Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
The new A22 22LR semi-automatic features a straight-blowback action, the same thread-in headspace system as the brand’s centerfire rifles, a 10-round rotary magazine, a lightweight aluminum receiver and the game-changing Savage AccuTrigger, which allows for a crisp, clean trigger pull that is fully user adjustable. Read more
Featuring Bluetooth Operation and Tested to One Million Footsteps
Burlington, Mass. – With the introduction of ThermaCELL Heated Insoles ProFLEX Heavy Duty, ThermaCELL has gone one step further with their innovative personal warming products. When ThermaCELL released its original remote-controlled Heated Insoles, it was revolutionary for outdoor lovers. Then the company took the product to the next level with its ProFLEX Heated Insoles, which featured increased flexibility and interchangeable cushioned batteries. Now, these new insoles feature Bluetooth® Technology so you can control the temperature of your insoles via a smartphone, and a 30% longer life battery.
“By using Bluetooth technology, the insoles can be paired with smartphones, completely eliminating the need to keep track of a remote,” said Josh Silvia, marketing manager for ThermaCELL Heated Products. “By using ThermaCELL’s free app that is available for both iPhone® and Android®, users can set the temperature for individual insoles, view battery life, and pair as many insoles as they’d like to their device.” Read more
Hunting strategies for the rut! Click here to watch the newest video on GrowingDeer.tv where Lindsey tags a mature buck on the family farm. It’s a top hit list buck that’s a real stud for that part of Arkansas! Then Adam and Matt are back in Kansas where they let the arrows fly. Plus, they’ve got the details of the hunt for a mind blowing 260″ buck! The episode wraps up with some solid tips and “how to” on trapping nest predators. Visit www.GrowingDeer.tv today! Read more
Michigan communities, college campuses and utilities interested in being designated as a Tree City, Tree Campus or Tree Line USA should submit an application to or contact the Department of Natural Resources by Jan. 16.
These annual programs are sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and administered by forestry agencies in each state. To be certified under one of these programs, applicants must meet certain criteria established by the foundation. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
With a week remaining in muzzleloading deer season in Michigan’s southern zone (Zone III), the harsh wintry weather upon us can provide some of the hottest hunting of the season. Food sources become magnets of opportunities for hunters prepared to brave the elements, as deer travel farther to feed. Not only are more deer concentrated in feeding areas, but they tend to move more freely during available hunting light. Accordingly, hunters able to withstand harsh conditions actually have some advantages that only late-season muzzleloading can provide.
The first advantage realized in late season hunting is the lack of other hunters. During the regular season, smart hunters rely on the fact that other hunters will be moving about and pushing deer from cover. During December, however, deer are not being pressured as much and will move to feed on their own accord, and they’ll do it before darkness descends in afternoon sessions.
Another advantage is gained with snow on the ground. Although a deer’s keen eyesight will spot a hunter’s movement more readily, a wise hunter can turn the tables by stand hunting. Sitting still can be a challenge in trying conditions, but modern portable blinds or fixed shacks with heaters can translate into success with your being in position before deer arrive.
While on the subject of stand hunting, fidgety youngsters can join the excitement – either as company or participants – as long as they can stay warm and comfortable. And, with the versatility offered by downloading muzzleloader powder charges and using lighter bullets, kids can hunt, too, without fear of excessive recoil, yet with enough energy to get the job done. To custom load for youngsters or those of slight build, it is necessary to power a given load with loose powder, rather than using convenient pellets. It’s really no big deal insofar as the loading is performed before heading afield. Just make sure to pack some extra loads beforehand, which brings us to the next point for consideration.
If a hunter is fortunate enough to get a shot, it’s important to do two things immediately afterward: 1) Watch the deer as long as possible to gain an understanding of its path, and 2) Reload immediately thereafter. Even if the deer is down, an experienced hunter will be ready for the unexpected by dutifully preparing a follow-up shot. Many deer have been lost, because muzzleloader hunters assumed the hunt was over.
There is one final word of caution for the successful hunter: Keep your deer from freezing. A month ago, hunters were faced with warm weather and the task of cooling off the meat. Now, however, cold weather presents a challenge to keep the deer from freezing. With temperatures well below freezing, deer cannot be hung outdoors for extended periods of time without the meat being negatively affected. Because the deer must be thawed to butcher it and then frozen again for storage, it won’t taste good; therefore, have a plan.
With a bit of luck, proper planning, and some “bad” weather, the coming week can be the best opportunity for deer-hunting success and bagging a good buck all season.
All versions share the same modular stainless steel chassis and have more features than any other single stack 9mm in the marketplace.
Every pistol is hand-assembled and proof-tested by veterans. The pistols are 100% American with domestic materials and stainless steel parts machined in the USA by American companies. Read more
Senate Bill 1187 (Sen. Tom Casperson, R-Escanaba) was advanced to the full House of Representatives for a possible vote next week. The Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act was overturned by the Michigan Court of Appeals last month on a technicality, as the court ruled that the provision to allow free licenses for active military members was not closely-enough related to the rest of the initiative. SB 1187 simply reinstates the remaining provisions of the SFWCA – namely the authority of the Natural Resources Commission to name game species and issue fisheries orders, the $1 million appropriation for Asian carp response, and the addition of wolves to the game species list. It has passed the Senate 27-10.
At the Natural Resources Commission, a MUCC 2016 resolution to allow centerfire rifles at night for certain predators, like coyotes, was approved by the Natural Resources Commission, but with restrictions. The order allows centerfire calibers up to .269, except not in state park and recreation areas statewide and limited to private land only in the southern limited firearm deer hunting zone. This measure was spearheaded by the grassroots group Predator Hunters for Centerfire at Night and supported by the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association, which sponsored our supporting resolution this summer at the MUCC Annual Convention. Also at the NRC, former MUCC Executive Director Dennis Muchmore was awarded the Thomas L. Washington Lifetime Conservation Award, named after our other longtime former Executive Director!
Wednesday, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended $47.6 million in grants for public outdoor recreation land and development, including the 680-acre Crystal Waters State Game Area project in Monroe County, which was endorsed by MUCC and championed by MUCC Board Member Kris Matthew of Ann Arbor, Sen. Dale Zorn (R-Monroe) and Rep. Bill LaVoy (D-Monroe). Trust Fund grants are funded by the development of state-owned oil, gas and minerals through the landmark compromise between conservationists and the energy industry in 1976.
Additionally, the following legislation was addressed this week:
Unfortunately, SB 570 was not advanced past the House Committee on Tax Policy. After a committee hearing last week, there was not enough support on the committee to vote it to the full house in its current form. The bill would have exempted charitable sportsmen’s clubs from local property taxes, if they met specific community service requirements.
It was quite a week! Please support our work to conserve natural resources and protect your rights to hunt, fish and trap by making a tax-deductible donation at www.mucc.org/donate!
With the nomination of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to run the EPA must have the execs at the Humane Society of the United States fuming. Pruitt was no fan of HSUS, putting out a public consumer alert against HSUS and opening a well-deserved inquiry into HSUS’s deceptive fundraising. Pruitt’s inquiry was also the subject of some tough questions HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle received from US Senator James Inhofe at a hearing last year. While the EPA and HSUS won’t cross paths too much, Pruitt’s going to have a nice, direct line to a President and other cabinet members.
Overall, election night was a big “L” for HSUS. HSUS’s political arm went in heavily against Donald Trump, calling him essentially the worst threat that could possibly happen to HSUS’s agenda. And he won.
The HSUS world generally supported Democrats. According to FEC filings, HSUS employees spent about $14,000 personally, 100% of which went to Democrats. HSUS’s political action committee made $370,000 in contributions, of which 67% went to Democrats. And HSUS’s legislative fund made about $1.1 million in independent expenditures, with 77% going to Democrats. Democrats are out of power. And of the few Republicans that the HSUS PAC did support, a number lost their bids, such as US Sens. Kelly Ayotte (NH) and Mark Kirk (IL). Read more