Leupold Announces Second Generation of BX-4 Range HD Rangefinding Binocular

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the leader in rugged, lightweight, and exceptionally clear sport optics, has announced the launch of its new BX-4 Range HD TBR/W Gen 2 rangefinding binocular.

An evolution of the award-winning original, the BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 delivers improved ranging performance and industry-leading light transmission, color purity, and edge-to-edge clarity. Available in 10×42 and 12×50 configurations, it’s a best-in-class rangefinding binocular.

“The original BX-4 Range HD combined the industry’s fastest ranging solution with class-leading optical performance,” said Eric Overstreet, Technology Product Line Manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “With the Gen 2, we’ve upgraded nearly every single facet of the product. You’re getting improved optics, greater ranging distance, and the addition of some of our game-changing features.”

The BX-4 Range HD Gen 2 is built around Leupold’s Elite Optical System, which delivers superior dawn-to-dusk light transmission, elite level glare reduction, and the resolution diehard hunters and shooters demand. In side-by-side comparisons, the Gen 2 separates itself from the competition, especially in low light, where other rangefinding binoculars fall short. Read more

Optics

Unorthodox Designs SLAP Loader for Sig Sauer P320 Magazines

Dallas, TX – Unorthodox Designs is pleased to announce the latest release of the SLAP Loader for Sig Sauer P320 9mm magazines. The SLAP (Single Load and Press) Loader was created specifically to address issues with common popular loaders by, quite literally, turning the problem upside down.

Rather than sliding over the top of the magazine and relying on the user’s grip strength, the SLAP Loader provides a stable platform to insert a magazine, allowing rounds to be fed into the loading ramp with minimal effort. A simple press down on the magazine effectively loads a single round into the magazine. Releasing the magazine completes the process and readies the loader for the next round, resulting in a fast and efficient loading process that can be done with a single hand. Read more

Firearms

NSSF Files to Block Maryland’s Anti-PLCAA Law

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, filed a lawsuit Thursday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland seeking to block Maryland’s Gun Industry Accountability Act, or House Bill 947, that attempts to circumvent the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The PLCAA prohibits frivolous lawsuits against members of the firearm industry for the criminal misuse of lawfully sold legal firearms by remote third parties. NSSF also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to enjoin enforcement of the law by Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.

Maryland’s Gun Industry Accountability Act is part of a coordinated effort by antigun state legislatures, their attorneys general and gun control special interest groups to engage in lawfare against the firearm industry as an “end run” around the bipartisan PLCAA which Congress passed in 2005. Read more

Gun Control

Born Hunting Announces the “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway

Born Hunting, an online publication covering hunting tactics, gear reviews, and DIY hunting adventures, announces the “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway. This latest offer is presented by Born Hunting in association with several leading brands in the outdoor category, including Wicked Ridge Crossbows, Dryshod waterproof footgear, SEVR broadheads, and MTM Case-Gard.

The “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway will put some lucky winner on the path to success this hunting season, starting with the headlining prize — a new Wicked Ridge Commander M1 crossbow.

Designed to perform in close-cover hunting conditions, the Wicked Ridge Commander M1 crossbow delivers arrows at a hard-hitting 380 fps. With a trim 14-inch overall/9.5-inch axle-to-axle width, this bow is highly maneuverable in a blind or elevated stand. The crossbow comes ready to hunt out of the box with the included Multi-Line scope, precision 3.5-lb. trigger, three Match 400 carbon arrows, and quiver.

To ensure maximum terminal performance on any big game animal, the giveaway package presents SEVER Broadhead’s incredible new Ti 1.5 4-Blade Hybrid broadhead. This is the first four-blade head from SEVR and it features a 1.5-inch locking-pivoting main blade plus a .7-inch wide fixed bleeder blade.

Ideal for early season hunting or wet weather adventures in any environment is Dryshod’s Southland Hunting Boots. These 100-percent waterproof boots are constructed from a 4mm neoprene bootie and DS1 molded outsole to keep water out while ensuring breathability and moisture management courtesy of the WIXIT Cool-Clad airmesh lining.

Safe equipment storage and transportation are fundamental to serious bowhunters. To that end, the “Gear Up & Hunt” package takes care of the arrow and broadhead needs with two handy products from MTM Case-Gard. The Traveler Bolt Case is designed to carry up to six crossbow arrows safely in a sturdy, hinged, and latch-retaining clamshell case. Notched foam pads keep arrows securely positioned in the case and attached broadheads sharp and ready to go. Auxiliary broadheads for field carry are stored courtesy of the Mechanical Broadhead Case. This case stores up to six mechanical broadheads and easily fits inside a pant pocket or daypack.

The total value of the “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway prize package is $922.65.

There is no purchase necessary to enter the “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway. Simply go to the Born Hunting “Gear Up & Hunt” Giveaway page and enter (must be 21 years old to enter). You can also boost your odds of winning through the Daily Bonus Entry option. Read more

Contests

Spring Birding Tours at Wetland Wonders

Spring migration is in full swing, and Michigan’s wetlands are alive with the sights and sounds of returning birds. From dazzling ducks in breeding plumage to soaring bald eagles and graceful sandhill cranes, these tours offer a front-row seat to one of nature’s greatest spectacles.

Join the DNR and MI Birds for a series of free, guided tours at some of the state’s best birding hotspots or join a webinar from wherever you are!

  • Saturday, April 5 – Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area tour (Pinconning).
  • Friday, May 9 – Demystifying Portage Marsh State Wildlife Area webinar.
  • Saturday, May 17 – Portage Marsh State Wildlife Area tour (Escanaba).
  • ICYMI: Demystifying Pte. Mouillee State Game Area webinar.

Can’t make it to a tour? Enjoy the spring migration on your own! Explore Wetland Wonders or Grouse Enhanced Management Sites, or visit Cornell’s BirdCast for a bird migration forecast to help you plan a trip. For recommendations on places to bird watch, check out this MI Birds article.

Wildlife

Jon Boat Seat Upgrade

Jon boat before seat installation

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

After years of fishing with only the integral bench seats (above), I’ve opted for a padded seat with a backrest.  For mounting, I chose the adjustable clamp-type mount.  The idea is to install the seat before I get to a given lake either at home or at the lake.  The clamp mount is screwed to the underside of the seat and is installed as one unit to the boat.

Seat Clamp 

 

The mount rotates 360 degrees, and I lubed it as a precautionary procedure before use.  Also, I found that the adjustable rods are much too long for my narrow seat and therefore cut off sizeable lengths (and, filed the ends) so that they didn’t protrude unnecessarily.  I also fashioned a 12-inch length of 1-inch PVC as a tool to tighten the wing nuts.  I cut a notch across one end to connect to the wing nuts to tighten it to the seat.  This is important:  It’s almost impossible to get at the wing nuts when the clamp is on the bench seat.  There are also two brackets that retain the clamping framework to the seat front to prevent the seat from coming loose.  Too bad there is only one set provided.  With a bit of creativity, a person could fashion a couple more sets and install them to the other seats.  This way, the seat can be relocated.

 

This is the seat added to the Jon Boat.  Although it folds down, it will be removed before I store the boat, which is always upside down.

Fishing

DNR trails in northern Lower Peninsula, eastern Upper Peninsula remain closed indefinitely

April 4, 2025

Damage assessment continues following historic ice storms in northern Michigan

All state-managed trails in a dozen northern Michigan counties, including parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula, will remain closed following the severe ice storms earlier this week that downed trees and power lines and caused thousands of residents to be without power and basic necessities. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, along with the Michigan National Guard and partner organizations, is working to safely clear debris and eventually restore safe access, but this will take considerable time and effort.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Monday declared a 10-county disaster area, which was later expanded to 12 counties, including Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle.

DNR Parks and Recreation is assisting emergency crews in communities affected by the storms. This includes providing heavy equipment, sawyers and equipment operators to help with the cleanup.

Crews are working hard to clear debris from state parks and trails.

“Storm damage is extensive, and many trails are impassable and unsafe,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Significant time will be needed to assess and address affected areas. Many areas may also be affected by erosion and culvert issues from the recent rains.”

Paige Perry, DNR recreation trails specialist for the north-central Lower Peninsula, asked that trail users respect the closures and allow the first responders and other partners to safely assess damage, restore power and eventually clear debris from the multicounty trails system.

“The damage was extensive in the forests of the northern Lower Peninsula where our recreational trails are found, and the cleanup effort will take weeks or months,” Perry said. “More information will be released as soon as areas are cleared and the trails are once again safe to use. In the meantime, we ask that everyone explore Michigan’s other beautiful trails until the Tip of the Mitt is reopened.” Read more

Wildlife

DNR, Michigan National Guard work together to clear vital areas of fallen trees

two men clad in olive green and tan camo together lift a massive, cut tree trunk from the road into the icy shoulder areaApril 3, 2025

Sawdust was flying at sites across northern Michigan as Department of Natural Resources and Michigan National Guard crews worked together to clear vital areas of trees downed by the massive weekend ice storm.

Of the more than 600 service members currently activated, approximately 130 are teamed up with Michigan DNR staff across the 12-county area hit hardest by the storm that stretches across the northern tip of the Lower Peninsula and into the southern tip of the Upper Peninsula.

“We appreciate the Guard’s cooperation and help,” said Jeff Stampfly, Michigan’s state forester and chief of the DNR’s Forest Resources Division. “There is a lot of work here to be done.”

Paul Rogers, DNR fire prevention specialist, was working with the chain saw crews and said they had cleared miles of roads Thursday in Emmet County.

“They’re doing well and making progress,” he said. Rogers shared that the devastation was hard to describe.

“There are areas where there is not much damage, and there’s an area where there is a 70-foot pine that looks like a toothpick sticking up, with every branch taken off of it,” he said.

The storm downed trees across the area, leaving some forested areas looking like they had been mowed. The storm blocked many roads and knocked out power to thousands of homes. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a 10-county disaster area on Monday which was later expanded to 12 counties, including Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle. Read more

Wildlife

Remington Ammunition Announces Pull, Shoot, Save! Shotshell Rebate

LONOKE, Ark. –– Remington Ammunition recently announced its Pull, Shoot, Save! Rebate, which offers consumers the chance to buy some of Remington’s best target loads and receive up to $50 back. This promotion runs through June 30, 2025.

To take advantage of this rebate, customers must purchase at least 10 boxes of 12- or 20-gauge Remington Nitro 27, Premier Nitro Sporting Clays, or Premier STS shotshells to get $1 per box back.

Valid purchases must be made from April 1 through June 30, 2025. The deadline for submission of this rebate offer is July 31, 2025. A minimum purchase of 10 boxes is required, with a maximum rebate of $50 per person or household. Read more

Ammunition, Promotions

 

ANOKA, Minnesota –– Federal Ammunition’s Break Clays & Save rebate for Federal Premium High Over All (HOA) 12- or 20-gauge ammunition recently launched, and the promotion will run until June 30, 2025. Shooters can now buy some of Federal’s best clay target loads and get up to $50 back.

“With this great promotion, target shooters can gear up for both spring and summer while also putting a few bucks back in their pocket,” said Federal’s Senior Manager of Trade Marketing Bart Biedinger. “This program began April 1 and will continue through June, making it a great time to take advantage of this cost-saving promotion.”

To take advantage of this rebate, customers must purchase at least 10 boxes of 12- or 20-gauge Federal Premium High Over All shotshells to get a rebate of $1.00 per box.

Valid purchases must be made from April 1 through June 30, 2025. The deadline for submission of this rebate offer is July 31, 2025. A minimum purchase of 10 boxes is required, with a maximum rebate of $50 per person or household. Read more

Ammunition, Promotions
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