State confirms first cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in

Three goslings in Macomb County test positive

The Michigan departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) today announced the state’s first confirmed cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N2 in the state. The disease was found in free-ranging Canada geese in Macomb County. Avian influenza is a virus that can infect both free-ranging and domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, quail and geese. Read more

Wildlife

Widespread spruce budworm defoliation expected in Upper Peninsula, northern Lower Peninsula

White spruce and balsam fir targeted; now is the time to protect landscape trees from damage

Over the past few years, white spruce and balsam fir have been defoliated by the spruce budworm, one of the most destructive native insects in the northern spruce and fir Spruce budworm caterpillarforests of the eastern United States and Canada.

“This year, budworm defoliation is widespread and expected to be heavy for the second or third years in many areas,” said Bob Heyd, forest health specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Marquette. 

Periodic outbreaks of these insects are a part of the natural cycle of events associated with the maturing of balsam fir and white spruce. 

Spruce budworms overwinter as tiny caterpillars which disperse by dropping from treetops on webs. As new tree growth expands in the spring, the caterpillars grow and feed on new shoots. Budworms produce one generation each year. 

Repeated budworm defoliation can cause top-kill and tree mortality in older and stressed trees. Balsam fir older than 60 and spruce over 70 years old provide prime infestation opportunities.  Read more

General

NRC approves 2015 U.P. antlerless deer hunting restrictions

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission today decided to eliminate the harvest of antlerless deer during the archery season for hunters using deer or deer combo licenses in the Upper Peninsula.

The restriction, which does not affect the firearm deer season, will be in effect for the 2015-2016 season. The NRC made the decision at its monthly meeting in Monroe, Michigan, in an effort to aid the Upper Peninsula’s struggling deer population, which has declined to a level comparable to the early 1980s following three successive winters with severe conditions.  Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Tree Stand Insurance with Tree Stand Buddy®

Have you ever made the trek into your “secret stand spot” to only find that your stand is not in the tree you left it in? Nothing is more frustrating or expensive that to have stand poachers come onto your hunting land and relieve you of one or several stands. It happens every season!

One the best ways to be able to protect your and your fellow hunters is to use the Tree Stand Buddy®. This system allows you to place the Tree Stand Buddy® receiver on your preferred tree while the bracket that sits in the receiver is on your stand. This enables the hunter to not only identify his favorite stand tree each and every time he heads to his spot, it allows easy removal of the stand so that it is available for each and every hunt without the worry of stand theft. Read more

Hunting

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Wants to See Your Funky Nests

Hummingbird on porch by Chris Sanborn, Camarillo, CA; Bluebirds in deer by Juliette Carter, Geneseo, IL.

Look around. Birds don’t just build nests in trees. Nests have been found in old boots, barbecue grills, motorcycle helmets, traffic signals, rakes, old tires–or porch decorations and fake deer, like the ones shown here!

The Celebrate Urban Birds project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is looking for photos, videos, stories, poems, or artwork showing for its “Funky Nests in Funky Places” contest. But there isn’t much time:

Entries are due June 30.

Contest prizes include a mini-iPad, binoculars, Pennington bird feeders, DVDs, CDs, beautiful posters, field guides, and much more.

To learn more about how to participate, plus terms and conditions, visit FunkyNests.org.

Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen-science project focused on birds in neighborhood settings.

Wildlife

New 2015 Browning Citori 725 Pro Sporting and Pro Trap Models

Browning continues to expand the Citori 725 target shotgun line-up to include the new Pro Sporting and Pro Trap models. Both models feature a Pro Fit Adjustable Comb and Pro Balance System in the stock that allows shooters to fine-tune the balance point for a perfect mount and swing.

Other features found on all Citori 725 shotguns include Fire Lite Mechanical Trigger System  that offers unmatched feel and lighter pull weights than ever before offered on a Citori. The  full-width hinge pin and tapered locking bolt design ensure strength and durability for many years of service. For a better shot pattern and performance, Citori 725 Pro shotguns feature the Invector-DS choke tube system.

The Citori 725 Pro Sporting will be offered in 12 and 20 gauge with 30″ or 32″ barrels at a suggested retail of $3,999.99. The Citori 725 Pro Trap 12 gauge features a high rib and with 30″ or 32″ barrels and a suggested retail of $3,999.99.

For more information on Browning products, please visit the website at www.browning.com.

Firearms

Brownells Father’s Day Sweepstakes Offers Free Gear & Free Shipping for a Year

One lucky dad will take home more than $1,200 in shooting and survival gear, plus a one-year Brownells EDGE membership as a part of Brownells Father’s Day Sweepstakes.

The grand prize package includes: a Brownells range bag, pistol case, eye wear, hearing protection, first-aid kit, Echo-Sigma Trauma kit, Otis Cleaning Kit, Brownells Versatile Flashlight, Brownells 75th Anniversary Swag and more.

Five additional winners will receive a free, one-year Brownells EDGE membership. Read more

General
1 … 1,530 1,531 1,532 1,533 1,534 … 2,074