DNR ice storm cleanup updates: State parks, trails, campgrounds and boating access sites

April 10, 2025

Following severe ice storms in northern Michigan, Department of Natural Resources staff members are assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails.

DNR crews are also collaborating with local agencies and utility companies to clear debris, prioritize the restoration of essential services and ensure access to critical infrastructure. Much of the work is being coordinated with the Michigan Army National Guard.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a 12-county disaster area last week, which includes Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego and Presque Isle counties.

As a result, the DNR temporarily closed several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails until safe access can be restored, including hazardous tree assessment and removal. Read more

Wildlife

Langdon Tactical Adds the HK VP9A1 to its Lineup

Phoenix, AZ – Langdon Tactical Technology (LTT) known for their best-in-class custom gunsmithing, proudly announces the addition of the HK VP9A1 to their lineup and Custom Gun Work offerings.

The LTT VP9A1 combines the reliability, durability, and engineering that you expect from H&K with the custom touch of Langdon Tactical in a striker fired platform. Starting with the optics-ready HK VP9A1, which includes a nickel Teflon-coated trigger bar, aggressive slide serrations, a fully customizable grip, and an enhanced magwell, we take it a step further. LTT adds our Trigger Job, your choice of GrayGuns aluminum trigger to reduce pre-travel and over-travel, customizable backup iron sights, and the option to include a C&H Precision optics plate—delivering a pistol that’s range-ready right out of the box. Read more

Firearms

ZEISS Introduces All-New SFL 50 Binoculars

50 mm optical performance in a 42 mm frame

ZEISS presents the all-new SFL 50, an extension of the renowned SFL family of binoculars. It combines the outstanding optical performance of a 50 mm binocular in the size and weight category of competitors’ 42 mm frame sizes. The SFL 50 offers superb performance at twilight and dusk and is a pleasure to carry. Available in three magnifications: 8×50, 10×50 and the most anticipated 12×50 model, the SFL 50 binoculars represent a most impressive breakthrough in binocular technology and design. “With the SFL 50, we have been able to combine the optical performance of 50 mm binoculars in a design that is as compact and lightweight as a classic 42 mm model,” says Nur Ölmez, Category Manager at ZEISS.

Bright and Light

Thanks to highly innovative optical designs, with thinner lens elements and optimized spacing between lenses, the all-new ZEISS SFL 50 saves on length and weight while delivering exceptional optical performance. The magnesium housing not only contributes to weight reduction but also ensures ruggedness, durability and better stability between extreme temperature shifts.

The ZEISS UHD Concept creates a light transmission value of 90% and the 50 mm objective allows for an appreciably larger exit pupil – providing for an exceptional amount of light to reach the eyes. Particularly at twilight, when the eye’s pupil becomes wider, the large exit pupil of the SFL 50 ensures a bright, clear image – providing a particularly enjoyable and comfortable viewing experience. The large exit pupil, combined with the generous eye relief, affords quick access to a full image so that even moving subjects can be witnessed effortlessly. Read more

Optics

Springfield Armory Announces Launch of SAINT Victor 5.56mm Pistol

GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the SAINT® Victor Pistol in 5.56mm, the newest addition to the Victor line of AR-pattern firearms. This 5.56 pistol delivers rugged performance in a compact, yet hard-hitting package.

This SAINT Victor Pistol is designed to deliver a capable 5.56mm with all the performance and capability you have come to expect from the SAINT Victor line. It features an 11.5” CMV barrel topped off with a birdcage-style flash suppressor, a full-length top Picatinny rail, and a nickel boron-coated flat trigger.

Underneath the free-float handguard is a carbine-length direct gas impingement system that ensures rock-solid reliability. The handguard features M-Lok® slots for accessories, and an M-Lok handstop is included on the lower forward section of the handguard. A handy QD mount is located on the receiver end plate.

Outfitted with an SB Tactical SBA3 brace on the three-position receiver extension for enhanced stability, the pistol features a B5 Systems polymer trigger guard and B5 Systems Type 23 P-Grip, as well as a 45-degree short-throw ambidextrous safety. A set of flip-up sights and one 30-round Magpul PMAG Gen M3 magazine complete the package. Read more

Firearms

NSSF: Firearm Industry Economic Impact Rises 379% Since 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The total economic impact of the firearm and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $91.7 billion in 2024, a 379 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to over 383,000, a 130 percent increase in that period, according to a report released by the NSSF, the firearm industry trade association.

On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $90.5 billion in 2023, to $91.7 billion in 2024. The firearm industry has broader impacts throughout the economy. It supports and generates business for firms seemingly unrelated to firearms, at a time when every job in America counts. These are real people, with real jobs, working in industries as varied as banking, retail, accounting, metal working and printing among others.

The firearm and ammunition industry paid nearly $11 billion in business taxes, including property, income and sales-based levies. An additional $886 million was paid in federal excise taxes, which directly contribute to wildlife conservation. Read more

Firearms

Michigan’s NRC votes tomorrow on the coyote hunting closure.

 MUCC is in a lawsuit to protect Proposal G—and we need YOU!

Your Voice Is More Important Now Than Ever!

Email the NRC: Express your support for year-round coyote hunting and the importance of adhering to scientific management principles. 

Testify at the Commission Meeting: Attend the NRC meeting tomorrow to provide public comment. Your testimony can directly influence the commission’s decision. Email nrc@michigan.gov to request a 5 minute testimony.

Protect Proposal G: Stand up for science-based wildlife management by advocating for decisions grounded in sound scientific principles, as required by Proposal G.

To learn more about the Coyote closure, visit ?https://www.mucc.org/protect-your-rights.

Wildlife

Interactive map shows northern Michigan roads now open following ice storm

April 9, 2025

Resource includes areas cleared by Department of Natural Resources Incident Management Team, cooperators   

A new interactive map provides a tool for people to track roads that are now open following the massive ice storm in northern Michigan.

All roads on the map were identified as public safety priorities by the State Emergency Operations Center and were cleared of debris by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Incident Management Team, along with the Michigan National Guard and other cooperators.

“Making sure there are clear roads for vehicles in the event of an emergency has been one of our top missions since we got saws, trucks and equipment out in communities hit by these storms,” Keith Murphy, Incident Management Team Operations Chief, said. “Our crews and cooperators have already cleared more than 630 miles of roadway and we’re not done yet.”

Murphy added, “This map is a tool people can use to find clear routes to their destinations, providing options to keep them and their loved ones safe.” Read more

Wildlife

Henry Repeating Arms Recognizes the American Construction Industry

HENRY REPEATING ARMS
107 W Coleman Street, Rice Lake, WI 54868

Henry Repeating Arms Recognizes the American Construction Industry

RICE LAKE, Wis. — Henry Repeating Arms, one of America’s leading firearm manufacturers, is building on its legacy of acknowledging its most valued constituencies with the launch of the American Construction Industry Tribute Edition, a new addition to its venerable lineup of collectible Tribute Edition rifles that honors the men, women, and companies who build America from the ground up.

“America runs on the backs of its builders,” said Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. “This rifle is our celebration of all the skilled tradespeople who work on everything from blueprints to brick and mortar to shape our city’s skylines, put roofs over our heads, build roads, bridges, and most importantly, the foundation of our lives and future. This new rifle is our way of saying thanks.” Read more

Firearms

HSCF Announces Spring Online Auction Featuring World-Class International Hunts

The Houston Safari Club Foundation (HSCF) is excited to announce its Spring Online Auction, a premier opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to bid on an incredible selection of international hunting adventures and experiences. The auction runs from April 11 through May 2, 2025, and is available exclusively online.

The auction features a curated lineup of world-class international hunts, including once-in-a-lifetime safaris, big game expeditions, and unique outdoor packages donated by premier outfitters from around the globe. All proceeds support HSCF’s mission to preserve the sport of hunting through education, conservation, and the promotion of our hunting heritage.

“This is a rare chance for hunters to secure exceptional trips while supporting a cause that protects the future of wildlife and wild places,” said Joe Betar, Executive Director of HSCF. “Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or looking to give back to conservation, there’s something for everyone.”

Auction Dates: April 11 – May 2, 2025

Bidding Site: https://www.onlinehuntingauctions.com/HSCF-Online-Auction-April-2025_as106615 Read more

Hunting

Hawke Optics’ Frontier Reflex Sight

Premium Components and Quality in a Compact and Adaptive Reflex Sight

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in precision shooting optics, introduces the new Frontier Reflex sight. A high-performance, compact reflex red dot sight built for accuracy and durability, using ultra-clear optics, adaptable mounting, and the level of quality you expect from the Hawke Frontier line.

Featuring premium, wide view optics, Frontier is designed for daily carry, competition, and duty pistols, while being equally brilliant on AR’s and hunting rifles. Available in RMSc footprint for slimline pistols, Docter or DPP footprint for full-size pistols and rifles, and supplied with a low-profile Weaver/Picatinny base for limitless mounting options. Read more

Optics
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