Michigan: bringing history to life – costumed role playing at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

This summer the Michigan History Center will enter its 41st season of a unique program in historic site interpretation at Fort Wilkins Historic State Park, at Copper Harbor, in Keweenaw County.

The Fort Wilkins living history, or “role-playing” program, was first introduced in cooperation with Michigan Technological University in 1976. The program is unique in that it combines an established interpretive program, professional museum staff and the History Center’s Future Historians youth program.

Check out previous Showcasing the DNR stories in our archive at Michigan.gov/DNRStories. To subscribe to upcoming Showcasing articles, sign up for free email delivery at Michigan.gov/DNR.

During the summer, college students and younger Upper Peninsula students are trained as costumed interpreters and portray characters from the past at the fort. The interpretive program has been an effective educational tool for participants in the program, as well as nearly 150,000 annual visitors to Fort Wilkins.

Located off the beaten path, Fort Wilkins provides an ideal setting for role-playing interpretation. Situated on a narrow strip of land between Copper Harbor and Lake Fanny Hooe, the fort stands as an excellent example of a mid-19th-century military post.

Built in 1844, 19 buildings survive, including two sets of company barracks, officers’ quarters, mess halls, a storehouse, post hospital, guardhouse, blacksmith shop, bakery and married enlisted men’s cabins. Of these, 12 remain from 1844 construction with another seven structures that are also historic but were rebuilt or restored later based on historical and archaeological research.

The buildings and fort grounds serve as the interpreters’ stage, and except for an occasional passing airplane or motorboat on Lake Fanny Hooe, people can view a landscape that closely resembles what soldiers and copper miners first encountered in the 1840s.

Here, for 10 weeks each summer, costumed interpreters bring the site to life. Read more

General

NSSF Releases Firearm Safety, Teen Suicide Prevention Webinar

NEWTOWN, Conn. – The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®), in partnership with mental health experts from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and George Washington University, today released a recorded webinar video to help parents of teens recognize signs that their children may be facing mental health challenges—and share resources on how to talk to kids about mental health, make homes safer for those who may be at risk and help reduce the risk of suicide among teens.

“Studies show that suicide is preventable and simple actions like storing firearms securely when not in use can help save a life,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO.

The video, which aired live from NSSF and Project ChildSafe’s Facebook page, features a panel discussion between Dr. Doreen Marshall, AFSP’s Vice President of Mission Engagement, and Dr. Sherry Molock, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at George Washington University, on signs teens exhibit when they are dealing with challenges to their mental health, including having thoughts of self-harm. Both experts emphasize the importance of parents having conversations with their kids if they sense their children are struggling.

Dr. Molock and Dr. Marshall encourage parents to watch for warning signs that their teen may be experiencing mental health challenges by observing what they say, how they behave and the moods they project. According to these experts, the most important things parents can do if they recognize any of these signs are to have a conversation with their kids and be proactive in preventing access to potential means of self-harm.

“We know many teens may be thinking about suicide, so talking about it with our kids—before it becomes a crisis—is really important,” Dr. Marshall says. “It may sound difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Talking openly with our young people about mental health, just as we would physical health, can be the key to preventing a crisis, and saving a life.”

Dr. Molock agrees, emphasizing that talking about mental health and self-harm with our kids does not cause them to attempt suicide.

“Many kids are actually relieved to be able to talk about it, so let the young person know you can handle the discussion, and you’re willing to do anything to keep them safe,” Dr. Molock says.

Also important is creating “time and distance” between a person having thoughts of suicide and a method of harm. When access to a potential lethal means is interrupted, it creates an opportunity for the person to change their mind and seek professional care. Recognizing that firearms are sometimes involved in suicide attempts, NSSF’s Bartozzi urges gun-owning parents to practice safe firearm storage and learn about available secure storage options. Read more

Gun Control

SIGHTRON Announces SVIII 5-40×56 ED Premium Riflescope Line

Youngsville, NC- July 15, 2021 – SIGHTRON, one of the world’s most innovative optical observation and aiming device companies, is proud to announce the launch of the new SVIII 5-40×56 ED line of premium riflescopes. SIGHTRON is one of the most recognized brands in modern, high-powered long-range and precision shooting competitions today.

SIGHTRON’s high performance SVIII 5-40×56 ED line of riflescopes take performance and innovation to the next level. Designed for competition, long-range shooting and hunting, the new SVIII 5-40×56 ED riflescope line has all the features for success, including a close focus of just 10 meters. The SVIII 5-40×56 is SIGHTRON’s newest zero-stop first image focal plane (FFP) riflescope. This new SVIII model features an all new internal zero-stop mechanism that provides an audible positive stop for dead-on zero settings. The new SVIII offers your choice of an LRM or MH-6 illuminated reticle. The SVIII offers a generous adjustment range that provides 20 MILS of windage and 40 MILS of elevation utilizing .1 Mil tactical turrets. The windage and elevation knobs have a total of 10 MILS per revolution. The all new 40mm main tube is waterproof, shockproof and nitrogen charged. A high-quality set of 40mm rings for a picatinny rail are included.

We are very excited about the new riflescope line,” said Mack Matsumoto, President of SIGHTRON. “The SVIII 5-40×56 is SIGHTRON’s first 40mm main tube riflescope. It’s also, the first to utilize the new MC-777 coatings on every air-to-glass surface throughout the entire optical system.”

For superior performance, SIGHTRON created a new MC-777 multi-coated lens coating for increased light transmission and improved clarity. SIGHTRON’s patented ExacTrack windage and elevation system is standard on all models. All reticles in this premium line are illuminated with a side-mounted 11-position on/off rotary-type dial which uses a standard CR2032 Battery. Another standout feature is the side-mounted focus system that has been redesigned for improved minimum focus performance. Read more

Optics

SilencerCo’s American Gun Campaign Reveals Diversity of American Gun Owners

West Valley City, UT — SilencerCo launches “American Gun,” a series of videos featuring vastly different kinds of gun owners around America that will illustrate the commonality of firearms among people from all walks of life. The first video, “American Gun: The Realtor,” was released, July 14th, 2021. A series of videos will follow on a monthly basis.

In the premier video, JoAnna, a single mother and real estate professional from North Carolina, tells SilencerCo why she carries concealed. As the youngest of 28 kids, she is the first entrepreneur and first girl in her family to own a gun. When a wave of rape incidents started occurring with real estate agents in her area, JoAnna decided it was time to learn how to protect herself.

“Feeling the power that you have in your hand and what you can do with it is going to make you more of who you already are,” said JoAnna. “It’s not a weapon against someone, it’s protection for myself.”

In a time when conversations surrounding firearms are very contentious, SilencerCo has taken it upon themselves to illustrate the true story of the American gun owner. “American Gun” is an intimate look at the foundation of American Freedom, focusing on the right to bear arms and the vast diversity of people that exists among those who support the second amendment across this country. Read more

Self Defense

Michigan: most hunters will not need antlerless deer license this year

Will you need to apply for an antlerless deer license this year? Probably not

Preparing for antlerless deer hunting will be a little different this year, as most deer hunters will not need to apply for antlerless licenses. Hunters in specific areas may need to apply for an access permit.

For most deer hunters, a universal antlerless license is all that will be needed to hunt antlerless deer. This license is valid on public and private lands in all deer seasons. It can be used across deer management units open to antlerless deer hunting.

Select hunters will need to apply for an access permit to hunt deer in certain areas of the Upper Peninsula and in reserved deer hunts at the Sharonville State Game Area, Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, Shiawassee River National Wildlife Refuge and Shiawassee River State Game Area.

In the Upper Peninsula, new deer management units 351 and 352 will require an access permit and a universal antlerless license to hunt antlerless deer. Both are required for each deer harvested.

DMU 351 is made up of DMUs 021, 349, 249, 149, 017 and 117. DMU 352 is made up of DMUs 027, 036, 152 and 252. (See page 60 in the 2021 Hunting Digest for a map of the DMUs). One thousand access permits will be available in each of these two DMUs.

Also in the U.P., DMUs 022, 122, 055, 155, 255 and 121 are open to antlerless hunting without an access permit, while DMUs 127, 066, 031, 131, 042, 007 and 048 are closed to antlerless deer hunting.

Applications for limited-hunt access permits may be purchased for $5 from license agents or online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses during the July 15 – Aug. 15 application period.

Learn more about universal antlerless licenses and the access permit drawing in the 2021 Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Hunting

Remember the 3 R’s when boating on a river

LITTLE ROCK – The heat of summer often leads anglers to large rivers and the promise of large catfish and an extended period of fish activity thanks to current keeping surface water moving and slightly cooler than in backwaters and reservoirs. But traveling on a river like the Arkansas can be a daunting task for people who don’t know what all those buoys and channel markers mean. How do you know which side of the buoys to stay on when traveling up or down a river?

Remember the 3 R’s of boating: “Red right returning.” It applies in Arkansas and all over the nation.

Whether you are paddling a canoe, chugging along in a john boat, zipping by in a bass boat or cruising on a houseboat, this simple rule will keep you in the right place – in the channel where it’s safe.

Returning means coming upstream from the ocean or the mouth of the stream. Keep the red buoys on your right as you travel upstream. That means the green buoys will be on your left.

If you are going downstream, just reverse this. The red buoys will be on your left, green buoys on your right.

Buoys are found in many sizes and shapes. Just the red and green ones mark channels. Others are white and are for information. This may be directions to a facility, for controlled areas like no-wake zones, and to identify underwater dangers like rocks or dams. A buoy with black and white vertical stripes marks an obstruction; don’t travel between it and the shore or bank.

Fishing

California: AHD Strikes Northern California Deer Herds

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has confirmed outbreaks of adenovirus hemorrhagic disease in deer in several northern California counties and is asking California residents to help curb the spread by not feeding wild animals, and report potential cases to the department.

“Providing attractants for deer – food, salt licks or even water – is against the law for good reason,” said Dr. Brandon Munk, senior wildlife veterinarian with CDFW’s Wildlife Investigations Laboratory. “Because these artificial attractants can congregate animals and promote the spread of disease, it’s particularly imperative to leave wildlife alone during an outbreak. There is no cure or vaccine for this disease, so our best management strategies right now are to track it carefully, and to take preventative measures to limit the spread.” Read more

Wildlife

Blaser Introduces R8 Rifle in 6.5 PRC

San Antonio, Texas – Blaser is pleased to now offer its iconic R8 modular rifle in a 6.5 PRC chambering. Known for its accuracy and long-range performance, the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge is essentially a magnum version of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a flatter trajectory and higher impact velocity making it a favorite of long-range hunters.

The straight-pull R8 bolt-action rifle, renowned for its reliability, repeatability, speed, and precision, offers hunters a vast number of configurations to meet their needs in the field. Options include a wide array of stock options, a recoil reduction system, adjustable comb, adjustable length of pull, and numerous barrels and bolt heads to facilitate quick conversions to different calibers, depending on the type of game one is hunting.

“If you combine all the different standard options on an R8, you can build over 47 million unique rifles and that does not even include custom shop options,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The interchangeability makes it incredibly easy to convert your rifle from one caliber to another by simply switching out the barrel and bolt head. This can be done in less than a minute. The engineering and craftsmanship is so extraordinary, after any barrel change, the rifle will shoot to within 1/2 MOA every time.“

The compact overall length and modularity of the Blaser R8 offer distinct advantages to hunters who travel frequently, allowing them to carry one rifle with several different barrels instead of transporting multiple guns around the world. The Blaser Saddle Mount system allows for easy and precise mounting of a riflescope by allowing the one-piece base of the mount to fit into notches machined into the top of the free-floating barrel. The barrel and saddle mount become one accurate unit, ensuring absolute repeatability once the scope has been zeroed, regardless of how many times the scope is removed from the barrel. The R8‘s concentric locking lugs with 14 locking surfaces provide 360-degree enagagement, further enhancing accuracy. This rifle also features one of the safest actions in the world thanks to its highly-acclaimed manual cocking mechanism.

The R8 is available in numerous calibers from 204 Ruger to 500 Jeffrey. For more information visit www.blaser-usa.com. Read more

Firearms

SIG SAUER M400 SWITCHBLADE Rifle Caliber Pistol

NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the expansion of the M400 series with the introduction of the SIG SAUER M400 SWITCHBLADE, which brings the performance features of the popular M400 SDI platforms – that were purpose-built for competition shooters – to this rifle caliber pistol.

“The M400 SWITCHBLADE brings an entirely new level of performance to the M400 product family with unmatched flexibility and capability,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The pistol features fully ambidextrous controls to include the charging handle, selector, and unique to the SWITCHBLADE, the bolt catch and release for seamless transitions from hand to hand and rapid deployment of the catch. Additionally, the new MAGPUL™ BSL brace offers improved stability, and the rigid handguard is designed to withstand the weight of maximum accessory installation, truly making the M400 SWITCHBALDE the ultimate performance pistol.”

The SIG SAUER M400 SWITCHBLADE is an aluminum frame rifle caliber pistol featuring a Cerakote Titanium Elite finish, with a telescoping MAGPUL™ BSL Brace, an 11.5” cold hammer-forged carbon steel tapered barrel for easy suppressor installation with a three-prong flash hider, and a rigid free-floating handguard with M-LOK™ accessory rail that installs with a clamp system and designed to eliminate deflection from the added weight of accessory installation. The pistol offers fully ambidextrous controls including the bolt catch, charging handle, and selector switch, has a 2-stage Matchlite Duo Trigger, and comes optics-ready. The pistol is chambered in 5.56 NATO and ships with a thirty-round magazine. Read more

Firearms

Primary Arms Government ‘Duty Rifle Sweepstakes’

 

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms Government has just announced a new AR15 giveaway, open only to Law Enforcement, Military, and First Responders. The Primary Arms Government ‘Duty Rifle Sweepstakes’ offers qualified individuals a chance to win a new rifle package, featuring a Springfield SAINT Victor 5.56 AR-15 and the new Primary Arms Optics SLx® MD-25 ACSS® Red Dot Sight.

For rules and entry, please visit the Primary Arms giveaway landing page. The winner will be required to show relevant credentials to claim the prize.

The Springfield SAINT Victor is a true duty-grade rifle, chambered in 5.56 NATO with a 1:8 twist rate that offers reliable performance and the flexibility to shoot any projectile you prefer, from ultra-light to heavy-duty. The upper and lower receivers fit together with Springfield’s proprietary Accu-Tite tension system, which means rattle-free functionality and better accuracy. The SAINT sports upgraded furniture from Bravo Company, like a 6-position collapsible buttstock and a low-profile handguard equipped with M-LOK technology. Read more

Firearms
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