Category: Hunting

SCI Takes A Stand Against Big Tech’s Censorship of Hunting

Tucson, AZ (November 8, 2021) – Unfortunately, censorship of hunting-related content on social media is everywhere—and Safari Club International thinks it’s time for hunters to stand up to this censorship by Big Tech!

Big Tech’s latest censorship attempt is occurring at YouTube, the world’s largest video content media mogul, which has added new guidelines to its “Ad-Friendly Content Guidelines.” New restrictions on any picture/video showing an animal in distress caused by human action will censor content from a hunting channel and limit views.

This move will demonetize hunters, as taking away views will remove any chance of making ad revenue, the only way to make money from YouTube. Furthermore, these new guidelines will limit videos used to educate new hunters on safety and conservation issues.

But SCI is fighting against Big Tech censorship on behalf of hunters across the country. If you haven’t already, now is the time to sign onto SCI’s “Petition to Stand Up to Big Tech” at safariclub.org/hunter-advocacy-action-center/. Hunter voices need to be heard!

Facebook continues to censor hunters, too. Scrolling through your News Feed on Facebook, you’ve no doubt discovered an innocent-looking photo posted from a hunter, guide or outfitter with the photo blurred out–or even removed–and the tag “sensitive content” added to the description.

Or, you may have been in a hunting-focused Facebook or group, only to log on one day to find out the group was deleted and banned by Facebook for violating their “community standards.”

“We’ve heard countless stories from hunters, guides, outfitters, and more, of their accounts being locked or even taken down entirely with little to no warning or justification–potentially impacting their business and livelihoods,” said Laird Hamberlin, CEO of SCI. Read more

Hunting

Aim Small for Accuracy

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Associaiton (POMA)

It’s sight-in time!  Many of us will be pinning up targets and punching paper like we always do this time of year.  But, more than ever, it behooves each of us to get our chosen deer gun dialed in efficiently.  It’s never really a good idea to shoot more than necessary to get the job done but unproductive sighting-in procedures can lead to frustrating and expensive results.

Sore shoulders can lead to flinching.  Hot barrels will often shoot differently than cold ones – as in hunting situations.  Inefficient, ammo-wasting sight-in sessions could leave a prospective hunter with little or no ammo for hunting and needing more.  Good luck with that!

What follows is a method of extreme efficiency.  If you haven’t heard of the two-shot sight-in system, it works like this:  With your favorite deer gun that was sighted in last season, take a shot at a 100-yard bull’s eye.  Next, center the crosshairs on the same bull’s eye and adjust the scope’s turrets to move the crosshairs back to the bullet hole.  Theoretically, the next shot will strike the bull’s eye and you are ready to go hunting.

Although the two-shot sight-in can be quite efficient, it must be understood that several prerequisites must be in place to make it work.  You have to have a good-shooting deer gun already.  You have to have the same ammunition from the past session – and, I mean the same box or those with the same run number stamped on the inside flap of the box.  However, the most important factor in this system – and often ignored – is the operator.

In the game of pool, shots are called in advance of given opportunities.  In shooting, an experienced shooter also calls shots, but with a twist:  It’s done after the trigger is pulled, but before the placement of the shot is known.

To accomplish this feat, the shooter himself must be accomplished.  The technique requires a level of expertise ignored by casual shooters and it centers on a person’s ability to concentrate on where the crosshairs are at all times.  Most importantly, however, is where those crosshairs were when the gun went boom.

To become a good marksman, experienced shooters focus on a small part of the target.  Understand that nobody holds completely still; rather, crosshairs are actually bouncing around to a certain degree – even if we do not realize it.  Take any decent scope with magnification beyond 20x and try to hold it still against the shoulder.  You will notice the crosshairs’ movement.

Heck, a person’s heartbeat is a genuine factor – especially when it’s trying to pound its way out of one’s chest thanks to an involuntary infusion of adrenaline at the moment of truth.  Unless the hunter doubles as an Olympic biathlon competitor, who is trained in the art of a trigger squeeze at the proper moment, his prospects of accuracy are dim.

Through it all, we must seek a state of mind characterized by a reliance on ourselves amid myriad circumstances.  The word is confidence and it is derived through experience in accordance with results at the shooting bench.

Hail-Mary shots at unknown distances won’t get a hunter there.  Flailing away at running deer on a drive is an exercise fit for fools.  On the other side of the coin is the perfect shot – the one a confident hunter has called – originating in perfect practice.

Next week we’ll visit with a youngster who’s learned this lesson well.

Firearms, Hunting

Montana: FWP Clarifies Changes to Wolf Hunting, Trapping Regulations

In August, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted several changes to the 2021/2022 wolf hunting and trapping regulations.

Changes include eliminating quotas, increasing the number of wolf trapping and hunting licenses allowed for individual hunters, extending wolf trapping seasons and the allowance of snares to harvest wolves.

The changes also specified that hunters are allowed to purchase and possess 10 wolf hunting licenses – a separate license for each wolf they harvest – and trappers are allowed a bag limit of 10 wolves. This means an individual who hunts and traps can take a total of 20 wolves in a license year.

The regulations initially said hunters and trappers could take 10 wolves total. The regulations will be corrected to align with the intent of the commission. Read more

Hunting

Michigan: veterans preference hunts at managed waterfowl hunt areas on Veterans Day

Veterans preference drawings at Michigan’s Wetland Wonders will take place Nov. 11 for properly licensed resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and veterans.

Hunts will occur at Fish Point State Wildlife Area in Tuscola County, the Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area in St. Clair County, Muskegon County Wastewater, Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area in Bay County, Pointe Mouillee State Game Area in Monroe and Wayne counties, Shiawassee River State Game Area in Saginaw County and Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge in Saginaw County.

The following documentation, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card, will be accepted as proof of status: military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders, copy of DD Form 214, enhanced driver’s license or documentation from the Veterans Administration regarding disability status. If you were discharged from the Army or Air Force National Guard, you may provide a copy of NGB Form 22 or NGB Form 23. Read more

Hunting

Whitetails Unlimited Offers Free Sight-In Targets

Rifle, shotgun, and muzzleloader deer seasons are fast approaching, but whatever firearm is used it is very important for the hunter to be confident with their abilities to hit a target accurately – every time. To help ensure that you and your firearm are shooting accurately, Whitetails Unlimited will ship a pad of 100-yard sight-in targets at no cost. The targets measure approximately 14 x 16 inches and has 1-inch grids with a 6-inch center highlight ring.

Whitetails Unlimited celebrates the American tradition of hunting deer, the most popular big-game animal in North America. WTU expects hunters to go afield on ethical, fair-chase hunts; part of that hunting ethic is to only take shots when the hunter is sure of the target, knows what is beyond the target, and is following all applicable hunting laws and regulations. For more information about hunting safely and legally, contact your state’s department of natural resources.

“These sight-in targets are a great way to confirm your firearm is accurate,” said Whitetails Unlimited Program Services Director Russ Austad. “An accurate firearm will ensure a clean, ethical kill.”

For individuals to receive their targets, just call Whitetails Unlimited National Headquarters at 1-800-274-5471. Read more

Hunting

Don’t forget your Pure Michigan Hunt application when picking up your deer license

Buy your deer license over the counter at a DNR?license retailer or online at Michigan.gov/Deer.

Choose from a deer license or a deer combo license, which allows hunters the opportunity to harvest two bucks. Universal antlerless licenses are also available for purchase and can be used across deer management units in the Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula. Find season regulations and bag limits in the 2021 Hunting Digest.

Licenses purchased online will ship to you in seven to 10 business days.  You cannot hunt without a deer license in your possession. Read more

Hunting

Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initiative receives private donation

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources thanks Alex Beachum for his donation of $25,000 to stock rooster pheasants on state game areas in memory of his mother, Kristine “Kris” Beachum.

The Beachum family moved from bustling Plymouth in 1978, to middle-of-nowhere Deerfield Township north of Howell. Moving away from their family and friends, the Beachums planted their roots in rural Livingston County with only a party phone line to connect them with the life they left behind.

“My dad needed to bird hunt,” Alex said. “And for my mom, as she had done throughout her life, she sacrificed her pleasantries and wants so that her family was happy and whole.”

Alex’s memory of his mother is best exemplified by her willingness and acceptance of his father’s obsession with pheasants and bird dogs. It was this sacrifice and selflessness that inspired Alex to donate money to the DNR to stock pheasants for hunting.

The Michigan Association of Gamebird Breeders and Hunting Preserves, through coordination with the DNR, will stock state game areas with rooster pheasants throughout southern Michigan. The stocking will take place on nine state game areas for the first pheasant season from Oct. 20 through Nov. 14.

Those state game areas include Cornish, Crow Island, Erie, Lapeer, Leidy Lake, Pinconning, Point Mouillee, Rose Lake and St. John’s Marsh.

Pheasant hunters, age 17 and older, will need a $25 pheasant license to pursue pheasants on public or Hunting Access Program lands in the Lower Peninsula. License sale revenue will be used to purchase and stock rooster pheasants during upcoming pheasant seasons.

Hunting

Federal Announces Select Outfitter Program

ANOKA, Minnesota –– Federal Ammunition has chosen the inaugural class of hunting destinations that make up its Select outfitter program. Seven of the top wingshooting lodges in the nation will form the foundation for a program designed to showcase the best hunting destinations paired with the most effective ammunition available. These lodges will feature Federal ammunition and branding beginning this fall.

“Federal is proud to introduce this new partnership with hunting destinations,” stated Jason Nash, Federal’s Vice President of Marketing. “The partners we’ve aligned with are the definition of Premium when it comes to the experience of hunting with an outfitter” stated Nash. “Every aspect of the trip was considered when we looked at who best represents the Federal brand and its products from Premium to Custom Shop.”

When establishing this program, Federal looked at outfitters that offer the complete package when it comes to high-quality hunting and lodging experiences. From cuisine and lodging to game, guides, and dogs. Every aspect of the trip must be first-class to be part of the Select program.

For 2022, these fine locations will be featured in Select program marketing materials and offer Federal Ammunition to complement their exceptional hunting experiences. Federal will carefully curate additional partners for this program over the coming years.

Federal Select Outfitters 2021

Federal Ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on the Federal Select Outfitters Program, and all products from Federal, or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Ammunition, Hunting

FOXPRO’s New X-Decoy Released

Lewistown, PA — The X-Decoy from FOXPRO turns your X-Series game call into an all-inclusive and portable predator-calling machine. Attach the decoy to the top of your X-Series call (must use as a stand-alone if using with XWAVE) and connect the decoy to the call by using the supplied aux cable or wireless IR port connection (IR only available in later X-Series call models). The X-Decoy may also be used along with any other FOXPRO call (that has an aux jack) as a separate stand-alone decoy. Simply screw the included stake into the bottom of the decoy body and connect the decoy to your FOXPRO unit via the included aux cord and aux Jacks.

The X-Decoy gives predators the visual confirmation they’re looking for and listening for! It comes standard with a removable stake, Fuzzy Wuzzy topper, XHD speaker mounting hinge, and included allen wrench for assembly, stowed in the battery compartment. This decoy has a whisper quiet motor and Jacked Up Chaotic Motion for great action and realism.

The X-Decoy has a 3 position switch that features 2 speed selectable motion (Off, High Speed, and Slow Speed) and is powered by 4AA batteries (not included). The X-Decoy is backed by a 1 year limited warranty and FOXPRO’s unmatched customer support and is proudly made in the USA.

For news and information, visit www.gofoxpro.com or follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/foxpro_inc/ and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Foxpro.Furtakers/. Stream FOXPRO TV on YouTube at www.youtube.com/foxproinc

Hunting

Whitetail Deer Shot Placement Aids Available from National Bowhunter Education Foundation

Improve accuracy and reduce game recovery time

RAPID CITY, SD – The National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) offers educational items to increase success and safety for bowhunters. Whitetail hunters can refer to these tools to improve shot accuracy for a quick harvest and game recovery.

The Advanced Whitetail Deer Anatomy and Shot Placement Guide is an informative shot placement training aid with full color 8.5″ x 11″ transparent overlays. Separate acrylic overlays feature the muscular system, skeletal system, circulatory system, and vital organs specific to a white-tailed deer. Accompanying text includes shot placement information and illustrations for both firearm hunters and bowhunters. Useful for hunting guides, hunter education instructors or today’s informed hunter. Responsible hunting includes knowledge of accurate shot placement for a quick kill and game recovery. This is part of the International Bowhunter Education Program Hunter Responsibility Series which includes anatomy and shot placement guides for bear, turkey and elk. Suggested retail $12.50. Read more

Hunting
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