DNR OUTDOOR REPORT FOR THIS WEEK

Outdoor Report

January 25, 2018

Snow landed across several northern counties this past week, allowing more counties to open snowmobile trails and additional properties to groom ski trails. There now are about 20 counties that have snowmobile trails open or partially open across the north on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Snowmobiles have been out in force over the past couple weeks, taking advantage of the snowfall and amazing trail conditions.
There should be some excellent snowshoeing this weekend in areas like the Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and in Iron County. Cross-country ski conditions range from fair to excellent across the north. Southern Wisconsin received some snow this week, but not enough in most areas to groom ski trails. The Kettle Moraine southern unit groomed some trails, but there were many wet areas at the bottom of hills.

Cross-country ski conditions were very good at Pattison State Park after the area received about 10 inches of snow this week.Photo credit: DNR

Despite the recent warm-up, multiple reports of strong ice fishing have come in from properties across the state. Slush remains on many Northwoods lakes and plenty of snow on others. Crappies have been biting on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage and on lakes in the Flambeau River State Forest. Anglers at Straight Lake are landing trout and those dipping into lakes in Oconto County are finding perch, northern pike and largemouth bass. There is pretty good ice on most of the Bay of Green Bay ranging from 12-18 inches. Anglers pursuing whitefish have been doing pretty well but yellow perch fishing has been spotty.
The beautiful weather last weekend had lots of people taking advantage of free fishing weekend. Fishing was great in some areas and poor in others. Anglers reported catching northern on tip-ups, a variety of panfish, and even a few trout.
The northern zone grouse season remains open for one more week, closing on Jan. 31 and a few hunters got their dogs some exercise over the weekend but not many reported any shooting. The combination of recent snow and warming temperatures also has wildlife up and moving around. Turkeys have been spotted from roadsides and deer have been loitering in active timber harvests, chewing on fresh buds. Along with continuing reports of snowy owls, large numbers of bald eagles have been spotted and a variety of woodpeckers can be seen digging into trees. Tracks and animal sign are particularly visible and abundant currently.
Jan. 31 is the second full moon of January--a “blue moon.” This full moon will be closest to the earth in its orbit, making it a “super moon.” There will also be a lunar eclipse in the early morning hours of Jan. 31. The eclipse makes the moon appear orange-red in color, hence the nickname the “blood moon.”

The largest numbers of candlelight events at state properties will be held over the next three weekends, with six this weekend and eight the next two weekends. This Friday people can ski, snowshoe or hike the Red Cedar State Trail to an illuminated ice wall thanks to 10 inches of snow the trail received this week. On Saturday, Hartmann Creek, Lake Wissota, Point Beach and Rib Mountain will hold events. One schedule for Whitefish Dunes was cancelled due to poor trail conditions and one at Lapham Peak has sold out. We’re also moving into the peak of the owl mating season and Richard Bong and Kettle Moraine South are both holding hikes to listen for owl’s territorial calling. For all details and a complete list of activities search the DNR website for “Get Outdoors.”

LASER REFLEX SIGHT FOR SHOTGUNS **************** ROGER'S OUTDOOR NEWS

Kruger introduces Quad Safe laser reflex sight at 2018 SHOT Show

Ammoland Inc. Posted on January 24, 2018 by Ammoland

Patented four-laser shotgun sight designed to increase accuracy and reduce risk of collateral damage

Kruger Quad Laser Reflex Sight

USA – -(Ammoland.com)- Kruger Optical will introduce its new Quad Safe laser reflex sight at the 2018 SHOT Show, slated for Jan. 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. Attendees can try out the new sight, along with other Kruger products, in Booth 331.

SHOT Show visitors can also view the new sight in the show’s New Product Center.

The patented design features a standard red dot reticle, along with four lasers. The lasers project four dots onto the target that show the boundaries of the shotgun’s pattern.

“We’ve partnered with Ochoco Arms of Prineville, Oregon, to create the ultimate self-defense sight for a shotgun,” said Kruger President Mark Thomas. “Our sight gives the shooter the advantage of seeing a clear zone of where their pattern will go.”

The lasers can be calibrated to correspond with the gun’s choke setting, so they accurately indicate the size of the shot pattern. Each laser has its own power source and can be adjusted independently. Each laser is independent for maximum brightness and accuracy.

The 1x sight also includes a windage/elevation adjustment of +/- 50 MOA, for even greater accuracy. The reticle can be illuminated, with 5 brightness levels.

“We are proud to be working with Kruger Optical to bring the quad laser to market,” said Sam Lambert, president and CEO of Ochoco Arms. “The product will significantly reduce the risk of collateral damage associated with using a shotgun in a home defense or law enforcement environment by providing the user with immediate visual feedback on the spread pattern of their shot at range.”

“Our combined technology with Kruger Optical’s robust craftsmanship will allow for an unparalleled end user experience,” Lambert added.
Thomas said the sight will be useful for law enforcement, security personnel and home defense, and offers shooters better accuracy, safety and confidence in their targets. The four lasers allow for quick target acquisition in emergency situations, since a shooter can find their target with or without looking through the sight.

“This is part of our effort to bring innovative, high tech products that have more than one function,” Thomas said. “This sight offers more flexibility in how it’s used.”

Other Kruger Quad Laser Reflex Sight features include:

• 1x compact reflex sight.
• 3 MOA dot size.
• Parallax free to 50 yards.
• Impact tested to 750 g for 1,000 cycles.
• Windage/elevation adjustment to +/-50 MOA.
• Illuminated reticle with 8 brightness levels; CR2 battery.

Kruger anticipates that this product will be available to key dealers and retailers during the spring of 2018. Dealers and retailers may contact Titch White, vice president of sales and marketing, to discuss this scope and other Kruger Products. White may be reached by phone at (336) 932-2312, or by email at Titch@krugeroptical.com.

About Kruger Optical

Kruger Optical is a full-service provider of quality sports optics. Headquartered in Tigard, Oregon, the company has been providing binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes and other optics products, as well as optical engineering services, since 1998. With 150 years of combined experience in optical product development and marketing, Kruger Optical’s talented and dedicated team is committed to developing innovative, high performance products for the discerning customer. To learn more, please visit our website at http://www.krugeroptical.com.
About Ochoco Arms Ochoco Arms is an intellectual property development company based in Prineville, Oregon. OA was founded in 2012 and focuses on the hunting, outdoor and defense industries.

6955 Sandburg Rd. Tigard, OR 97223 Phone (541) 549-0770 • Fax (541) 639-3663 • E-mail Info@KrugerOptical.com

ATTENTION ALL FIREARM OWNERS AND SECOND AMENDMENT FOLLOWERS, PLEASE ATTEND THIS MEETING.

Dear Wisconsin NRA Supporter, Be sure to make plans to join your fellow patriots tomorrow, January 25th, at Cabela’s in Green Bay as NRA kicks off its 2018 grassroots efforts in Wisconsin. Come out for important updates and free NRA information. 2018 will undoubtedly be an important time for our Second Amendment rights as we work hard to advance freedom in Wisconsin during another critical election year. Join us tomorrow at Cabela's in the Green Bay area from 6-7:30 p.m. Click here to RSVP! At this meeting you’ll hear from NRA-ILA staff along with Nate Nelson, Executive Director of American Majority in Wisconsin, for important information on NRA priorities in 2018, NRA opportunities, and how best to ensure success in Madison and on Election Day! Stop in to stock up on NRA materials and information! The event and all materials are free; light snacks and beverages will be served. We hope to see you there! Suzanne Anglewicz NRA-ILA Midwest Field Coordinator (IA, MI, MN, WI)

PUBLIC IS WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS MEETING AND HEAR HOW TO ICE FISH THE COUNTY LAKES

A reminder for MCLA members and the public concerned with our County Lakes and Waters:  Our program starts at 6:30 at the County Offices on Expo drive this Thursday evening. 

A business meeting will follow. 

We are looking forward to starting our next 20 years as a County Lakes Association introducing new projects and programming in 2018. 

A reminder we meet every other month and our next meeting will be in March. We may change the meeting day to a different day of the week if this can improve attendance. 

MCLA President Tom Ward

Ice Fishing Manitowoc County Lakes: Clint Ward will discuss the latest trend in technology and ice fishing methods that have occurred in recent years. A life long resident of Manitowoc County and avid fisherman, he will discuss ice fishing opportunities on area lakes. 

at the Manitowoc County Lakes Association meeting {MCLA} January 25th, this coming Thursday, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the County Offices Complex located at 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc.

 All are welcome at this and future MCLA events, working to protect and enhance the quality of area lakes and watersheds for the benefit of all and quality of life in our community.

NEW ITEM FROM THE SHOT SHOW 2018 THAT'S MAKING IT'S ANNOUNCEMENT TO THE PUBLIC

January 22, 2018

Mustang Survival Launches Leading-Edge Ratis™ Inflatable LPU

The smallest LPU of its kind debuts at 2018 SHOT trade show

Bellingham, WA – Following five years of extensive collaborative research and development, Mustang Survival^® proudly unveils their industry-leading Ratis™Inflatable LPU (life preserver unit) on display at the upcoming 2018 SHOT Show in Las Vegas (January 23 - 26, 2018) at booth #12762. Mustang Survival worked closely with Virginia Beach-based defense contractor ADS, Inc. and engaged with the Naval Special Warfare and other SOF users to design this LPU which is lightweight and extremely compact.

Developed with long-time partner CM Hammar^®, the new Ratis™ Inflatable LPU utilizes patented programmable inflator technology to provide the operator true mission flexibility.  This partnership is a perfect illustration of how collaboration best benefits the user community and drives industry innovation. Mustang Survival and ADS also leveraged their 20-year partnership, melding Mustang Survival’s extensive product development expertise with ADS’ strong customer relationships.

This new system allows the operator to choose whether the inflation is triggered by depth, time submerged in water or a combination of both.  When compared to current solutions, this sleek inflatable provides a wider range of unencumbered head movement and weapons manipulations, improved visibility and uses minimal real-estate on an already overloaded operator. 

“Our sole purpose in designing life-saving products is to deliver confidence to the most demanding users in the world.  And to do that, we evaluate every detail to maximize performance and versatility,” stated Jason Leggatt, Mustang Survival’s general manager. “Weighing just 1 pound, our new Ratis Inflatable LPU’s sleek design becomes almost invisible when worn, and is the most compact self-righting design we have ever created. We’ve also integrated our newest lightweight membrane technology to create a low-profile, pliable unit that clips into an armor carrier and provides 40 pounds of buoyancy.”

Key product features:

• Lightweight. Weighing 1lb., it is the smallest self-righting inflatable LPU for maritime special operations, providing 40 lb. of buoyancy.
• Sleek. The almost invisible, low-profile design allows full field of view, head mobility and does not interfere with users’ equipment, while easily connecting to almost any armor carrier.
• Ultimate Control. The exclusive programmable automatic inflator is triggered by water depth, time submerged in water or a combination of both and provides 40 pounds of buoyancy.
• Versatility. Harness accessory allows the device to be used as a stand-alone life vest with no armor carrier. SOLAS retro reflective tape is attached to the bladder via hook and loop, allowing the user to remove it or switch to GLINT tape.
• Colors: Sepia, MultiCam, Coyote Tan and Black
• Models:
• Model # MD1500 utilizes a Programmable automatic inflator
• Model # MD1501 utilizes HIT^TM Hydrostatic inflator
• Model # MD1502 utilizes Hammar’s new manual inflator

About Mustang Survival

Through constant innovation and inspired technical solutions, Mustang Survival strives to bolster performance, encourage exploration and inspire adventure in the marine environment. We are committed to the protection and enhancement of those who push themselves to extremes. Mustang Survival is part of The Safariland Group family of brands. For more information, visit www.mustangsurvival.com. 

GREAT NEW FISH EQUIPMENT FOR ALL OF US TO ENJOY

The Evolving Game of Sight-Fishing on Ice Hardwater hero Brian Brosdahl files field report from an underwater perspective Crosslake, MN (January 22, 2018) – Talk about trends in ice fishing, no one’s sees the big picture quite like Brian “Bro” Brosdahl. From November through February, the legendary Bro and his wonderful wife, Heather, embark on an ice fishing tour de force, hitting outdoor stores and famous fisheries from the Dakotas all the way east to the Adirondacks. Everywhere he rolls, Bro’s larger-than-life persona precedes him, clutching paws with hundreds if not thousands of his fishing fans. Ask Bro what’s hot and he’ll gladly comply — even if it means occasionally divulging some of his favorite frozen water secrets. “Right now, I’m really digging my micro Revolution underwater camera,” he chimed in during a recent trek from Michigan to his Northern Minnesota neighborhood. “If our stops at dozens of outdoor stores are any indication, ice anglers agree — seems like every store we visited sold out of Aqua-Vu cameras early on. Good news is, Aqua-Vu was quick to respond and restock stores right away. “Right now, though, I’m back in full-time fishing mode; can’t wait to get back in the Frabill and down-view some bull bluegills.” Out on the frozen lake, excitement for Bro’s favorite new fishing tool is self-evident. “See this?” he inquires, peeling camera cable off the back of a revolving spool. “No more downtime or tangle issues with excess cord. The Revolution Camera Reel instantly deploys and retrieves 10-, 20- or 50-feet of cable as fast as your fishing reel. Smooth, too.” NEW Aqua-Vu micro 5.0 Revolution Pro True to typical Bro form, the expert ice angler has even devised his own customized sight-fishing program. “I’ve been connecting the Aqua-Vu monitor directly to the frame of my Frabill shelter; keeps the screen right at eye level. No more ‘sore-neck’ fishing. And I can instantly pay out more camera cable or retrieve it to adjust to different depths and fish levels.” To max out convenience and versatility, Aqua-Vu designed both its micro 5.0 Revolution and DVR-enabled micro 5.0 Revolution Pro with a tripod coupler — accepts any standard tripod/camera mount. Brosdahl opts for an Aqua-Vu Pro-Snake Micro Camera Mount, which screws into the top of the monitor while the C-clamp end clutches the frame of any portable ice shelter. The Camera Mount’s “goose-neck” construction offers almost infinite adjustability for different view-screen angles. Heather Brosdahl enjoying the results of sight-fishing via her shelter-mounted Aqua-Vu camera. “For sight fishing everything from big perch and crappies to pike and walleyes, this is the ultimate underwater set up. “The camera’s ultra-clear LCD shows me every little detail. You can read fin movements of crappies — it’s fish body language that reveals their willingness to bite. Seeing your jig’s posture, position and movements also clues you in on critical details. I can immediately react and adjust.” Ever the enthusiastic angler, Bro never tires of watching fish bite on the underwater camera screen. “It’s like watching a bobber go under, only better.” Bro playing with his favorite new toy, a cable-reel enabled micro Revolution underwater camera. View Online Version #AquaVu

About Outdoors Insight, Inc. Creator of Aqua-Vu, the original Underwater Viewing System, Outdoors Insight, Inc. has led the underwater camera category in design, innovation and quality since 1997. The Central Minnesota based company builds many popular outdoors products, such as the iBall Trailer Hitch Camera (iballhitchcam.com) and Odor Check Moisture and Odor Control System (odorcheck.com) featuring Scent-Lok Technology. For more information on Aqua-Vu, visit www.aquavu.com.

NEW GOVERNMENT RULES TO TAKE AWAY YOUR FIREARMS AND THEY ARE DOING IT IN HAWAII

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Because they filled out form 4473, legal gun owners taking a legal medication are being forced to hand over their guns to police. Guns.com wrote that Hawaiian police told gun owners they had a week to turn over their guns or else. If they didn’t, the police told these law-abiding citizens they were going to come and take them away by force. Odds are, you’ve filled out Form 4473 too. You just know it by a different name - The NICS Background Check. Since 1993, ever since the Brady Bill was signed into law, 97% of gun purchases have been made using Form 4473. What you may not realize is Form 4473 form puts everyone - including you -  on a federal registry. A registry the Feds can use to seize your guns just like they’re doing in Hawaii right now. The number #1 way to guarantee your guns are never seized is by knowing gun law “workarounds” like those found in the Arm Up System written by veteran gunsmith Frank Mitchell. The Arm Up System is an easy to read guide showing you exactly how to get around problematic gun laws. Here are a few examples of ways to bypass gun laws that would make anti-gun snowflakes freak out. Exploitable loopholes in today’s gun laws you can use to get an off-the-books rifle or pistol. If you don’t know them you’re putting yourself in extreme risk of future gun confiscation. Why understanding the true definition of a firearm is so important. Know this and they won’t be able to track down your firearm - ahem, I mean your “gun.” Which ATF forms to avoid at all costs. You already learned about Form 4473, now it’s time to see what bad things happen when you fill the other ones out. Page 27 shows you how to hide an existing firearms from the government’s prying eyes. An advanced technique, this guarantees your gun is confiscation proof. Plus much more. Normally $37, Frank said he’s giving away copies of “The Arm Up System” for the next 3 days, or until he runs out of copies, as a part of a special gun rights awareness promo. He said he’s got 852 copies left… so click here to get yours before they’re gone. Stay Locked & Loaded, Ryan Merc P.S. You can stick you head in the sand and pretend your guns will never be taken… or you can take this simple step to learn how to guarantee they aren’t.