Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Vassar, MI. Killer Instinct™ introduces their first of many-to-come high performance crossbows, the KI350™. The KI350’s durable compression molded limbs, lightweight and compact frame provides outstanding balance and value for hunters. Read more
SPRINGFIELD, MA— Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that the master gunsmiths of the legendary Performance Center™ have once again elevated the perception of the classic wheel gun through the introduction of four new one-of-a-kind revolvers. Blending hand craftsmanship with new-age technology, the Performance Center by Smith & Wesson™ has broadened its lineup of precision revolvers with new competition-ready, hunting and personal protection models. Read more
The Department of Justice is proposing a regulation that will clarify who, due to mental health reasons, is prohibited under federal law from receiving, possessing, shipping or transporting firearms. In addition to providing general guidance on the federal law, this clarification will help states determine what information may be appropriately shared with the federal background check system for firearms transfers – the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) – in order to keep guns out of the hands of individuals who may be a danger to themselves or others. Read more
House Bill 4993 (now Public Act 246) was signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder (R) on December 21. HB 4993 creates a Wildlife Management Public Education Fund to be managed by the Michigan Wildlife Council. This nine-member council will be responsible for establishing a comprehensive media-based public information program aimed at promoting Michigan’s abundant wildlife resources and educating the general public on the role that sportsmen play in the conservation of these resources. Read more
Only the criminals have abstained from the theatrics in Connecticut. Would anyone suggest they’d stand in line? In any case, the subjects are cooperating even though not a person can define an assault weapon. Another attack on freedom coming right up here…
Roger Schmid was cited for hunting without a license and even though he claimed not to be “pursuing” deer, officials pursued his attempt to skirt the law. It seems that Schmid wanted to argue that sitting in a deer blind with a loaded firearm was not actually pursuit (statute language). A judge disagreed and the wordsmith is now defined as a poacher. Too bad for the cheater, but he rightfully earns a place in my poacher category, nonetheless. Details here…
Thanks to the OutdoorPressroom.
The number of hunters has increased, after years of declining numbers. Research shows the reasons here…
From USSA…
Posted on December 20, 2013
Recent studies show a steady increase of hunting and fishing participants since 2006. Couple that with the public’s approval of hunting at 79 percent and wildlife populations abundant and growing, things seem to be looking up for sportsmen. Unfortunately, these facts have not deterred the animal rights lobby and sportsmen are finding themselves in the crosshairs now more than ever.
Why are sportsmen facing more opposition considering these facts?
“It really comes down to some segments of the public not understanding why all hunting is important and key to conservation programs here and abroad.” said Nick Pinizzotto, USSA President and CEO. “Hunters are providing vital funds and services to protect wildlife globally and are also the most effective and efficient group to control burgeoning wildlife populations. That fact has been lost to the general public to some degree. Simply put, a lack of education is at fault.” Read more
Says to Put Herself in Bears Shoes
After 18-year old Camille Bomboy of Lock Haven, PA narrowly survived a black bear attack while deer hunting last week, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called out the girl for being a hunter and suggested she put herself in the place of the “individuals you and the rest of your hunting party were trying to kill”. Read more
On Tuesday, December 17th, the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation (USSAF) filed comments with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) over a proposal to remove Gray Wolves from protection under the Endangered Species Act.
Wolves continue to remain at the forefront of the issues facing the sportsmen’s community today. While the Western Great Lakes and Rocky Mountain populations of wolves have already been removed from ESA protection (“delisted”), this latest proposed rule would delist the remaining wolf populations across the country (with narrow exceptions for Mexican wolves in the Southwest and Red wolves in the Southeast). In addition, USSAF and our partners are currently engaged in lawsuits in Wisconsin over their wolf hunting season and in a lawsuit in federal district court in which the Humane Society of the United States is asking a judge to again overturn the delisting of wolves in the Western Great Lakes.
Of particular concern with the latest proposal is the potential for the Service to recognize two separate wolf species. Read more