SPYPOINT LM2 Builds on Class-Leading Legacy

The SPYPOINT LM2 is the evolution of the revolution. No company has done more to change the face of trail camera technology over the last two decades than SPYPOINT, and the LM2 is the next model that challenges functionality and affordability so any hunter that wants to use this technology has it available.

“Big performance in a compact, affordable package. That’s what the LM2 represents,” remarked Alex McElhaw ahead of the product launch at the ATA show in Indianapolis. “There is a lot of power in this little camera, and we expect it to be a critical piece of scouting and planning for a lot of hunters this fall,” he added.

The LM2 offers hunters 20MP photos so no detail is missed while scouting. While the new LM2 antenna maximizes available signal in a given area, ensuring that those photos are viewable in the app to help hunters plan their hunt better than ever before. The half-second trigger speed and 90-foot detection and flash range make it harder for even the wariest of bucks to make it past the LM2 without getting their picture taken.

“The LM2 is exciting for us because of the legacy that it represents. SPYPOINT has always been committed to the idea that all hunters should be able to afford to use cellular trail camera technology. In recent years we’ve seen a lot of companies try to copy that ideal, but I think people know and understand that it has always been SPYPOINT pushing the revolution of affordable performance in the industry, and the LM2 is the evolution of that revolution” concluded McElhaw.

The SPYPOINT LM2 will be available in the summer of 2023. Read more

Optics

Here Are 2023 Black Lake Sturgeon Season Results

Feb. 7, 2023
Contact: Neal Godby, 231-340-2621 or Sierra Williams, 517-230-8788

After only 65 minutes of fishing, this year’s sturgeon season on Black Lake (in Cheboygan and Presque Isle counties) ended at 9:05 a.m. , Feb. 4. The season, which included spearing and hook-and-line fishing, was scheduled to run Feb. 4-8, or until the harvest quota of six lake sturgeon had been reached.

Anglers initially were allocated a season quota of seven sturgeon, but the Michigan Department of Natural Resources set the harvest limit at six fish. This action helps accommodate the expected number of anglers and anticipates the possibility of near-simultaneous harvest of more than one fish.

There were 630 registered anglers this year, including a good number of supervised youth. According to the DNR, the harvested sturgeon ranged in size from 32 inches to 55.5 inches long and 6.4 pounds to 35.5 pounds.

Black Lake Sturgeon

  • The first fish was a 49-inch male that weighed 30 pounds.
  • Fish number two was a 55.5-inch female that weighed 35.5 pounds.
  • Fish three was a 54.3-inch male that checked in at 32 pounds.
  • Fish four was a 32-inch immature fish that weighed 6.4 pounds.
  • The fifth fish was a 54-inch male that weighed 34 pounds.
  • The sixth fish was a 39-inch male that weighed 11.8 pounds. Read more
Fishing

National Parks React to Crowding

From Jim Shepherd

During “the great lockdown” an equally great number of us discovered -or re-discovered- the allure of our national parks. The desire to get outside and breathe some non-filtered fresh air was strong-to the point that infrastructures already rundown due to a lack of government funding, took quite a hit.

Since the National Park Service started recording visitation numbers in 1904, more than 15.4 billion visitors have come to the sites. The most recent year (2021) saw 330 million annual visitors. Those numbers were record-setting in many of the more popular parks. Yellowstone National Park and Arches National Park, for example set new monthly records for consecutive months. The summer of 2021, for lack of a better word, saw huge visitation numbers.

There were more travelers last year- especially after the borders reopened, allowing foreign visitors to see our natural wonders.

2021 made it obvious that there needed to be something done to help balance the wear-and-tear of visitors and the capacities of the 424 sites of the National Park Service.

George, Thomas, Theodore and Abraham aren’t requiring reservations to visit, but there are plenty of restrictions in place at other national parks. Jim Shepherd/OWDN photo.

The solution for crowd control wasn’t simple, but it has been effective: reservation systems. They went into place at many of the most popular national parks: Yosemite, Zion, Rocky Mountain NP, and Dinosaur National Monument.

Last year, more parks and park service properties added them.

No, everyone isn’t a fan, and the idea of having to apply for a time to visit public land has rankled plenty of tempers. Read more

Fishing, General, Hunting, Wildlife

Bad bugs and pesky plants: Michigan forest health report covers threats to trees

Munching through the canopy, choking out seedlings or wilting backyard trees – invasive insects and plants and tree diseases threaten the health of Michigan’s forests.

Forest health experts at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources work every day to protect our trees and forests. They survey Michigan’s woodlands and teach foresters and land managers to look out for signs of harm. Monitoring outbreaks, managing infestations and preparing for future challenges ensure we will continue to have places for recreation, homes for wildlife, healthier waters and renewable forest products.

The 2022 Forest Health Highlights report covers the status of key forest health issues including the first detections of beech leaf disease and spotted lanternfly in Michigan. The news isn’t all bad though – the report also showcases the latest university research revealing progress on some of our toughest battles, collaborative work between agencies to protect forests and techniques to guide landowners in caring for their trees. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: planned improvement projects prompt temporary closures at state parks, campgrounds

A handful of locations throughout Michigan’s state parks and recreation system will temporarily close this summer and fall, but for good reason: road reconstruction, historic preservation, upgraded electrical and water distribution systems, visitor center enhancements, new toilet and shower buildings and other work aimed at making the visitor experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

Many of these critical projects are possible through millions of dollars in federal relief COVID-19 funding – the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 – while other planned projects are funded through Recreation Passport dollars and various state and federal grants.

A total $250 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds was made available to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources last March to help address a long list of critical needs in state parks and trails and build a new state park in Flint. These federal ARPA relief funds are part of a $4.8 billion infrastructure package outlined in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Building Michigan Together Plan.

“It wasn’t more than a few years ago that we were trying to identify nearly $300 million in funds to assess a backlog of state park infrastructure needs,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation chief. “Today, we have the great fortune of administering a once-in-a-lifetime investment of $250 million over three years, allowing us to deliver tangible improvements at these outdoor spaces that people love and return to, season after season.”

Federal funding requirements stipulate that ARPA funds must be obligated (committed to a project) by Dec. 31, 2024, and spent on that project by Dec. 31, 2026.

Olson also said that approximately 97% of regular state parks funding is generated by user fees, which includes revenue from Recreation Passport entry fees, and royalty revenues. Only 3% comes from Michigan’s General Fund tax dollars, further illustrating the incredible value and importance of these one-time federal funds and their long-term impact on the system.

A few examples of ARPA-funded work are campground enhancements at Algonac, Cheboygan, Hoffmaster, Interlochen and Straits state parks and Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area; major renovations to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory in Belle Isle Park; visitor center improvements at Bay City State Park, and restoration work at the Tawas Point Lighthouse.

Beyond the ARPA-funded work, there are additional planned state park and trail enhancement projects that are using other funds or are due to weather-related conditions. All closures will be temporary, and staff is working hard to minimize the impact to visitors.

Find a full list of closures

Before you visit a state park, boating site or trail, it is always a good idea to check the latest closures due to planned improvement projects, repairs and weather-related events in DNR facilities around the state. A list of ongoing/updated alerts can be found at Michigan.gov/DNRClosures. Read more

Wildlife

APEX Ammunition Introduces Mossy Oak Greenleaf Turkey TSS Blend

Columbus, Miss. (February 6, 2023) – APEX Ammunition, makers of award-winning, handloaded, ultra-high-density Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) shotshells, is pleased to introduce its newest ammunition for turkey hunters – the APEX Mossy Oak Greenleaf Turkey TSS Blend.

Available in 3-inch 12-gauge 2 1/4 oz. loads and 3-inch 20-gauge 1 5/8 oz. loads, these premium “duplex” shells feature a combination of No. 9 and No. 10 TSS delivering an exceptional payload of 1,096 pellets in the 12-gauge shells and 774 pellets in the 20-gauge. With an industry-leading density of 18.1 grams per cubic centimeter, the APEX tungsten super shot loads hit with devastating energy. Each meticulously handloaded shell features clean-burning powder and APEX’s one-piece tungsten-grade wad system engineered to deliver the tightest patterns possible and maximum barrel protection. Read more

Ammunition

Primary Arms Optics MD-25 RDS 2nd Generation

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Following the success of their Odyssey 2023 Reveal Event, Primary Arms Optics has released their 2nd Generation SLx® MD-25 Red Dot Sight, which incorporates their patented AutoLive® illumination technology for extended runtime.

The MD-25 is part of the Primary Arms SLx optics line. SLx optics built their reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field testing during development to serve well in any environment. Since its release in 2020, the MD-25 has remained one of their most popular red dot sights. It features a wider 25mm aperture, which increases user awareness and visibility downrange. In 2021, the MD-25 ACSS® released with an advanced BDC reticle option, ultimately winning ‘Red Dot of the Year’ in the annual Industry Choice Awards.

This year, Primary Arms Optics is proud to reveal the 2nd generation of this now-beloved red dot, which brings in new technology to help users get longer battery life for always-on storage. The 2nd Generation SLx MD-25 Red Dot Sights feature updated badging and AutoLive® illumination technology. AutoLive reduces the emitter’s output when the optic is still for an extended period. Any slight movement will return the optic to its set output, ensuring it’s at full brightness when you need it. With AutoLive, you can store the MD-25 at full power without worrying about battery drain. Read more

Optics

SAF Files for Emergency TRO in Challenge to Conn. Gun Law

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in a lawsuit challenging a Connecticut gun control law have filed an emergency motion for a temporary restraining order because a new rule published by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on firearms designation places thousands of Constitution State citizens in serious legal jeopardy.

SAF is joined by the Connecticut Citizens Defense League and three private citizens, Jennifer Hamilton, Michael Stiefel and Eddie Grant, Jr. They are represented by Connecticut attorneys Doug Dubitsky of North Windham, Craig C. Fishbein of Wallingford and Cameron L. Atkinson of Harwinton.

“When ATF published its new rule, redesignating a class of firearms known as ‘any other firearm’ or simply ‘others’ as either ‘rifles’ or ‘short barreled rifles’ depending on the barrel length, all of those guns suddenly fell within the state’s definition of an assault weapon,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “This immediately put thousands of owners of previously-classified ‘other’ firearms in harm’s way legally because now their possession is a felony.” Read more

Gun Control

Remington Safes New Product Series Spotlight: Nitro

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – SA Consumer Products, manufacturer of in-home secure storage products, is proud to showcase their all-new premium gun security and storage lineup with Remington Safes.

From muskets to modern-day, generations of hunters and shooters have trusted the legendary Remington brand. Now you can trust the brand with safes built to protect your valuables and loved ones. In the Spring of 2022, the SA Consumer Products team partnered with Vista Outdoors and the Federal Cartridge Company to license the Remington brand for the In-Home Secure Storage category.

Next up in the new product line is the Nitro series; Nitro, known for long-range and consistency, carries over to this line of premier safes providing long life and excellent performance. The SecuRam UL Rated Electronic Lock is backlit for easy access to your firearm or valuables, even at night or in low light conditions. The Remington Nitro gun safe provides top-level security for your firearms and valuables. It is fire-rated for 90 minutes at 1800 degrees and waterproof for up to 7-days in 2 feet of water. The body is forged from 11-gauge steel and is painted a glossy Seltzer Gray Metallic. Entry to the safe is intuitive with the 5-spoke chrome handle with carbon fiber accents. The fully lit interior features quilted vinyl on the sidewalls and door. There is plenty of storage for guns and hunting accessories on the door storage and adjustable shelving. Stay powered up with dual outlets and two USB ports. The sophisticated design of the Remington Nitro safe is both practical and inspiring. Read more

Firearms

Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle in Stock,Now Shipping

Gunnison, Utah – Christensen Arms, manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms and carbon fiber barrels, is pleased to announce the Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR) is in stock and now shipping. The MHR with Flash Forged Technology (FFT) was introduced in late 2022 and gained rave reviews from hunting experts and the hunting community at large.

“If looks could kill, you’d never have to fire a shot from this MHR,” said Kort Neilson, Senior Director of Product Development, Christensen Arms. “This totally new Modern Hunting Rifle will meet the expectations of the most demanding shooters.”

The MHR was created to exceed any and all demands of the modern day hunter and sport shooter. Built on an aluminum mini-chassis with V-block bedding, the MHR combines the accuracy of a chassis rifle with the ergonomics of a hunting rifle. This newly redesigned rifle can be reconfigured to meet any situation.

Christensen’s MHR is one of the most modular rifles on the market today; offering over 200 different configurations. Whatever you’re hunting, wherever your pursuit takes you, at least one of those is sure to be the right fit. You can quickly and easily change your setup without ever needing to re-zero. Christensen’s MHR is the culmination of many years of engineering and design. If you’re looking for a rifle that does it all, look no further than the new MHR. Read more

Firearms
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