Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Goldfinch
(Columbus) – Today, the California Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee held a special hearing specifically to revote on Senate Bill 1221, a bill banning the hunting of black bears and bobcats using hounds. The Committee passed the bill by a vote of 8-4, with one abstention. Read more
GW: No foolin’, these things work!
Bedford, MA – Experts predicted a record number of mosquitoes this summer and consumers want DEET-free repellent options such as ThermaCELL lanterns and appliances so they do not have to worry about topical chemicals. ThermaCELL, the most effective area repellent available, has been approved by the EPA and found to be highly effective in tests conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Read more
In a May 19th written statement from the Sierra Club’s Board of Directors, the group has officially gone on record as opposing nearly any and all forms of trapping—period.
The official statement concealed on the group’s website notes that:
“The Sierra Club considers body-gripping, restraining and killing traps and snares to be ecologically indiscriminate and unnecessarily inhumane and therefore opposes their use.” Read more
Most outdoor enthusiasts in the state are familiar with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and the role it plays in making outdoor recreation opportunities more plentiful and accessible for everyone.
The Trust Fund (which is funded from the interest earned on a $500 million investment derived from royalties from oil and gas development on state-managed land) is used to buy property and develop projects that have recreational or natural resources value to Michigan citizens. Read more
Near-drought conditions in some areas spark concerns…
As residents and out-of-state visitors prepare to camp, bike and hike throughout Michigan over the Fourth of July holiday season, Department of Natural Resources officials warn that wildfire danger will vary greatly in different areas of the state and urge caution and common sense, accordingly, with fireworks and campfires. Read more
BOGART, Ga. — The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) Individual Certification Program, known as “Deer Steward,” wrapped up another successful year of in-person courses this past weekend in Kentucky. The first level of the course is also offered online and remains open year round. Read more
Washington, DC – Safari Club International Foundation (SCI Foundation) announced today that it has contributed $537,590 in the past six months to fund worldwide wildlife conservation projects. SCI Foundation strategically focuses funding towards research and management of large predators and their prey, including game species, principally throughout North America, Asia, and Southern Africa. Read more
Anti-hunting Bill Fails to Clear Key Panel
(Columbus) –Backers of Senate Bill 1221, which would ban hunting of black bears and bobcats using hounds, failed to earn enough votes to pass the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee this afternoon.
“It all came down to last minute telephone calls from hunters to key Assembly members on the committee,” said Evan Heusinkveld, USSA’s director of state services. “The folks who made those calls made the difference today.”
From the beginning, sportsmen and women have outworked the anti-hunters, Read more
Wilsonville, OR -Drawing heavily on technology developed in support of America’s warfighters by its defense division, Crimson Trace will introduce a line of Infra Red (IR) laser sights for the civilian market. Observable only through night vision equipment, these laser sights offer the user the ability to mark a target invisibly, which is a boon for predator control, security personnel or anyone involved in the growing sport of hog hunting. Read more
NEWTOWN, Conn. — The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the trade association for the firearms and ammunition industry, has filed a motion to intervene in the frivolous lawsuit brought by the anti-hunting Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) and six other organizations to force the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ban traditional ammunition containing lead components. Read more