Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Among the 10 species of woodpeckers featured in the videos, the drumming of a Pileated Woodpecker is a standout, as always (photo by Tanner Martin).
Drumming is an important form of communication for woodpeckers, and hearing a rapid rat-a-tat-tat-tat can help you identify which species is drumming. Similar to learning to identify songbird calls, with a little practice you can identify some woodpeckers by the speed, cadence, and rhythm of their drumming. Woodpecker drumming may not be as immediately distinctive as bird songs, but by carefully listening to duration and rhythm of the drumming – even the perceived loudness of the woodpecker with reference to its location – you can still tell many species apart.
For woodpeckers, drumming serves the same function as singing does for songbirds: It advertises a bird’s territory, helps to attract mates, and alerts others “here I am.” Males and females drum among most woodpecker species, and now you can compare the drumming of similar and very different species of woodpeckers. In an informative article filled with insightful videos that feature species ranging from Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers to Northern Flickers and Pileated Woodpeckers – you can review the sights and sounds of woodpeckers drumming that can help you identify them in your neighborhood and in the field. Provided by All About Birds, you can get started by simply referring to How to Recognize Woodpeckers by Their Drumming Sounds | All About Birds
If you are interested in learning more about woodpeckers found worldwide, the Bird Academy offers an online course that is quite remarkable. You can take a Free look at “The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers” course at Free Preview: The Wonderful World of Woodpeckers Online Course
Get $25 Back on Taurus® GX Series Pistols and $30 Back on Taurus® and Rossi® Revolvers
Looking to add a new pistol or revolver to your collection this summer? Taurus® is making it easier to save with two limited-time rebate offers available from June 15 through July 15, 2026.
Whether you’re in the market for a compact everyday-carry pistol or a dependable revolver, customers can earn cash back on some of the most popular firearms in the Taurus® and Rossi® lineups!
Taurus® $25 eXtreme Rebate
Summer temperatures aren’t the only thing heating up. Purchase any new Taurus® GX2, GX4, or GX4 Carry pistol and receive a $25 rebate. Read more
Henry Repeating Arms, America’s leading lever-action rifle manufacturer, is now shipping the H14 Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine, designed in collaboration with Big Woods Bucks (BWB) for whitetail deer hunting in tight timber. The rifle was unveiled at a launch event held at Frank’s Gun Shop in Amsterdam, New York, with representatives from both Henry Repeating Arms and Big Woods Bucks on hand.
The H14 Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine builds on Henry’s proven Long Ranger platform with changes driven by a single purpose: to give serious woods hunters a lever-action rifle ready for the specific demands of hunting and tracking in heavy timber, where shots are close, windows are short, and the rifle has to come up fast.
The carbine features a shortened 18.5-inch round blued steel barrel, bringing the overall length down to 39 inches and the weight under 7 pounds. It’s fitted with a factory-installed Skinner peep sight at the rear, paired with a bright fiber optic front sight. The combination is designed for the low-light, fast-acquisition demands of timber hunting.
Chambered in .308 Win / 7.62×51 NATO, it carries four rounds through a geared lever action with a six-lug rotating bolt face for strong and consistent lock-up. The receiver is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard-anodized matte black finish. Read more
The Texas Rangers favored a fast-shooting, easy handling single action revolver. Most of the Western cowboys did, too. And that timeless design remains a popular shooting iron today. With its comfortable feel in the hand and responsiveness when firing, the single action revolver is just fun to shoot. Now you can get that experience with the new CO2-powered Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Ranger.
The Winchester Air Rifles Single Action Ranger holds 18 BBs in a spring-loaded magazine, so you can send all of the cans to soda-cemetery on the hill. Constructed of weather-resistant black polymer with nickel-plated accent parts and a faux wood grip, this quick-handling pistol weighs 1.9 pounds and measures 9.5 inches. It has a functioning hammer, crossbolt safety and a fixed blade front sight. This is a BB only air pistol, and sends steel BBs downrange at up to 420 fps. Read more
After announcing the expansion of its industry-leading lineup of cellular trail cameras at SHOT Show earlier this year, Stealth Cam has announced that another updated model in its core camera line is now available for purchase online and at various retailers nationwide.
The all-new Spectre 4K Pro Dual-Core Cellular Trail Camera combines dual-core processing that simultaneously captures and sends photos, with dual image sensors, one optimized for enhancing daytime imagery and another optimized for nighttime imagery, and revolutionary Command AI features to elevate scouting year-round.
Three onboard AI functions drive performance: Read more
FPC firmly believes that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) must be strengthened to robustly protect the constitutionally guaranteed rights of peaceable American gun owners and the critically important firearms ecosystem that serves them. Unfortunately, Senator John Cornyn’s SHOT Act (S. 4775)—in the form presented to FPC—badly misses the mark.
FPC has spent months engaging with congressional offices—including Senator Cornyn’s—various stakeholders, and leading legal experts, including our Supreme Court counsel, to help inform and shape reforms that would provide badly needed protections for the Second Amendment community. To that end, FPC developed a proposed PLCAA amendment that advances the real mission: protecting the People’s rights and ensuring that frivolous litigation cannot be used to redline the Second Amendment out of existence. Read more
Drawdown of Big Creek Dam (Crawford County) prior to culvert and outlet renovation in 2016. The riser structure visible here was not renovated in 2016. Photo courtesy of Michigan DNBR
A grant project by Michigan Trout Unlimited will inform the removal process
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is pursuing removal of Big Creek Dam (Crawford County), a 62-year-old dam with significant structural issues. To that end, the DNR recently awarded a $75,000 grant to Michigan Trout Unlimited for a study of engineering, design and construction costs that will inform the removal process for the dam.
Big Creek Dam, which impounds Middle Branch Big Creek, is managed by the DNR and is surrounded by DNR-managed lands. The dam was constructed in 1964, with the goal of providing fishing opportunities and benefits to the trout fishery downstream — the impoundment is located on a tributary of the North Branch Au Sable River, which is known for its high-profile trout fishing. The dam, however, did not meet these goals; it negatively affected trout habitat, was not shown to help maintain coldwater conditions downstream and did not provide unique fishing opportunities not found in natural lakes in the area.
The dam was drawn down in 2025 after inspections found significant damage to the concrete riser structure and headwall. The timing of the drawdown was fortunate, as this spring’s high water levels and flooding would have posed a serious risk of dam failure for the compromised structure. Such a failure would have destructive effects on the downstream ecology of Middle Branch Big Creek and the North Branch Au Sable River.
Given the current condition of the structure, repairing Big Creek Dam is not feasible. Read more
Now officially available for purchase, the Defender Pro Scout Max HD Solar is built for users who want dependable cellular performance with power that lasts. Designed for long-term deployments and minimal maintenance, the HD Solar provides consistent image delivery while reducing the need for frequent trips into the field.
Built-In Solar Power for Extended Deployment
The heart of the 2026 HD Solar is its highly efficient solar panel. Designed for a seamless, integrated look, the panel is built directly into the top of the camera. This all-in-one design continuously charges the internal batteries, helping keep the camera powered even in low-light conditions or partially shaded environments.
By eliminating the need for battery changes, the HD Solar is well-suited for remote properties, hard-to-reach locations, and long-term monitoring where reliability matters most. Read more
A Refined Fusion of Performance, Elegance, and Advanced Beretta Technology
Accokeek, MD – Beretta USA introduces the new Beretta A400 L Field, the latest evolution of the renowned A400 platform. Combining the competition-proven performance of the revolutionary A400 action with refined aesthetics and premium craftsmanship, the A400 L Field delivers an elevated shooting experience for discerning hunters and clay target enthusiasts alike.
Built for shooters who appreciate both beauty and performance, the A400 L Field features a striking nickel-plated receiver adorned with intricate scroll and floral engravings, paired with a highly figured Grade 2.5+ walnut stock and forend. Designed with enhanced ergonomics, enlarged checkering surfaces, and an ambidextrous palm swell, the new stock configuration provides superior comfort, control, and instinctive handling in the field or on the range.
“The A400 platform has become one of the most trusted and proven semi-automatic shotguns in the world,” said Caleb McMillen, Beretta USA Sr. Product Manager for Long Guns. Read more
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie – Following the Supervisory Board meeting of June 11, 2026, the Groupe Beneteau announces a targeted adaptation of certain US operations in a market affected by the Middle East conflict. On May 4th, upon publication of its quarterly revenue, the Groupe Beneteau already reported a slowdown in order intake since the beginning of the conflict and announced the implementation of measures aimed at restoring operating margins. In a geopolitical context that remains uncertain and continues to fuel customer caution in the boating markets, the Group today initiates production halt at its Cadillac facility as well as the planned divestiture of this site and the Four Winns, Glastron and Scarab Jet brands.
Refocusing US Activities with Planned Divestiture of Cadillac Shipyard and Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron Brands
The Group announces the production halt at one of its 16 production facilities, the Cadillac (Michigan) facility in the United States, during Q3 2026, as well as the planned divestiture of this facility and its Four Winns, Scarab Jet and Glastron brands. A search for potential buyers is underway. Read more