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

Springfield Armory 1911 DS Prodigy Takes on 10,000 Round Torture Test

GENESEO, ILL. (2/6/23) – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce that its 1911 DS Prodigy™ 9mm pistol has recently proven its mettle in a demanding 10,000-round torture test, with every round documented on video. Administered by Paul Carlson, owner of Safety Solutions Academy, the test — hosted on TheArmoryLife.com — saw the 5″ pistol run thousands of rounds of PMC Bronze, 115-gr. 9mm ammunition, provided by True Shot for the test.

“The Prodigy just ate up all the ammunition I fed it,” said Carlson. “I never tired of firing 9mm in this full-size pistol — all 10,000 rounds. I cannot recommend the Prodigy enough for anyone looking for a 1911 that adds the benefit of cutting-edge performance features and increased magazine capacity. This one is a proven performer!”

The 1911 DS Prodigy from Springfield Armory takes the proven 1911 platform and enhances it with double-stack capacity and a performance-driven feature set. Reconfigured around a double-stack magazine, the Prodigy’s polymer grip module mounts to its forged steel frame offering capacities of 17+1 and 20+1 (with an optional 26-round magazine also available). Read more

Firearms

Increase in Hunting Participation: Spike or Tradition?

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Media Association (POMA)

The National Deer Association (NDA) has published a compilation of whitetail deer-hunting statistics for hunting seasons through year 2021 across the nation; the most recent season’s data for year 2022 will be available next year.  With Michigan’s new mandatory reporting requirements, a more detailed assessment is anticipated next year of how our state stacks up to 37 states in the Midwest, Northeast and Southeast.

Nationally, the antlered buck (those 1½ years or older) harvest is at a record level, and Michigan’s buck harvest was 6 percent above the previous 5-year average.  The season was a record for hunters with the total buck harvest a whopping 3,041,544 which marked the first time it has surpassed 3 million adult bucks since 2009.

The top states for antlered buck harvest were Texas (449,933), Michigan (219,387), Pennsylvania (174,780), Wisconsin (158,236) and Missouri (40,855).  Michigan’s buck harvest is some 4 percent higher than each of the two previous seasons.

Comparing these totals to available hunting land, Michigan has one of the highest amount of bucks taken per square mile:  Interestingly, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Delaware all came in at 3.9 bucks per square mile – twice the national average.

The top states with the greatest antlered buck harvest per 100 hunters are Mississippi (74), South Carolina (65), Louisiana (58), Texas (58), and Georgia (55).  Michigan buck harvest totaled 39 bucks per 100 hunters.

One of the more noteworthy statistics relates to the age structure of bucks taken.  Again, Michigan has not reported these figures in several years but had been one of the states taking a large percentage of yearling bucks – those 1 ½ years of age.  Wisconsin hunters took 40 percent of its bucks as yearlings with Ohio, New York, Illinois, Maine, and New Hampshire close behind.  Nationally, it is encouraging that hunters are allowing bucks to mature much more than in past years.  Specifically, in year 1989 the tally of yearling bucks was 62 percent of the total kill, whereas in year 2020 the declining total has reached a scant 26 percent of all bucks taken.

On the other end of the scale are bucks of 3 ½ years of age or older taken.  Again, Michigan has not submitted these statistics but has never been among the leaders in this category.  Here are the nation’s top states in this regard shown as a percentage of total bucks taken:  Oklahoma (83), Louisiana (82), Mississippi (79), Arkansas (76), and Texas (71).

The antlerless harvest numbers are important in helping to balance each state’s buck-to-doe ratio.  Michigan’s antlerless take is a startling 25 percent higher than the previous two years at 191,252 or 3.4 per square mile; only Texas (402,515) and Pennsylvania (260,400) took more bald deer.

The sudden and significant increase in Michigan’s deer kill and that of other Midwestern states is no doubt a reflection of citizens’ new-found inclination to self-sufficiency courtesy of myriad governmental Covid-related dictates.  Empty store shelves inspired Americans to find a way out – way out in the wilderness, or any facsimile thereof.  Camping, fishing, hunting were all on the menu of first-time sportsmen and women.  Supply lines would become the direct responsibility of multitudes of outdoors people – many of whom were discovering or rediscovering their roots through hunting and fishing.  Some will have enjoyed the experience enough to carry on and only time will tell if the spike in participation morphs into tradition.

Hunting, Wildlife

Conservation officer, state trooper rescue resident from burning home in Delta County

Feb. 3, 2023

Five minutes after Delta (Michigan) dispatch put out a call reporting a structure fire along U.S. Highway 2 in Rapid River, Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Stephen Butzin arrived at the scene.

Officer Butzin

Stephen Butzin

Michigan State Police Trooper Zane Weaver got there at the same time.

The Masonville Township Fire Department and EMS personnel weren’t far behind, with the residents of the home – an unidentified husband and wife – reportedly still inside their burning house.

“I was informed that the wife left the house, when she returned, she opened the door and smoke began to pour out of the residence, she then called 911,” Butzin said.

Butzin and Weaver ran up to the front door and found thick, brown smoke coming out of the residence, and they observed a woman standing outside.

“As I walked in the house, you could not see anything at ‘standing height,’” Butzin said. “I had to crouch to be able to see through the house as it was full of smoke.”

Trooper Weaver located the husband on the couch and yelled for him to exit the residence, but he would not comply with the order. Read more

General

Michigan: DNR to Accept Comment on Proposed Camp Grayling Expansion

The department already has received several thousand comments via the interactive map, email and traditional mail.

Contact: DNR-Public-Info@Michigan.gov

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will continue to accept public comment through Wednesday, Feb. 8, on the National Guard’s proposed expansion of its Camp Grayling training facility to include 162,000 acres of DNR-managed forest land.

The comment period will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8. The DNR has been receiving public comments since June 2022, and the DNR and the military have sponsored and appeared at many public meetings to collect feedback throughout the summer and fall regarding the proposed expansion. Several thousand comments have already been shared with the DNR, and staff has been evaluating public input as it is received. A summary of the comments will be posted on the DNR’s Camp Grayling proposal information page.

The DNR will review the feedback received and continue discussions with the military about use of state-managed forest land for military training. Read more

General
1 … 529 530 531 532 533 … 2,070