Michigan: New DNR Land Strategy Sets Priorities, Guidelines for 4.6 Million Acres of Public Lands

The title – “The Power of Public Lands: Your resources. Our commitment. Michigan’s legacy.” – says it all.

A new strategy for the 4.6 million acres of state forests, parks, trails, game and wildlife areas, and other public lands the Michigan Department of Natural Resources takes care of has been submitted to the Legislature and is now available at Michigan.gov/PublicLands.

The strategy was developed over the past 18 months through a collaborative process that included multiple opportunities for the public and stakeholders statewide to get involved and help shape the final document. The new land strategy will be implemented between 2021 and 2027, following consideration and approval by the Legislature, and sets priorities and guides actions for the best use of this large DNR-managed public land base to benefit Michigan residents and visitors and the state’s natural resources.

Goals outlined in the public land strategy include: Read more

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Firminator’s G-3 ATV Unit

Milner, GA The original Firminator was a brilliant solution for land managers looking to maximize their time, energy and financial resources by incorporating all the necessary food plot implements into one unit. But as the popularity of food plots grew, so did the demand, from a broader and more diverse group.

There were those who realize the best hunting plots are designed less for agricultural efficiency and more to maximize “huntability” by taking advantage of natural cover, terrain, wind direction and deer movements. As a result, these plots are often irregularly shaped and sometimes well off the beaten path, down the narrow trails, in the bottoms or up on the smaller ridges – places not easily accessible by heavy equipment and implements. There were more than a few land owners/managers who simply did not have tractors or larger implements, even for larger or more accessible areas.

With the technology already in place, Firminator needed only to downsize. The Firminator G-3 ATV Model puts all the same features of their full-size G3 implement into a unit sized just right for an ATV (four-wheeler or side x side). Though light enough to be easily pulled by a 500cc or greater ATV, its 800 pounds proves ample weight for the 16-inch ground turning discs to break up and dig into hard ground that other ATV harrows would simply bounce across the surface of. Its 3-inch square tubing steel frame can withstand anything you’d expose your ATV to, and more. The seed box, constructed of the same steel as three point models, feeds the Firminator’s precision ACCU-Seed delivery system. When you’re done seeding you can finish with the true agricultural grade cast iron cultipacker. Read more

Wildlife

California Initiates Massive Wildfire Protection Effort

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has undertaken the largest wildfire protection and resiliency effort in its history, working to safeguard nearly all of its wildlife areas, ecological reserves and the surrounding communities from wildfire ahead of peak wildfire season this summer and fall.

Wildfire resiliency work is underway at dozens of CDFW-owned properties statewide. These efforts include creating fire breaks, removing brush and other wildfire fuel, thinning overgrown vegetation, expanding livestock grazing and conducting controlled burns when conditions safely permit.

The unprecedented undertaking is the result of SB 85, the “Wildfire Forest and Resilience Early Action Package,” state legislation signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in April that authorized $536 million in wildfire protection and resiliency spending in the current fiscal year. CDFW is budgeted to receive $15 million of those funds to better protect its lands, which total about 1 million acres. Additional wildfire funding is expected in the 2021-22 state budget.

“This is a huge moment for the department, and we’re really striving for smart projects that will benefit wildlife habitats and the communities surrounding department lands,” said Stafford Lehr, CDFW Deputy Director for Wildlife and Fisheries. “We’ve already identified more than 40 projects, many of which have been started and a few already completed. We’ll be able to hire some new people and buy some new equipment that will not only help protect our own properties but better protect our neighbors as well. In many instances, this wildfire work has the added benefit of improving native plant and wildlife habitat on our properties.” Read more

Wildlife

HOLOSUN Expands Green LED Pistol Optic Line

City of Industry, Ca. – HOLOSUN adds three new pistol optics with Super Green LED technology. At 540nm, HOLOSUN’s Super Green LEDs are closest to the wavelength the human is most sensitive to. Over the next few weeks HOLOSUN will roll out three new Super Green LED models: HE507K-GR X2, HE509T-GR, and HE407K-GR X2.

Green LED optics are becoming more and more popular within competitive, self-defense, and law enforcement circles due to the intense, high-contrast green reticle and increased battery life. The Super Green LED has three times the battery life compared to red at the highest intensity settings providing even more confidence that your HOLOSUN optic will be ready when you need it.

Designed for concealed carry or backup firearms, the HE507K-GR X2 features HOLOSUN’s Multi-reticle System (MRS) with fast acquisition 32MOA/2MOA Circle-Dot reticle. For those who prefer a simpler sight picture, the HE407K-GR X2 features a 6MOA dot only. Read more

Optics

Ruger Introduces the LCP MAX

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is thrilled to introduce the latest upgrade to America’s favorite ultra-compact pistol: the LCP® MAX. Chambered in .380 Auto, the Ruger® LCP MAX fits 10+1 rounds into the same footprint as the LCP II. A 12-round accessory magazine slightly extends the grip length while doubling the capacity of the legacy LCP. Measuring less than 1” wide and weighing under 11 ounces, the LCP MAX is smaller than every micro-compact 9mm pistol available today, expanding the options for comfortable and convenient concealed carry.

Offering more than just capacity, the LCP MAX pistol’s double stack magazine feed lips are optimized to reliably feed the wide variety of modern .380 Auto ammunition available. As compact as ever, the flush-fit, 10-round magazine feels identical to the LCP II magazine (with its extended floorplate installed) while accommodating an additional 4 rounds of ammunition. The included finger grip extension floorplate and accessory 12-round magazine allow most shooters to obtain a full firing grip.

Addressing a main complaint with most pocket pistols, the LCP MAX is fitted with a tritium front sight with white outline that is quick to acquire and aligns easily with the generous u-notch rear sight. A square face on the rear sight aids in one-handed cocking and the steel, drift-adjustable sights make accurate fire easier than ever.

“The LCP MAX design incorporates over a decade of learning and experience,” said Ruger President and CEO, Chris Killoy. “What you loved about your LCP and LCP II, we know you will love even more with the NEW LCP MAX.”

The medium-textured grip frame provides easy reach to the Secure Action™ trigger that is well known for its short, crisp trigger pull and inner trigger safety. Pronounced cocking ears and deep functional slide serrations ensure easy manipulation of the pistol. Every corner and edge on the LCP MAX slide and frame have been softened for comfortable carry and the magazine release is reversible to fit all shooters. The Ruger LCP MAX ships with one, 10-round magazine; a finger grip extension floorplate; pocket holster; and magazine loader. Read more

Firearms

Blackhawk Introduces Streamlight TLR-7A Flex and TLR1-HL Weapon Lights

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. –– Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, has partnered with Streamlight® to deliver two tactical weapon lights, the TLR1-HL® and TLR-7A Flex®. Already popular among shooters, both Streamlight models are designed to fit several Blackhawk holsters, most notably the Blackhawk T-Series. In addition, the TLR1-HL is compatible with the Blackhawk Omnivore holster.

With 1,000 lumens and a 928-foot beam at the ready, the TLR1-HL is designed to provide maximum visibility when illuminating a room, alley or other wide space. Meanwhile, the TLR-7A features 500 lumens and a 459-foot beam, but also comes with an ergonomic, ambidextrous on/off switch that can be customized for either a low or high position to match a user’s grip style.

Both lights feature a rail clamp system that securely attaches the light without tools and without a user needing to put their hands in front of the muzzle. The TLR1-HL mounts directly on Glock-style and Picatinny rails, and includes keys for Glock-style, Picatinny, Beretta 90-Two, S&W 99, S&W TSW and SIG P320 setups.

Each Streamlight is designed to withstand the tests of time and field use with anodized machined aluminum and IPX7 waterproof ratings. The TLR1-HL can run up to 1.5 hours on two CR123A lithium batteries and the TLR-7A can run up to 1.5 hours on one CR123A lithium battery. A safe off feature also prevents accidental activation and saves battery life.

The lights feature a black finish and engraved Blackhawk logo, are assembled in the U.S., and feature Streamlight’s limited lifetime warranty. MSRP for the TLR1-HL is $209.95 and MSRP for the TLR-7A is $174.95. Read more

Firearms, Optics

Bushnell Releases New Prime 1800 Laser Rangefinder

New LRF Serves as Milestone in Bushnell’s History of Laser Rangefinder Development

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced the introduction of the newest addition to its laser rangefinder lineup – the Prime 1800. Packed with added features such as Bushnell’s all-new ACTIVSYNC™ display system that fluidly morphs from black to red readouts based on lighting conditions, the Prime 1800 builds on the success of Bushnell’s 25-year legacy of laser rangefinder development.

With its all-glass, fully multi-coated optical path and extra-large laser aperture window, the Prime 1800 boasts double the light transmission over other competitive models. The Prime 1800 has also been designed for all day viewing capability made possible by the new ACTIVSYNC display. This intuitive display feature fluidly morphs automatically from black in the daylight to red in low-light conditions so users can always see their readings, whether at sunrise, midday, or dusk. The display can even show red and black simultaneously if the environment requires it.

“In order to fully leverage the excellent 2x brightness from our laser rangefinders, we knew adding an illuminated display would give users the ability to use it throughout the entire legal hunt time,” said Derek Osburn, Director of Optics for Vista Outdoor. “However, we also knew that we wanted to go further and apply our 25-year history of laser rangefinder innovation to this feature and have done so with the new ActivSync display. This intuitive design gives you a red or black display exactly when you need it, making it even easier to get an exact distance quickly and accurately.”

The new Prime 1800 offers effective ranging capabilities out to 1,800-yard on a reflective target and can reliably range trees out to 1,000 yards or deer out to 700 yards with +/- one-yard accuracy. The Prime 1800 comes equipped with Scan mode for fast ranging, as well as near/far target modes to allow users to home in on targets while ignoring objects in the foreground and background. The rangefinder also comes equipped with ARC (Angle Range Compensation) technology for angle readings in the field. Read more

Optics

ALPS Mountaineering Introduces Acropolis Tents

New Haven, MO – ALPS Mountaineering, manufacturer of performance-driven technical support gear for wilderness adventures, exploration, and family camping, has added two new tents to its ever-expanding line of premium outdoor gear.

The new Acropolis series of lightweight camping tents were designed to comfortably accommodate families and multiple campers in locations offering a limited camp footprint. Sized for either three or four adults, the Acropolis utilizes a free-standing pre-bent pole system with a top cross pole that creates more expansive interior space than conventional dome tents. Further contributing to camper comfort are dual doors with spacious vestibules to protect gear while ensuring ample room for occupants.

The Acropolis is a three-season tent. Generous mesh walls provide warm-weather sleeping comfort and ventilation, while a rugged 75D 185T full-coverage polyester fly boasting 1500mm coating can be quickly deployed for cool nights or inclement weather. Additional features include easy-to-use pole clip assembly, factory-sealed fly and floor seams, mesh storage pocket, and a gear loft.

The new Acropolis 3- and 4-Person tents are available for purchase at https://alpsmountaineering.com/acropolis-3-person.html and at various retail locations throughout the U.S. For more information on ALPS Mountaineering, visithttps://alpsmountaineering.com and alpsbrands.com.

Acropolis 3-Person Tent Specifications

  • base size: 7’4 x 6’9
  • center height: 51″
  • vestibule depth: 36″
  • tent area: 49.5 ft2
  • vestibule area: 22 ft2
  • minimum weight: 7 lbs. 14 oz.
  • total weight: 8 lbs. 11 oz.
  • packed size: 6″ x 24″
  • pole diameter: 9.5 mm and 11 mm

Acropolis 4-Person Tent Specifications Read more

General

Michigan DNR approves nearly $4 million in grants for recreational boating improvements and development

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Tuesday announced that more than $4 million in grant funding will be awarded to 23 communities throughout the state to boost recreational boating.

The funding is made possible through the DNR Parks and Recreation Division’s waterways grant program, which began in 1949 with the goal of expanding the harbor system along the Great Lakes and boating access sites throughout the state. Today, the system includes more than 1,300 state-sponsored boating access sites, 19 state-managed harbors and 63 local state-sponsored harbors of refuge along the Great Lakes.

“Water and boating are at the heart of Michigan,” said Ron Olson, DNR Parks and Recreation Division chief. “We have residents who live on the water, those who travel all over the state to boat and visitors who come here from around the world because it’s the Great Lakes State. Michigan offers outdoor recreational opportunities and picturesque views not found anywhere else, and so it’s of utmost importance that the DNR helps invest and fund Michigan’s harbors and boating access sites for the benefit of all.”

Local units of government and state colleges and universities are eligible to apply for grant assistance for recreational boating improvements and development at grant-in-aid harbors and public boating access sites. The grant-in-aid program provides matching funding to help support quality recreational boating infrastructure. Communities are asked to match 50% of required funds. Read more

Fishing

New Compact Pistol Kit from Fix It Sticks

Chicago, IL- Fix It Sticks, the industry innovator of modular firearms maintenance tools and torque limiters has introduced the perfect kit for handgun shooters, the Compact Pistol Kit. Designed to work with a wide array of handguns, the new kit features tools, wrenches, hex bits and even a variable torque driver. This comprehensive selection of components can handle almost any maintenance or setup task as needed. The Compact Pistol Kit is only slightly larger than a box of ammo, making it the perfect size to throw in a range bag, vehicle, ATV etc.
To maximize convenience and performance the kit comes with the Fix It Sticks Ratcheting T-Handle as well as the Mini All-In-One Torque Driver which is perfect for the optics commonly mounted on handguns. Pistol specific components include a Glock sight tool and 1911 bushing wrench. Read more

Firearms
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