Get Free SEVR Field Points with Your Purchase*

SEVR announces a limited-time offer: receive a free three-pack of Match Grade SEVR Field Points with a purchase of $90 or more. *To receive free field points, simply add any three-pack to your cart, ensure your cart value is at least $90, and discount will automatically apply at checkout.

SEVR Match Grade™ points feature an elongated tangent ogive shape, inspired by high ballistic coefficient bullets, providing superior long-range accuracy and easier extraction from practice targets. Match Grade field points are precision machines from SEVR’s hardened Robusto™ stainless steel, with a slick, dark nickel coating for a mirror-like surface finish.

This offer is available for a limited time only. Visit www.sevrbroadheads.com to take advantage of this promotion, while supplies last.

Archery, Promotions

Inland sport fishing guide license required for guided fishing on inland Michigan

April 7, 2025

With nearly 11,000 inland lakes and 76,000 miles of rivers and streams, Michigan has a wealth of inland fishing opportunities, and inland fishing guides help anglers enjoy those abundant resources. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers and guides that since March 1, 2024, inland fishing guides operating in the state are required to have an inland sport fishing guide license to take clients on guided trips on inland lakes, rivers or streams.

Great Lakes connecting waters refer to specific bodies of water in Michigan that connect the Great Lakes to each other: the St. Marys River, the St. Clair River (beginning at the Fort Gratiot Light), Lake St. Clair and the Detroit River (beginning at the imaginary line extending due south of the Windmill Point Light, Wayne County, and ending at the imaginary east/west line drawn through the most southernly point of Celeron Island).

Those interested should complete the following steps to apply for an inland sport fishing guide license:

  1. Review the requirements and complete the questionnaire. The DNR will review responses to verify license requirements are met. Applicants will be notified via email within five business days with further instructions.
  2. Upon receiving notification of DNR approval, buy the license online or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish mobile app. Read more
Fishing

Volunteers needed to protect Michigan’s spawning sturgeon along Black River

April 7, 2025

Lake sturgeon in the Black River in Cheboygan County.Sturgeon For Tomorrow is seeking volunteers in Cheboygan County mid-April through early June to stand guard as mature lake sturgeon head upstream to their spawning sites along the Black River. The Black Lake Chapter of Sturgeon For Tomorrow is working in partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and various tribes to protect the fish from illegal harvest during the six-week spawning season.

Sgt. Mike Mshar, who leads DNR Law Enforcement Division’s efforts on the river, said, “This program, which protects this iconic species when they are most vulnerable, is a model of how agencies and the public can cooperate to get needed work accomplished.”

Volunteers are assigned shifts along the river to stand watch and report suspicious activity to the DNR conservation officers patrolling the area. The program also uses aerial surveillance for additional monitoring.

“For over 20 years, the annual Sturgeon Guarding Program has proven that people serving as sturgeon guards watching over the river have virtually eliminated poaching, while helping to ensure the protection and reproductive success of the species,” said Mary Paulson, the program’s volunteer coordinator. “It’s a unique and rewarding experience to witness these majestic fish swimming up the Black River, and to be a key player in safeguarding one of Michigan’s most valuable natural resources.”

While volunteers will be assigned sites to stand guard, there will be on-site coordinators at the river to assist and answer questions. Additionally, volunteers are asked to assist in recording the number of fish active in the area. Read more

Fishing, Poachers

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
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