Blaser Introduces the R8 Professional 2.0 Rifle

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San Antonio, Texas – The Blaser R8 Professional 2.0 is the modern evolution of this iconic straight-pull rifle, with enhanced features to improve your hunting experience.

Featuring a new, ergonomically optimized vertical pistol grip for increased comfort and improved control when firing, the R8 Professional 2.0’s ambidextrous palm swell fits both right- and left-handed shooters. Other enhancements include new molded elastomer grip inserts, manufactured using 2K technology, which have a better surface texture for improved grip in the worst weather conditions. The Diamond Like Carbon A+ (DLC A+) coating of the barrel surface provides the ultimate protection against corrosion and scratches. A height-adjustable comb is now standard and helps you achieve precise alignment in the shooting position at the push of a button, and the receiver is permanently embedded into the synthetic stock for extra protection, enhanced rigidity, and precision. The fore-end also allows mounting a Harris bipod and/or Picatinny rail.

Long known for its speed, accuracy, and durability in the most brutal hunting conditions, this newest R8 is available as a Blaser kit with custom TSA approved hardcase featuring pre-cut interior foam for extra protection on your global adventures. In addition to slots for the rifle, there is space for two rifle scopes, a scope mount, and extra barrel for easy storage. The R8 2.0 takes this newest generation R8 to a higher level.

“The R8 Professional 2.0 kit is an upgraded system for Blaser owners in the United States and, for added convenience, all existing R8 parts fit this newly designed stock and receiver,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The hard case is also an attractive element of the new system for our customers who travel the globe to hunt and also those who hunt closer to home and value an improved storage option.”

Available in Black Brown and Dark Olive, three stock length options are available – 14.56 inch is standard, but customers can easily exchange for 13.97-inch or 15.35-inch length.

Five different packages are offered through Blaser Premium Dealers from Rifle Only to a Rifle and Optics Package with QDC.

MSRP: Starting at $5,500 Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson Partners with Lipsey’s to Release Exclusive Field Ethos Model 36

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Crafted with the finest materials and precision engineering, this limited-release J-Frame is designed with iconic features, enhanced to meet the demands of today’s shooters. The Model 36 Field Ethos revolver is chambered in .38 Special +P and has a 5-shot capacity. Its no-lock frame and 1.88-inch barrel feature a blued carbon-steel finish that perfectly complements the installed Tyler Gunworks premium walnut boot grips. Out of the box, this model ships with a fixed gold bead front sight and integral notch-in-frame rear sight, ensuring a classically reliable sight picture. As a product of Smith & Wesson’s Performance Center, this Model 36 receives an action job before leaving the factory, resulting in a smooth, consistent trigger pull. This revolver is double-action only, features a bobbed hammer for ease of concealment, and displays a specially engraved Field Ethos trademark on its side plate.

Experience the perfect balance of timeless craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology with the new Performance Center Field Ethos Model 36. For more information, visit www.smith-wesson.com. Read more

Firearms

Mule Deer Foundation Statement on Catalina Island Extermination Bill

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The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) has released a statement on the following legislation passed for exterminating mule deer on Catalina Island in California:

The Mule Deer Foundation is aware that mule deer were introduced to Catalina Island in the 1920s and are not historically native. However, their long presence has made them a valued part of the landscape to many Californians for ecotourism and recreation. As mule deer across the West and California have been in decline for more than 60 years, it is disappointing to see deer entirely removed from yet another location rather than being managed at sustainable levels. Science shows that some grazing can be compatible with healthy ecosystems, and experts have raised concerns that complete removal could unintentionally increase wildfire risk by allowing fine fuels to accumulate. The Mule Deer Foundation (muledeer.org) stands ready to help develop science-based management frameworks for Catalina Island that reduce impacts while maintaining a controlled deer presence consistent with public values.

Greg Sheehan
President/CEO
Mule Deer Foundation Read more

Wildlife

Michigan’s ‘Up North’ Birding Bliss June 1-3 at Camp Warbler

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Calling all birders: the DNR’s third annual Camp Warbler is set for June 1-3, and registration is underway.

This two-night, three-day adventure, designed for adults and featuring presentations and guided birding activities, takes place at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, or RAM Center, near Roscommon. Camp Warbler is an all-inclusive event, providing lodging as well as five meals and motor coach transportation from Belle Isle Park in Detroit.

“This getaway is perfect for individuals or couples seeking to enjoy the best parts of Michigan and meet new friends,” said Melissa Guigue, manager of the RAM Center, which offers a unique blend of rustic lodging and modern meeting facilities on the northern shore of Higgins Lake. “You’ll enjoy a stay where the options for outdoor fun are endless.”

Event highlights

Participants will be treated to presentations and activities led by interpreters and staff from state parks and the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, the latter of which gives visitors a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of Detroit. Camp Warbler activities include:

  • An interpretive, guided wildlife drive through the Shiawassee Wildlife Refuge, with stops along the way for additional birding. Shiawassee is one of just three wildlife refuges in the state.
  • A stop at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling.
  • Presentations on birding that will inspire both experienced and beginner birders.
  • A visit to a Kirtland’s warbler breeding site. Read more
Wildlife

XS Sights Optic Plate and Sight Bundles for Glock MOS Win ON TARGET Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award

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XS Sights’ innovative Optic Plate and OR-Height Sight Bundles for Glock MOS pistols have won On Target Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award. The editors like that these bundles “deliver a drop-in, worry-free solution for mounting your red dot and backing it up with minimalist irons – no math, no guesswork, no compromises.”

The precision CNC-machined steel optic plates are available for ACRO and RMR footprints and provide 30% more thread engagement “dramatically reducing the risk of optic shear or shift under recoil”. A durable BlackNitride finish ensures enhanced corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance. Engineered for ideal optic alignment, these plates are compatible with the most common red dots on the market, offering a rock-solid foundation for law enforcement, self-defense, and competition use.

Pair the plates with the XS OR-Height Minimalist iron sights and experience perfect co-witness out of the box. These OR sights for Glock pistols are effective, low-profile backups that maximize visibility through your optic’s window.

“For anyone who’s ever spent time fiddling with sight height formulas or worrying about thread depth, XS just solved the problem. This is practical performance for the serious Glock user – done right, right out of the box.” – Chris Mudgett, ON TARGET Magazine Read more

Firearms, Optics

Officers and civilian recognized for Ontonagon County ice rescue

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Feb. 3, 2026
five people pose, smiling holding plaquesFive individuals received awards Monday at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources meeting at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club in Dickinson County.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Jennifer Lehto (Hanson) and Zach Painter, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Steve Amsler and Susan Barrette, of Bergland, were recognized for their quick and effective actions that saved an angler’s life when he broke through the ice of Lake Gogebic in March 2024. Read more

Fishing

Nick Hoffman’s Once-in-Lifetime Elk Hunt

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WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
WATCH THE FILM HERE!

When I found out I drew one of the most coveted elk tags in the country, I couldn’t believe it! Suddenly, had a Nevada bull elk tag in my pocket, and I MADE THE MOST OF IT. The hunt was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding of my life. I made new friends, challenged myself, and worked hard for the bull of a lifetime.

You can see the whole story unfold in the new film “What Are The Odds?” NOW on YouTube. I partnered with my friends at Vortex Optics to make an exclusive “VORTEX-HUNTS” film. A special thanks to OnX and Christensen Arms for being part of this journey.

NOW STREAMING. CLICK THE LINK!!

 
Hunting

Become a lighthouse keeper at Michigan’s Tawas Point!

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The white tower and red keeper's quarters of Tawas Point Lighthouse set against a bright blue spring sky dotted with fluffy cloudsIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a?lighthouse?keeper, we’ve got a dream destination! Grab three friends and apply to the 2026 Lighthouse Keeper Program?at?Tawas Point Lighthouse, located?in?Tawas Point State Park (about 75 miles northeast of Saginaw). Opportunities are available from early May through late October.

This program is perfect for enthusiasts of history, lighthouses or Michigan (or a combination of all three). Enjoy a two-week stay along the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline, immersed in the history of Tawas Point.

Equipped with training and knowledge from the lighthouse’s historian, keepers serve as guides, greeting visitors and leading tours. Keepers also are responsible for basic facility maintenance and cleanliness. The total service commitment is about 30 hours each week. The keeper schedule includes plenty of free time to explore the state park, nearby communities and surrounding area.

“We get up, we take a great bike ride, we swim and then we’re here for about five hours with the tours,” said Heidi, a 2025 Tawas Point Lighthouse keeper. “The people here are spectacular. We’ve met people from different countries, from different parts of Michigan, and they’re all interested in lighthouses, just like we are – so it has been a terrific experience. We really appreciate the opportunity!”

Colorful quilts and nautical pillows on beds, knotty pine floors, a dresser in a bedroom of Tawas Point Lighthouse keeper's quartersThe lighthouse might be nearly 150 years old, but the living quarters feature modern accommodations. The second floor includes two bedrooms that can sleep four adults, a fully equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. Free on-site parking is also provided.

Keepers apply in teams of four; the cost is $250 per person. All team members must be at least 18 years old and able to climb the 85 steps to the top of the tower.

Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. There is a $10 nonrefundable application fee. Successful applicants will be notified no later than March 31.

Learn more at the?Michigan History Center’s?Lighthouse Keepers webpage?or email?DNR-TawasKeepers@Michigan.gov.
Wildlife

TrueTimber Partners with Stoeger and Bone Collector on the Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition

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TrueTimber, the world’s best-selling camo brand, is excited to announce its collaboration with Stoeger and Bone Collector’s Michael Waddell on the Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition. This collaborative shotgun features TrueTimber’s Nevado camo, an all-new pattern coming to TrueTimber’s Tekari apparel line sold at Walmart. The Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition will be available for purchase with limited availability in-store at Walmart. Read more

Firearms

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

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Federal Ammunition launches a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry’s American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, 30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case’s unique geometry ensures smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

“Whether you’re looking to hunt deer, hogs, and other big game, or just channel your inner cowboy, Federal and Henry Repeating Arms have the combination you need,” said Federal’s Marketing Director Brian Anderson. “The two iconic brands have collaborated on a new load for Henry’s American Cattleman lever-action rifle. We, at Federal, are excited about this collaboration.”

This new product, designed in collaboration with Henry Repeating Arms for its American Cattleman rifle, boasts a muzzle velocity of 2,390 fps. It features a bonded soft-point bullet that expands reliably and penetrates deep. The nickel-plated case is specially designed for more reliable feeding in lever-action rifles. It is packaged in 20-count boxes and is made in the USA. Read more

Ammunition
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