Late Season Michigan Deer Hunting

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Michigan’s muzzleloading season began December 4 and runs one week shorter than previous years ending December 13. That means if you’d like to take a whitetail buck with a firearm – any legal firearm that can be used in regular firearms season – there is only a week left. While we are at it, how long will we call it muzzleloading season, when hardly anyone will choose the ol’ smokepoles anymore? Maybe it could be renamed extended firearms season or late firearms season. In any event, I thought if I were going to take a buck, opening day would be a good place to continue the quest.

First off, my final days of the regular season were encouraging, because of the sheer number of deer being seen and that they seemed to have become a bit more relaxed already. However, two adolescent bucks put on a show of strength right before my old eyes. It certainly wasn’t any genuine fight over a female; heck, the does paid no attention to them, as the young studs played tug of war in reverse. However, it was entertaining.

I also watched and visually measured up an 8-pointer who appeared in the final hour of daylight. Although within my self-prescribed range, he too was a young buck with a rack as wide as his ears but had the slender build of yearling (1.5 years old). So, with that I issued a renewed lease on his life and let him go about his business.

On opening day of “irregular” firearms season, I took a stand overlooking the show grounds of the earlier season, where the actors had a few days to prepare for their new presentation. I was not disappointed.

The action picked up as the sun sank, as always. The first animals to appear on stage wore no headgear – that is until closer inspection with my Burris binocular revealed some small bones protruding from one of the skulls. One by one they continued to filter into the legume spread.

Before long, several other bucks decided to join in the fun, but they were more intent on proving a point (so to speak) to male competitors than to fill their stomachs. One of them simply waltzed near another nearby trouble maker and they agreed to begin their show of strength – but, they did so carefully so as not to hurt themselves. Back and forth, heads down low, they pushed and shoved their way to a draw. Seconds later, they joined the females as they dined on the lush clover and alfalfa afoot.  

Before the shift had finished, the quarreling bucks strolled off together enroute to a plot of turnips – not so much to feast but to cozy up to the does that were already there.

Michigan Bucks in Late Season

It’s always difficult, if not impossible to sneak off without disturbing the peace but an opening day with so much activity is nothing more than my invitation to be on the lookout for Mr. Big on another day.

Hunting

Arizona: Restrictions in Place as Bald Eagle Breeding Season Begins

Outdoor recreationists, pilots, drone operators asked to avoid nesting areas

PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagles are back, and they will soon be preparing for the next generation of eagles at breeding sites statewide.

To assist with the state’s continued bald eagle population growth, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) encourages outdoor recreationists, aircraft pilots, drone operators and motorized paragliders to do their part by not disturbing the state’s 92 eagle breeding areas. To protect breeding attempts, some portions of public land and water areas will be temporarily closed to help these majestic animals and ensure even more young eagles take to the skies this spring.

“Arizona’s bald eagles are hard at work preparing their nest for what we hope will be a productive breeding season,” said Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, bald eagle management coordinator. “The birds nest, forage and roost at rivers and lakes that are also popular recreation spots. That’s why we must be vigilant to help protect the birds and ensure their populations statewide continue to flourish. That success wouldn’t be possible without the cooperation of outdoor recreationists who respect the closures during the breeding season.”

During the 2020 breeding season, 71 young hatched, and 55 reached the important milestone of their first flight, known as fledging. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board recommends $37.8 million to boost outdoor recreation

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board recommended Wednesday to the Michigan Legislature that 76 recreation development projects and land acquisitions totaling $37,789,600 be funded in 2021. The board this year considered a total of 136 applications seeking over $60 million in funding. In a competitive process, all eligible applications were evaluated based on scoring criteria approved by the Trust Fund board.

“Easy access to the beauty of Michigan’s natural places and open spaces during a challenging, uncertain year has been a source of comfort and connection for residents across our state, and the Trust Fund is a major part of making those opportunities available,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Whether you’re enjoying a trail or park close to home or exploring the deep forest, outdoor recreation resources like these are big contributors to each community’s quality of life and unique appeal.”

The Trust Fund board recommends funding to both state and local agencies for development projects and land acquisitions that will further access to public outdoor recreation.

This year, the board recommended $27,289,600 for acquisition grants and $10,500,000 for development grants. There were 26 acquisition grants awarded to local units of government for a total of $20,805,400, while four acquisition grants went to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for projects totaling $6,484,200. The Trust Fund board also recommended a total of $9,300,000 in 42 development grants be awarded to local units of government while four DNR projects garnered a total of $1,200,000. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Pulsar Unveils Digisight Ultra LRF Digital Riflescopes

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Pulsar has unveiled two elite riflescopes to augment its impressive Digisight lineup; the Ultra N450 LRF and Ultra N455 LRF. These digital night vision scopes employ 4.5-18x magnification and powerful 1280×720 CMOS sensors to detect objects, day or night, with unique precision. With integrated laser rangefinders, the Digisight Ultras can spot objects up to 1,100 yards away. Their 1024×768 AMOLED screens display every image in stunning detail, and their technological implements are top-notch: Wi-Fi connectivity, built-in recording with sound, Picture-in-Picture digital zoom, compatibility with the Stream Vision App and ten variable electronic reticles.

Eminently durable, Digisight Ultras boast glass/nylon composite housing, IP67 waterproof and dustproof ratings, operating temperatures from -13F to 122F and a recoil rating of .375 H&H. The Digisight Ultras come included with a battery pack, charging kit, USB cable, IR illuminator, wireless remote control, QD weaver/picatinny rail, cleaning cloth, carrying case and Hex wrench. Read more

Optics

Hawke Optics Adds Three New Rimfire Scopes to Vantage 30 WA Line

Explore the Performance of a VANTAGE 30 WA 4-16×50 SF Scope Matched with Hawke’s New Rimfire-Specific Reticles and Take Your Plinking to a New Level

Hawke® Optics, a world leader in high quality sporting optics with outstanding performance in the field at amazing value to consumers, happily announces three new rimfire-specific models in the Vantage 30 WA line. Hawke matched the value-packed features of the Vantage scope line with the all-new rimfire caliber-specific reticles. The end results are superior accuracy and scopes that are a must-have for any serious rimfire shooter. These exciting new scopes are a solid addition to Hawke’s popular rimfire optic line.

Available for .22LR HV, .17HMR, and .22LR Subsonic, Hawke’s exclusive rimfire reticles have pre-calculated aim points for each specific caliber. With each scope, you zero while on 16x magnification at 50 yards (100 yards for the .17HMR) and from there, all aim points are pre-calculated with easy-to-read yardage markings etched in the reticle. With these reticles, you will experience outstanding downrange accuracy unlike any other rimfire scope on the market today. Read more

Optics

New NSSF SHOT University Online Learning Modules for Suicide Prevention

NEWTOWN, Conn. – NSSF’s SHOT UniversityTM Online learning portal offers a new presentation to help firearm owners, retailers and employees better understand the complexities of suicide and suicide prevention.

The suicide prevention modules are the latest addition to SHOT University Online’s lineup of educational presentations for industry companies and their employees. These presentations expand NSSF’s efforts with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to help educate the firearm community about mental health and preventing suicide by firearm. Read more

General

Rival Arms Chassis System for 10/22 Style Barreled Actions

Dallas, TX – Rival Arms™, manufacturer of precision firearm components for do-it-yourself gun enthusiasts, announces all colors for the R-22 Precision Chassis System for Ruger® 10/22®-style barreled actions are now available. Rival Arms, known for premium handgun components, expands into the world of performance rimfire upgrades beginning with the R-22 chassis.

The Ruger® 10/22® barreled action is known in the rimfire rifle community to be prolific, reliable, and easily upgradable. Rival Arms enhances this platform with the R-22 Precision Chassis System. Designed for use with 10/22®-style barreled actions featuring a 1-inch maximum barrel diameter, the R-22 chassis is CNC-machined from billet aluminum for precise consistency, strength, and rigidity. Weighing in at only one pound, the aluminum maintains the lightweight design of the 10/22 platform. The chassis will soon be available through dealers and distributors in hard black anodized finish as well as a KG GunKote Flat Dark Earth (FDE) and Satin Gray finishes. Like all Rival Arms products, the R-22 Chassis is proudly made in the USA by American workers. Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson Brands Reports Record Quarterly Results

– Record Quarterly Revenue of $249 Million

– GAAP EPS of $0.87/Share, non-GAAP EPS of $0.93/Share

– $0.05 per Share Dividend

SPRINGFIELD, MA – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year2021, ended October 31, 2020. On August 24, 2020, the company completed the previously announced spin-off of its outdoor products and accessories business. Therefore, beginning with this quarter, all historical financial information for that business is reported as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise indicated, any reference to income statement items refers to results from continuing operations. Read more

Firearms

Wildlife highway crossings, fences installed in Utah to help prevent collisions

SALT LAKE CITY — Most Utahns have seen the unfortunate sight of a deer lying dead on the side of the road. The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Utah Department of Transportation are working hard to create more wildlife crossings across various Utah roadways in an effort to decrease wildlife/vehicle collisions around the state.

These crossings are typically placed along migration routes to allow deer to reach their different feeding ranges safely. The structures vary and can include:

  • Overpasses, which allow wildlife to cross over a roadway
  • Bridges, which allow wildlife to cross over a river or ravine
  • Culverts, which allow wildlife to cross under a roadway (the majority of Utah’s wildlife crossings)
  • Fences, which eliminate roadway crossings in certain areas and instead funnel the animals to an overpass or culvert where they can safely cross a road Read more
Wildlife

SIG SAUER Introduces Modular MOD-X9 Pistol Suppressor

NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the MOD-X9 Pistol Suppressor. The MOD-X9 is the first release of SIG SAUER’s modular line of pistol suppressors made of titanium baffles for the ultimate in lightweight strength and performance that allows the user to personalize their suppressor for overall length, weight, and sound.

“SIG SAUER was the first to innovate and design the first truly modular pistol with the P320, and we’re now excited to bring new, innovative modularity to our line of suppressors with the MOD-X series of suppressors,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “The MOD-X9 is designed for 9mm pistols and rifles, is easily configurable allowing the user to choose the amount of baffles to optimize sound, length, and weight.”

The SIG SAUER MOD-X9 Suppressor is comprised of seven, 3D-printed titanium baffles and an encapsulator with 21-points of impact adjustment. The length is adjustable from 3.25 inches to 7.5 inches, the weight is adjustable from 5 ounces to 8 ounces, and the sound is adjustable from 127.4dB to 145.3dB. The suppressor is easily, user-configurable and comes with two pistons, disassembly tools, ½ x 28 and 13.1 pistons, and a fixed-barrel spacer and includes the most popular inch and metric position for its given caliber. Read more

Firearms
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