Michigan: apply for a bear license now through June 1

New this year for bear hunting: license quotas, archery-only seasons in the northern Lower Peninsula and a ban on bait barrels on public lands. Find the 2021 bear season dates, license quotas and hunting regulations in the Bear Hunting Digest.

Curious how the preference point system works? Check out this video: MI Bear Draw Preference Point System Explained.

There are 7,001 bear licenses available to hunters this year.

Apply for a bear license at Michigan.gov/Bear. The application period is open through June 1. Drawing results will be posted online July 6.

Hunting

Meprolight — Upgrade Your Handgun Sights

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you are one of the millions who purchased a new handgun in the past year or so. Should you upgrade your sights? A better question might be, do you want to increase your capabilities? Tiger McKee, Director, Shootrite Firearms Academy recently penned the following, “Shooting accurately is all about sight alignment and a smooth press or stroke on the trigger. In self-defense applications, this has to be done under any and all conditions….The sights on your weapon have to be up to the task and may be one of the first modifications you need to consider.” (The Shooting Wire.com, 4/19/21)

The engineers at Meprolight®, having served in the Israeli Defense Forces, understand the complexities of sight alignment, sight picture, and rapid target acquisition. From their experience, they have made Meprolight® into the world leader in handgun sights. Their multiple aiming solutions enable you to select the sight that best matches your shooting style. Three of the most popular are:

· Mepro Hyper-Bright™ —self-illuminated day/night sight with visually enhanced contrasting front sight

·Mepro Tru-Dot® — family of self-illuminated day/night sights

· Mepro MicroRDS™ —micro red dot optic. Make every pistol an optic ready pistol

McKee went on to say, “The majority of pistols offered today come with ‘good’ sights. However, to cut costs some factory sights are insufficient for defensive work. You can expect to install upgraded sights.“ Read more

Optics

Michigan DNR eliminates poison as cause of death in Oakland County swans

Wildlife biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have confirmed that a disease caused by a parasitic flatworm killed three mute swans found dead earlier this year, near Maceday Lake.

Since January, DNR conservation officers have retrieved eight dead mute swans from the lake, located in a residential area of Waterford Township. Concerned residents initially questioned whether the swans were ingesting antifreeze or another form of poison. Read more

Wildlife

MDARD, DNR stress biosecurity to help protect Michigan’s rabbits and hares from fatal disease

The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources advise Michiganders to be aware of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), which is a fatal disease for domestic and wild rabbits and hares.

While it has not yet been found in Michigan, the high mortality rates seen with this disease could have serious impacts on the state’s wild and domestic rabbits and hares. It is vital for those who handle, hunt and/or care for rabbits to be aware of this disease and to take precautions to keep the virus away from these animals.

Even though the disease does not affect people or other species of animals, RHDV2 is highly contagious and fatal to rabbits, and virtually all rabbits that contract the disease will die. RHDV2 is caused by a virus that can survive for a long time in the environment. A rabbit can develop the disease by having contact with an ill rabbit or its excretions or with an item that has touched an ill rabbit or its excretions.

In addition, people can inadvertently spread the virus into new areas by moving infected live rabbits, carcasses or parts from infected animals, as well as on clothing and shoes.

Disease onset is rapid. Often the only sign of RHDV2 is the sudden death of a rabbit. However, other signs can include fever, reduced appetite, lack of coordination, respiratory problems, diarrhea or constipation, and a bloody, foamy discharge from the nose. Read more

Wildlife

Bushnell Expands Rimfire Riflescope Lineup

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New Scopes Offer DZ22 Reticles and Peak Performance for Rimfire Shooters

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced the addition of two new models to its dedicated lineup of rimfire riflescopes. Specifically designed for .22LR rifles, these scopes are ideal for varmint and small game hunting, as well as for plinking and recreational shooting.

The two new riflescopes are available in a 3-9x40mm configuration with DZ22 reticles, with one model featuring an illuminated reticle option. The DZ22 reticle was specifically designed for .22LR rimfire ballistics, with drop points out to 125 yards. On the illuminated reticle model, the riflescope is standard with an “off” position between each intensity setting, so users do not have to return to zero and lose their preferred intensity. The illuminated reticle also provides shooters with improved visibility in low light environments.

Rimfire shooters will appreciate that both models come equipped with glass enhancements for improved performance. Standard features on both riflescopes include multi-coated surfaces, one-piece tube design and a large 40mm objective for more clarity, improved resolution and a larger exit pupil. Both riflescopes can also be used with the Bushnell Ballistic App. These enhancements allow for faster target acquisition and more accurate shooting. Read more

Optics

M-FAK Mini First Aid Kits in Realtree Camo

COLUMBUS, GA — ? The compact M-FAK Mini First Aid Kits in Realtree Camo empowers sportsmen with the most requested point-of-wounding equipment in the smallest cube space possible so it can be easily packed along with hunting or fishing gear.

The Sportsman version of North American Rescue’s M-FAK Mini First Aid Kit was designed to be the most compact, multi-use IFAK for delivering immediate critical care for penetrating or other traumatic injuries encountered in the field. At half the size of North American Rescue’s popular T.O.R.K. platform, this M-FAK is currently the smallest platform available in its product offering. Despite its reduced size, this kit comes fully loaded with the critical medical equipment most requested by first responders operating in the line of duty. Read more

General

Frabill’s Bait Station Available in 30-Quart Size

Grand Prairie, TX (May 5, 2021) – Frabill has blown up the Magnum Bait Station and increased its capacity from nineteen to thirty quarts of live bait storage. The Extra-Large 30-Quart Frabill Magnum Bait Station is unlike any other portable live well.

Planning and design of the Frabill 30-Quart Magnum Bait Station were carried out with the precision of convenience. A complete update and upgrade from the original. The 30-Quart Station has an array of new features crafted with the utmost thought and consideration. It received the honor of “Best in Show” at the 2019 ICAST Show in Orlando, Florida.

Built much like today’s top branded heavy-duty molded coolers, the 30-Quart Station has an injection-molded base with a heavy-duty non-slip bottom. One inch of commercial-grade foam insulation controls the temperature even in extreme conditions. A waterproof and airtight gasket creates a perfect seal between the lid and well to keep bait healthy and lively regardless of the weather. Read more

Fishing

Stealth Cam Launches Enhanced Fusion X Wireless Cam

Irving, TX – When Stealth Cam® set out to build a better wireless trail camera, they began with the challenges faced by hunters disappointed with conventional wireless camera technology. Reliable performance, ease of connectivity, simple operation, affordable data plans, and the need for quality customer service ranked highest on the agenda. In 2020, we introduced the Fusion wireless camera. Throughout the year, we listened closely to our customers and vowed to make necessary improvements. You asked, we listened and now the Fusion X truly takes wireless cameras to the next level!

Through in-depth field evaluations, valuable feedback, and expert analysis from our partners and hunting enthusiasts, the Stealth Cam engineers have refined the Fusion X platform and technology. These updates allow the Fusion X to deliver top-notch performance and operation, separating it from the competition.

Topping the list of upgrades is a significant improvement to the image quality which means even sharper, more detailed photos to meet your expectations! In addition to higher quality photos, you can now utilize video downloads to the app that has a 720p resolution on your SD card at 30FPS. Taking it even further, you can also preview the video captures through the new app in a GIF format (640 x 360 – beginning, middle, and end of video frames)!

For coverage and convenience, the Fusion X will continue to run on very budget-friendly data plans, starting as low as $4 per month with the first month provided at the unlimited level completely FREE! If you choose to stick with the unlimited plan, you can pay as low as $15 a month and that includes the new GIF video feature at no additional cost. Read more

Wildlife

Henry Arms Offering Military Free Admission to Henry 180

RICE LAKE, WI – May 6, 2021 — A day before the fireworks shows of July 4th, the Henry 180 NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Road America will treat fans to an equally impressive performance on the track. Wisconsin-based firearm manufacturer and title sponsor of the race, Henry Repeating Arms, is celebrating by inviting 180 active-duty members or veterans of the United States military to attend the race with free general admission. Henry Repeating Arms has a long history of supporting the military and its veterans with recent donations to The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) totaling over $100,000, a $200,000 donation to The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, and tribute edition rifle presentations to veterans around the country including World War II hero, Louis Zamperini, and several Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Read more

General

Bond Arms Rough Series Double-Barrel Handguns


Granbury, TX (May 5, 2021) – Bond Arms is known for its outstanding fit and finish on every gun they build. To create a more affordable option for budget-conscious customers without compromising features, Bond Arms trimmed down its finishing process. The Rough Series was born and included the Roughneck, Rowdy, and the newest addition, the Grizzly double-barrel guns. The result is a handgun with the same outstanding qualities inherent in every Bond Arms’ gun without all the frills.Each Rough Series gun undergoes a quick clean-up and deburring to knock off the sharp edges. After the initial treatment, guns are bead blasted, giving them a rough finish. The parting lines in the metal frame and trigger guard add to the cool factor. Swirly tool marks on the barrels and tiny casting imperfections and rough areas add a unique individual character to these handguns. Built-in a fraction of the time compared to standard production models, the reduced labor cost of the Rough Series guns translates into huge savings for the customer. Read more
Firearms
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