Lake Trout Survival Release Study on Upper Great Lakes

A critical component of fisheries management is understanding what happens to fish when they are caught and released. Most recently the DNR has been looking specifically at what happens to lake trout after they are caught through a mortality assessment survey.

To ensure accurate data is being collected on fish being lost from angling, mortality estimates must include both fish harvested and fish that are released and then die as a result of fishing. The DNR’s Fisheries Division gathers this data through its creel clerk program. Creel clerks, stationed at Great Lakes ports throughout Michigan, measure lake trout that have been caught and released. The data are used in fish population models used to estimate harvest quotas for recreational and commercial fisheries.

“Underestimating mortality of angler-released fish will result in unreliable harvest quotas that are not protective of this important sport species,” said DNR fisheries research biologist Shawn Sitar. “Therefore, reliable estimates of the mortality of released fish are critical to the DNR’s management of lake trout.” Read more

Fishing

Springfield Armory RO ELITE Series Pistols


Springfield Armory® expands 1911 Range Officer® line with new RO® ELITE series pistols.GENESEO, ILL. – With the launch of four new RO® Elite models, the Springfield Armory® 1911 Range Officer® line is expanding its reputation for performance that far exceeds price.

New for summer 2017, the new RO Elite line adds multiple premium components and details for both competition shooters and defense-minded citizens, in both 9mm and .45ACP versions. For example, every new RO Elite series pistol is clad in the same Black-T® treatment specified on Springfield Armory 1911s built for the FBI’s regional SWAT and Hostage Rescue Teams. The Black-T coating is self-lubricating, highly corrosion resistant, unaffected by extremes, and engineered to shield the firearm from the heaviest use and toughest conditions. RO Elite models also include: Springfield Armory’s crisp, newly designed Gen 2 triggers, ambidextrous thumb safeties, and custom thin-line G-10 grips designed specifically for this series, adding an entirely new feel for high-precision 1911s. That’s more than $370 worth of upgrades for only a $125 increase in price. Read more

Firearms

Mathews Launches One-Of-A-Kind Custom Bow Builder

Sparta, Wisconsin – Mathews Archery is excited to introduce their newly designed Bow Builder. This one-of-a-kind custom shop allows consumers to choose from six different finishes and countless string, cable and damper color configurations to create their own unique bow build.

To raise awareness for the Bow Builder platform and showcase all the customization options, they also launched a robust “YOU DREAM IT. WE BUILD IT.” campaign, including TV, print and social media. “We want both retailers and consumers to know we have the manufacturing capabilities to allow people to put their own personal spin on a bow design,”stated VP of Marketing and Sales, Brad Treu. “Our employees do it to their bows all the time, why not let everyone in on the fun.”

Initial response from both consumers and retailers has been overwhelmingly positive. “We saw immediate results from customers bringing in print-outs with all their specs and color configurations already figured out,” said Chris Reed, owner of Reedy’s Archery in Middleboro, Massachusettes. “People get really excited when they can take a great bow and make it their own.”

Users go through a simple five step process: 1. Choose a bow, 2. Enter personal specs for a custom fit, 3. Choose limb finish, riser finish, string, cable, serving, harmonic damper, and monkey tail colors, 4. Accessorize bow, and 5. Print or Email to order the bow through your local Mathews Retailer.

You can start your own custom build today by visiting BowBuilder.com and view other custom builds by searching #MyMathews. Read more

Archery

Kahr Arms/Gallery of Guns Limited Edition Exclusives

Greeley, PA – Kahr Arms has partnered with Gallery of Guns to offer two new limited edition exclusive pistols in the attractive new Cerakote® Patriot Brown finish. The Kahr CW3833PBR and the Kahr CW9093PBR can only be purchased through Gallery of Guns website for a limited time.

The CW3833PBR is offered in .380 ACP and features a 2.5 inch conventional rifled barrel, an overall length of 5 inches, a height of 3.9 inches and weighs just 10.2 ounces. The pistol has a Desert Tan frame and a stainless steel slide, trigger slide stop lever, all in Cerakote Patriot Brown.

The pistol features a lock breech, modified Browning type recoil lug, and utilizes Kahr’s seven patents including the “safe cam” action found in all Kahr pistols. The result is a micro-compact pistol with very little recoil and quick follow-up shots. The pistol also has a drift adjustable white bar-dot combat rear sight and a pinned-in polymer front sight. It has a 6+1 capacity and comes with one 6-rd magazine. Gallery of Guns offers this gun at $449. Read more

Firearms

Century Arms’ 100% American Made Draco AK47 Pistol

Delray Beach, Fla. –– Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, has announced the release of a 100% U.S. made version of the highly sought after Draco AK47 Pistol to meet rapidly increasing market demand.

“The Romanian Draco Pistol imports have been infrequent due to Military and Government contracts at the Cugir factory,” said Jason Karvois, Century Arms Director of Sales. “Due to the popularity of the Draco pistol, and overwhelming demand, Century Arms has started to manufacture the Draco pistols at our Vermont factory to be able to consistently offer them to the U.S. market.”

Based on the AK47 rifle design, the Draco pistol combines rifle-cartridge firepower in compact pistol-form. Chambered in the ever-popular 7.62x39mm cartridge, the Draco pistol features a 10.5″ barrel and weighs 6.3 lbs., making it lightweight and handy in tight quarters. The U.S. Draco comes standard with a maple wood handguard, standard AKM sights, readily accepts any AK47 magazine or drum, and best of all – is completely made in the U.S.A.! Read more

Firearms

New Deception Series decoys are collapsible


New Deception Series decoys are collapsible, much like every mallard they’ll fool.Baldwin, WI- Lucky Duck Premium Decoys prides itself in creating innovative and quality hunting products that generate more success in the field. 2017 is no different with the introduction of their new Deception Series, which are the most durable, lightweight, and portable decoys to hit the market.

Each set comes with 4 drakes and 2 hens, in four different body styles. They are made with ultra realistic EVA plastic and can withstand the punishment of today’s waterfowler. This decoy series is ideal for any walk-in hunter because they easily collapse and fit into a backpack, saving on space. You will be able to fit more decoys in each slotted bag. In addition, all 6 decoys have a weighted keel, anchor hook, and special slots to allow them to face in different directions when hunting a strong current.

The Deception Series is available for $59.99, and currently shipping to dealers. Some suppliers that are carrying this product include: Scheels, Cabela’s, Rogers Sporting Goods, and Mack’s Prairie Wings. If you visit www.luckyduck.com/dealer-locator, you can find a dealer nearest you.

Click on this link to watch a video on the Deception Series.

Hunting

2018 Can-Am Defender XT Cab

The redesigned XT Cab package, available with either the Rotax HD10 or HD8 engines, was optimized for enhanced quality and to create a true, fully enclosed Cab system. Along with full-seal cab, the onboard, factory-installed XT Cab kit includes an integrated heat management system was improved to better separate hot air and cool air. The kit also includes new front arched A-arms and sway bar to enhance handling. Along with a true 11-in. (28 cm) ground clearance, the new A-arms also add more overall width.

– NEW Full glass tilt up windshield with wiper and washer kit
The full, high-grade glass windshield is durable and highly scratch resistant. It also includes a wiper and washer kit with a 0.4-Gal. (1.9 L) reservoir for improved visibility in wet weather or muddy conditions. The windshield can also be tilted up (three positions) and outward to increase airflow to the occupants during mild conditions. The switch allowing for opening and tilting the front window was enhanced for increased reliability.

– NEW Full doors with electric opening windows
The Can-am Defender XT Cab features full doors to enclose the occupants within the cab. Read more

General

Winchester Adds to Popular XPR Rifle Line

Winchester® Repeating Arms is adding several new offerings to the bolt-action XPR® rifle line for 2017. This line of rifles has built a reputation for accuracy and dependability at a very affordable price.

New for 2017 is the XPR Hunter Mountain Country Range model. It features a polymer stock in the new Mossy Oak® Mountain Country Range camo. Other features found on the XPR include a M.O.A. trigger system, Perma-Cote™ matte blued metal surfaces to minimize glare, detachable box magazine, steel recoil lug, two position thumb safety and Inflex Technology Recoil Pad. It is available in many popular calibers from .243 Win. to .338 Win. Mag. Barrel length for short-action caliber rifles is 22″, short magnum and standard long action is 24″ and long action magnum calibers is 26″. Average weight is 6¾ – 7¼ lbs. Suggested retail is $599.99.

Winchester Repeating Arms will also add two new XPR Hunter Compact models for 2017. The XPR Hunter Compact will be offered in popular short-action calibers from .243 Win. to 325 WSM short magnum calibers. Suggested retail is $549.99. The new XPR Hunter Compact Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camo version is offered in the same calibers with a suggested retail of $599.99. Both rifles offer a shorter, 13″ length of pull that optimizes them for younger shooters and those with a smaller stature. Average weight is 6 ½ – 6 ¾ lbs. Barrel lengths are 20″ on short action standard calibers and 22″ on WSM calibers. Read more

Firearms

PENN Conflict II

COLUMBIA, SC – The PENN Conflict II features stealthy cosmetics, a smooth HT-100 carbon fiber drag system and a lightweight design, making it the lightest PENN reel to date.* The RR30 Rigid Resin body and rotor are extremely lightweight and durable – 20% lighter than the first-generation Conflict.

The next generation of PENN Conflict reels combines the comfort of a lightweight reel with the durability expected from a PENN. Additionally, the Leveline System places the line back onto the spool with little cross over or large gaps when being re-spooled.

The Conflict II is also updated with PENN’s CNC Gear Technology and high quality stainless steel ball bearings, making it the ultimate PENN inshore reel.

MSRP ranges from $149.99-$199.95.

Fishing

Deer Private Land Assistance Network grant application period opens

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced that the application period has opened for the Deer Private Land Assistance Network (Deer PLAN) grant program. It is designed to support private-land deer habitat improvement projects in the northern Lower Peninsula.

The Deer PLAN program is funded by the state’s Deer Range Improvement Program funds. In 2018, a total of $50,000 will be made available. The focus area will include private lands in the following counties: Alcona, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, Oscoda and Presque Isle. Funds will be allocated across these six counties based on a competitive grant application scoring process. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife
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