By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

With firearms deer season right around the corner, many hunters will be sighting in their guns. Since there’s not a lot of time to waste, and ammunition is quite expensive, I am providing some tips to get the job done as economically as possible.

As mentioned in previous writings, a six-inch kill zone will be the standard from any shooting position in the field for deer. For sighting in, however, smaller targets help with precision. Orange squares with the black outlines are my favorites for scoped guns and plain black circles are best for iron sights, red dot sights. and holographic sights. If you can’t remember when you changed batteries on any electronic sights, it’s best to just do it now.

If your gun has been in storage from last season, make sure there is no oil or grease in the barrel and make sure it’s unloaded before doing anything else. A clean and dry bore is the best way to start and when finished, don’t clean the barrel. You can do that when the season is finished – unless, of course, you are working with a muzzleloader, in which case cleaning is mandatory immediately after shooting. Make sure everything is tight – especially scope bases and rings. Good hearing protection can include foam plugs with hard shell muffs over them. Use a pad at the shoulder – especially if youngsters are involved in the session. A pad can be as simple as a folded towel placed under a shirt.

Start at 25 yards and make sure you have a good, solid rest at the forend and buttstock For guns with newly installed scopes, use a large backing around the target in case you don’t hit the target; that way, at least you’ll know where you are missing and can make adjustments accordingly. Sandbags or commercial rests are recommended. This is not the time to use your elbows for a rest; you can do that in the field, but not when testing ammo. The idea when sighting in is to minimize human error. Since most deer guns pack a wallop at both ends, it’s extremely important to pull the buttstock in tight to the shoulder and to pull down on the forend section with your other hand. Also, make sure any sling swivel studs will not hang up on the rest during recoil, because shots will not be consistent.

Before beginning the shooting session, make sure to have enough ammo on hand to sight in and to hunt. You don’t want to purchase ammo that was produced from a different production run than the ammo you sighted in. Even if it’s the same brand and load, it may not shoot the same.

If you are experiencing a strong crosswind, it’s best to postpone the session until winds subside. Shoot three shots and find the middle of the group. (If you are missing the paper completely, move in to about 10 feet. A single shot will usually be enough to let you know which direction to go.) Remember, at 25 yards to make adjustments at four times what you would at 100 yards. For most guns, you are ready to move the target to 100 yards, if you are dead on at 25 yards. Don’t change anything and shoot another 3-shot group at 100 yards, find the center of the group and adjust to your chosen elevation at 100 yards.

Understand that many scopes do not necessarily adjust according the the calibration marks indicated on the turrets. If you want to save some expensive ammo, here’s a shortcut to get you on target fast: Shoot a three-shot group. Now, press your gun tight into the rest and center the sights on the bull’s eye – or, the point you’d like the bullet to strike (your zero). With the help of an assistant, have him move the crosshairs of the scope from your zero to the center of the three-shot group, while you hold the gun steady. For example, if you were shooting high, the assistant will move the crosshairs down to the group’s center. I realize it sounds backwards, but trust me, it isn’t. Make left and right adjustments the same way.

Once you get sighted in, you can try shooting from various positions and with rests you may use in the field. As long as you can keep 9 out of 10 in the six-inch circle at a given range, you are shooting within ethical standards and will be able to make any shot with confidence.

A couple of friends came over to share my private shooting range and facilities yesterday. Both were toting 20-gauge slug guns – one in a fully-rifled Remington model 1100 and the other with a Rossi – both scoped.

Joe, with the 1100 was all over the target at 100 yards and we all concluded it wasn’t good enough to hunt with. He then sighted in his muzzleloader and easily qualified according to our rules at 100 yardsm but he really wanted to use the 20 gauge. Bummed out to say the least.

Next up was Stan with his Rossi. He brought well over $150 worth of ammo (although the term “worth” is questionable). He fired the Hornady SSTs and Federal Premium with the Barnes – again a beautiful “pattern”. (Too, bad he wasn’t testing a scattergun). He then pulled out some Lightfield stuff. One round wasn’t in a box and the shell was obviously different than the other Lightfield ammom but I hadn’t noticed why it was different; the plastic hull had lengthwise lines on it, while the boxed ammo hulls were smooth. His first shot was with the odd round and the second shot was with the other ammo. Turns out one was a 3-inch load and apparently that was the difference.

In any case, he shot one more with the 2 3/4-inch load and it was quite a bit off from the first Lightfield shot. I then asked him if he had at least 2 Lightfield rounds left, and he did. He then allowed me to fire the last 2 rounds at the 100-yard target with his gun. (I wanted to rule out some firearm-related problem, because so far nothing was performing acceptably.) My only 2 shots and Stan’s one shot were within 1 1/2 inches apart on the target and then we were out of the Lightfield ammo.

Joe took note and we promptly went to the local store for some Lightfield 20-gauge slugs. As you know, the 1100 only takes the 2 3/4-inch rounds so we came back with one box for testing. Once again, the Lightfields came through with about a 2-inch group and he”ll be back with more Lightfield ammo to dial it in next weekend. The Lightfield ammo was the only ammo that made the grade in both “problematic” guns.

Since Stan ran out of ammo but was pleased with the Lightfield results, he will be getting some more for his Rossi.

I look forward to sighting in Joe’s gun with the Lightfields next weekend.

Bottom line: Two new converts!

GW: This is good news for America. Because Obama won’t face facts, his denial of realtiy will further the cause of those who know better. You can’t fix a problem, if you don’t know it exists. Of course, about all he’s fixed so far is blame, anyway…

“I think that’s a fair argument. I think that, over the course of two years we were so busy and so focused on getting a bunch of stuff done that, we stopped paying attention to the fact that leadership isn’t just legislation. That it’s a matter of persuading people. And giving them confidence and bringing them together. And setting a tone,” Mr. Obama told 60 Minutes’ Steve Kroft in an exclusive interview set to air Sunday. . . .

Rule The Rut With Field & Stream

New New York, NY- Field & Stream’s new Rut Reporters, FieldandStream.com/rut-report is a one of a kind site offering hunters the tools they need to outsmart deer. The newly launched site offers users the up-to-date reports, information, and insights about the stage of the rut in every region of the country updated twenty-four-hours a day.

Field & Stream deer experts throughout the country are continually reporting on what the bucks are doing RIGHT NOW–whether they’re just forming bachelor groups, actively making scrapes, or recklessly chasing does. Users can get in on the action and become eligible to win valuable hunting gear by reporting what deer are doing in their area on Field & Stream’s Facebook page. All the information is uploaded into “heat maps” that tell users at a glance how the rut is progressing across the country. The site also features photos and videos from around the nation allowing users to customize their hunting plans based on the latest information from the field.

“Rut Reports is a one-stop for deer hunters this year,” said Anthony Licata, editor of Field & Stream. ‘The site helps hunters be as prepared as possible when they’re heading into the woods this season with everything from local activity reports on the deer in their area to hunting tips and moon phases.”

Field & Stream’s Rut Reporters is also home to the Rut Handbook, an ever-evolving database of information about hunting the rut complete with tactics, pro hunting tips, skills, and essential information about whitetail biology and behavior. The site’s monthly calendar offers information on moon phases and Field & Stream’s Best Days of the Rut.

For more information on Field & Stream’s Rut Reporters, visit FieldandStream.com/rut-report.

Field & StreamÂ, The World’s Leading Outdoor Magazine, is the country’s largest enthusiast title and most recognized outdoor publication. Devoted to the complete outdoor experience and lifestyle, Field & Stream(www.FieldandStream.com) gives its readers the knowledge and inspiration to pursue the sports they love. It celebrates the outdoor experience with great stories, compelling photography and sound advice, while honoring the traditions hunters and fishermen have passed down for generations. Established in 1895, Field & Stream is published 11 times per year by the Bonnier Corporation.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Nov. 2, 2010 – Rebecca Humphries, director of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, has accepted the position of Director of the Great Lakes/Atlantic Regional Office for Ducks Unlimited. She will manage conservation delivery for the Great Lakes and Atlantic region of DU beginning January 2011.

“Becky brings 33 years of conservation experience to Ducks Unlimited,” said DU CEO Dale Hall. “Her dedication to natural resources has been expressed not only through her work with the state, but also as a leader on many of the conservation teams with which Ducks Unlimited partners. We’re pleased to add her expertise and passion for wetlands to the DU family.”

Humphries will be responsible for managing conservation delivery in 18 states, on the Eastern Seaboard from New England to the Chesapeake, and throughout the Great Lakes to the Upper Mississippi region. The director is responsible for conservation planning and program delivery, and coordinates efforts between Ducks Unlimited staff and volunteers with private, state and federal agencies.

For the past 36 years, Humphries has held various positions within the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and became director of the department in 2004. In 2010, the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Environmental Quality were combined and became the Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Humphries was named to head the newly formed department and has been in that position since its inception.

“I have worked with Ducks Unlimited in many capacities during my tenure with the state of Michigan,” Humphries said. “The organization is very focused on habitat, and this opportunity is really one that doesn’t come twice in a lifetime.”

Humphries is a graduate of Michigan State University, and holds an honorary Ph.D. in Public Service from Central Michigan University. She has been honored with numerous professional awards and has served as vice president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Chair of the Great Lakes Fishery Trust and Chair of the Mississippi Flyway Council.

The Great Lakes and Atlantic region includes several high-level conservation priorities for Ducks Unlimited representing diverse varieties of wetlands and associated habitats. The Great Lakes serve as an important breeding ground for waterfowl and a significant migration area for many species of waterfowl and migratory songbirds. It is estimated that 3 million ducks migrate through the region each year. The mid-Atlantic coast is a major resource for wintering waterfowl, especially black ducks, Atlantic brant and both snow and Canada geese.

Ducks Unlimited is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 12 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever.

COLUMBUS, OH – The population of sandhill cranes in Ohio has gradually been increasing in recent years. In the past decade, the number of pairs in the state has grown from two to 25 this year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife. The division has been seeking ways to improve the accuracy of the count of the birds and is currently undertaking a study to help with this process.

Satellite transmitters have recently been attached to five adult and three juvenile sandhill cranes in Ohio. Following the movements of these marked birds will improve biologists’ understanding of migration and allow Wildlife managers to find the birds and/or their locations in order to establish a more reliable count. Ohio is joining Ontario, Canada, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana and Tennessee in this study.

Birds marked with transmitters for this study were located in Lucas, Geauga, Holmes and Trumbull counties.

Greater sandhill cranes are listed as a state endangered species in Ohio. Observations of breeding pairs and confirmed sightings of nests or young (colts) indicate breeding by sandhill cranes in Ohio since 1985. At least 23 crane pairs were observed in 2008 with 19 young cranes fledged. The number of nesting pairs declined to 19 in 2009, but 23 young were fledged.

Growth of the breeding population has been slow, primarily centered in the Killbuck/Funk Bottoms region, and Geauga, Trumbull and Williams counties.

Wildlife enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the birds’ movements online at wildohio.com under Wild Resources. Also, sing up for updates from the Division of Wildlife on Facebook at facebook.com/ohiodivisionofwildlife or on Twitter at twitter.com/ohiodivwildlife.

Federal funds for the sandhill crane project and other wildlife diversity efforts of the Division of Wildlife are provided through the State Wildlife Grant Program, which targets species with greatest conservation need.

The division’s sandhill crane project is funded by the sale of cardinal license plates, the division’s new Ohio Wildlife Legacy Stamp, and contributions to the state Wildlife Diversity and Endangered Species Tax Check-off Fund. Taxpayers may donate directly or designate all or part of their state income tax refunds to the effort by checking the box on the Ohio Income Tax Form. Donations can also be made online at www.wildohio.com.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

Accurate shooting is comprised of many elements. First there is the firearm itself – most of which are capable of more than acceptable accuracy. Then there is ammunition – some better than others – but most all factory fodder is up to the task at hand. Handloaders such as myself tend to strive for precision as close to perfection as possible. Of course, today’s optics play a huge role and run the gamut from iron sights to glass capable of spotting the date on a dime at 100 yards.

However, all of the combined components of a good shot are worthless without practice – and not just any practice – but practice from positions to be found afield. Shooting benches are fine for sighting in, and even serve a useful purpose when varmint hunting in some cases. But, deer hunters are not afforded the luxury of shooting from a bench and must make do with whatever is available.

Shooting positions from the least stable to the most stable are offhand, kneeling, sitting and prone, although the latter is seldom practical because of limitations of view. On the other end of the scale, offhand shooting should only be used in cases where hunters are caught off guard or are hunting in areas where shooting distance is within reason. And, reason is defined as being able to hit a 6-inch target 9 out of 10 times. Only practice will dictate a hunter’s personal limits from a given position with a given firearm.

One ingredient can tip the odds in the ethical sportsmen’s favor: a rest. Just as rests are used to minimize human error at the practice range, they can be an invaluable asset afield. Because of modern technology, rests can be deployed by those that brave the elements in any form of stealth pursuit. If you have ever watched one of the African safaris on television, you may have noticed that guides carry some form of bipod or tripod for their clients. With swivel heads and quick deployment – some of which are actually attached to chosen firearms – they offer the stability necessary for an ethical and humane shot. One such option is the Primos Trigger Stick, which can be precisely adjusted with one hand in a moment’s notice and they are available in short to tall lengths.

Even those hunting from fixed blinds can benefit beyond the hard surface of a window opening by using rests. My friend, Joe Reyonlds, has invented a rest fashioned from bar clamps and plywood that can be mounted inside a shack and ingeniously clamped to the window opening in a flash. By adding front and rear filled bags, it’s almost as good as the stationary bench we use when sighting in. In fact, our qualifying session taking place this weekend will have each shooter using the contraption from an actual hunting blind afield, when we stretch our marksmanship abilities to 125, 150, and 175-yards firing at 6-inch, Shoot-N-See targets following the strict guidelines of the 9 out of 10 rule. (If a shooter misses more than 1 shot out of 10, he qualifies only at the previous range in which he succeeded.) Although it’s fun, it’s also competition that will permit shots at the qualified range during the season through our own self-imposed rules of sportsmanship.

And, one final word on the subject of sighting in: Don’t bother if the wind is howling, because you will have sighted in while compensating for the wind, which will have you off target under other circumstances. Wait for calm conditions and then learn the corrections necessary for given wind conditions and your ammunition, then allow for it by holding off the target properly. If you think that slug guns and muzzleloaders are not adversely affected beyond all but the closest shots, you are kidding yourself.

So, get a stack of 6-inch targets, get plenty of ammo, fire away, and learn your personal limitations away from the bench. It’s what sportsmen do.

— Voters can stop this global tyranny by electing an Obama-proof Congress

In late September, several dozen UN representatives met at the University of Massachusetts in Boston to further discuss their plans for global gun control.

While our President may have a history of being absent for important events — missing over 300 votes while in the U.S. Senate, dissing important dignitaries who visit our country, etc. — he was sure to have his administration represented at this meeting.

The final report for the Boston Symposium on the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is posted online and states that:

“In the end, we seek to achieve an ATT that will establish the highest possible common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms, including small arms and light weapons, in order to contribute effectively towards peace and stability. This Symposium has brought us one step closer to achieving that goal.”

So, they are one step closer to their goal. What are there goals for our firearms?

Apart from using generic phrases like “highest possible common international standards” (aka, gun controls), the gun banners are very careful not to publicly post specific anti-gun proposals that would excite the American public against them. But Paul Gallant and Joanne Eisen, who have attended these UN meetings, spell out what the proposed ATT will really entail.

Writing together with another noted firearms author of the Independence Institute, Dave Kopel, they say that an Arms Trade Treaty would impose:

* Microstamping on firearms, thus increasing the cost of each gun by about $200;

* Registration of all firearms, which is often a prelude to gun confiscation;

* Restrictions on gun sales, especially private transfers (thus, no more gun shows as we know them);

* Embargoes on firearms and materials (such as nickel and tungsten) that would limit access to many of the firearms which are sold in this country.

I’ll never submit to any stinkin’ gun control laws!

You might think: “I don’t care what the UN imposes on us, I will never comply with their gun controls.”

Oh really? So, you’ll never buy a new gun from a gun dealer? Because if you do — and that gun has been manufactured according to UN treaty standards — then the microstamping technology on that gun will cost you a couple hundred dollars extra.

Not only that, the signature impressions that the firing pin leaves on your spent cartridge cases will be registered with the government under your name.

No problem, you say, you’re not a criminal — so who cares if the signature from your firing pin is registered with the government.

Well, do you ever take your guns to a shooting range and leave your spent brass? According to Kopel, criminals could easily implicate innocent gun owners by going to gun ranges, collecting the empty casings and dumping them at crime scenes. Moreover, the common practice of selling or giving away once-fired brass could disappear overnight.

Do you still think that a UN treaty won’t affect you? The “master minds” at the UN plan to register every firearms sale that passes through a gun dealer and to cut off (make illegal) any private sale that you might attempt as a means of circumventing their controls.

But we can beat this travesty by electing an Obama-proof Senate this November!

Even if the President signs the Arms Trade Treaty — and he most certainly will when it’s completed — we can strangle this hideous creature in its cradle if he can’t get two-thirds of all the Senators to support him.

Help GOA stop UN gun control

That’s why GOA is here, fighting to make sure he can’t impose a UN gun ban on every American citizen.

GOA has published its 2010 Voter Guide which is available at the GOA website.

And the GOA Political Victory Fund has helped pushed several pro-gun candidates over the hump in their primaries and into the lead for the general election. You can go to the GOA-PVF site to get more details on these races.

Finally, you can help Gun Owners of America continue to spread the word about pro-gun candidates by clicking here and contributing to the organization that is on the front lines defending your gun rights without compromising one inch.

SOUTHPORT, CONNECTICUT –Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR), announced today that for the third quarter of 2010, the Company reported net sales of $58.4 million and earnings per share of 32¢, compared with sales of $71.2 million and earnings per share of 37¢ in the third quarter of 2009.

For the nine months ended October 2, 2010, net sales were $191.1 million and earnings were $1.18 per share. For the corresponding period in 2009, net sales were $207.1 million and earnings were $1.13 per share.

Chief Executive Officer Michael O. Fifer made the following comments related to the Company’s results:

* The Company launched the new SR-40 striker-fired pistol late in the third quarter of 2010. New product introductions, including the new SR-40 pistol, remain a strong driver of demand and represented $50.0 million or 27% of sales in the first nine months of 2010.

* Estimated unit sell-through of the Company’s products from distributors to retailers in the third quarter of 2010 decreased by approximately 7% from both the third quarter of 2009 and the second quarter of 2010. NICS checks increased 6% from the third quarter of 2009 and 2% from the second quarter of 2010, indicating that the Company’s share of total firearms retail transactions (new and used firearms) may have declined during the quarter.

* The incoming order rate in the third quarter of 2010 increased significantly from the second quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2009.

* Cash generated from operations during the first nine months of 2010 was $23.5 million. At the end of the third quarter of 2010, our cash and equivalents and short-term investments totaled $53.0 million. Our current ratio is 3.7 to 1 and we have no debt.

* During the first nine months of 2010, capital expenditures totaled $16.4 million, much of it related to tooling and equipment for new products. We expect to invest approximately $20 million for capital expenditures during 2010.

* During the third quarter of 2010, the Company repurchased 412,000 shares of its common stock for $5.7 million in the open market. The average price per share repurchased was $13.83. These repurchased shares represented 2.1% of the outstanding shares as of the beginning of the third quarter of 2010 and were funded with cash on hand. As of the end of the third quarter of 2010, $4.3 million remains available for future stock repurchases.

* At the end of the third quarter of 2010, stockholders’ equity was $109 million, which equates to a book value of $5.77 per share, of which $2.82 per share was cash and equivalents and short-term investments.

Fernandina Beach, Fla. – A new study funded by the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and carried out by Southwick Associates has found that the pool of American hunters is much larger than previously thought. This discovery can lead to major conservation and economic benefits. If many “casual hunters” (hunters that do not purchase a hunting license on an annual basis) can be converted into annual license buyers, a major benefit would be realized.

This report estimates that 21.8 million Americans hunted at least once over the past five years. Previous estimates have shown over 14 million youth and adults hunt each year, but not all hunters take to the field every year. Conducted in partnership with 17 state wildlife agencies, the study assessed license sales patterns and found that 78 percent of the U.S. hunters who bought a license in a given year also purchased one again the following year. By examining purchasing patterns over multiple years, it was determined that for every two hunters in the field this year, one is taking the year off.

“Considering hunters’ contribute over $1 billion every year to wildlife conservation via licenses and excise taxes, if half of the hunters who lapsed this year actually bought a license, conservation dollars would have increased by $97 million,” reported Rob Southwick, President of Southwick Associates. “This estimate doesn’t even include the extra dollars possible from increased hunters’ excise taxes. Considering the limited government dollars allocated for wildlife and the tremendous impact hunters provide to rural communities, increased efforts to boost hunter numbers would make smart conservation and economic sense.”

The NSSF study monitored license-buying patterns over multiple years, producing results for various segments of hunters, and described the lifestyles, habits and demographics of various segments of the hunting community. “We know there are many types of hunters with a wide range of interests. This study reveals who our hunters are beyond the usual demographic descriptions. We now have a better idea of hunters’ regional purchasing habits, recreational choices and overall lifestyle preferences,” said Jim Curcuruto, Director of Research and Analysis for NSSF. “The results will be used to strengthen existing hunting participation programs and develop new programs designed to convert the casual hunter into an annual license buyer. Savvy industry marketing and communications professionals will use these data to enhance their advertising efforts.” said Curcuruto.

A summary of the study results can be downloaded for free at: http://www.nssf.org/PDF/HuntingLicTrends-NatlRpt.pdf.