Garden for Birds

A Cape May Warbler feeds on red-osier dogwood berries and the insects that the fruits attract (photo by Ryan Sanderson).

There is a new project to help support birds in our yards that informs us how to plant gardens that attract and benefit birds – resident birds, migrating birds, foraging birds, resting birds – even nesting birds. This new outreach project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, “Garden for Birds,” is bringing birders in the United States and Canada together to better inform us about how the plants that we add to our garden impacts birds and biodiversity. But even more than a “garden,” we are truly talking about landscaping our yard, and like us, birds need food, water, shelter, and safe places to raise their young. To meet these needs, birds require quality habitat.

Garden for Birds is a new resource that helps you plan and plant your own “habitat” that provides areas for birds to forage, rest, and nest, ranging from hummingbirds to thrushes, flycatchers to orioles.

Flowering plants, shrubs, and trees are the foundation of habitat, and together they for an interconnected environment that birds utilize and need. Did you know that 95 to 98 percent of North American songbirds feed insects to their young? And native insects that birds eat need native plants to thrive; then birds fill the role of an “organic pesticide” by foraging for insects attracted to a habitat you encourage. Your garden and yard can be the source of these vital resources that support birds annually. That’s where the Free resource, “Garden for Birds,” comes in. Read more

Wildlife

Springfield Armory Announces Launch of XD Mod.4 OSP 9mm

GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the XD® Mod.4 OSP™ 9mm pistol, the newest generation of the platform that first set the standard for feature-rich striker-fired handguns. Built on a foundation of proven reliability, this newest XD iteration leverages this storied legacy to offer shooters a modern and capable 9mm — and all for an MSRP of just $399.

The XD Mod.4 OSP (which stands for “Optical Sight Pistol”) features a factory-milled slide that employs a plate-based system to accommodate today’s most popular optics, enhancing accuracy and performance. OSP™ plates for the pistol are available for purchase in the Springfield Armory Store.

The pistol’s aggressively textured polymer frame ensures superior control, with the texturing strategically placed on the most important contact points. Additionally, an undercut trigger guard and extended beavertail allow for a high-hand position for superior control. Matching up with the frame are enhanced slide serrations — located both fore and aft — that are deeply cut and aggressive, providing enhanced grip and confident manipulation even in adverse conditions. Read more

Firearms

Savage’s Legacy Model 110 Rimfire

Savage Arms®, an iconic firearm manufacturer, has expanded its heritage Model 110 series to include 22LR offerings. The new 110 RF marks a significant advancement in rimfire rifle accuracy.

The Model 110 RF models are built on the proven Model 110 action, ensuring reliability and precision. These full-size platforms are designed to be Savage’s most accurate rimfire rifles to date.

A standout feature of the Model 110 RF is its compatibility with stocks and accessories designed for the Savage Model 110 short-action rifle, providing users with extensive customization options. The bolt incorporates the same headspace control as the traditional Model 110, enhancing safety and performance. Additionally, a newly designed reversible front baffle allows users to adjust the bolt throw length in under 30 seconds, offering configurations for both traditional short action and shortened 22LR lengths.

This adaptability makes the Model 110 RF ideal for various applications, from competitive shooting to training purposes. The rifle’s design ensures a seamless transition for those familiar with the Model 110 platform, while introducing enhancements tailored for the 22LR cartridge. Read more

Firearms

ZeroTech Optics Launches Vengeance HD 1–10×28 FFP LPVO in Black and FDE

ZeroTech Optics is proud to introduce the newest addition to the Vengeance lineup—the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 FFP LPVO. Designed for shooters who demand rapid close-range capability and confident precision at distance, this versatile optic is now available in both classic Black and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) finishes.

Built for modern sporting rifles, the Vengeance HD 1–10×28 combines rugged construction, advanced optical performance, and a versatile reticle system to deliver exceptional performance across a wide range of shooting environments—from fast-paced competition to demanding tactical applications.

Product pages: Read more

Optics

Michigan Jury finds Macomb County man guilty of fishing on revoked license

Lake St. Clair ice fishingA Macomb County man with a history of Michigan Department of Natural Resources violations will spend 30-180 days in jail after being found guilty of two license violations.

37, of Washington Township, was sentenced March 10 in St. Clair County’s 72nd District Court for fishing without a license and fishing while licenses were revoked.

The penalty was increased to a habitual offender, due to Dermyer’s previous DNR violations within the past five years, which include:

  • Possessing an overlimit of perch.
  • Taking deer without a license.
  • Failure to possess an unused kill tag while deer hunting.
  • Possessing/transporting deer without an attached/validated kill tag.
  • Failure to attach a validated (deer) kill tag.

“Habitual offenders are not only stealing resources, but they also create a bad name for the law-abiding majority of hunters and anglers,” said Chief Brandon Kieft, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “The DNR appreciates the support from the St. Clair County court system in recognizing Mr. Dermyer’s repeated history of DNR offenses.”

In December, a Michigan DNR conservation officer contacted Dermyer while he was ice fishing on Lake St. Clair. Dermyer was unable to present a valid fishing license due to his fishing (and hunting) license being revoked until Jan. 1.

Dermyer received two citations — fishing without a license and fishing while ineligible for licenses — which were submitted to the St. Clair County prosecutor.

The DNR offered a plea deal to drop one of the charges, which Dermyer declined. He advanced to court in February, where a jury found him guilty of both charges.

Dermyer’s sentence included the following additional penalties:

  • $2,980 in court costs and fines.
  • $20 reimbursement to the State of Michigan for conservation fees.
  • Revoked fishing license for an additional seven years.

Michigan’s new fishing license and regulation season begins Wednesday, April 1. The 2026 fishing licenses are available for purchase now and are valid through March 31, 2027. Get more information about licenses, regulations, locations to fish and more at Michigan.gov/Fishing.

Fishing, Poachers

Rock River Arms Celebrates “No Tax” with the New Retro A1 Carbine SBR

Rock River Arms, the industry’s most respected name in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, wants to remind everyone that the newly implemented “zero tax” on NFA items doesn’t only apply to suppressors but also to Short-Barrel Rifles (SBRs). To celebrate, RRA introduces the new 10.5-inch A1 Carbine SBR.

This retro A1 Carbine SBR is an ideal pairing for anyone looking to run a suppressor on a high-mobility, exceptionally maneuverable defensive AR platform. This “old school is the new cool” configuration is the perfect SBR for those who value operational simplicity and no-fail performance as the base for their suppressed home defender. With its lightweight, chrome moly 10.5-inch A-1 barrel assembly and CAR gas system, the A1 Carbine SBR with an attached suppressor (suppressor not included) is compact and easy to handle in close quarter environments.

The A1 Carbine SBR comes chambered in 5.56 NATO/223 Rem. and is built on RRA’s forged LAR-15M lower receiver and forged A1 carry handle upper. The barrel is fitted with a conventional F-style front sight/gas block and A1 flash hider (1/2-28 thread) and hosts a classic A-1 triangular handguard.

Two variants of the A1 Carbine SBR are offered: one with a multi-position M4-style stock and the other with a fixed entry stock. Both include RRA’s A1 grip and single-stage trigger. Read more

Firearms

MDT Expands ACC Elite Compatibility to Savage 110 Short Action and CZ 457 Platforms

MDT is pleased to announce expanded ACC Elite chassis system compatibility for the CZ 457 and Savage 110 short action platforms, bringing the most popular PRS and competition chassis design to even more rifle platforms.

Built for competitive precision shooting, the ACC Elite delivers optimal balance, recoil control, and repeatable ergonomics for shooters pushing the limits of positional stability and accuracy. The update introduces compatibility for the CZ 457 rimfire and Savage 110 Short Action platforms, allowing shooters to build these rifles on MDT’s flagship competition platform.

The ACC Elite system features the SRS-X Elite Buttstock for refined fit and recoil management, along with the Vertical Grip Elite with backbar system, adjustable M-LOK thumb rest, allowing shooters to fine-tune their rifle setup for a natural and repeatable shooting position. Read more

Firearms

FPC Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Times Square Carry Ban

Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) filed a new federal lawsuit, Goldberger v. James, challenging New York’s “sensitive location” handgun carry ban in the Times Square area. FPC is seeking a permanent injunction against the enforcement of the carry ban as well as other relief.

The plaintiffs challenging the ban include one FPC member. The plaintiffs are represented by Peter A. Patterson, William V. Bergstrom, and Alfonso Gamboa of Cooper & Kirk, PLLC.

The complaint was filed on March 20, 2026. Likely next steps include an answer from the defendant and a briefing schedule from the District Court.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

New York’s ban unconstitutionally deprives individuals of the right to keep and bear arms in what is indisputably a public place where the need for self-defense may arise. The ban clearly contradicts the Supreme Court’s holding that governments cannot ban carry simply because a location is crowded and generally protected by the police. Read more

Gun Control

Delta Waterfowl Begins Predator Management Work to Increase 2026 Duck Production

Although snow and ice still have a firm grip over most of the prairie pothole region, field work has started for Delta’s Predator Management Program in preparation for the 2026 duck nesting season.

Delta’s team of professional trappers has begun working at 51 sites in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, North Dakota, and South Dakota, key areas that serve as vital nesting grounds for North American waterfowl. Up to 70% of the continent’s ducks hatch in the PPR, which is often referred to as “North America’s Duck Factory.” Millions of ducks hatched in the region migrate through all four flyways each fall and winter.

“Our efforts in the PPR give hens a leg up to produce a successful nest,” said Mike Buxton, waterfowl programs director. “Fewer predators on the landscape gives more ducks a fighting chance to make it to the fall flight.”

Delta’s proven Predator Management Program is a targeted approach to increase nest success, adding hundreds of thousands of ducks to every fall flight. Nest success, defined as a nest with at least one hatched duckling, is often less than 5 to 10% in many key breeding areas of the PPR. A hatch of 15 to 20% is required just to maintain current populations.

“Delta’s trappers focus on areas of the PPR with high waterfowl breeding density but low nest success,” said Joel Brice, Delta’s chief conservation officer. “By strategically managing predators in these areas, we increase the likelihood of more nests hatching.”

Raccoons and skunks are two primary duck nest predators on the prairie, species that were absent or scarce across most of the prairie before the 1950s. Today, these overly abundant predators can have devasting impacts on duck nests — research shows that up to 90 percent of failed nests are destroyed by predators. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

DNR urges caution on trails, in state parks following northern Michigan blizzard

Winter scene near Marquette

March 20, 2026
Contact: Greg Kinser, 989-390-0431

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is advising outdoor enthusiasts in areas affected by this week’s blizzard to be cautious when planning visits to trails and state parks that may have been affected by the extreme winter weather.

“With record snowfall March 15-16 in the Upper Peninsula – some areas received more than 4 feet of snow – and snowy and icy conditions in the northern Lower Peninsula, we’re urging people to check conditions before traveling to storm-affected areas and to be aware of downed trees and branches, as well as bent or bowed trees and branches that may fall unexpectedly,” said Greg Kinser, Lower Peninsula trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division.

Local officials this week reported impassable, snow-covered roads and downed trees and power lines across the region. Power outages have also been reported, with several counties initially reporting the majority of residents without power.

“In addition to trail impacts, many state parks and recreation facilities across the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula were rendered inaccessible by the significant snowfall,” Kinser said. “State park staff are digging out, and it will take time before some park facilities are accessible again.”

Kinser also thanked trail partner groups for their prompt, professional assistance in helping to assess trail conditions.

About 260 miles of forest roads in the northeastern Lower Peninsula remain closed due to debris from extensive tree damage during the 2025 ice storm. Cleanup efforts are ongoing.

Know before you go

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Wildlife
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