Proposed change would expand allowable e-bike operation in Michigan

Land use update would affect state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles

Biking at Van Buren State Park

Operation of Class 1 electric bicycles on state park-managed nonmotorized trails open to bicycles would expand under a proposed Michigan Department of Natural Resources land use change that could go into effect as early as this spring.

Under current Michigan law, only Class 1 e-bikes – e-bikes that are pedal-assisted and can go up to 20 miles per hour – are allowed on improved surface trails, which are trails that are paved or consist of gravel or asphalt. Current law also allows for local entities to expand or further regulate e-bike usage in their respective communities.

The proposed DNR land use change would expand allowable e-bike use to include Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface, nonmotorized trails on state park-managed land open to bicycles.

In addition, the proposed change would allow operation of Class 2 e-bikes Read more

Wildlife

SK Customs Introduces Luchando Tigre

HAYMARKET, Va. –– SK Guns®, the Nation’s only series-driven, limited edition manufacturer of custom firearms, is proud to announce the release of the third edition of the Untamed Series of the world’s deadliest predators: “Luchando Tigre.” This latest production in the series combines a native ritual and a deadly predator into one remarkable installment.

“Luchando Tigre” comes from the native Atsatsilisti ritual in the Mexican state of Guerrero to offer blood to the god Tláloc and the earth in exchange for the rain necessary for a good harvest. Dressed in a tiger personification and equipped with a rope bathed in mezcal, the tribute’s shed blood is the offering required by Tláloc to send the rain. A deadly tiger is depicted wrapping around the slide leaping toward its prey with teeth and claws bared, locked on tearing apart its prey.

“This year’s edition of the Untamed Series truly embodies the idea behind this line of custom guns,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “The tiger symbolism used in the Arsatslisti ritual for rain combined with the danger synonymous with the Bengal tiger that is depicted along the slide showcases the “tigris” subspecies century-old status as one of the most feared predators in the world.”

The tiger is covered in 24K gold and black-filled stripes with selective silver-plated eyes, teeth and claws. The Colt® logo decorates the rear left panel and the right is engraved with each gun’s unique issued series number. Read more

Firearms

NSSF Applauds Missouri Resolution Supporting Commercial Utilization of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, applauds Missouri state Rep. Aaron McMullen’s introduction of a concurrent resolution supporting the continued commercial utilization of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant. The resolution would mark the Missouri General Assembly’s support for the commercial utilization and urges the U.S. government to reject calls to end to program that allows the Lake City ammunition facility to remain fully staffed and able to operate at a sustained peak capacity to meet the ammunition needs of the U.S. warfighter.

“Lake City Army Ammunition Plant is undeniably a critical asset to our nation’s military readiness. The capability to supply our nation’s warfighters with the essential ammunition is made possible because commercial utilization invests in the skilled personnel and equipment, maintenance and training,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President & General Counsel. “Calls by certain politicians to end this program are incredibly short-sighted and dangerous. NSSF is grateful to Representative Aaron McMullen for his leadership to protect the critical role Lake City Army Ammunition Plant fulfills in our national defense.”

The U.S. Army began permitting commercial utilization over 20 years ago after officials realized during the ramp up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that the facility did not have the trained workforce and production capacity to meet the military’s surge in demand for ammunition to support the U.S. warfighter. The Department of Defense (DoD) was forced to buy ammunition from foreign countries. The U.S. Army wisely adopted commercial utilization to ensure military readiness. Read more

Ammunition, Gun Control

Introducing the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

New for 2024, the Hyper Raptor BCX™ by Barnett® sets the industry standard in crossbow technology, blending premium features, cutting-edge innovation, and top-tier technology to deliver the smoothest, fastest, and most user-friendly shooting experience available! Rooted in over 60 years of unwavering commitment to quality, dependability, precision, and safety, Barnett stands as the original pioneer in the modern-day crossbow, earning the trust of hunters worldwide. Barnett combines everything hunters need in the hard-hitting, lightweight Hyper Raptor BCX.

Lightning-fast speed is one of the many stand-out features of the Hyper Raptor BCX. With a 14-in. power stroke and draw weight of 215 lbs., the crossbow launches a 380-grain HyperFlite™ arrow at 425 FPS. The arrow’s 21% increased FOC (front of center) and 61% greater ballistic coefficient reduces wind drift, making for a deadly combination of blistering speed, downrange accuracy, and deeper penetration. The BCX delivers an impressive 152 ft./lbs. of kinetic energy, this setup leaves nothing to chance. Read more

Archery

Developing a cost-effective technique to estimate wolf abundance in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

By JOHN PEPIN
Deputy public information officer
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

On a desolate two-track road, a man approaches on a snowmobile.

Watching the road ahead, he notices a line of tracks in the snow that lead from a dense stand of trees along a creek. The man stops the sled and as it idles, he leans over for a better view.

He’s found what he’s looking for – gray wolf tracks. Read more

Wildlife

Quick and effective actions save ice fisherman Lake Gogebic in Ontonagon County

Rescuers work to save a man fallen through the ice of Lake Gogebic.

Sixty-three-year-old Paul Boehm of Ontonagon is lucky to be alive after falling repeatedly through the weakening ice of Lake Gogebic  afternoon.

At about 4:30 p.m. CDT, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Jennifer Hanson and Zach Painter were notified by Negaunee Regional Dispatch that a man had gone through the ice near Merriweather in Bergland Township.

At 13,380 acres, Lake Gogebic is the Upper Peninsula’s largest inland lake, spreading across portions of Ontonagon and Gogebic counties. The lake is popular with anglers for its jumbo perch and walleye fishing.  Local temperatures had reached the low 50s by  afternoon.

A lakefront homeowner, Sue Barrette, who lives along Old M-28 near the Hoop ‘N Holler Tavern, had called emergency dispatch after hearing Boehm yelling and seeing him crawling on the ice.

“She said she saw him sprawled out on the ice and a few moments later, saw him break through, and observed only his head above water,” Hanson said. Read more

Fishing

Steelhead Introduces A Smaller, Lighter Portable Pistol Lock Box With Fast Access Lock

Steelhead Outdoors designs innovative gun storage solutions. The latest innovation is the Small Fast Access Pistol Box that offers security for compact pistols like a Glock 19 in a smaller, lighter package. Steelhead pistol boxes are American-made with quality steel and are designed to be drill and pry-resistant. Weighing less than 15 pounds, these lockboxes can transport 1-2 handguns or pistols, and many can accommodate handguns with attachments. Each lock box has mounting holes to allow for secure mounting to a wall or floor or use the optional beefy security cable to tether the lock box to a vehicle.

electronics, batteries, features a push button Genuine Simplex lock for fast access without electronics, batteries, or keys. This pistol box was built for travel with easily going from nightstand to vehicle, to the hotel room. Formed and welded entirely from heavy duty 12-gauge steel, it’s engineered for security, usability and portability with the ability to secure the Fast Access Pistol Box with Steelhead’s signature 3’ long, 6,000 lb. rated, ¼” galvanized cable with 5/16” coating. No competitor offers a security cable this strong. The Fast Access Pistol Box measures 8.5” wide x 12.25” long x 3” tall and weighs just under 15 lbs. Suggested retail $300. Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson Announces 2nd Auction of Commemorative Model 1854 Set

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, in partnership with Gunbroker.com, is excited to announce it will host a second online auction of the limited-edition engraved Model 1854 rifle and matching numbered Model 29 revolver set.

Smith & Wesson recently auctioned the engraved number 001 of 100 on Gunbroker.com at a value of $32,975, with proceeds benefitting the conservation organizations, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) and Safari Club International (SCI). Starting Thursday, March 14th, engraved number 002 will be the final model available for general public bidding on Gunbroker.com to raise additional funds for RMEF and SCI to support their initiatives.

“We recognize Smith & Wesson’s standing as an outdoor industry leader for the last 170 years. As a hunter-based conservation organization, we also appreciate the quality of their firearms and thank them and the bidders for generating valuable funding we’ll put back on the ground to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage,” said Kyle Weaver, President & CEO, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

With just 100 units being produced, this pair of .44 Magnums is extremely rare and boasts stunning engraving with 22-karat gold inlay done by renowned Baron Engraving. Included with the beautifully designed display case is a letter of authenticity from Smith & Wesson President & CEO, Mark Smith, offering documentation on the set’s origin and limited status. Read more

Firearms

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program Offers Turkey Hunt in Tuscola County

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Program is offering a Beyond BOW Turkey hunt workshop for women.

Scheduled for the weekend of May 10-11, 2024, the program is for women with no previous experience or would like to expand on or learn new skills and abilities. Space is limited to seven participants.

This free Beyond BOW event will be held in Cass City and is sponsored by The National Wild Turkey Federation, Cabela’s and Ben’s Great Outdoors. The BOW program greatly appreciates the continued support of these sponsor organizations.

Ammo, shotguns and lunch will all be provided. However, overnight lodging will be the responsibility of the participants. Read more

Hunting

Michigan Coyote Hunting to Remain Open Year-Round

Michigan’s NRC has been considering partially closing year-round coyote hunting since early 2024. In a unanimous vote on , MUCC members made clear that the organization does not support closing the season and that there is no biological evidence to support such a closure.

MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter said the organization’s stance on closing the coyote season is “abundantly” clear.

“No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC has an obligation to oppose this part of the order in accordance with Proposal G and the authority it provides to them,” Trotter said. “If enacted, it will make the fight to defend lethal wildlife management that much harder.”

Hunting
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