BLOOMFIELD, NEW YORK- Benjamin applauds the Michigan Legislature for approving the use of air-powered bows last Wednesday, September 30. House Bill 4332 is a step in the right direction for hunter’s rights and allows people to use air-powered bows during firearm season, while hunters with certain disabilities could also use them during the bow hunting seasons.

Republican State Representative Beau LaFave of Iron Mountain, who sponsored the legislation, is advocating for the change, hoping it will keep hunters active longer as well as get new hunters with disabilities into the field. The technology of an air-powered bow allows users to handle the weapon safely with one hand, which helps those who have birth defects like himself, along with handicapped hunters and military service members who were wounded in combat.

“We are extremely proud of Mr. LaFave and his motivation to get this passed”, said Steve Upham, Senior VP of Sales and Marketing for Velocity Outdoor. “Air powered bows such as the Benjamin Airbow are great options to help increase the number of hunters that have been declining over the last few years.”

LaFave’s plan received overwhelming bipartisan support from the House and the Senate, and will now move on to Gov. Whitmer, who can sign it into law or veto the legislation.

Pictured: Benjamin Airbow

About Benjamin Airguns

Walter R. Benjamin of St. Louis, Missouri introduced the first quality Benjamin air rifle in 1882. Today, that legacy continues as Benjamin leads the high-performance PCP category with products like the iconic Marauder as well as premium pellet ammo and PCP filling solutions. In 2015, Benjamin introduced the Airbow and Bulldog that brought airguns into the world of big-game hunting while continuing the tradition hand-made excellence through the Benjamin Custom Shop.

First sporting dog system to incorporate inReach satellite technology

OLATHE, Kan./October 6, 2020 – Garmin® International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced Alpha 200i, the newest generation tracking and training system for hunters and their canine companions. Building on the legacy of its predecessor, the Alpha® 100, the new 200i features enhanced mapping capabilities; a larger, 3.5” sunlight-readable touchscreen display; six-button, easy operation of the dog tracking-focused user experience; and inReach® satellite technology1, allowing for two-way messaging and interactive SOS alerts so users can focus on their dogs and the hunt. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

As the largest statewide conservation organization in the country, Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) has recently passed a bevy of resolutions at its annual convention and will, therefore, pursue adoption by the Michigan legislature and/or Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission.  Here are some select issues now officially endorsed by MUCC that we may see become reality in the near future.

*  The Michigan Trappers and Predator Callers Association submitted a proposal to preserve hunting contests including rabbit roundups,  squirrel hunts, youth hunting events, hunting retriever trials and predator contests.  These contests help to promote youth hunting and time afield with family and generally aid in hunter retention.  I’ve often wondered why an individual may take an unlimited amount of coyotes, for example, during the course of any day, week, month or year and be in full compliance with the law.  Yet, when teamed with any group in contest form, it becomes intolerable to a certain segment of the population.  The answer lies in their anti-hunting platforms that oppose all hunting.

*  Also passed was a resolution to encourage the use of non-lead alternatives for fishing sinkers and bullets.  As more and more alternatives become available in hunting ammunition and fishing sinkers and jigs, copper and tungsten have become widely accepted and for good reason:  They can be more effective than lead without the possible effects of lead poisoning of wildlife and habitat.  In fact, without any governmental edicts, I’ve used copper alternatives in ammunition for many years in factory ammunition and handloads because I believe them to be superior to lead.

*  Next is a proposal to rescind a resolution passed 44 years ago that required all guns to be encased and for the case to be inaccessible when being transported in a motor vehicle and stored in the trunk of said vehicle.  The problem with the current law is that most vehicles sold today – pickups and SUVs – have no trunk.  Rationale for passage of this resolution should be self-evident.

*  In a parallel issue, it is currently unlawful  for a person to lean a firearm on a tailgate (loaded or unloaded) or to use a truck’s hood as a benchrest while target shooting.  Such activity is not necessarily dangerous, as long as a person follows common-sense gun rules and should not be a crime.

*  Next in line is a proposal to ban balloon releases.  The Alliance for the Great Lakes’ annual “Adopt-a-Beach” shoreline cleanup program has found between 4,400 and 7,200 balloons or pieces of balloon debris on Great Lakes beaches each of the 11 last three years, and a scientific study published in March out of the University of Tasmania that found balloons are the highest-risk plastic debris item for seabirds.  These balloon releases amount to no more than public littering, and although they may give some folks a warm, fuzzy feeling, they also kill our wildlife.  And, while we’re at it, we should have enough wisdom to quit sending lit paper bags floating into the air for similar reasons including fire prevention.

These are a few of the current issues under consideration that sportsmen and women should get behind, because real conservation of our resources is at the hands of those that hunt and fish and are funded through our licensing fees and excise taxes on related equipment.

Hunters in deer management units 452 and 487 may now purchase antlerless deer licenses for only $5. Public- and private-land antlerless licenses are available in DMU 487 and public-land antlerless licenses are available in DMU 452. The discounted cost – reduced from the regular $20 antlerless deer license – is intended to provide an incentive for hunters to take more deer, which would help manage the size of the herd in northeast Michigan and may reduce the amount of bovine tuberculosis in the area. The discounted licenses are available to both resident and nonresident hunters. Read more

Wichita, KS – Scent Crusher® is proud to announce the release of the first-ever, Rapid Mobile Shower. This on-the-go dry shower will have you scent-free by the time you reach the field. This chemical-free Scent Crusher® product is the fastest way to eliminate contaminants and bacteria effortlessly. Hit the field ready to hunt no matter whether you’re coming from home, the gym, or a long day of work. With the Rapid Mobile Shower, a hunter can ensure their skin and clothes are odor-free in minutes.

There is nothing on the market like it! Using ozone technology, you will rid the scent of the human body while driving to your stand without even changing clothes. Our NEW one-size-fits-most suit will have you ready to hit the field the moment you step out of your vehicle. Use the included digital maintenance-free ozone generator with attached hoses for recommended ozone penetration to become scent-free.

This product is a lightweight 2-pound suit. The Rapid Mobile Shower includes a maintenance-free digital ozone generator and is equipped with heavy-duty zippers, adjustable closures, and leak-free fabric. Plug the suit in using the included 110v AC or 12v DC cords and let the suit do the work! Read more

Peterborough, NH- Check out the Infusion seat from ThermaSeat®, the “triple threat” cushion that makes you more of a threat on the hunt! The Infusion seat is a must-have product featuring a three-layer design including everything you need to stay warm and dry in order to hunt longer.

“I highly recommend this product for anyone who spends time outdoors and often finds themselves looking for a comfortable place to sit. It excels at providing not just a comfortable place to sit, but also a very warm one. I have sat outside in below-freezing temperatures on this thing and I remained comfortable the entire time. Gone are the days of getting your pants soaked from sitting on a log!”-ThermaSeat® Customer

The Infusion includes a thermal barrier of a ?-inch layer of Softek™ closed-cell foam for maximum heat retention, a comfort barrier of 1?-inch premium, furniture-grade urethane Comfotek™ foam for comfort, and an earth barrier of a 1-inch layer of rigid, closed-cell foam that protects your backside from the cold, wet ground. This seat is covered with waterproof, polyurethane-coated “SilentTouch™” Realtree or Mossy Oak fabric. This adds another layer of freeze-proof protection that won’t get hard in sub-zero temperatures. Read more