As Fall/Winter Birding Beckons, Keep Best Practices in Mind

Michigan welcomed some rare owls to the Upper Peninsula this fall, a trend that is likely to continue as northern owls migrate south into Michigan for the winter. At the end of September, a burrowing owl (like those pictured here) was seen at Whitefish Point, on the northern tip of Chippewa County, for the first time since 1986! This sighting is one of only four known records in Michigan.

Vagrants that are seen in unusual places often return to their home range, and many folks suspect this particular bird was from Florida and visited Michigan as a result of Hurricane Helene. Just a few weeks later, a northern hawk owl also was spotted at Whitefish Point. Northern owls such as the northern hawk owl can show up in the Great Lakes region each winter, leaving their colder habitats like the boreal forests of Canada and the Arctic tundra behind – but this visitor arrived a season early!

Both owls drew crowds of interested birders and photographers, and each season hundreds of species draw us outdoors as they flit in the treetops, hop through shrubs or run along shorelines. Whether in the backyard or deep forest, birding best practices can help protect our Great Lakes birds and visitors. Here are a few to start:

  • Keep a respectful distance. Getting too close to birds, and their nests, can cause them to flush (or fly away), interfering with their natural behavior and potentially preventing them from eating or caring for their young. If your approach causes a bird to flush, you’ve gotten too close.
  • Think carefully before sharing the location of a rare bird. While rare bird sightings are thrilling, they can draw a crowd, which can cause a disturbance.
  • Leave the drones to the pros. Although drones can be useful to researchers and biologists documenting bird populations (such as at island nesting colonies), drones in general can be very disruptive to birds, especially osprey. They are also illegal in national parks and some state parks.

Get more top tips and explore helpful resources to guide your next birding trip.

Questions? Contact Erin Rowan Ford at 313-820-0809.

Wildlife

Leupold Releases New Project Hunt Film: ‘Straight and Narrow’

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the release of its latest Project Hunt film, “Straight and Narrow,” on YouTube.

When life hits hard, you hit back harder. “Straight and Narrow” shares the story of 2023 Project Hunt winner Cody Austin as he embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime backcountry elk hunt with his dad after coming to terms with a life-changing medical diagnosis. Facing an uncertain future, Cody chose to seize the moment and cash in his elk points for an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of Wyoming. Witness his relentless spirit in this latest addition to the Project Hunt series.

“Stories like Cody’s are exactly why we launched the Project Hunt campaign,” said Bruce Pettet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “His resilience, his refusal to give up, and his incredible passion for the outdoors embody what it means to be relentless. We’re proud to have the opportunity to share his story.” Read more

Hunting

262 Inch Kentucky “Freak Show” Buck For Mark Peterson

As owner of Worldwide Trophy Adventures, the world’s largest hunting and fishing consulting agency, Mark Peterson travels the country hunting and documenting adventures at many hunting destinations to show other hunters what to expect. One of these destinations being Salt River Outfitters in the bluegrass state of Kentucky. Friend and Manager of Salt River Outfitters, Joey Cheek asked Mark, “Are you sitting down?” Then Joey sent Mark a picture of the buck later to be called, “Freak Show”! The giant buck showed up on a 175 acre lease that Joey is managing personally for Mark. Mark was presented with a decision. Travel to hunt Caribou in Alaska or hunt a once in a lifetime buck in Kentucky? When a buck like this one shows up on trail cameras there isn’t much of a choice, you figure out how to hunt it, and that’s what Mark did. Read more

Hunting

Millennium Sportsline Stadium Seats Are the Gift of Comfort

Anyone who has watched a soccer or Little League game from the bleachers knows they need more comfort and support. A Millennium Sportsline Stadium Seat would be a game-changer for these fans. In the holiday giving season, Stadium Seats make great gifts for relatives and friends who love to come to the games but would enjoy them much more if they could sit comfortably.

Millennium Sportsline Stadium Seats fit almost everyone and change the spectator experience with a fabric seat that’s held above the bleacher and an adjustable seat back. A buckled strap securely holds the seat so fans can lean back and take in the action.

Grandparents and older siblings will appreciate the gift of comfort. Of course, the Stadium Seat isn’t just for kids’ games. It provides a more enjoyable experience at concerts and plays, auto races, and rodeos. The lightweight Stadium Seat folds up for easy portability and doesn’t take up much room in a vehicle or in storage at home. Read more

General

Michigan’s Firearm deer hunting begins Nov. 15

Join in the time-honored tradition of deer hunting in Michigan. Get ready for a terrific time in Michigan’s beautiful forests and fields. Firearm deer season is open Nov. 15-30.

Deer season forecast

Prepare for your season by reading about how things are shaping up in your neck of the woods in the 2024 deer season forecast. Read more

Hunting

Arizona Bald Eagle Recovery Soars to New Heights

2024 breeding season breaks multiple records

Arizona’s breeding bald eagle population grew to its largest size ever documented, with a record 90 adult pairs occupying breeding areas across the state and hatching a record 96 young during the 2024 breeding season, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual survey.

This year’s breeding bald eagles laid at least 119 eggs and produced 96 hatchlings, of which 77 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging. Statewide, there were 104 documented breeding areas, including seven new sites in 2024.

“Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to be strong,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The fact that we continue to see an increase in breeding areas and hatchlings speaks to the resiliency of these magnificent animals and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to help conserve and protect Arizona’s bald eagles.”

From busy city golf courses to remote forests, the diversity of the active eagle breeding sites across Arizona requires a specialized approach.

“We evaluate each breeding area, its location, the breeding adults and their tolerance to human activities,” said Jacobson. “Then we form the management plan for that area and for the needs of that pair.” Read more

Wildlife

Nosler Releases Limited Edition M21 Carbon Rifle

Bend, OR –- Nosler®, Inc. a global leader in the manufacture of bullets, cartridge cases, ammunition, firearms and suppressors, is proud to announce the release of their 2024 Limited Edition M21 Carbon Rifle.

Nosler’s Limited Edition M21 Carbon is a feature-rich rifle centered on the precision-built Model 21 action, crafted using advanced wire EDM technology. This action features a spiral-fluted, Nitride-coated bolt made from durable 4340 Chrome Moly steel, offering reduced weight, smooth operation, and improved debris management for rugged environments. With an M16-style extractor and tool-less takedown, the M21 Carbon combines innovative design with user-friendly functionality, making it a powerhouse of performance and durability.

Complementing the trusted Model 21 action, the M21 Carbon rifle features a high-quality, lightweight carbon fiber barrel and an ultra-light stock, optimized for effortless handling in the field. Equipped with the TriggerTech Diamond Gold-Edition trigger, this rifle delivers top-tier performance with Zero Creep Technology™ for an impeccably crisp break and adjustable pull weights ranging from 4 to 32 ounces. The trigger’s Frictionless Release Technology ensures a smooth and consistent pull.

The all-new Limited Edition M21 Carbon rifle is an exclusive release with only 100 uniquely crafted rifles available. Offered in 28 Nosler with a 24” barrel, priced at $3,795, and 308 Winchester with a 16” barrel, priced at $3,695, this limited collection brings precision and performance in an ultra-light, rugged package. With only 100 units in existence, the M21 Carbon is designed for the discerning shooter who values craftsmanship, innovation, and rarity in a rifle built to exceed expectations in the field. Read more

Firearms

ATN Corp BlazeHunter Thermal Monocular

ATN Corp, the leading manufacturer of advanced Smart Digital, Night Vision, and Thermal Vision Optics proudly announces the launch of the ATN BlazeHunter Thermal Monocular, designed to elevate the outdoor experience for both hunters and any kind of outdoorsman. A revolution in thermal imaging that combining cutting-edge technology with a rugged, durable design, the BlazeHunter offers unmatched clarity, precision, and versatility for use in any environment.

The BlazeHunter takes thermal imaging technology to new heights with its advanced features and razor-sharp clarity. At the core of this innovation is a state-of-the-art vanadium oxide, uncooled focal plane detector image sensor, delivering an industry-leading NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) rating of less than 18mK. This means the BlazeHunter is capable of detecting even the slightest temperature variations, making it an indispensable tool for hunters tracking game or outdoor enthusiasts surveying vast and unpredictable landscapes.
BlazeHunter is designed for those who demand more from their outdoor gear. Whether you’re venturing out at high noon or navigating the wilderness in complete darkness, this device offers an array of advanced features tailored to elevate your experience. Read more

Optics

Daniel Defense Announces the Relaunch of the Daniel H9 Handgun

BLACK CREEK, Ga. — Daniel Defense is thrilled to announce the relaunch of the Daniel H9 handgun, now equipped with enhanced hardware for optimized accuracy and reliability. This reimagining reflects Daniel Defense’s commitment to quality, precision, and our customers—elevating the Daniel H9 to a new standard of excellence.firearms are trusted by law enforcement, military personnel, and shooting sports competitors worldwide.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do,” said Rod Reasen, CEO of Daniel Defense. “Their trust and input drive us to continuously improve. We don’t just build firearms; we create lifelong relationships with our customers by listening to their needs and standing behind our products 100%. With this relaunch, we’re proud to offer a handgun that reflects Daniel Defense’s unwavering commitment to quality and the highest standards of firearm manufacturing.”

New Daniel H9 units will ship with the enhanced barrel and recoil spring assembly already installed, guaranteeing every owner experiences the H9’s upgraded performance right out of the box. For those satisfied with their current H9, Daniel Defense’s Lifetime Guarantee remains in full effect, ensuring ongoing confidence in their purchase.

The relaunch of the Daniel H9 marks a new era of innovation, reliability, and performance for the brand. We’re excited to bring this redesigned handgun to our loyal customers and firearm enthusiasts everywhere, continuing our tradition of American-made excellence, backed by the Daniel Defense 100% Lifetime Guarantee. Read more

Firearms

Hunter Dies in Tree Stand Fall (Starke County, Ind.)

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal fall from a tree stand that occurred Saturday in Starke County.

At approximately 3 p.m., officers and emergency personnel responded to the 3500 block of S. 700 E. in Knox for a report of a fatal tree stand fall.

Once on scene, officers discovered Larry Sedwick, 53, of Cedar Lake, was deer hunting from an elevated tree stand when he fell from the stand. Sedwick was not wearing a full-body safety harness and was pronounced dead on the scene.

The incident is still under investigation.

Conservation Officers remind all hunters to wear a full-body safety harness when hunting from an elevated hunting platform.

Assisting agencies include the Starke County Sheriff’s Office, Starke County Coroner’s Office, Starke County EMS, and Knox Police Department.

Hunting
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