By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

A poll conducted last month concluded that 90 percent of sportsmen are very likely to vote in the upcoming midterm elections. This survey conducted by Safari Club International (SCI) indicates an extremely high level of dissatisfaction among outdoor enthusiasts in government’s role in not only wildlife management but constitutional protections that have been stomped into the ground in recent years.

The smiling, talking heads will say anything to get elected, but when their voting records are scrutinized, their weasel words cannot disguise their records. And, if we are to believe anything…well, a skunk just doesn’t change his scent.

SCI President, Larry Rudolph said, “Hunters are standing ready to protect their sport, and the jobs and economic benefits it brings to rural communities, in the voting booth this year.   Our poll shows that the sportsmen’s community is more interested in these elections than ever before, and hunters stand ready to vote on November 2nd.”

The poll, conducted in September and based on responses from 500 randomly selected self-identified sportsmen nationwide, also found:
 
·         Nearly half (47%) believe sportsmen’s interests are underrepresented by the government in Washington, D.C.
·         Nearly eight in 10 (79%) sportsmen believe things in the country have gotten off on the wrong track.
·         Ninety-three percent (93%) of sportsmen are concerned about gun ownership rights,with 74% saying they are “very” concerned.
·         Three in five(60%) sportsmen also say they are very concerned about potential new laws governing ammunition and protecting the environment.
·         An overwhelming majority (92%) believe each state should manage and regulate its own wildlife opposed to the federal government.

Opposition to sportsmen continues to be strong, as evidenced by a recent case in Maine. A few days ago, a Federal Court of Appeals shot down an effort by anti-hunting groups to end trapping in the state. The Animal Welfare Institute attempted to manipulate the Endangered Species Act (ESA) to ban trapping by alleging that the Canada lynx – a species listed as threatened under the ESA – was not afforded enough protection under Maine’s regulations.

U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation president and CEO, Bud Pidgeon, said, “It was clear all along that anti-hunters were looking to set a precedent that could be used in state after state to shut down not only trapping, but hunting and fishing as well. With this strong decision, antis are going to have a far more difficult time doing this.”

The U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation protects and defends America’s wildlife conservation programs and the pursuits – hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting – that generate the money to pay for them.  The foundation is responsible for public education, legal defense and research. 

Although this case may have been concluded, without an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court and its unlikely probability of being heard, we can be assured that another one just like it is in the wings. The antis are well-funded and relentless and will look for another issue to further their cause.

In the meantime, we sportsmen will continue to hunt and fish and will continue to fund wildlife conservation so that animals like the wild turkey and deer, that once were endangered, will flourish – not in spite of hunting – but because of it and the funding it generates through sportsmen’s dollars.

The least we can do as sportsmen is to stand up and be counted November 2nd.

By: Glen Wunderlich

The progressive Democrats have finally found a way to eliminate the national debt. H.R. 4646 doesn’t address out-of-control spending, nor does it raise anyone’s taxes. Yippee!

Dubbed the “Debt Free America Act”, the Democrat-sponsored scheme imposes a simple “transaction fee” on “any transaction that uses a payment instrument, including any check, cash, credit card, transfer of stock, bonds, or other financial instrument. The term `transaction’ includes retail and wholesale sales, purchases of intermediate goods, and financial and intangible transactions.” Those words quoted are taken directly from the bill’s language. And, since fees are not taxes, President Obama didn’t lie to us, now did he?

So, if you put money into the bank, deduct a measly 1 percent. If you take money out, well…you better take out a little extra, because the progressives will grab another 1 percent. Buy something? Add a little ol’ 1 percent.

The bill “is intended to raise sufficient revenue to eliminate the national debt, which was $10.6 trillion in January 2009…” again, words taken directly from the bill. However, since that time, the debt has risen to an astronomical $13.6 trillion, equating to a debt of $122,318 for every American taxpayer. Change you can believe in, for sure!

Oh, but don’t worry. President Obama’s Task Force won’t take any action earlier than November 3rd, by virtue of the convenient language contained in the bill, even though this clever scheme was introduced February 23rd of this year.

So, after President Obama ran up the debt and formed the Task Force, this is what they’ve come up with. And, they were the one’s we were waiting for? I could have waited indefinitely for these robber barons to take control, but I can’t wait to throw the bums out.

Decision could threaten hunting on all federal lands

Coraopolis, PA — The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is sincerely disappointed with a recent federal court ruling regarding recreation on the Huron-Manistee National Forest in central Michigan; noting that it sets a troubling precedent that could pose a threat to hunting on all of our federal lands.

The ruling by the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals states that the Forest must consider banning gun hunting on 66,000 acres of areas designated as “Semiprimitive”. The ruling questions whether hunting is a compatible use of these areas given that Forest Plan direction states that users will find a “high probability of experiencing isolation from the sights and sounds of humans.” The following quote from the ruling is disappointing as it paints hunters and hunting in a very negative light – “And so, in striking a balance between competing uses of the Forests, one might expect the Service seriously to consider whether, say, birdwatchers in fall should be able to enjoy their pastime, in 6.75 percent of the Forests, without ducking for the occasional gunshot.”

Part of the court’s rationale for this ruling is that the Forest failed to consider land management direction (banning gun hunting on the Semiprimitive areas) that would minimize the duplication of recreational opportunity when considering state lands in Michigan. Because gun hunting is allowed on virtually all state lands, the court suggests that the Forest should have considered banning gun hunting on the Semiprimitive areas. This portion of the ruling could force federal agencies to consider restricting gun hunting to accommodate quiet pursuits in regions where other public lands open to hunting are abundant.

According to Mike Zagata, RGS President and CEO, “The potential ramifications to hunting of this unfortunate court decision are huge. The court is suggesting that the mere sound of a gunshot is incompatible with other public uses of our public lands. In addition, the court fails to recognize that with the exception of spring turkey hunting, the vast majority of hunters are afield in the fall well after the prime period for birdwatching has passed and well before cross-country ski and snowshoe enthusiasts take to the woods. This decision could well be the single greatest threat to hunting on our federal public lands in recent memory, and RGS plans to enlist the support of its members and volunteers to oppose it.”

The Court has given the Huron-Manistee 90 days to revise its Forest Plan to address the issues raised in this ruling. RGS will continue to coordinate the involvement of other leading wildlife conservation organizations to address the threats posed by this court decision and to protect the right of hunters to pursue their passion on their public lands.

Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.

Recognized by Charity Navigator as a four-star not-for-profit organization, information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at:www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.

Grand Island, Nebraska – On the heels of the highly successful launch of their Superformance Ammunition line in 2010, Hornady expands its product line with Superformance Varmint Ammunition. Delivering velocities that are 100 to 200 fps faster than conventional loads, Superformance Varmint features fully optimized propellants specifically blended for each load.

Available in 222 Rem, 223 Rem, 22-250 Rem and 243 Win, each load combines groundbreaking Superformance propellant technology with the industry leading V- MAX™ bullet. With the 223, Hornady has gone a step further, creating a NEW 53 gr. V-MAX™ bullet specifically designed to achieve peak performance from the 223 Rem chamber. This new bullet boasts a high .290 B.C. and delivers 3465 fps at the muzzle in the Superformance Varmint 223 Rem load, producing trajectory equaling conventional 22-250 offerings.

Each Superformance Varmint load is carefully tested and produced to deliver greater accuracy, increased range, flatter trajectories, less wind drift and devastating terminal results in all firearm types, including semi-autos.

The new Superformance Varmint product line comes in a 20-count box and is now available at sporting goods and outdoor retailers. To see an overview video and find velocity comparisons and complete ballistic information, go to www.hornady.com/ store/Superformance-Varmint.

Founded in 1949, Hornady Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are “Made in the USA” by over 300 employees, Hornady Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture.

For further information regarding Hornady products, visit our web site at www.hornady.com. Media members interested in Hornady products for editorial review should contact Steve Johnson at sjohnson@hornady.com.

Although the bulk of the big bucks bagged in our state during the fall of 2010 are bound to come from the state’s four southernmost tiers of counties in Region 3, as they usually do, counties in the U.P. — Region 1 — are poised better than ever to give the south a run for its money…examples of forecast at the tite link.

Oct. 18, 2010

Contacts: Tom Cooley, 517-336-5030 or Mary Dettloff, 517-335-3014

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment today announced a diagnosis of epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), an often-fatal viral disease found in wild ruminants, in a white-tailed deer in Allegan County.

The DNRE identified EHD in three other counties – Berrien, Cass and Ottawa – in late September.

The disease is characterized by extensive hemorrhages and is transmitted by a biting fly (midge). White-tailed deer develop signs of the illness about seven days after exposure. A constant characteristic of the disease is its sudden onset. Deer initially lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively, develop a rapid pulse and respiration rate and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, the deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water.

There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus.

There is no known effective treatment for, or control of, EHD. Michigan first documented EHD in its white-tailed deer population in 1955. Additional die-offs attributed to EHD occurred in 1974 in several Michigan counties, and again in 2006 in Allegan County. A similar die-off affected areas of Oakland and Macomb counties along the Clinton River in 2008 and Livingston County in 2009. EHD is a common white-tailed deer disease in the southern United States. More frequent outbreaks of EHD in Michigan could be a consequence of climate changes that favor the northward spread of the biting flies that spread the disease, said Russ Mason, chief of the DNRE Wildlife Division.

Property owners who discover dead deer they suspect died of EHD should call the nearest DNRE office to report it. The DNRE Wildlife Disease Lab would like to collect more fresh specimens to test for the disease to determine its spread. Property owners are responsible for the proper disposal of unwanted carcasses. Carcasses can be buried at a sufficient depth so that body parts are not showing. Carcasses also can be disposed of at landfills that accept household solid waste.

For more information on EHD, please see www.michigan.gov/wildlifedisease.

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

Testing Lightfield Ammunition

Here in lower Michigan, where centerfire rifles are outlawed for deer hunting, the most popular firearm is the shotgun. As a necessary evil, many of us endure the shoulder pounding from excessive recoil produced by hard-hitting ammunition so that we can be on target when opportunity strikes afield. And, nothing is more difficult than to shoot tight groups after your shoulder is black and blue and your fillings are rattled loose. All that has changed!

Lightfield Ammunition has produced 12-gauge shotgun slug ammo that begins with mild and ends with wild. The mild version, in its Lightfield Lites configuration of 2 ¾ inches, is still quite formidable and propels an 1 ¼ – ounce saboted slug downrange at a respectable 1300 feet per second (fps). And, this load won’t beat you up.

Here is where things get interesting: Its 2 ¾ shell named the Hybred EXP fires the same 1 ¼ – ounce saboted slug at an impressive 1450 fps, while retaining downrange energy of 1200 foot pounds at 125 yards and does so while still hitting the exact same location on the target as the Lites. Lightfield refers to this phenomenon as SameSite Accuracy and permits sighting in with the milder loads and then confidently switching to the harder hitting stuff.

But, if that’s not enough punch to please you, hang on – and, I do mean hang on – for the next level of deer-drilling power: The 3-inch, Hybred Elite smokes the same slug at 1730 fps and produces an astounding 3628 foot pounds of energy at the muzzle. No other manufacturer can match this horsepower. In fact, the energy developed with this load is on par with a .460 Weatherby Magnum firing a 500 grain bullet! The 3-inch slug will hit about 1 ½ inches higher than the Lites or EXP at 50 yards and is designed to be dead on at 150 yards, if you have zeroed at 100 yards with the 2 ¾ – inch shells.

To accomplish a high level of accuracy takes a bit of an unusual hold described by Lightfield in this manner: Position a solid rest under both the forend and butt portions of your gun’s stock. Begin applying shoulder pressure to the butt of the gun and offset any forward gun movement by pulling straight back with your right hand in trigger squeezing position. With your left hand on the forend, pull firmly straight back and down at a 45-degree angle. The firmer the hold, the better the accuracy will be. Keep in mind that 60 percent of your overall group size can be directly attributed to inconsistent left hand pressure. If the tips of your fingers are not turning white and/or the gun tends to fly out of your hands, your hold is weak and so too will be your groups.

Although rifled slug guns perform similarly to rifles, they are not rifles and cannot be zeroed as if they were. Even the fastest slug has a significantly longer barrel time than a typical rifle bullet. It is extremely important to apply the same back pressure to the forend and the butt stock in the field as is done at the range! Not doing so will result in the barrel jumping into the air, moving your point of aim and ruining your shot before the slug even exits the barrel.

Sighting in should be at 50 yards and not 100, because the slug must impact the target while still in the supersonic phase of its flight, which eliminates approximately 60 percent of the windage factor. It’s a huge mistake to do otherwise! When the 2 ¾ – inch shells are sighted in 2.5 inches high at 50 yards, gravity will have it dead on at 100.

The Lightfield slug eliminates the inherent inaccuracy associated with bore size variations. When fired, the pressure build-up behind the projectile forces the locked slug/sabot assembly to expand to the actual full bore size of all shotgun barrels, regardless of the manufacturer. Once expanded, the locked sabot/slug assembly takes full advantage of the barrel rifling, maximizes spin and ensures an incredibly accurate flight path. In essence, the round becomes “customized” to whatever gun you have.

Oh, yes. That group shown in the photo was no fluke. Our shooting session had 5 shooters and all were able to produce virtually the same results. In addition, the SameSite technology is now available in 16 and 20 gauge.  (Disregard the holes with the red “Xs”.)

One more thing. Lightfield has a 3 ½ – inch 12 gauge round firing a 600 grain slug at 1890 fps with muzzle energy of 4759 foot pounds, but we won’t go there right now. But, if you are heading to dangerous game territory, it’s worthy company.

GW: Here are some safety tips, as found in an operator’s manual with a jig saw (not mine, thank you):

Must affirm the saw be without touching with the workpiece before turn off the switch.

Shouldn’t throw away the tool which is turning. Don’t operate the tool until take up the tool with hand.

And, to install the blade these simple words are offered: “Mounting the blade, turn loose the bolt with a six-side spanner, let the teeth of the saw front, insert the blade between the blade stock and clip to the end.”

There you have it, all you need to know about jig saws in one plainly printed instruction book. What’s the matter? Don’t you understand Ingrish?

(Oh, in case you don’t know what a six-side spanner is, some of us call it an Allen wrench.)

I am still having trouble operating the saw but will sign up for Ingrish classes as soon as they become avairaber.

This Saturday, October 16th on the Don’t Be a Victim block on Spike TV, What If? will explore the Luby’s Cafeteria shooting in Kileen, Texas on October 16, 1991 and hear from survivor, Susanna Gracia Hupp who left her handgun in her vehicle, a mistake that could have saved the lives of her parents and the lives of many others that day.

The vignette, Predator Stoppers will look at the small and compact, Ruger LCP and show audiences why it is perfect for conceal carry. Because Lives Depend On It will feature experts on close quarters combat scenarios and we’ll see two former Navy SEALS train, but whose identity needs to be kept confidential.

The Sig Sauer School for Survival will highlight a workplace violence scenario and what you should do if you find yourself in one. Want to learn how to defend yourself with an edged weapon? We’ll show you on Practical Tactical, along with how to get through any door and out any window, and safety while jogging – all skills one should lean and practice when taking charge of their personal protection.

Even The Odds will tell the real life survival story told by Danny Coulson and his memorable night on the job as a police officer. Conceal and Carry School will introduce the nine students and instructors at the Tac Pro Shooting Center in Texas, all who have vowed never to be victims again. How will each student fare learning their way around handguns? Find out on Conceal and Carry School.

Don’t Be A Victim airs Saturday, October 16th
9:00am – 11:00am EST
(Check local listings in your area)
www.dontbeavictimtv.com

Dr. Norman Wood, owner of Mountaineer Sports and creator of the patented Rescue One Controlled Descent System,™ warns hunters to beware of potentially fatal effects from suspension trauma.

Dr. Wood explains the seriousness of suspension trauma. “When you are wearing a full body harness, and fall from your treestand, you will first be thankful that you’re not lying on the ground either dead or busted up. But, you only have a few minutes to get back to your feet. You can start feeling the effects of suspension trauma very quickly. Your body’s weight is pushing down on your leg straps so hard that it is causing a tourniquet affect on the large veins in your legs. This pressure stops the blood in the legs from returning back up to your heart,” explains Wood.

Within 5 to 30 minutes of hanging you can be in very serious trouble as Dr. Wood further describes. “The powerful heart can pump the arterial blood down into your legs, but the low pressure venous blood can’t get back up. And this is the bad news; this is called Blood Pooling and the legs can store up to half of your total blood volume. It is just like having a major blood loss of about half of your blood without it ever leaving the body. It is the same thing as cutting both of your wrists and losing half of your blood. The longer you hang in your harness, the less blood there is to circulate through the heart and lungs to keep you alive.”

According to Wood, “Everyone should always wear a full body safety harness whenever in a treestand. It can save your life. You should be connected to the tree from the time you leave the ground until the time you get back down. There are plenty of different harnesses with suspension relief straps available on the market today to keep you safe, and you should always be using them correctly as instructed.”

The Rescue One Controlled Descent System™ was invented by Dr. Wood to help hunters avoid suspension trauma and return safely to the ground. The system is Revolutionizing Fall Safety™ and has been certified to TMA Standards by an independent testing laboratory. For a video demonstration of the Rescue One CDS II™ and more information visit www.rescueonecds.com or call 1-877-683-7678 or Email mountaineersports@live.com.