Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
As the opening of the 2014-15 deer season approaches, hunters are urged to make pre-hunt checks to ensure treestand safety and use appropriate safety gear to reduce the chance of accidents in the field.
Each year, a few hunters are injured when they fall from stands or their stands fail. Nearly all of these injuries can be prevented if hunters follow some basic treestand safety rules: Read more
Ann Arbor, MI – EOTech, the world leader in holographic optics and thermal imaging equipment, is excited to announce the launch of their X320 promotional video that highlights all of the great features and benefits the X320 offers. To view the new video, follow this YouTube Link: http://youtu.be/d18V7vspmQw or go to the X320 page on the EOTech website: http://www.eotechinc.com/thermal-vision-devices/model-x320xp
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Outdoor Life magazine presented a coveted 2014 Boot Test Great Buy Award to Bass Pro Shops RedHead Deer Trax rubber hunting boots. These 16” waterproof boots with 600 grams of 3M™ Thinsulate, designed to keep hunters’ feet dry, warm and comfortable, were selected by Outdoor Life as giving hunters the best bang for their buck.
“Outdoor Life’s ratings give you the unbiased and accurate truth on outdoor gear,” said Andrew McKean, editor of Outdoor Life. “Products are thoroughly tested, and winning items earn the title based exclusively on the hard data and scores. So when we say a particular item is the best, you can take that to the bank.” Read more
Natural Resources Commission Asks DNR to Review Science, Data on Wolf Depredations for 2015
EAST LANSING—The Natural Resources Commission today announced that it would not consider a wolf hunt for 2014, even if the two referendums on the November 2014 ballot, which originally authorized a wolf hunt were approved. A separate law, the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, will grant the Natural Resources Commission authority to designate game species using sound science, when it takes effect in March or April.
“Even if the referendums are passed, there would not be time to establish a wolf hunt in 2014,” said Commissioner John Matonich. “We asked the Wildlife Division to study the science and the data on wolf depredations of dogs and livestock and present their findings to the commission in 2015.”
Russ Mason, chief of the DNR Wildlife Division, also announced that department biologists would be reviewing and possibly updating the department’s wolf management plan.
“We’re very happy with the decision to study the science and not to rush a wolf hunt this year,” said Amy Trotter, resource policy manager for Michigan United Conservation Clubs. “The Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act was not about a wolf hunt, despite what the anti-hunters claimed. It was about making the decision, and others like it, with sound science, and that is exactly what the NRC has asked for. “ Read more
Nikon is introducing two new promotions.
The first is Nikon’s Power Up Your Next Adventure promotion. Now through November 16, 2014, outdoor lovers can enjoy instant savings on nearly all Nikon PROSTAFF sport optics – including up to $70 off eligible PROSTAFF rangefinders, $30 off eligible PROSTAFF 5 and 7S binoculars, and up to $150 off eligible PROSTAFF 3 and 5 Fieldscopes.
Nikon’s second fall promotion aims to help hunters prepare for the upcoming hunting seasons. The BDC Bonus Days Are Back promotion offers shooters instant savings of up $100 on select BDC reticle riflescopes – including scopes from the MONARCH 3, PROSTAFF 5, INLINE XR, SLUGHUNTER, and BOLT XR lines. The Spot On BDC promotion also runs through November 16, 2014.
For more information on the Power Up Your Next Adventure and BDC Bonus Days promotions visit www.nikonpromo.com.
Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) is celebrating the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) 25th Anniversary with a contribution of $100,000. The check presentation was held during the Annual Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation VIP reception before their Annual Banquet & Auction in Washington, DC on Sept. 10th. “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation plays the essential role of supporting bipartisanship for the hunters, anglers, and target shooters of our nation,” said SCI President Craig Kauffman. “SCI has been a proud partner of CSF since its beginning and I know we will continue to support their work in Washington, D.C. for years to come.” Read more
Young hunters, ages 16 and under, will once again have the opportunity to get a free junior deer hunting license at all Meijer stores in Michigan on Sept. 12 and 13.
Youths must be accompanied by an adult, and should print out and bring the free junior hunting license coupon or mPerks digital coupon to the store’s sporting goods department. Read more
Their Hit List is getting serious in the newest video at www.GrowingDeer.tv. Watch this episode to see the biggest buck they will be targeting and Dr. Woods’ preferred hunting strategies for mature bucks! Plus, it’s time to get moving on your fall food plots. They are a great attraction area for harvesting deer, but what if you add a tree plot right within your fall plot? It’s a killer combination! Read more
MEEKER, Colo. – Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Miller Creek Ranch in Meeker are offering big-game hunters an opportunity to apply for a limited number of private property, elk and mule deer hunts during certain hunting seasons in fall of 2014.
The Miller Creek Ranch is within the White River mule deer and elk herd units, two of the largest big game populations in the state of Colorado. The ranch features a variety of habitat, including high elevation aspen and conifer forest, mountain shrub lands and lower elevation pinyon-juniper woodland and sagebrush.
There is no cost associated with the application. Interested hunters must complete and mail a written application by 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2014 to: Read more
Overland Park, Kan – Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in high performance sports optics for 65 years, has introduced an improved version of its popular Banner riflescope line. Featuring the well-known Dusk & Dawn Brightness optics, the Banner riflescopes include new features and a sleek cosmetic redesign.
One of the best values in the riflescope category today, Banner scopes feature multi-coated optics for a bright and clear sight picture from the first to the last minutes of daylight. Built to withstand the toughest tests in the field, Banner riflescopes are constructed with a durable one-piece aluminum tube. Dry nitrogen filled, every scope in the line is 100 percent waterproof, fog proof and shock proof, ensuring it performs rain or shine. Read more