legislatures and now focus on fish and game commissions, which require minimal votes for a consensus.  Examples include the state of Washington, where its commission is heavily weighted 7-2 in favor of preservationists bent on destroying the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation envied worldwide.  Also, Colorado’s governor has appointed three espoused anti-hunters to its commission, while one of them withdrew his nomination.  Vermont has faced similar challenges, as well.

As seasons for predators such as bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and wolves are regulated out of existence, so too is the critical funding from hunters’ licensing that provides genuine wildlife management.

Tennessee on the other hand has taken preemptive measures with HB 2263 requiring appointees to actually be involved in activities regulated by its commission, including hunting, fishing, trapping and boating.  Furthermore, the bill states that the commission and agency shall support and promote those endeavors, including the management of predators through hunting and trapping, as preferred methods of wildlife management and conservation.

In Michigan, where our Governor Whitmer has appointed all of the NRC members, we’ve heard not a peep about how Michigan’s sportsmen and women have been played.   We hear much today about threats to democracy and violating the people’s trust; this is what it looks like in our backyard.

WIN A 5-DAY BEZOAR IBEX HUNT IN TURKEY

Ever dreamt of hunting Bezoar Ibex in Turkey? Here’s your golden opportunity!

Enter sweepstakes to win a 5-day one-on-one guided Anatolian (Bezoar) Ibex hunt in Turkey with world famous outfitter Kaan Karakaya of Shikar Safaris. The Anatolian Ibex, which has the world’s longest horns in relation to body weight (140 lbs), is the most handsome of the Ibex species with horns as long as 55.” The hide of the male Ibex is decorated in a wonderful harmony of black and white during the rutting season.

About the Hunt Read more

NSSF Applauds U.S. House Passage of Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, applauds the U.S. House of Representatives for the bipartisan approval of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act, H.R. 615, introduced by U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-Va.). This crucial legislation would ensure our nation’s number one resource of conservation funding remains in place and that hunters, recreational shooters and anglers throughout the nation can continue to enjoy America’s sporting heritage.

“This legislation is tremendously important to protect the primary funding for wildlife conservation in America,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “Firearm and ammunition manufacturers have paid over $27 billion, when adjusted for inflation, since 1937 and that has been the leading funding source of wildlife and habitat conservation in America. Efforts by bureaucrats to limit or eliminate the use of traditional lead ammunition and fishing tackle puts those conservation funds at serious risk by increasing costs and creating barriers to participation in outdoor recreation. The bipartisan passage of the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act by the House of Representatives is a significant step to protecting wildlife conservation and preserving access to our public lands.” Read more

First Hunt Foundation and NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum Unveil ‘The ABC’s of Outdoor Mentorship’ Course

The First Hunt Foundation is thrilled to announce, in collaboration with the NRA Hunter’s Leadership Forum, a new online course titled The ABCs of Outdoor MentorshipThis free course was developed to serve as a bridge between the ancestral traditions of hunting and the aspiring hunters of tomorrow. By fostering a network of informed and reliable mentors, this initiative promises to usher in a new era of leaders characterized by enthusiasm, stewardship, and a deep respect for our shared heritage.

Structured around four key modules — Act Relational, Be Intentional, Create Community, and Develop Enthusiasm — the course empowers experienced hunters with the opportunity to make a significant impact by guiding newcomers through the rewarding journey of hunting. It transcends traditional instruction, allowing viewers to become stewards of growth, tradition, and conservation in the hunting world. Read more

Michigan elk and bear license applications on sale now through June 1

You could get two tags in a single year with Pure Michigan Hunt!

Elk and bear license applications are on sale now through June 1. You can increase your odds, or even get two tags in a single year, by picking up Pure Michigan Hunt applications while you’re applying for bear and elk.

Previous Pure Michigan Hunt recipient Jerry Peak of Crystal did exactly that! He managed to grab two elk tags, which were used to harvest two beautiful, 6-by-6 bull elk. The secret of Jerry’s success? He applied for his elk tag as usual, but he also applied for – and was one of the people drawn for – the Pure Michigan Hunt.

The Pure Michigan Hunt offers a chance at licenses to hunt elk, bear, spring and fall turkey, and antlerless deer, and first pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area. Plus, a hunting prize package worth thousands goes home with the three lucky hunters. All licenses are transferable – winners can keep licenses for themselves or transfer licenses to a friend or loved one. Peak transferred his Pure Michigan Hunt elk tag to his son so they could hunt together.

Pure Michigan Hunt applications are only $5 each. Remember, you can only buy one elk chance and one bear preference point, and the deadline is June 1. That’s not the case with the Pure Michigan Hunt, as there is no limit to the number of applications you can buy through Dec. 31. Read more

Delta Waterfowl Announces Tribute Call for 2024 Callmakers Championship

Judges have selected the SK Duck Call by legendary callmaker Sonny Kirkpatrick as the call to emulate for The Duck Hunters Expo Competition in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — The Delta Waterfowl Duck Hunters Expo is thrilled to host Delta’s annual callmakers competition, presented by Chêne Gear and Treadstone Logistics. The tribute-style competition and open contest division entries will be judged during North America’s largest event dedicated to the duck hunter on July 26-28 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

“The 2023 Delta Waterfowl Callmakers Championship exceeded our expectations in every way,” said James Miller, a founder of the contest. “From the participation of the world’s best callmakers, to what could arguably be considered the best judging pool to ever judge a contest, to the attendees of the expo reception, the event in its entirety was outstanding.”

The tribute-style contest selects a late, distinguished callmaker for competitors to emulate. Three different divisions—wood, acrylic, and an ‘open’ division—will showcase a number of talented participants, with the highest scoring call of all divisions taking home a trophy, cash prize, and the honor of overall champion. Read more

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