Michigan’s ‘Up North’ Birding Bliss June 1-3 at Camp Warbler

Calling all birders: the DNR’s third annual Camp Warbler is set for June 1-3, and registration is underway.

This two-night, three-day adventure, designed for adults and featuring presentations and guided birding activities, takes place at the DNR’s Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, or RAM Center, near Roscommon. Camp Warbler is an all-inclusive event, providing lodging as well as five meals and motor coach transportation from Belle Isle Park in Detroit.

“This getaway is perfect for individuals or couples seeking to enjoy the best parts of Michigan and meet new friends,” said Melissa Guigue, manager of the RAM Center, which offers a unique blend of rustic lodging and modern meeting facilities on the northern shore of Higgins Lake. “You’ll enjoy a stay where the options for outdoor fun are endless.”

Event highlights

Participants will be treated to presentations and activities led by interpreters and staff from state parks and the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center, the latter of which gives visitors a taste of Michigan’s great outdoors in the heart of Detroit. Camp Warbler activities include:

  • An interpretive, guided wildlife drive through the Shiawassee Wildlife Refuge, with stops along the way for additional birding. Shiawassee is one of just three wildlife refuges in the state.
  • A stop at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling.
  • Presentations on birding that will inspire both experienced and beginner birders.
  • A visit to a Kirtland’s warbler breeding site. Read more
Wildlife

XS Sights Optic Plate and Sight Bundles for Glock MOS Win ON TARGET Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award

 

XS Sights’ innovative Optic Plate and OR-Height Sight Bundles for Glock MOS pistols have won On Target Magazine’s Editors’ Choice Award. The editors like that these bundles “deliver a drop-in, worry-free solution for mounting your red dot and backing it up with minimalist irons – no math, no guesswork, no compromises.”

The precision CNC-machined steel optic plates are available for ACRO and RMR footprints and provide 30% more thread engagement “dramatically reducing the risk of optic shear or shift under recoil”. A durable BlackNitride finish ensures enhanced corrosion resistance for long-lasting performance. Engineered for ideal optic alignment, these plates are compatible with the most common red dots on the market, offering a rock-solid foundation for law enforcement, self-defense, and competition use.

Pair the plates with the XS OR-Height Minimalist iron sights and experience perfect co-witness out of the box. These OR sights for Glock pistols are effective, low-profile backups that maximize visibility through your optic’s window.

“For anyone who’s ever spent time fiddling with sight height formulas or worrying about thread depth, XS just solved the problem. This is practical performance for the serious Glock user – done right, right out of the box.” – Chris Mudgett, ON TARGET Magazine Read more

Firearms, Optics

Officers and civilian recognized for Ontonagon County ice rescue

Feb. 3, 2026
five people pose, smiling holding plaquesFive individuals received awards Monday at a Michigan Department of Natural Resources meeting at the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club in Dickinson County.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers Jennifer Lehto (Hanson) and Zach Painter, Michigan State Police Trooper Paul Maxinoski, Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission Capt. Steve Amsler and Susan Barrette, of Bergland, were recognized for their quick and effective actions that saved an angler’s life when he broke through the ice of Lake Gogebic in March 2024. Read more

Fishing

Nick Hoffman’s Once-in-Lifetime Elk Hunt

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?
WATCH THE FILM HERE!

When I found out I drew one of the most coveted elk tags in the country, I couldn’t believe it! Suddenly, had a Nevada bull elk tag in my pocket, and I MADE THE MOST OF IT. The hunt was one of the toughest, yet most rewarding of my life. I made new friends, challenged myself, and worked hard for the bull of a lifetime.

You can see the whole story unfold in the new film “What Are The Odds?” NOW on YouTube. I partnered with my friends at Vortex Optics to make an exclusive “VORTEX-HUNTS” film. A special thanks to OnX and Christensen Arms for being part of this journey.

NOW STREAMING. CLICK THE LINK!!

 
Hunting

Become a lighthouse keeper at Michigan’s Tawas Point!

The white tower and red keeper's quarters of Tawas Point Lighthouse set against a bright blue spring sky dotted with fluffy cloudsIf you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a?lighthouse?keeper, we’ve got a dream destination! Grab three friends and apply to the 2026 Lighthouse Keeper Program?at?Tawas Point Lighthouse, located?in?Tawas Point State Park (about 75 miles northeast of Saginaw). Opportunities are available from early May through late October.

This program is perfect for enthusiasts of history, lighthouses or Michigan (or a combination of all three). Enjoy a two-week stay along the beautiful Lake Huron shoreline, immersed in the history of Tawas Point.

Equipped with training and knowledge from the lighthouse’s historian, keepers serve as guides, greeting visitors and leading tours. Keepers also are responsible for basic facility maintenance and cleanliness. The total service commitment is about 30 hours each week. The keeper schedule includes plenty of free time to explore the state park, nearby communities and surrounding area.

“We get up, we take a great bike ride, we swim and then we’re here for about five hours with the tours,” said Heidi, a 2025 Tawas Point Lighthouse keeper. “The people here are spectacular. We’ve met people from different countries, from different parts of Michigan, and they’re all interested in lighthouses, just like we are – so it has been a terrific experience. We really appreciate the opportunity!”

Colorful quilts and nautical pillows on beds, knotty pine floors, a dresser in a bedroom of Tawas Point Lighthouse keeper's quartersThe lighthouse might be nearly 150 years old, but the living quarters feature modern accommodations. The second floor includes two bedrooms that can sleep four adults, a fully equipped kitchen and a full bathroom. Free on-site parking is also provided.

Keepers apply in teams of four; the cost is $250 per person. All team members must be at least 18 years old and able to climb the 85 steps to the top of the tower.

Applications are due by 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28. There is a $10 nonrefundable application fee. Successful applicants will be notified no later than March 31.

Learn more at the?Michigan History Center’s?Lighthouse Keepers webpage?or email?DNR-TawasKeepers@Michigan.gov.
Wildlife

TrueTimber Partners with Stoeger and Bone Collector on the Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition

TrueTimber, the world’s best-selling camo brand, is excited to announce its collaboration with Stoeger and Bone Collector’s Michael Waddell on the Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition. This collaborative shotgun features TrueTimber’s Nevado camo, an all-new pattern coming to TrueTimber’s Tekari apparel line sold at Walmart. The Stoeger P3000 Bone Collector Nevado Edition will be available for purchase with limited availability in-store at Walmart. Read more

Firearms

Federal Ammunition Launches Henry Cattleman Special Edition

Federal Ammunition launches a limited-edition, commemorative, collectible packaging to pair with Henry’s American Cattleman Tribute Edition Rifle. The new 150-grain, 30-30 Win. offering features a bonded soft-point bullet, and the nickel-plated case’s unique geometry ensures smooth, reliable feeding through the rifle.

“Whether you’re looking to hunt deer, hogs, and other big game, or just channel your inner cowboy, Federal and Henry Repeating Arms have the combination you need,” said Federal’s Marketing Director Brian Anderson. “The two iconic brands have collaborated on a new load for Henry’s American Cattleman lever-action rifle. We, at Federal, are excited about this collaboration.”

This new product, designed in collaboration with Henry Repeating Arms for its American Cattleman rifle, boasts a muzzle velocity of 2,390 fps. It features a bonded soft-point bullet that expands reliably and penetrates deep. The nickel-plated case is specially designed for more reliable feeding in lever-action rifles. It is packaged in 20-count boxes and is made in the USA. Read more

Ammunition

Lipsey’s Announces Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 36 Field Ethos Edition

Lipsey’s, a nationally renowned firearms distributor, releases the Lipsey’s Exclusive Smith & Wesson Model 36 Field Ethos “Tropical” Edition, a bespoke revolver developed in partnership with Smith & Wesson® and Field Ethos — the celebrated lifestyle brand dedicated to the spirit of the outdoors.

Field Ethos has cultivated a passionate following by celebrating rugged exploration, gear excellence, and the unapologetic pursuit of adventure. From global travel narratives to gear evaluations and print journal features, the brand’s storytelling transcends typical outdoor media by integrating community voices and real-world experiences into every platform.

This exclusive edition revolver blends classic concealability with refined, performance-driven features. Built on the Smith & Wesson Model 36 J-Frame platform, the all-steel revolver features a polished blued finish and weighs a trim 19.5 ounces. A Performance Center–tuned action delivers a smooth double-action trigger pull, while the bobbed hammer ensures snag-free carry. The revolver is equipped with a gold bead front sight paired with a precision U-notch cut directly into the top strap for a clean, fast sight picture. Premium Tyler Gun Works walnut boot grips and the Field Ethos logo engraved on the sideplate complete the package. Read more

Firearms

Redding Reloading Equipment’s Master Hunter and Master Hunter Deluxe Die Sets

Redding Reloading Equipment introduces a significant expansion to the Master Hunter Die Set and Master Hunter Deluxe Die Set product lines for (45) of the most popular cartridges in the industry today. Branded as Master Hunter Die Sets, these offerings include a carbide expander button as well as the patented Redding Competition Seat Die.

At Redding, we listen to our customers who continue to demand improved accuracy, performance, ease of handloading and increased flexibility at their reloading bench. The addition of a carbide expander button to the sizing die makes inside neck sizing smoother and easier without lubrication. The button also free floats on the decapping rod allowing for self-centering in the case neck improved concentricity.

The micrometer equipped Competition Seating Die allows for precise bullet seating depth to 1/0.001″. Alignment is enhanced by the cartridge case and bullet being completely supported and aligned in a precision ground sleeve before the bullet seating begins. This offers handloaders around the world the ability to load with high degree of precision and the convenience of fast and accurate changes in bullet seating depth, making it easier than ever to fine-tune your favorite loads. Read more

Ammunition

Mentored Pheasant Hunt in Michigan

young hunter in field holding harvested pheasant
Saturday, March 7, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Rooster Ranch in Ubly (Huron County)

Huron County is at the northern tip of the Thumb, which is a sub region of Mid Michigan. It is a peninsula, bordered by Saginaw Bay to the west and Lake Huron to the north and east, and has over 90 miles (140 km) of shoreline, from White Rock on Lake Huron to Sebewaing on the Saginaw Bay.

This workshop for beginners will teach you proper, safe shooting and pheasant hunting techniques. Youth and accompanying adults who want to learn to hunt are welcome. No previous experience is required.

First, we’ll cover hunting tools and techniques, hunting ethics and safety. Next, we’ll head to the trap range to practice shooting, then out to the fields to hunt for pheasants. Dogs, their handlers and mentors will be on hand throughout the day.

After hunting, everyone will meet for lunch and a bird-cleaning demonstration before the workshop wraps up.

Cost is $35 for each adult (if hunting) and $10 per child. Ammunition, orange vests and lunch will be provided. Children must have an adult attend with them for supervision, but adults should register if they also want to hunt.

For more information or if you need a loaner gun, please contact Jen Davis at 734-680-6049 or jdavis@nwtf.net.

Register for hunt ?

This event is presented as part of a partnership agreement between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation, with DNR funding support.

 

Hunting
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