Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Nov. 15 is a much-anticipated date for deer hunters: opening day of firearm deer season. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the regulations before the big day. Visit www.michigan.gov/deer or the White-Tailed Deer website for everything you need to know, including deer check station locations. Best of luck to all hunters this season!
On Wednesday, Nov. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., DNR staff members – including Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason and Assistant Chief Doug Reeves – will be available for questions at some of the busiest retail stores in southern Michigan. Read more
When Congress reconvenes on November 13, one of the first items the U.S. Senate could vote on is S. 3525, “The Sportsmen’s Act of 2012.” S. 3525 is an essential piece of legislation focused on the expansion and enhancement of hunting, recreational fishing and shooting on federal public land. Read more
Just as NRA warned would happen, following the election, the Obama administration has moved forward with its plans to support a United Nations Arms Trade Treaty. On Wednesday November 7, the U.S. Mission to the U.N. made clear its support for renewed ATT negotiations, casting a vote in favor of resolution A/C.1/67/L.11. The resolution calls for a “Final United Nations Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty” to be held in New York City from March 18-28. Read more
Most Michigan deer hunters are well aware that epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD) has reared its ugly head at historic levels in Michigan this year. So, what does it mean for our upcoming firearms deer season and should hunters still kill does? Read more
NEWTOWN, Conn. — Before the weather turns uninviting and schedules fill up with holiday obligations, the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) reminds experienced hunters and shooters that autumn is a great time of year to invite a newcomer, whether a youth or adult, to experience the rewards of hunting and target shooting. Read more
GREELEY, Colo. (November 5, 2012) – Burris is pleased to announce that the much anticipated Eliminator II and Eliminator III LaserScopes are now being shipped to dealers across the country. The new 3.5x-10x-50 Eliminator LaserScope, which was introduced in August, started shipping in October. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
We’ve got wolves – plenty of them but that all depends on who is being asked. The DNR’s goal is to ensure the wolf population remains viable and above a level (about 200 wolves) that would require either federal or state reclassification as a threatened or endangered species.
On the other hand, on October 15th, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the Fund for Animals filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over the December 2011 delisting. A 60-day notice of intent to sue is a required procedural step before filing a lawsuit against the Service under the Endangered Species Act. HSUS’s press release stated that “[i]f the agency does not reconsider the delisting rule over the next 60 days, The HSUS and The Fund for Animals will ask a federal court to reinstate federal ESA protection for gray wolves in the western Great Lakes region.” Read more
Bang! You’re dead. Er….maybe not. Definitely not! An Oregon man learned a valuable lesson: Make sure an animal is dead before assuming it is. After shooting a bear, Alex Machado approached it, only to have it begin mauling him. The lesson is here…
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On November 1, a new law went into effect granting hunters in the state of Oklahoma the right to use legally owned suppressors while hunting all game animals. With the help of ASA lobbyists, Senate Bill 1743 was signed into law by Governor Mary Fallin on May 25. The passage of the new law made Oklahoma the third state in 2012 to legalize suppressor use while hunting. Earlier in 2012, similar measures were also passed in Texas and Arizona. Read more