Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will host a series of public meetings in March to provide information to the public and answer questions regarding wolf management and the possibility of a future wolf hunting season. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
Rabbit and hare hunting have never been easy for me over the past 40 years. I’ve tried shotguns from the diminutive .410 gauge to the more-than-adequate 12-gauge scatterguns. Additionally, rimfires have been employed at times for an added challenge not entirely necessary in the name of fairness. It’s not that I’m that bad of a shot, either, although I’m far from an expert with a smoothbore.
Without a good dog, several factors contribute to the degree of difficulty: Tiresome trudging through deep snow and the element of surprise. Deep snow speaks for itself, when foot travel is cumbersome at best and impossible other times without snowshoes. Hard work and snowshoes go hand-in-hand, although they can be the only means to get into bunny country at times. Read more
NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) has released a major new report documenting the importance of hunting activities to the U.S. economy. NSSF is the trade association for the firearms, ammunition, hunting and shooting sports industry. Produced by Southwick Associates, the report, Hunting in America: An Economic Force for Conservation, provides detailed information on 40-plus categories of U.S. hunting-related expenditures, which grew 55 percent, as well as state-by-state statistics for number of hunters, retail sales, taxes and jobs. The report notes an overall nine percent increase in hunting participation between 2006 and 2011. The money hunters spent in 2011 resulted in $87 billion being added to the nation’s economy and supported more than 680,000 jobs nationally. Read more
The Department of Natural Resources is reminding Michigan resident disabled veteran hunters and anglers that they can obtain free hunting and fishing licenses at their favorite retail agent or online at www.mdnr-elicense.com on or after March 1. Read more
The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) will attend and participate in the annual business conference of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) in Columbia, S.C., March 6-9. Read more
Fairfax, Va. -Visit www.NRAhuntersrights.org during the month of March for a chance to win a brand new Panorama EV 4-12x50mm riflescope courtesy of Hawke Sport Optics.
The Panorama EV 4-12×50 model is a great all-around scope for your favorite hunting rifle. Featuring Hawke’s Extreme View (EV) optical system, the Panorama provides a 20 percent wider field of view than standard riflescopes. The Panorama EV also features a unique day/night illuminated reticle that offers five levels of illumination. Other features include: edge-to-edge multi-coated optics; ½ Mil Dot, glass-etched reticle; ¼ MOA low-profile ‘no-snag’ fingertip turrets; fast-focus ocular adjustment; and 1″ matte black monotube. Read more
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BELLEVUE, WA – Thursday’s edition of the Washington Times includes a special 12-page section focusing on gun rights paid for and sponsored by the Second Amendment Foundation. Read more
Leftover licenses go on sale March 11
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to check their spring turkey drawing results and the availability of leftover licenses, now online at www.michigan.gov/
Massachusetts State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) recently introduced a bill that would allow private individuals to file lawsuits for the “protection and humane treatment of animals.” This is of great concern for all sportsmen, farmers, and dog owners. Read more
On Tuesday, February 26th the New Mexico House of Representatives shot down House Bill 316, a measure banning “coyote killing contests,” by a 38 to 30 vote. Sponsored by Representative Nathan Cote (D-Las Cruces), it would have prohibited holding or participating in organized competitions with the objective of killing coyotes for prizes or entertainment. Read more