This season, discover the magic of owls

Michigan is transforming into a winter wonderland, bringing thrilling opportunities for bird enthusiasts to more easily spot and hear owls. Each winter, our state becomes a temporary home for remarkable visitors from the Arctic tundra, such as the majestic snowy owl*. This northern species doesn’t visit us in great numbers every year, making its presence a rare treat for birders lucky enough to spot one.

Snowy owl populations fluctuate greatly each year, based on the availability of their summer prey: lemmings. When lemmings are plentiful, snowy owls can have a successful nesting season in the Arctic and produce a lot of healthy chicks. This boom in population can cause an “irruption” in the winter, when snowy owls are seen far outside of their usual winter range and in greater numbers. In past irruption years, snowy owls have been spotted in Florida and Hawaii! This year, there has been an early push of snowy owls south into Michigan and across the Great Lakes region, which is promising. Read more

Wildlife

TrueTimber Partners with Elite Archery, ECOXGEAR, Goat Boxco and Stealth Cam for Full Draw Sweepstakes

INMAN, S.C. – December 17, 2024 – TrueTimber, the world’s best-selling camo brand, has joined Elite Archery, ECOXGEAR, Goat Boxco and Stealth Cam in a prize packed sweepstakes to celebrate the new year. One randomly selected grand prize winner will receive a variety of prizes from these top brands. The promotion begins at 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, and ends on December 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

To enter, visit the sweepstakes entry page here. This page contains giveaway details, entry instructions and full terms and conditions.

    1. Full Draw Sweepstakes Grand Prize:

Read more

Archery, Contests

Michigan DNR launches e-bike survey following land use order change

Earlier this year, allowable use of Class 1 electric bicycles on state-managed, nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways expanded following approval of a proposed DNR land use order.

As 2024 winds down, the DNR is looking to trail users to reflect on this land use order change and to share their thoughts on both riding e-bikes and interacting with e-bike users on state-managed trails.

The short e-bike survey will help the DNR gather public input on the land use order, which went into effect in August on state-managed trails with the exception of those located on state wildlife or state forest lands.

The approved DNR land use order?expanded operation of Class 1 e-bikes so that they are allowed on improved-surface trails such as linear trails (paved or gravel/asphalt) as well as natural-surface, nonmotorized bicycle trails/pathways in state parks and recreation areas and on state forest pathways and roads.

In addition, the change allowed – for mobility purposes – operation of Class 2 e-bikes, which are throttle- and pedal-assisted and can travel up to 20 miles per hour Read more

Wildlife

Sauer 505 Bolt-Action Rifle Now Shipping

The long-awaited Sauer 505 is now shipping in the United States after its impressive debut in Europe last year.

This bolt-action rifle from J.P. Sauer and Sohn is an engineering masterpiece, delivering timeless elegance, absolute accuracy, and exceptional versatility. It is available in four stock options – walnut (wood grade 5), traditional synthetic, synthetic thumbhole, or carbon fiber – and features a robust, lightweight skelatonized steel chassis. Bolt cycling is silky smooth, and the interchangeable, cold hammer forged precision barrels allow for quick and easy caliber changes. Hunters can select between four pre-set trigger weights from 0.77 lbs. to up to 2.75 lbs.

The ergonomically perfected manual cocking system is safe, lightweight, quiet, and easy on the thumb. Once ready to shoot, simply apply slight pressure with your thumb to cock the rifle. Uncocking and unloading in the uncocked position is just as easy.

Sauer has adopted the proven Blaser saddle mount technology for easy and accurate optics mounting. This quick detach mount is designed to ensure the optic can be taken off the Sauer 505 and put back on while maintaining the precise point of aim without having to re-zero the scope. This is a significant advantage for those who travel frequently. Read more

Firearms

Trail reminders for your cold-weather adventures

Winter is off to a snowy start, providing lots of opportunities to embrace the elements and take to the trails. It’s also a good time to remember ways to ensure your outdoor exploring is as safe and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few reminders before you head to your favorite pathway:

Snowmobiling

Buy your trail permit, check conditions. Michigan’s 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized) are open Dec. 1-March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Purchase your trail permit and find maps at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling. Be sure to check trail reports and trail closures while planning your excursion, and follow Ride Right safety precautions, including staying on the right side of the trail.

ORV riding

Know where you can go. Off-road vehicle riding is allowed on all county roads that are open in the summer as well as all DNR-designated multiuse trails; note that ORV trails in the Upper Peninsula are marked by letters. Snowmobile-only trails, however, are closed to ORV use Dec. 1-March 31, and snowmobile trails are identified by numbers only on diamond-shaped signs.

In addition, highway rights-of-way are closed until May 1 and therefore are not open to ORVs. (These are areas where the trail runs on the side of state and U.S. highways allowing a trail to connect.) Always be aware of icy sections, especially on morning and evening rides, and ride in a manner that minimizes trail damage given that some trails’ terrain may be soft.

In-the-woods exploring

Wear blaze orange, practice trail etiquette. With the new extended late antlerless firearm season Jan. 2-12 in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula, as well as archery deer hunting season remaining open until Jan. 1, be sure to wear your blaze orange while on the trails. For more details on these seasons, see Michigan.gov/Deer.

Also know when to yield and how to interact with other trail users Read more

Wildlife

X-Vision Optics Launches Thermal Scope Educational Videos

X-Vision Optics, a leader in thermal and night vision technology, is excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive educational campaign aimed at empowering outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and professionals with the knowledge they need to master thermal optics.

This new initiative, featuring engaging how-to videos and expert insights, is available on the official X-Vision Optics YouTube channel (youtube.com/@xvisionoptics) and other platforms. The campaign is designed to guide users through key aspects of thermal optics, including setup, operation, maintenance, and field applications, making the technology accessible to beginners and experienced users alike.

“At X-Vision Optics, we believe in not just delivering quality products but also ensuring our customers have the knowledge and confidence to get the most out of them,” said Mari Bodensteiner of X-Vision Optics. “This campaign is part of our commitment to educating the outdoor community and breaking down barriers to adopting thermal technology.”

Campaign Highlights: Read more

Optics

Charter Arms Introduces the New .380 Coyote Revolver

Charter Arms®, manufacturers of affordable, 100% American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Coyote .380 Revolver, the smallest and lightest of its kind. Offered in 2 models, this compact, everyday carry revolver is designed for to both experienced shooters and beginners, making it an ideal choice for personal protection and sport shooting.

“We couldn’t be happier to offer a compact revolver worthy of everyday carry,” said Nick Ecker, Owner, President and CEO, Charter Arms. “We wanted to offer a smaller frame revolver for women and first-time shooters that would be great for personal protection and sport shooting without the bulk and muzzle jump of larger caliber handguns.”

The new Charter Arms .380 Coyote is a compact and lightweight double/single action revolver, chambered in .380 ACP. Although this cartridge was created for semi-automatic pistols, this revolver takes advantage of the rounds milder recoil benefits. A ported barrel underlug reduces muzzle climb. Many have praised it for its out-of-box accuracy. Built with an anodized alloy frame and finished with a high-polish stainless steel barrel and cylinder, this revolver offers durability and a sleek, modern appearance. Read more

Firearms, Self Defense

Michigan Deer Hunting Opportunities This Week, Dec. 16-22

Late antlerless firearm deer season

  • Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, through Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, on public and private lands ONLY in the Lower Peninsula.
  • See page 9 of the Deer Hunting Regulations Summary for a map of open deer management units.
  • During this season, a hunter may harvest an antlerless deer with an unused single deer license (including the license issued through the Mentored Hunting Program), deer combo license (regular and/or restricted tags), universal antlerless license or deer management assistance permit if issued for the area/land where hunting.

Archery deer season (late segment)

  • Now through Jan. 1, 2025, statewide on public and private land.
  • Changes to antlerless harvest have occurred in the Upper Peninsula. Antlerless hunting with archery equipment on the single deer license and deer combo license is prohibited after Dec. 10 for units 027, 036, 152, 252, 021, 349, 249, 017, 117 and 149. Antlered hunting with archery equipment can continue through Jan. 1 in these units. See page 14 of the Deer Hunting Regulations Summary for the Upper Peninsula antler point restrictions chart.

Harvest reporting

    • Deer hunters are required to report a successful harvest within 72 hours or before transferring possession of the deer (to another person, a processer or taxidermist).
    • Reporting your harvest takes about three minutes and provides critical information for managing Michigan’s deer herd.

Read more

Hunting

Winchester Safes Reports Surge in Popularity of GunStiXX

Winchester Safes is excited to announce that the innovative GunStiXX™ product has gained significant traction among customers, solidifying its position as the preferred NEW method for secure vertical storage of long rifles in gun safes. Since its introduction, GunStiXX™ has been embraced by firearms owners seeking both convenience and increased storage. Patent Pending.

Designed with the modern firearm owner in mind, GunStiXX™ offers a unique solution that maximizes space while ensuring easy access to long rifles. This innovative storage system has received rave reviews for its efficient design, allowing firearms to be stored vertically, reducing the risk of damage and making it easier to organize and retrieve firearms quickly.

“Our commitment to providing top-notch security solutions for our customers is unwavering, and the success of GunStiXX™ is a testament to that commitment,” said Greg Walters, VP Sales & Marketing of Winchester Safes. “We are delighted to see such positive feedback from our customers, and we believe this product will continue to grow in popularity as more gun owners discover its benefits.”

The rising interest in GunStiXX™ can be attributed to several factors, including its ability to utilize the interior space to store more rifles. As safety and security remain paramount in the firearms community, Winchester Safes is proud to lead the way with innovative solutions like GunStiXX™. Read more

Firearms

Wolf Monitoring

Being a wolf biologist requires various skills, including howling, endurance, identifying tracks, and braving cold toes. Wolf-carnivore management specialist Sarah Zielke has all these skill sets, which are essential for today’s fieldwork as we head to a wolf den looking for evidence of wolf pups. Learn more about how wolf specialists monitor Montana’s wolf population and discover what she encounters along the way in the latest episode of Field Trips.

You can learn more about FWP’s management of gray wolves at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wolf

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Wildlife
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