Kirtland’s Warbler Tours in Michigan

Joining a Kirtland’s Warbler Tour will provide the best chance to observe a rare Kirtland’s Warbler in its jack pine habitat (photo by Roger Eriksson).

Michigan Audubon is conducting Kirtland’s Warbler Tours thru June 26 for birders to see a recovering species that was formerly one of the most endangered species in the United States. Kirtland’s Warblers remain a difficult species for birders to find considering that only a few counties in central Michigan represent its primary nesting range, but during June, Michigan Audubon in collaboration with Hartwick Pines State Park is offering Kirtland’s Warbler Tours daily at 7am, with an additional 11am tour on Saturdays and Sundays. The tours are based at Hartwick Pines State Park just north of the town of Grayling. Read more

Wildlife

Dogs that Learned to Love the Water

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

My pal, Joe, has a large German Shorthair dog which has learned to love the water.  Even though he had experienced a life-threatening experience not knowing how to swim properly, he has overcome his fears thanks to his owner, who coaxed him into his arms in deep water.  (Dogs that do the “dog paddle” have not learned to use their back legs and will tire before long.)  In any event, it’s a joy to watch the fearless canine, which will simply swim for the joy of it.

Watching Junior at a lake recently brought back memories of my black Labrador Retriever, Otis, about 50 years ago.  He suffered a similar experience and nearly drowned in the Au Sable River and carried with him the fear of deep water until one fine day frolicking around in a small creek chasing butterflies.  Then it happened.

He got caught in the current and was heading downstream and it was sink or swim!  Something within Otis instantly transformed his fear, as he engaged those hind legs and powered out of trouble.  He never looked back and became a strong swimmer.

Like many loyal dogs, he didn’t like being separated from his owner, who in this case was me.  What follows is a case in point.

The scene played out at a small lake in Oakland County, where my pal, Don and I planned to spend some time in my tiny inflatable boat fishing.  Otis was along for the trip but was to be left ashore, where I figured he’d be able to watch us.  I commanded Otis to stay, as Don and I took the “yacht” to deep water.

The farther away we paddled, the more Otis became concerned.  Back and forth along the shore he ran and barked.  “You stay there” I shouted across the water.  But, he wasn’t having any of it, as separation anxiety took over his brain.

Otis was motoring directly toward us now and there was no stopping him.  His plan was to join us in my two-man boat.  That little boat was barely big enough for two and we were headed for a sink-and-swim lesson of our own, as the dog did his best to climb aboard.

We poked at Otis with our paddles in a losing battle to keep him from his plan.  The frantic dog sunk his teeth into Don’s paddle and now owned it.  Foolishly, I tried to paddle away, but the dog’s will and pure muscle overpowered my single-paddle effort.  Like it or not, we were being escorted to shore, as Otis towed us against our will with a paddle full of teeth holes.

That was the end of our “fishing” excursion for the day – a true testament to the connection that can develop between man and his loyal companion.

General, Wildlife

Nuisance geese ruffling your feathers?

Canada geese are a common sight on Michigan’s waters. In fact, they nest in every Michigan county, but are most common in the southern third of the state. You may even see and hear Canada geese all year in some parts of the state.

In June and July, these birds often are found on lakes and golf course ponds, feeding on lush lawns while molting – the annual loss of their flight feathers, which takes about two weeks. Canada geese are unable to fly during molting, so putting up a temporary barrier between your yard and the water may help keep flightless geese away from your property. Geese are especially attracted to lawns that are heavily fertilized, watered and mowed.

“If you live on a lake and geese frequently visit your yard, try making your lawn less attractive to them by allowing your grass to grow long and cutting down on fertilizer and water, or try planting shrubs to create a barrier between your lawn and the water,” said Barbara Avers, waterfowl and wetland specialist with the DNR.

Intentionally feeding Canada geese can attract them to the area as well, so don’t – especially if you are having conflicts with geese. Such artificial feeding can make them comfortable around people; it also can increase overcrowding and potentially spread disease among the birds.

Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: Free Fishing, Off-roading, State Park Entry June 11-12

Contact: Jessica Holley-Roehrs (ORV), 517-331-3790; Sierra Williams (fishing), 517-230-8788 or Ron Olson (Recreation Passport), 517-243-1477

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend June 11-12

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12 – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks and boating access sites, all free of charge. Read more

Fishing

Stoeger Industries Introduces “Carry Tough” Rebate Campaign

(Accokeek, MD) – Stoeger Industries, manufacturer of performance-grade shotguns, personal defense handguns, and airguns, announces the launch of the “Carry Tough” campaign. This new program offers consumers focused on personal and family protection a special offer on all Stoeger STR-9 family handguns.

From June 1 through July 31, 2022, consumers who purchase a new STR-9 pistol will be eligible for a $25 rebate. This offer applies to all STR-9 striker-fired 9mm handguns — from the concealed carry STR-9C sub-compact to the full-size STR-9S Combat pistol, as well as the recently introduced optic-ready models.

The Stoeger STR-9 family of semi-auto 9mm pistols have earned a solid reputation for dependable service and for meeting the needs of personal defense practitioners at an affordable price point. All STR-9 handguns include rugged and ergonomic polymer frames, high-capacity double-stack magazines, integrated accessory rails, reversible magazine releases, drift-adjustable three-dot sighting systems, interchangeable backstraps, and more. In short, the STR-9 family offers everything discerning consumers expect in full-feature handguns — all at prices that deliver exceptional value before the Carry Tough rebate savings. Read more

Firearms

ZeroTech Optics Announces Four Mid-Level Binoculars

A new optic has landed for the Outdoor and Nature Enthusiasts in pursuit of adventure! ZeroTech Optics Announces Four Mid-Level Binoculars built with a primary purpose; to deliver best-in-class performance, reliability, and value for outdoor enthusiasts around the world.

Nashville, TN – What do hunters, hikers, campers, and sports event enthusiasts around the globe have in common? They all require a high-quality set of binoculars to view and observe their passion to the full experience. Following on from the overwhelming success of the THRIVE Rifle Optics range and continuing to set new standards in performance, reliability and value, ZeroTech Optics is pleased to announce the THRIVE Binoculars. Read more

Optics

SK Customs Releases The HAKA in Stainless

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Customs pays tribute to Haka Ka Mate with the launch of The HAKA, part two of a two-part limited-edition production designer series Colt 1911.

HAKA Ka Mate pre-dates the 19th Century and is defined as a Warriors Mantra; an expression consisting of every part of the body. Today Haka is performed in many reverences most predominately by the New Zealand Champion National Rugby Club and in other arrays throughout the world in both a ceremonial and threatening show of force through rhythmic moving of the body.

“The Haka is a ceremonial dance in M?ori culture and represents a display of a tribe’s pride, strength and unity,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns and SK Customs. “As we continue to release limited-edition firearms, we will continue to pay tribute to traditions and cultures from around the world.”

This final iteration of The HAKA is presented on a Full-Size Colt Classic 1911 Series 70 .38 Super and comes in a high polish stainless steel frame, slide and accents. The HAKA also features: Read more

Firearms

Saginaw Bay Set To Host Bassmaster College Series

Michigan’s Saginaw Bay will host the 2022 Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops June 9-10.

BAY CITY, Mich. — Last year, the Strike King Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops made its inaugural journey to Saginaw Bay, and anglers reported catching 50 to 60 bass in a day along with multiple 20-pound bags of both smallmouth and largemouth.

This year, young anglers will make the trip North again for the Bassmaster College Series at Saginaw Bay June 9-10. Former Elite Series pro Garrett Paquette, who currently competes in the St. Croix Bassmaster Opens presented by Mossy Oak Fishing, believes the fishing could be even better.

“There’s a little part inside of me that is going to be selfishly disappointed when the world is exposed to how great the fishery is,” the Canton, Mich., native said. “If they have good weather for this tournament, it is going to open a lot of eyes around the country.”

Located on the southwestern side of Lake Huron, Saginaw Bay has flown under the radar as a premier smallmouth fishery — and the largemouth fishing has improved greatly over the past couple of years in both quality and quantity. Read more

General

Michigan DNR conservation officer presented with Patriot Award

Sgt. Mark Leadman, a conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Marquette, was presented with a Patriot Award Wednesday from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

The ESGR program is a function of the U.S. Department of Defense. The Patriot Award is presented to supervisors who go above and beyond the call of duty to work with employees who are veterans.

DNR conservation officer Jeremy Sergey, a reserve member of the U.S. Coast Guard, initiated an application to have Leadman honored with the award. Leadman was surprised with the award today at the DNR’s Marquette Customer Service Center.

“Being a member in the reserve is very hard on families with using days off to drill, time spent away from family, and dealing with the stress of deployments. These stressors can be compounded if a member has a supervisor, or an organization that doesn’t understand the sacrifices the reserve member makes to fulfill their duties of being in the reserves,” Sergey said. “Sgt. Leadman has gone above and beyond what is legally required of him when managing members like myself. The simple fact that he schedules my long weekends on drill weekends, so I don’t have to use no-pay military leave, or annual vacation is a huge stress relief for me. Read more

General

“Fly Fisherman” Magazine Offers “Fly Fishing Made Easy” on Newsstands Now

DENVER – Fly Fisherman, the leading magazine of fly fishing, offers a new, special interest publication – Fly Fishing Made Easy – on newsstands now. Fly Fishing Made Easy unlocks all the secrets of fly fishing in a special 72-page issue.

Demystifying the perceived complexity of fly fishing is the goal of Fly Fishing Made Easy and readers will receive “turnkey” information into the wonderful world of fly fishing. The issue breaks down the idea of complicated casting instructions, barrier to entry without a mentor or instructor and the difficulty of initially getting started. Read more

Fishing
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