Northern Michigan pathways named Pure Michigan Trails

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Betsie Valley Trail

By HEATHER JOHNSON DUROCHER
Trails and resources writer and editor
Parks and Recreation Division
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Two trails in the northern Lower Peninsula are recipients of the 2025 Pure Michigan Trail designation, an annual recognition that spotlights some of the state’s best trail experiences.

The Betsie Valley Trail, a 22-mile pathway extending from Frankfort through Elberta and Beulah to Thompsonville in Benzie County, and Chain of Lakes Water Trail, a 100-plus mile inland water trail made up of 12 lakes and interconnected rivers in northwest Michigan, are this year’s Pure Michigan Trail recipients. Read more

Wildlife

The Importance of Records in Big Game Management

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When you enter your trophy into the Boone and Crockett system, you aren’t just honoring the animal and its habitat. You are participating in a data collection system that started in the 1920s and was refined by Club members in 1950. Today, there are nearly 60,000 trophy records. By establishing a records database more than 70 years ago, the Boone and Crockett Club established a scientific baseline from which researchers can use to study wildlife management. If you’re still  on the fence about entering your trophy, we encourage you to read Why Should I Bother to Enter My Trophy. To the best of our ability, we ensure that the trophies entered into the records were taken in accordance with the tenets of fair chase ethics. Despite what some may think, the Boone and Crockett records are not about a name or a score in a book—because in the end, there’s so much more to the score.

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Hunting

“Shell”ebrate Spring by Adopting a Desert Tortoise

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AZGFD has over 100 desert tortoises that need forever homes

When we asked the Easter Bunny to include some desert tortoises in his Easter basket deliveries, he said the only shells he deals with are on the eggs! So now, we’re asking you directly. The Desert Tortoise Adoption Program at the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) currently has over 100 non-releasable desert tortoises that need forever homes. The tortoises will soon wake up from brumation, so it’s the perfect time to get your burrow built and your adoption application submitted. Everything you need to know about the adoption process, burrow-building and tortoise care can be found at azgfd.gov/tortoise.

Wildlife biologists at AZGFD are currently caring for over 100 surrendered desert tortoises that would jump (or at least crawl enthusiastically) at the chance to join your family this spring. Each year, AZGFD cares for hundreds of captive desert tortoises that have been turned into the state or abandoned as a result of illegal breeding. It’s not safe for these tortoises to be released back into the wild—captive tortoises can harbor respiratory infections that could be devastating to the wild population—so the AZGFD Desert Tortoise Adoption Program looks after them, but space and resources are limited. That’s where you come in: In addition to getting a great pet, Arizona residents have a unique opportunity to help protect our state’s desert wildlife by welcoming a desert tortoise to their home. Read more

Wildlife

Thompson/Center Arms Unveils Next Generation of ENCORE PROHunter Platform

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Thompson/Center Arms continues to build on its legacy of quality, and performance with the return of the ENCORE PROHunter. As a pioneer in muzzleloading firearms, Thompson/Center Arms remains committed to delivering cutting edge designs while upholding the time honored traditions that have defined the brand for six decades.

“We are proud to have Thompson/Center return to its hometown manufacturing roots of Rochester, NH, and thrive as family-owned once again,” said Gregg Ritz, President & CEO of T/C Arms. “Our talented team is committed to the innovation, unrivaled quality, and lifetime warranty that have defined the iconic T/C brand for 60 years. Hunters and shooters can expect to see the rebirth of the storied product lines such as the ENCORE platform, along with new designs that will redefine the shooting experience and remind gun owners why T/C Arms is America’s Master Gunmaker.”

The Thompson/Center Arms ENCORE PROHunter is built on a legacy of precision, versatility, and attention to detail. This single shot, break-open platform allows shooters to customize their setup with interchangeable barrels spanning popular centerfire and rimfire rifle calibers, shotgun gauges, and T/C Arms’ renowned muzzleloader barrels.

The ENCORE PROHunter lineup is available in .45 and .50 calibers, with 20” and 28” heavy contour precision fluted barrels. Each barrel is drilled and tapped for precision scope or sight installation, providing superior accuracy and adaptability. The industry leading Speed Breech XT™ technology with Nitride coating ensures a hassle free, hand removable breech plug with a simple 90° rotation for quick and easy cleaning.

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Firearms

Heritage Manufacturing Unveils Nickel-Finished Badlander Coach Gun

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[Bainbridge, GA] This spring, Heritage Manufacturing adds a bold new finish to its iconic side-by-side lineup with the launch of the Badlander Nickel, a striking take on the classic 12-gauge coach gun.

Originally introduced in December 2023, the Badlander quickly captured the attention of modern-day cowboys and home defenders alike. With its 18.5″ barrels, twin triggers, and timeless break-action design, it delivered both function and flair. Now, in April 2025, that same rugged performance comes wrapped in a corrosion-resistant nickel finish—offering a head-turning twist to the Old West aesthetic.

Built on the same durable platform, the Nickel Badlander features:

    • 18.5-inch cylinder bore barrels
    • Tang-mounted two-position safety
    • Turkish walnut furniture
    • Twin triggers for classic double-barrel action
    • Sturdy brass bead sight

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Firearms
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