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    Hooks & Bullets - Follow us through the woods and waters of Michigan

    Beyond The Wild Episode 7

    Posted by MikeAdams on March 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment

    The Up North Journal Team has announced that Episode 7 of Beyond The Wild is now available for viewing at: www.upnorthjournal.com or by simply going to iTunes and subscribing to Beyond The Wild.  In this episode you will see the 2010 ATA coverage from the UNJ team along with seven interviews with industry leaders that attended the ATA show in Columbus Ohio this past January.  They also take you out on the frozen waters of Houghton Lake Michigan for a little ice fishing excursion.  Last of all team member and UNJ Pro Staffer Jim Stephan gets you up to date with what he has been up to since leaving Michigan and heading to Wyoming to live.  Take time to check out the latest show and then tell a friend about the show!

    Posted on 8th March 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Archery Trade Association (ATA), Hunting, Interviews, Product Testing, crossbows, game calls | No Comments »

    Coyote Hunt, Or Was Something Hunting Us?

    Posted by MikeAdams on March 8, 2010 | Leave a Comment

    We finally made plans to hit the woods with the AR for a little coyote hunt this past weekend. I got with our Pro Staff Member Chico Lopez to see if he wanted to ride along and spend a day in the woods chasing the devil dogs. I picked him up around 1:30am and headed north, after a 2 and a half hour drive we arrived at our northern Michigan destination around 4am! After a little sleep we got our gear ready and hit the woods. As we were getting ready to take to the field, I noticed a beautiful bald eagle flying over a clearing next to the lake. I thought to myself, this is a good sign of things to come, or so we thought!  Read More

    Posted on 8th March 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Hunting, game calls, habitat | No Comments »

    Gray Wolves In Michigan’s Lower Peninsula?

    Posted by MikeAdams on February 22, 2010 | 3 Comments

    The Michigan DNRE issued a press release Feb. 11th about wanting the public’s help with sightings of gray wolves in Michigan’s lower peninsula.  Below is the statement issued by the DNRE!

    Contacts: Jennifer Kleitch 989-785-4251, ext. 5430 or Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014 DNRE Asks for Help From Public to Detect Presence of Wolves in the Lower Peninsula The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced it will conduct a survey in the northern Lower Peninsula Feb. 16 through March 12 to detect the presence of gray wolves in this area of the state. Survey teams will be searching areas where the public reports observing a wolf or wolf tracks during the survey period. Priority will be placed on the most recent reports and reports with potential wolf evidence. “The purpose of the survey is to both verify the presence of wolves where we have previously confirmed animals and to detect new occurrences in other areas,” said DNRE Wildlife Biologist Jennifer Kleitch. “Given the low probability of observing a wolf or tracks in the Lower Peninsula it’s helpful to have as many eyes looking as possible. That’s why public reports are important.” The DNRE is asking the public to report wolf sightings that occur during the survey period to the Gaylord Operations Service Center at 989-732-3541, ext. 5901. Observation reports can also be submitted online year-round at www.michigan.gov/wolves. The Web site also contains identification information for wolves. “It’s imperative that observations are reported in a timely manner so we can work with fresh evidence. If the public finds what appear to be wolf tracks, they should preserve the physical evidence and disturb it as little as possible or take a photo of the tracks with a ruler,” Kleitch said. “If someone has a photo or video of a wolf in the Lower Peninsula, we’re interested in that as well.” Wolves began naturally returning to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula via Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s. Since that time populations have increased and continue to expand their range. Evidence of range expansion into the Lower Peninsula came when a gray wolf was accidentally killed in Presque Isle County in 2004. More recently, the DNRE verified two wolf observations in 2009 in the northern Lower Peninsula as a result of a video and trail camera photo taken by Michigan citizens. The DNRE is partnering in this survey effort with USDA Wildlife Services, the Little Traverse and Grand Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Central Michigan University. The DNRE is committed to the conservation, protection, management and accessible use and enjoyment of the state’s environment, natural resources and related economic interests for current and future generations.

    Posted on 22nd February 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Hunting, Uncategorized, habitat | 3 Comments »

    DragonFire ThermoGrips & Up North Journal

    Posted by MikeAdams on February 17, 2010 | Leave a Comment

     

    Press Release:

    Feb. 16, 2010

         Up North Journal would like to thank Scott Briner of DragonFire ThermoGrips for becoming our newest sponsor for the UNJ team.  “DragonFire ThermoGrip” produces a heated hand grip and stabilizer for your bow!  You will see this product on the UNJ team’s bows this year on the ranges and in the field. 

         Their stabilizer which doubles as the battery pack has been put through rigorous testing and has come out on top in dampening and vibration canceling qualities against some of the best stabilizers on the market.  The thermo grip will provide up to three hours of warmth, it has two settings to provide a comfortable amount of warmth to your hand depending on the conditions.  Set it on high for cold conditions or choose the low setting for those cool mornings and evenings.

         Don’t get caught with your bow on the hook because your hands are cold.  Check out this “HOT” new product over at our website www.upnorthjournal.com and follow the links for more information on DragonFire ThermoGrips or visit them at www.dragonfirethermogrip.com.  You Can also email Scott Briner directly at:  scott@dragonfirethermogrip.com

    Posted on 17th February 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Archery Trade Association (ATA), Hunting, Product Testing, archery | No Comments »

    New Turkey Vest By Quaker Boy!

    Posted by MikeAdams on February 13, 2010 | Leave a Comment

         It isn’t going to be long until turkey season is upon us!  With that in mind, we stopped at the Quaker Boy booth at this year’s ATA show in Columbus, Ohio!  Dave Streb who is the VP of Sales and Marketing demonstrated a new turkey vest for us during an interview with him.  This new vest isn’t just a vest for turkey hunting, it doubles as a guile suit for the complete concealment package while running and gunning for those big spring gobblers!  Take a look at the Vest-A-Blind in the video we produced covering just one of the hot new products from the 2010 ATA show!

    Posted on 13th February 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Hunting, Interviews, Product Testing | No Comments »

    Episode 6 of Beyond The Wild

    Posted by MikeAdams on February 2, 2010 | Leave a Comment

    I’m proud to announce that episode 6 of Beyond The Wild is now on the network.  You can view our latest installment at: http://www.upnorthjournal.com/ and simply click on the video player.  This episode we take you to the frozen waters of the Saginaw River in Michigan for a little walleye action.  After spending a day on the ice we then take our catch to the table with a recipe your sure to enjoy!

    Posted on 2nd February 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Fishing, Uncategorized | No Comments »

    Posted by MikeAdams on January 6, 2010 | Leave a Comment

    For Immediate Release

    Contact: Jeff Bergmann

    763.232.5452

    jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net

    SANITIZE SCENT FREE

    New Scent Free Hand Sanitizer from DDW perfect for use after harvesting game

    and during peak rut/Flu Season.

     

                Pleasant Valley, MO – Dead Down Wind®, an industry leader in scent prevention, introduces Instant Odorless Hand Sanitizer.  This 4 oz bottle of hand sanitizer kills 99.9% of common germs and is odorless in less than 5 seconds.  It even removes any hand odors in the process like cigarette or gas odors not just bacteria based odors.   

     “Unfortunately, the peak hunting seasons seem to correspond with the peak of the flu season” stated Dead Down Wind GM, Gary Reed.  “Our new Odorless Hand Sanitizer not only eliminates virtually any contact odors, it helps you maintain good hygiene, limits the spread of germ and fits easily into a pocket or fanny pack.”

     The Odorless Hand Sanitizer removes all odors including gas, carbons, hydrocarbons, pungent odors, even knocking out contact odors like gun cleaning chemicals, smoke odors and food odors.  The FDA certified sanitizer cleans, disinfects, and is totally odorless in seconds.  It is ideal for clean up after field dressing animals, and helps limit the exposure to diseases that can be transferred to humans from animals like hogs. 

     The 4oz bottle when used as directed will provide 58-60 applications.  Use the scent free hand sanitizer:

    • After field dressing an animal
    • After cleaning a firearm or contact with gas
    • To remove all contact odors before leaving for the field including cigarette odors
    • After using the bathroom
    • Before eating or drinking anything
    • Before and after handling raw foods, fish, poultry, or eggs
    • After using a public phone
    • After riding public transportation
    • In schools and day care centers
    • After changing diapers
    • When one is sick
    • After shaking hands
    • After sneezing or coughing

     It just makes sense to use the new DDW Odorless Sanitizer to knock out odor and 99.9% of the common germs we come in contact with everyday.  The Odorless Hand Sanitizer has an MSRP of $4.99

    About Dead Down Wind®:

     Dead Down Wind is a premium supplier of quality scent prevention products designed to help outdoor enthusiasts become more successful in the field.  Dead Down Wind revolutionized the scent elimination industry through the development of a bio-engineered process known as ESPTM (Enzyme Scent Protection).  Through this process a strand of enzymes is created that targets a broad spectrum range of odors, not just human bacteria based odors.

    Posted on 6th January 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: CWD and Wildlife Diseases, Fishing, Hunting, archery | No Comments »

    Dead Down Wind’s New Face Camo

    Posted by MikeAdams on January 6, 2010 | Leave a Comment

    For Immediate Release

     

    Contact: Jeff Bergmann

    763.232.5452

    jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net

    DON’T LET THEM SMELL OR SEE YOU

    New Camo Face Paint is as easy to remove as it is to apply!

                Pleasant Valley, MO – D2W Guide Gear, a division of Dead Down Wind, introduces a new scent free Camo Color Wheel for superior concealment, ease of use and color selection that can also be blended. 

    “One of the greatest frustrations with quality face camo is the difficulty in removing it after the hunt” states Monte McDowell, president of Dead Down Wind.  “Our new camo color wheel face paints are the easiest to remove in the industry and both FDA and EU approved colorants that are hypoallergenic.” 

    The Camo color wheel provides hunters four earth tone colors including shady brown, forest green, tree bark grey, and pitch black – making it perfect for year round use – spring as well as fall.  The unique and scent free formulation is hypoallergenic, and safe to use even on sensitive skin.  In addition, the camo will not cake or dry out skin and actually helps protect from the sun, while moisturizing the skin.  The D2W Face Camo is the easiest to remove in the industry, using nothing more than a moist towel.  No scrubbing is required, and no remnant color remains in the skin pores.  With its twist lock cap system, the Camo Color Wheel will last up to two years after opening.  Skin safe, easily removed and great colors for perfect concealment and performance.

    About D2W Guide Gear®: D2W Guide Gear, a division of Dead Down Wind® produces quality hunting accessories that are all tested and approved by professional outfitters and Guides throughout the world.  These best in class products set a new standard in quality and performance.  For more information visit deaddownwind.com

    By: Mike Adams, Up North Journal www.upnorthjournal.com

    Posted on 6th January 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Hunting, archery | No Comments »

    Cold Weather Ammo Reloading

    Posted by MikeAdams on January 4, 2010 | 1 Comment

         OK so it is single digits outside on a weekend when you should be out doing something outdoors, ice fishing, predator hunting, rabbit hunting, etc…. What to do you ask?  Stay inside where it is warm and do a little ammunition reloading I say!  That is exactly what I did this weekend!

         I was going to do a little ice fishing and decided against it since the weather was terrible.  Below zero wind chill isn’t exactly my idea of fun!  I thought to myself I could do something productive to get ready for next deer season, so I broke out my reloading equipment and began to plow through some cartridges that I had started to prepare sometime ago.  I had two boxes of 30-06 cases with new primers already in them along with a box of 30-30 cases in the same condition. 

         I started with my 30-06 rounds first.  I broke out the trusty load charts and dug through my powder selection to see what I had and then made my selection according to what my load charts recommended.  I used a bottle of H4350 powder for my 180 grain bullets that I had purchased.  After looking at the load specs I knew which Lee dipper to choose to make my powder measurements correct. 

         After setting up my dies and doing some measuring with my calipers I began to run round after round into the press.  It didn’t take to terribly long to run 40 rounds through which made two complete boxes of new hand loaded cartridges for my deer rifle!  I can’t wait to get to the shooting range to give them a try and see what they can do.  I will be taking my chronograph to check my speeds to see where they line up to the factory Remington loads of the same grain.

         Next up was the box of 30-30 cases that needed loading.  After looking at my load charts I had to switch to the IMR 4227 powder to produce my rounds.  To me it looked like the amount of powder was a little on the small side.  So I did some checking to see what they would be in the 30-06 load chart.  I found out if I used this same powder in my 30-06 rounds that they would measure almost half of what the H 4350 powder that I used measured to.  This IMR 4227 powder was a much finer grained powder than what the H 4350 was.  I also compared the speeds on the 30-06 load chart between the two powders.  The finer IMR powder speeds were much slower than that of the H 4350 for the same caliber and grain.    This is why you MUST check your load charts when figuring out what powders to use along with how much! 

         After double checking to make sure I had the right measurements, I began to load the 30-30 rounds and within a few minutes I had a box of hand loaded rounds to take to the shooting range to test the next time out.    Hand loading ammunition can be a fun and rewarding way to spend a cold day inside when your not able to get out and play!  Not to mention it can also save you quite a bit of coin along the way!

    Posted on 4th January 2010 by MikeAdams
    Under: Ammunition Reloading, Shooting | 1 Comment »

    G5® GIVES NEW MEANING TO THE PHRASE

    Posted by MikeAdams on December 16, 2009 | 1 Comment

    clip_image002  

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    New T3TM expandable 3 blade broadhead

    creates massive entrance and exit wounds.

    MEMPHIS, Mich., G5® Outdoors, the leading manufacturer in archery equipment and design, introduces its newest expandable broadhead – the T3TM.  This new 100% steel broadhead features 3 expandable blades to produce a 1.5″ wound channel. 

    t3-assembly-clip-assebmlied-view“The new design of the T3TM eliminates the shortfalls and failings that are common with other brands of expandables,” stated G5 Outdoors President and Co-Owner, Matt Grace. “In addition, the T3TM features a first of its kind blade retention system the Spider ClipTM.”

    The broadhead includes the new Spider ClipTM blade retention system. This system allows the shooter to tune their blade deployment based on their hunting scenario.  Each package of broadheads comes with 2 different tension clips.  One clip provides easier deployment for use with lower poundage bows.  The second has a stronger tension setting for use with high speed bows, crossbows, and for shooting through blind windows.   In addition, the Spider Clips eliminate the need for rubber bands or O-rings.  The new Spider Clip retention system also eliminates any risk of blade pre-deployment. t3-assembly-open_angled

    With its Metal Injection Mold Technology, 100% steel construction, field tip accuracy, truly replaceable blades and 1.5″ cutting diameter the big cut expandable T3TM leaves a blood trail that looks like a red carpet leading to your harvest.

    MSRP for the T3TM is $39.99 Replacement blades are $19.99 and replacement spider clips are $12.99.

    About G5® Outdoors

    G5® Outdoors L.L.C. is a family owned business established in 2000 and backed by more than 40 years of precision manufacturing experience. G5® strives to provide superior products that are Designed to HuntTM through precision manufacturing and innovative design.  To learn more about G5® Outdoors, visit www.g5outdoors.com or call (866)456-8836.

     

    Contact: Jeff Bergmann

    763.232.5452

    Jeff@providencemarketinggroup.net

    Posted on 16th December 2009 by MikeAdams
    Under: Archery Trade Association (ATA), Hunting, Product Testing, archery | 1 Comment »