Checking in on Young Walleye: Michigan DNR Begins Fall Surveys in September

If you’re on the water in late September to early October, be on the lookout for Michigan Department of Natural Resources personnel conducting nighttime walleye recruitment surveys. Fisheries managers use these surveys to determine whether walleye that hatched in the spring (known as young-of-year) were born in the wild or were stocked, as well as how many are present in an area. This information about the status of young walleye in lakes helps the DNR make well-informed management decisions.

Using electrofishing boats at night, crews will survey shallow areas near the shoreline of lakes with the goal of capturing juvenile walleye. Walleye prefer cooler, deeper areas of lakes during the day but move into shallow, nearshore areas at night, making nighttime surveys more efficient. On larger lakes, two or more electrofishing crews using separate boats may operate at the same time to cover more area. The crews will work on a subsample of Michigan lakes that have been stocked with walleye, as well as lakes that have not.

Biologists also collect and keep a sample of young-of-year walleye from stocked lakes to determine whether the fish are primarily reproducing naturally or if young-of-year are from stocking. All other walleye will be released unharmed. Walleye that are stocked in these lakes are marked with oxytetracycline, a chemical marker that can be observed within captured fish by using a microscope with an ultraviolet light source in a laboratory setting. Read more

Fishing

As Swim Buoys at State Parks are Removed, Swim Area Designation Expires

As the weather cools and the days shorten, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources begins the process of removing swim buoys from many state park beaches.

Swim buoys help mark the boundaries of a swim area, which are established to help identify locations with shallower water (less than 5 feet) and lower risks of dangerous currents and waves. DNR staff inspects these areas approximately every two weeks and adjusts them as needed to maximize safety.

Once buoys are removed, the area is no longer considered a swim area. While the beach remains open to the public, swimming is not recommended. Read more

Wildlife

MUCC and MTPCA File Legal Briefs in Lawsuit Against Natural Resources Commission

“…commissioners clearly show that sound scientific management was not a consideration in the decision-making process.”

On September 6, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) and the Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association (MTPCA) filed legal briefs in their lawsuits against the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC).

MUCC’s brief, which can be read HERE, argues that the NRC illegally closed Michigan’s coyote season for a quarter of the year in March of 2024 by failing to use the best available science, and focusing instead on unsubstantiated claims of negative public perception.

MUCC’s brief highlights the statements of the commissioners who voted in support of the closure, and those of the exceptionally few hunters who joined the commission in disregarding the principles of sound scientific management. The statements from the commissioners clearly show that sound scientific management was not a consideration in the decision-making process.

MUCC Chief Executive Officer Amy Trotter says that the public record is clear:  The commission’s decision failed to abide by their legal charge and responsibility to keep game management decisions based in science.

“The voters of Michigan were clear when they overwhelmingly passed Proposal G: scientific data needs to drive our game management decisions,” said Trotter. “After reviewing the public record, it is abundantly clear the commission failed in following their legal charge. By relying on social pressures, real or perceived, the commission set a dangerous precedent where our outdoor heritage is threatened based on the social and political winds of the day.”

MUCC is joined in the lawsuit by MTPCA who filed a separate brief, found HERE.

MTPCA’s brief highlights how commissioners trusted the instincts of one individual supporting the closure to appease anti-hunting interests, rather than the proven record of sound scientific management as dictated by Proposal G.

MTPCA President Joe Velchansky says this issue is larger than coyotes, and the future of Michigan’s outdoor heritage is at stake.

“This issue is so much bigger than coyotes, the very foundation of Michigan’s game management is at stake,” Velchansky said. “The minute we as conservationists compromise our principles is the minute we lose the whole thing, and that is not something we are prepared to do.”

The NRC will now file a response brief, due to the court in mid-October.

For more information on MUCC visit mucc.org.

Contact: jtomei@mucc.org

For more information on MTPCA visit mtpca.com

Contact: merlejones336@gmail.com

Animal Rights, Hunting

Hot, dry weather elevates wildfire risk in much of Michigan

The recent stretch of unseasonably warm, dry weather is perfect for late-summer outdoor activities, but it also boosts wildfire risk. That means taking care to prevent wildfires when you work and play outside this week.

“Most importantly, if you are planning to burn yard debris, make sure weather conditions allow for burning,” said Jeff Vasher, fire specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Debris burns that escape are the top cause of wildfires in Michigan.”

If you intend to burn yard debris, go to Michigan.gov/BurnPermit to see if weather conditions allow for burning in your area. Read more

Wildlife

Marlin Lever Action Air Rifle Now Available

The officially licensed Marlin® Lever Action BB rifle from Umarex is now shipping.

The Marlin Lever Action BB rifle is the classic way to introduce family and friends to the fun of plinking.

The Marlin brand is synonymous with lever-action rifles – the classic American long gun, a tool of history and as much a symbol of the Old West as the six shooter.

Holding 650 rounds, the Marlin Lever Action Air Rifle will keep you shooting all day long. When you eventually empty the rifle, an easy-load fill port makes it easy to refill and get back to plinking. The rugged lever action mechanism with an iconic “big loop” is time-tested and proven and will be a favorite for backyard plinkers for years to come. Read more

Firearms

Barnett Wildcat CRX, for Cost-Conscious Hunters

Tarpon Springs, FL – New for 2024, the Wildcat CRX crossbow from Barnett® reaffirms the company’s commitment to producing technologically advanced, deadly, effective crossbows that will not drain hunters’ wallets.

As its name suggests, the Wildcat CRX is powerful and stealthy and will bring down the biggest game in the moment of truth. The simple, recurve design makes it easy to operate while also being full of advanced features typically found in much higher-priced crossbows. With a tip-to-tip length of 18 inches cocked and 25 inches uncocked, the CRX is ideal for hunters who want a highly maneuverable crossbow as it takes a big bite out of prey at close range.

Before the shot, arrows are held securely by Barnett’s Soft Lok Floating Bristle Retainer System, ensuring accurate and reliable shots. The Wildcat CRX also has an Anti-Dry-Fire Trigger system and finger safety reminders above the pass-through foregrip to provide safety, precision ergonomics, and comfort for unparalleled shooting experiences. In addition, the CRX has a quality, Metal Injection Molded trigger with no creep, ensuring shots hit their mark in the most stressful hunting conditions.

The Wildcat CRX bares its claws using a compact, 12.25-inch power stroke that fires 380-grain arrows up to 280 FPS, ensuring deep penetration and quick recoveries! These features add up to an unrivaled recurve that gives hunters a safe crossbow that is simple to use and delivers deadly performance in the field. With over 60 years of experience designing and building the best crossbows for hunters from all walks of life, hunters can rely on the superior performance of Barnett Crossbows. Read more

Archery

Buck Commander’s BUK OPS Cycloptic Series

New for 2024, Buck Commander is proud to announce the launch of the BUK OPS® Cycloptic™ Series! This series features two industry-first optics: Cycloptic-X™ Prime Crossbow Scope and the Cycloptic™ Handheld Prime Viewer. Buck Commander has changed everything about hunting in low-light hunting situations with the BUK OPS Cycloptic Series.

The BUK OPS Cycloptic-X Prime Crossbow Scope features Primetime Color Vision™ to maximize time in the field. The Primetime Color Vision enhances visibility during critical low-light hunting conditions by augmenting natural light with an advanced high-definition conversion process. The vibrant color and clarity offer hunters a distinct advantage at dawn or dusk, making it easier to identify bucks and optimize chances of success.

With a click of a button, the Cycloptic-X can record in 4k high-resolution digital imaging, producing a bright, vivid sight picture that leaves traditional crossbow optics far behind. Hunters can finally have a high-definition, first-person view of their hunting experience. With the manual focus lens, fully adjustable red/green/blue/black crosshairs, and 1-5x zoom range, Buck Commander’s BUK OPS Cycloptic-X is the most versatile prime crossbow scope on the market. Included in the package is BUKSKIN, a premium neoprene protective skin in Veil Tac Black Camo to keep each Cycloptic-X in like-new condition.

Cycloptic-X™ Specs: Read more

Optics

FORT SMITH, Ark. – Walther Arms, Inc. proudly announces the launch of the Walther Magnum Pistol (WMP) SD, the first factory semi-auto .22 WMR option with a threaded barrel (1/2×28) for suppressor use, debuting at TEQ Fest 2024. This innovation marks a major milestone for Walther, offering shooters an unrivaled blend of performance and versatility.

“The growing popularity of suppressors and the demand for quieter, safer shooting experiences made the threaded barrel option on the WMP SD a natural evolution,” said Jens Krogh, Vice President of Marketing and Product Development for Walther Arms, Inc. “Whether you’re customizing it to your liking or using it straight out of the box, the WMP SD’s versatility ensures it’s ready to tackle any shooting adventure.”

Designed to meet the high standards of Walther TEQ—Trigger, Ergonomics, and Quality—the WMP SD delivers superior confidence in both functionality and precision, ensuring an unmatched shooting experience in any scenario.

Attendees of TEQ Fest will have the exclusive opportunity to experience the WMP SD firsthand and see the firearm that redefines adaptability for all shooting adventures.

Key Features of the WMP SD: Read more

Firearms

Walther Arms Introduces the PPK/S SD .32 ACP

Fort Smith, AR –– Walther Arms is proud to announce the release of the new PPK/S SD .32 ACP, an innovative evolution of one of the most iconic pistols in the history of firearms. The PPK/S SD redefines the classic Walther PPK/S with modern enhancements, making it the first in its lineage to feature a threaded barrel, specifically designed for compatibility with suppressors.

The PPK/S SD .32 ACP retains all the hallmark features that made the original PPK/S legendary, while incorporating cutting-edge technology to meet the demands of today’s shooting enthusiasts. The new threaded barrel includes a precision-engineered extension piece, ensuring proper alignment and durability while maintaining the PPK/S’s sleek and timeless design.

Key Features of the PPK/S SD .32 ACP: Read more

Firearms

Walther Arms Unveils the PDP F-Series PRO

Fort Smith, AR –– Walther Arms, a leading innovator in the firearms industry, is proud to announce the launch of the PDP F-Series PRO, the latest evolution in the Performance Duty Pistol (PDP) lineup. Specifically designed for the modern shooter who demands unmatched performance, the PDP F-Series PRO embodies Walther’s TEQ philosophy—Trigger, Ergonomics, and Quality.

With two distinct models—3.5” and 4” barrel lengths—this series offers versatility for a wide range of shooting applications, from everyday carry to professional duty use.

Key Features of the PDP F-Series PRO: Read more

Firearms
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