Hunters Asked to Report Bear Den Sightings in Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula
DNR asks hunters to report bear den sightings in northern Lower Peninsula
While out in the field, hunters and trappers could come upon a denned black bear. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is looking for locations of denned bears in the northern Lower Peninsula, in order to fit the bears with radio collars for an ongoing bear management program.
“Information gathered from bears assists in managing the black bear population,” said Mark Boersen, wildlife biologist at the DNR Roscommon Customer Service Center. “Currently, we have six female bears being monitored from both air and ground using radio tracking equipment.”
After locating a denned bear, DNR biologists will determine if the animal is a good candidate for a radio collar. Bears that are selected will be sedated by a wildlife biologist and fitted with collars and ear tags. A small nonfunctional tooth will be collected to determine each bear’s age and to provide a DNA sample. Upon completion of the short procedure, biologists will carefully return the bear to its den, where it will sleep through the remainder of the winter months.
Those who encounter bear dens in the northern Lower Peninsula are asked to record the location, with a GPS unit if possible, and contact Mark Boersen at 989-275-5151 or boersenm@michigan.gov with specific location information.
As a reminder, it is illegal to disturb a bear den or disturb, harm or molest a bear in its den.
Michigan Increases Opportunities for Kayak Anglers
Many parts of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula have seen a recent increase in kayak sport recreation, whether it’s for leisure paddling, wildlife watching or casting a line. When it comes to fishing, this type of activity offers local fisheries managers unique opportunities to entice kayakers to visit smaller lakes throughout the region.
You only need to look at several retailers – whether they’re official sporting goods stores or not – to see the increase in the kayak’s popularity. At some grocery stores you can even buy one! As those who recreate turn to low-key, casual outings, kayaking really draws them in.
“Folks are seeking more ‘quiet sports’ and secluded places to get away from people,” said George Madison, a DNR fisheries manager in the western Upper Peninsula. “Our unit is responding to these desires by creating more fishing opportunities in these quiet spots.”
The DNR’s Western Lake Superior Management Unit has been conducting bluegill transfers to small potholes lakes in its area as kayak anglers have indicated they’re happy to target panfish while out on the water. Read more
Aero Survival Rifle and Pistol Now Available As A Homebuilder Kit
Factory completed Aero Survival Pistol with SB Tactical arm brace shown for reference
Factory completed Aero Survival Rifle with AR handguard shown above for reference
TNW Firearms Introduces Homebuilder Kit With An ATF Approved 80% Receiver for the Aero Survival Rifle And Pistol
Vernonia, OR – TNW Firearms, a market leading designer and manufacturer of modern and historical firearms, has introduced their Aero Survival Rifle and Aero Survival Pistol in a Homebuilders Kit. Like all Aero Survival firearms, the completed kit is a takedown firearm for the ultimate in portability, making it the ideal emergency survival gun for outdoor enthusiasts, ranchers, pilots or anyone who needs a portable, rugged and reliable semi-automatic firearm. The Aero Survival Homebuilders Kit is perfect for any firearms enthusiast who wants the satisfaction of legally building their own firearm for personal use.
The Homebuilders Kit comes with an ATF approved 80% upper receiver tube that needs to be completed, but all of the other included parts are finished and ready for assembly. Detailed drawings and instructions to finish the 80% receiver tube and an exploded view of all the parts need to assemble the lower are included. The Rifle Homebuilders kit includes a 16.25″ barrel, The Pistol Homebuilders kit comes standard with an 8″ barrel. A 10.25″ pistol barrel is available upon request. The Aero Survival Rifle accepts standard AR15 butt stocks, buffer tubes and pistol grips which are sold separately. The TNW Handguard and handguard adapter are also sold separately. Read more
MDF Opposes AZ Ballot to Initiative to End Mountain Lion, Bobcat Hunting
Mule Deer Foundation Opposes Proposed Arizona Ballot
Initiative to End Mountain Lion, Bobcat Hunting
Salt Lake City, Utah: The Mule Deer Foundation opposes the proposed ballot initiative in Arizona that would end hunting of mountain lions and bobcats. MDF believes that wildlife populations should not be managed by ballot initiatives. State wildlife agencies, especially the Arizona Game & Fish Department, have a great track record of managing wildlife species. Predators can have a dramatic impact on the populations of their prey items. Mountain lions, bobcats and other predators need to be managed at a level that balances their populations with big game population levels.
“Professionals in the wildlife agency need to manage all wildlife, including predators.
The Humane Society of the United States, a California-based animal rights organization and other anti-hunting groups are only concerned with stopping hunting and not the health of all wildlife populations,” says Miles Moretti, President/CEO of the Mule Deer Foundation. “We have seen these groups attempt their ballot initiatives in several states. They won’t stop trying to meet their goal of ending all hunting.” Read more
SureFire XC1-B Weaponlight
Mega Lumens Monday with the NEW XC1-B!
Fountain Valley, CA — SureFire, LLC, manufacturer of the world’s finest—and most innovative—illumination tools and tactical products, is proud to announce the launch of the all new XC1-B compact handgun weaponlight. The XC1 was developed to be as compact and capable as possible and intended primarily for concealed-carry use. SureFire’s smallest and lightest weight weaponlight has been upgraded to deliver more output and feature improved switching based on feedback from subject matter experts. The new XC1-B has an output of 300 lumens and is now capable of one-handed constant-on activation. Read more
Browning Trail Cameras: Defender 940 Cameras
The Defender 940 is a super compact surveillance camera that takes both nighttime images and videos using invisible IR illumination for the best concealment in any application. The Defender 940 also features Bluetooth and Wifi connectivity via the free Browning Trail Cameras mobile app that allows you to preview and download crisp 20MP images and full HD quality videos right to your mobile phone or tablet without disturbing your camera in the field. The free mobile app also allows users to adjust camera settings, and even view a live preview feed from the camera, right in the palm of your hand, up to a distance of approximately 60 yards.
Additionally, the Defender 940 camera has a solid detection range of 80 feet and an adjustable infrared flash at night that can be adjusted for low power usage or long range functionality. The durable compact camera case that houses the camera, features an all steel adjustable tree mount to perfectly aim your camera in the field. And to make things better, the Defender 940 cameras come with one 16GB Micro SDXC memory card and four CR123A lithium batteries to help you get up and running as soon as possible. Read more
Michigan’s Gun and Gull Lakes Offer Angling Opportunities
Gull Lake access siteThere are two large inland lakes in southwest Michigan, both of which are profiled in this month’s edition of Reel in Michigan’s Fisheries. Gun Lake is featured first, or keep reading for Gull Lake.
Located in both Barry and Allegan counties and spanning 2,680 acres with a maximum depth of 68 feet, Gun Lake features two basins, east and west, separated by a large point on the northeast side of the lake. It is very popular with anglers who take advantage of bass fishing opportunities there and its good access.
“The lake is next to the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area,” explained local fisheries biologist Matt Diana. “There is a public access site there for boats and shore fishing opportunities. There’s also a County Park ramp on the southwest shore of the west basin that offers additional access.” Read more
Pending Gun Legislation in Michigan
Pending Legislation, Part 2
Continuing from last week, at the request from our members, MCRGO E’News is reviewing several pending bills in the Michigan Legislature that MCRGO anticipates may move in the weeks and months ahead. A complete list of pending Michigan firearms legislation can be found on our website HERE.
Permitless Carry (Constitutional Carry)
Bills: House Bills 4416-4419
Details: In short, these bills would remove the requirement to have a concealed pistol license to carry a concealed firearm in public or in a vehicle while loaded. As no CPL would be required, no pistol safety class is required either. However, carry without a CPL would not provide the full benefits of a CPL including out-of-state reciprocity, the ability to borrow another person’s pistol, the exemption for a purchase permit for private party pistol sales, and an exemption from some gun free zones. It is unlikely these bills will be taken up by the Senate until a deal is reached to prevent a veto by the governor. The rapid passage of these bills in the House this spring along with public misunderstanding of the limitations of permitless carry is believed to be the primary reason behind the drop in total statewide CPL numbers this summer. Regardless of the prospects of passage, MCRGO strongly encourages gun owners to obtain a CPL and current CPL holders to renew their license when it expires. MCRGO continues to engage in public education on this issue.
Status: The legislation is pending committee consideration in the Senate having passed the full House.
Preemption Enforcement
Bills: Senate Bill 586 & House Bill 4616
Details: HB 4616 would put teeth in Michigan’s preemption law by requiring local units of government with illegal firearms ordinances to bring them into compliance with state law or award costs and reasonable attorney fees to the parties challenging the illegal ordinances. SB 586 would add additional local units of government including school districts and community colleges to those prescribed by preemption.
Status: Both bills are awaiting committee consideration in the Senate. HB 4616 has passed the House.
Penalty for an Expired CPL
Bill: House Bill 4458
Details: The legislation would eliminate the felony for carrying an expired CPL if the CPL has been expired for not more than 6 months and the person would otherwise qualify for a renewal. Instead of a felony charge, a $330 civil fine would be imposed. Even this civil fine would be waived if the person obtains a renewal CPL within 60 days after the violation.
Status: The legislation is pending committee consideration in the Senate having passed the full House.
Contact MCRGO via our website.
Michigan DNR Shooting Ranges Offer Extended Hours Leading Up to Hunting Season
The Department of Natural Resources ranges are offering extended shooting on the three weekends prior to Nov. 15 to help hunters prepare for the firearm deer season.• Ortonville and Pontiac Lake – Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5 and Nov. 11-12: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Rose Lake and Sharonville – Oct. 28-29, Nov. 4-5 and Nov. 11-12: Oct. 28-29, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The DNR shooting ranges will be open seven days per week from Nov. 1-15, including Veterans Day. The weekday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ortonville and Pontiac Lake, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rose Lake and Sharonville. The last shot is fired 15 minutes before closing.
Beginning Nov. 16, the regular range schedule of five days per week (Thursday through Monday) returns.
Find more information about DNR shooting ranges at mi.gov/shootingranges.
Before You Go Deer Hunting
If you haven’t already, don’t forget to buy your hunting license – online at E-License or at a license retailer or DNR Customer Service Center.
Visit mi.gov/deer for information about deer management and links to additional resources, such as deer check stations.