The importance of antlerless deer harvest and new regulations in Michigan

Deer populations across Michigan present a diverse range of challenges and opportunities for wildlife management. From the overabundance in the Lower Peninsula to the varying dynamics in the Upper Peninsula, managing deer numbers effectively is crucial for ecosystem health, agricultural interests and the balance of natural predators. Recent regulatory changes highlight the state’s efforts to address these issues through strategic antlerless deer harvest policies.

Overabundance in the Lower Peninsula

Many locations in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, including many urban and suburban areas, are experiencing high deer population densities. This overabundance can lead to various problems, including increased vehicle collisions, damage to crops and gardens, and the spread of diseases such as chronic wasting disease and bovine tuberculosis where they exist. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Blind Faith

September 14, 2024

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Last-minute preparations are underway for my plan to head to the South to lend a hand in the effort to help folks survive the elements thrust upon them by Hurricane Helene.  I’m leaving my computer behind, so there’ll be no postings to this site until I return.  When that is, will have to be determined only after working my way into the mix, whatever that means.

I’ve been fortunate to have lined up a contact and a shelter, after initially signing up with Samaritan’s Purse; however, I couldn’t arrange for accommodations with them, but their personnel directed me to two churches in Black Mountain, NC and the Black Rock Baptist Church answered the call.  The pastor says there’s no running water, but that’s a familiar setting for this experienced outdoorsman.

With that in mind, I’ve meticulously checked off items on my camping list, – Yes, I am a believer in lists.  My 22 year-old GMC pickup truck simply cannot be relied upon for such a mission, so I will pack as much as I can into a Chevy Equinox.  That rear area is more than one would think, but with the seats down, it makes for a great cargo area.  I’ve already staged myriad equipment and supplies in the garage, and it will be interesting to learn if it’ll all fit.

To be continued…

General

Enter to Win a Trophy Mule Deer Hunt in Alberta

This trophy mule deer rifle hunt features a fully guided six-day experience with Trust the Land Outfitters during the rut, taking place from November 3-8, 2025. The hunt will take place on private land in the foothills of Southern Alberta, in the far western part of the province. The package also includes a cabin equipped with all amenities and delicious home-cooked meals. With an entry of just $20, you could secure an exciting hunt trip while also supporting SCI Foundation’s vital wildlife conservation work. Enter today at https://bit.ly/muledeersweeps.

Contests

Enter the Great 8 Fall Raffle for Just $10

The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) would like to remind hunters that Conservation First USA is running its bonus Great 8 fall raffle. With fall seasons opening and hunting on the brain, what better time to purchase tickets?

The best part? You can buy as many $10 tickets as you like for mule deer, whitetail deer, bison, elk, pronghorn, javelina, mountain lion and black bear. Even better, winners can hunt for 365 days almost anywhere in the state, giving you the ultimate flexibility to plan your hunt. Remember, 100 percent of the proceeds go back to AZGFD for projects that benefit the species.

Why Enter?

  • No impact on your annual harvest limit or bonus points.
  • 365-day hunting period (Aug. 15, 2025, to Aug. 14, 2026) – hunt any time within a year across most of the state.
  • Affordable entry – just $10 per ticket, per species.
  • Unlimited ticket purchases – boost your chances with more entries.
  • Support wildlife conservation – every dollar supports on-the-ground projects.

How to Enter:

You must purchase your tickets online through Conservation First USA’s website. But don’t wait, the deadline for ticket purchases is Dec. 15. Make sure to check out all the rules.

Spread the word to your hunting community—every ticket sold makes a difference!

CFUSA Website

Contests

InfiRay Outdoor Announces New RICO Mk2 LRF Thermal Weapon Sight

(Lewisville, Texas) iRayUSA, the United States distributor of InfiRay Outdoor thermal optics, is pleased to announce a new 384×288 resolution model in the RICO Mk2 LRF line, the RL42R.

The RICO (Rugged Infrared Compact Optic) line has long been one of InfiRay Outdoor’s most popular families of thermal weapon sights. The second generation (RICO Mk2 LRF) of this line began with the announcement of the RH50R at SHOT show in January, and was immediately in high demand across the iRayUSA dealer network. The new RL42R continues the innovative design and feature set of the RH50R (integrated laser rangefinder, on-board ballistics calculator, etc.) but with a 42 mm germanium objective lens and a 384×288 resolution thermal sensor. This combination provides a 4x native (base) magnification. “Magnification and resolution always represent a trade-off and a delicate balancing act” said Pliny Gale, iRayUSA Marketing and Communications Manager. “While the RH50R has superior resolution, the increased native magnification of the RL42R hits the sweet spot for many predator hunters – starting at a 4x magnification instead of always having to zoom in and throw away resolution to get there.” Like the RH50R, the sensor in the RL42R is still a 12 µm vanadium oxide microbolometer, with a thermal sensitivity rating (NETD) of 20 mK, providing exceptional detail and clarity.

All RICO Mk2 LRF models utilize an industry leading 2560×2560 AMOLED display and an intuitive digital zoom control. The sight is powered by a 4400 mAh IBP-5 which can be charged through an included charger or through the optic using a magnetic connector or USB-C.

The Mk2 LRF RL42 is priced at $3,499 and will be available in November of 2024 through iRayUSA dealers. To learn more about this model, please visit irayusa.com/rl42r Read more

Optics

Charter Arms Introduces the New Double Dog Revolver Series

Charter Arms, manufacturers of affordable, 100% American-made revolvers for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the introduction of the new Double Dog Revolver Series. First in the series is the Charter Arms Mag Pug Combo, a combination of the Mag Pug and Pit Bull chamberings. This versatile revolver offers compatibility with .357 Magnum and 9mm calibers.

“We couldn’t be happier see this project come to life,” said Nick Ecker, Owner, President and CEO, Charter Arms. “We knew once it came off the production line, it surpassed all our expectations. The caliber flexibility is ideal for concealed carry, home protection and well-suited for the range.”

This revolutionary revolver comes standard with two interchangeable cylinders, one .357 and one 9mm with patented no moon clip technology, allowing for easy caliber conversations. Offered in a 2.2” or 4.2” ported barrel with diamond cuts, this state-of-the-art revolver combo has a 5-round capacity, making it an ideal choice for both personal defense and sport shooting. Available in a stainless-steel or black passivate finish with classic walnut and professional backpacker wooden grips. Read more

Firearms

Darton Launches New Bows with Patent Pending Technology

With next year being the 75th anniversary of Darton Archery, Darton has once again taken the lead in cutting edge advancements in bow technology. This time in Timing and Tuning! The new Sequel ST2 series of bows, available in 31”, 33” and “35” (NEW) axle to axle bows all come with patent pending Perfect Timing and Perfect Tuning technology. With a completely new approach to the age-old issues of timing and tuning to a perfect “bullet hole”, all without the need of a bow press, Darton has taken, what has been typically a potentially very long process, down to just a few minutes. All you need is a simple allen wrench.

Darton President Randy Kitts said, “With the timing marks clearly laser engraved on the cams, the infinite adjustment of the cables by using the perfect timing system, getting a bow to a perfect timing location is a breeze!” He continued, “Also, the ability to adjust the pressure on the limbs incrementally to adjust a paper tear, without having to use a bow press, everything just got easier for dealers and consumers to get the utmost confidence that their bow is perfect.”

The Darton timing and tuning technology will be available on the new Sequel ST2 bows, The Exodus Pro, and Exodus Short Draw (SD), the Departure Pro, and Departure Short Draw(SD) bows.

To find out more about Darton bows, Black Eagle Arrows and Conquest stabilizers please email info@blackeaglearrows.com

Archery

Canik Announces the Mete MC9L and MC9 LS

Canik is proud to announce the transformation of its signature micro-compact pistol, the Mete MC9, with two new models: The MC9L and MC9LS. These transformed pistols elevate the MC9 platform by offering increased capacity and grip surface on both models and an increased sight radius on the MC9LS.

The Canik Mete MC9L and MC9LS are each chambered in 9mm, with a capacity of 17+1rds, and accept all standard and extended capacity Canik magazines. The MC9L supports an overall length of 6.27 inches, a width of 1.14 inches, a height of 5.43 inches, a 3.18 inch barrel length, and an unloaded weight of 22.22 ounces. The MC9LS increases the barrel length 0.46 inches to a total of 3.64 inches, with an overall length at 6.75 inches and unloaded weight of 23.73 ounces. Both models ship in a hard case and include two 17rd magazines, an inside the waistband holster, 3 sized backstraps, tool kit and punch, speed loader, pinky rest, and cleaning kit. The MC9L and MC9LS will be initially offered in black, flat dark earth (FDE), and two tone black/FDE. Both models will have an optic included version available w/ the Mecanik MO1 as well. The Canik Mete MC9L and MC9LS are truly the epitome of “Superiority Transformed!” Read more

Firearms

Buck Knives’ Custom Knife Shop Expands Blade Steel Options with MagnaCut

Buck Knives, Inc., a widely recognized global leader in the hunting, outdoor, and everyday carry (EDC) knife markets, wants all knife owners to have a knife in their hands that meets their needs–and personal preferences. That’s a top reason the Post Falls, Idaho manufacturer provides the option of ordering a one-of-a-kind knife directly from the Buck Knives Custom Knife Shop. Ten Buck knife models can be customized to your preference, with selections ranging from steel to handle materials.

New to 2024, Buck now offers MagnaCut steel on several Custom Knife Shop models. Magnacut is a proprietary steel developed by Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries, renowned for their innovations in metallurgy. It falls into the category of high-performance, powder metallurgy steels, which are known for their exceptional properties compared to traditional steels. MagnaCut steel has outstanding edge retention, remarkable balance between hardness and toughness, and good corrosion resistance, which comparably makes it superior to other knife steels. On top of all that, MagnaCut is relatively easy to sharpen compared to other high-performance steels.

As the holiday season approaches, keep the Buck Custom Knife Shop in mind. Knives make great gifts, especially when custom-built. Read more

Cutlery

Nosler Launches New Whitetail Country Ammunition

Nosler®, Inc. a global leader in the manufacture of bullets, cartridge cases, ammunition, firearms and suppressors, is excited to announce the launch of its newest ammunition line: Whitetail Country™. Designed specifically for deer, this new line is engineered to deliver premium terminal performance and reliability, all at a price point accessible to every deer hunter.

The Whitetail Country™ line features two standout bullets: the Solid Base® and the Straight-Wall™. The renowned Solid Base® bullet, known for its precision and terminal performance, incorporates a fifth-generation tapered jacket and a heavy solid base to deliver deep penetration and optimal expansion for quick, efficient kills. Its boat-tail design and aerodynamic profile ensure superior accuracy and wind resistance, making it the ideal choice for deer hunters looking for exceptional performance.

Nosler’s Straight-Wall™ bullet is tailored for the slower impact velocities typical of straight-wall cartridges. It boasts a flat base, a thin jacket at the tip, and a lead nose to ensure reliable expansion, even at extended ranges. The truncated nose design allows for smooth feeding across various action types, while the form-fitted lead core enhances stability and accuracy. This cutting-edge design mirrors the stopping power of standard bottleneck rifle cartridges while being fully compliant with straight-wall cartridge regulations.

Whitetail Country™ ammunition sets a new standard in deer hunting, providing unparalleled terminal performance and reliable expansion to kill deer quick. This new line represents both a nod to tradition and a leap forward in precision and power, ensuring every shot counts.

Whitetail Country™ ammunition is available in the following: Read more

Ammunition
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