Iowa: Fatal deer disease confirmed in Wayne County

A hunter harvested adult doe taken in southeast Wayne County during the first shotgun deer season has tested positive for the presence of chronic wasting disease (CWD). This is the first hunter harvested wild deer outside of northeast Iowa to test positive for the always fatal disease.

The deer was shot on Dec. 5.

“We contacted the hunter once it was confirmed,” said Terry Haindfield, wildlife biologist and coordinator for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources chronic wasting disease monitoring effort. “The test results are disappointing but not surprising. We are seeing an increasing number of CWD positive deer in northeast Iowa and from our neighboring states.”

Haindfield said there have been seven additional CWD positive tests so far from deer in northeast Iowa that came from the 2017 seasons – six in Allamakee County and one in Clayton County. The Iowa DNR is awaiting the final set of test results from the special collection in Allamakee and Clayton counties in January. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan: Artists sought for residence program at Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park

March 30 application deadline set; artists notified by April 25

Applications are being accepted for the Porcupine Mountains Artist-in-Residence Program for the 2018 spring, summer and fall and 2019 winter residencies.

The Artist-in-Residence Program is open to artists and artisans whose work can be influenced by the unique northern wilderness setting of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.

Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Michigan’s largest state park encompasses 25 miles of wave-washed shores, four inland lakes, entire river systems, countless waterfalls, enchanting wooded peaks, and an escarpment, which rises slowly from the edge of Lake Superior until it plummets abruptly into the Carp River valley.

Still, the park’s most impressive feature – and the reason for its creation – is the virgin forest of eastern hemlock and northern hardwoods and the variety of flora and fauna that it supports. Because of these attributes, the park is an ideal location to inspire creativity.

The Artist-in-Residence Program offers writers, composers and all visual and performing artists an opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the park and to express it through their art form. Each year a number of artists will be selected for residencies lasting a minimum of two weeks. Read more

Wildlife

Velocity Triggers™ Introduces Marksman Performance Choice trigger assembly

Phoenix, AZ – Velocity Triggers™ has added yet another American made, drop-in trigger assembly that will fit all AR platforms. The initial product offering has removable trigger shoes that are positioned ½” further forward for faster acquisition and they can be rotated on the axis for a perfect finger fit. The trigger shoes are machined from aluminum to a full 3/8” width and will be offered in three shapes: curved, straight or straight with finger stop. Each shape is offered either with a radius or flat face with serrations. The trigger shoes will be offered in 5 color options: anodized black or red and Cerakote Flat Dark Earth, OD Green and Pink. The trigger is available in 3 pound or 4 pound pull weight. Read more

Firearms

Michigan: Kids free fishing weekend contest to raise funds for firefighting equipment in Gogebic County

Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department to hold ninth-annual event on Sunday Lake

During Michigan’s winter Free Fishing Weekend, the Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department will hold its ninth-annual ice fishing contest on Saturday, Feb. 17 on Sunday Lake in Gogebic County.

The 224-acre lake located in Wakefield is one of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ designated Family Friendly Fishing Waters, home to perch, panfish, walleye and northern pike.

All fishing license fees are waived during Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply.

“We’ve been hosting our fishing contest on Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend for the past several years in an attempt to attract people who otherwise may not fish, as well as to draw participation from Wisconsin and Minnesota,” said Jennifer Jacobson, secretary of the fire department’s ice fishing contest committee. Read more

Fishing

Federal Premium Hydra-Shok Deep Personal Defense Load

ANOKA, Minnesota – – Federal Premium Ammunition is pleased to announce a new high-performance self-defense load. Hydra-Shok Deep builds off the time-tested Hydra-Shok platform with design improvements that better meet modern performance measurements. Shipments are being delivered to dealers.

Federal Premium Hydra-Shok ammunition has proven itself for self-defense since 1989. Hydra-Shok Deep’s redesigned bullet features a more robust center post and a core design that provides as much as 50 percent deeper penetration than classic Hydra-Shok.

 

Features & Benefits
• Penetrates 15 inches in bare ballistics gel—the optimal depth according to FBI standards
• 50 percent deeper penetration than classic Hydra-Shok
• 70 percent improvement in overall FBI protocol score compared to classic Hydra-Shok
• Iconic center post design has been improved for better integrity and performance through civilian barriers
• Consistent, specially formulated propellant
• Extremely reliable Federal primer Read more

Ammunition

Michigan Elk updates: results of 2017 elk hunting season, winter elk survey

The 2017 hunting season statistics are in, and the winter elk survey just wrapped up, giving the Michigan Department of Natural Resources a clear picture of where the state’s elk population currently stands.

Hunt period 1, which targets elk outside of their traditional range, was 12 days long. From Aug 29-Sept. 1, Sept 15-18, and Sept. 29-Oct. 2, 100 state hunters harvested 74 elk (30 bulls and 44 antlerless elk).

During hunt period 2, Dec. 9-17, all locations in the northern tip of the state were open to hunting. Another 100 state hunters harvested 84 elk (30 bulls and 54 antlerless elk) during this hunt.

Before regulated hunting can take place to assist in management, Michigan’s elk population has to be evaluated.

“Our population goal for elk is between 500 and 900 animals. This has been determined as the best balance for the forests, area agriculture and residents,” said DNR elk specialist Chad Stewart. “Besides having an estimated population, knowing where they are located is also very important.” Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Eagle Imports Announces Next Generation of Bersa TPR Series Pistols

Introducing the new Bersa® TPR and TPRC.

Bersa is pleased to announce that the redesigned Bersa® TPR has begun shipping in the United States, via Eagle Imports, Inc.

“We’re excited to bring this next generation of Bersa TPRs to American consumers,” said Michael Sodini, President of Eagle Imports, Inc. “Once available only to military and law enforcement personnel, it’s always offered rugged durability and impressive accuracy. This new evolution makes the TPR officially one of my favorites for self-defense and sport.”

Available in standard 4.25″ barrel and compact 3.25″ barrel configurations, the redesigned TPR9 semi-automatic pistols incorporate a smoother, lighter trigger plus a host of ergonomic improvements for accurate control during rapid fire, including: Read more

Firearms

New HALO XL600 Laser Rangefinder

Dallas, TX – Regardless of how much practice one puts in at the range or the type of firearm, bow or crossbow one carries into the field, no other single variable plays a greater role in hunting success than knowing the actual distance to the downrange target. At best, just a few yards of misjudged distance can result in a miss, and, at worst, a wounded animal.

For this reason, a quality laser rangefinder is one of the most important conservation tools a hunter can carry into the field.

Halo’s NEW XL600 Laser Rangefinder is packed with high-end performance features at a price that puts it well within range of any hunter. Read more

Optics

The Browning Refuge: New, Versatile Sleeping Bag with Zippered Armholes

Browning Camping is proud to release the Refuge, a new sleeping bag that offers campsite comfort and versatility. The mummy-shaped bag, offers top-of-the-line features that Browning Camping’s customers expect. A center zipper can be zipped from the bottom for additional venting, and TechLoft Gold insulation ensures warmth (the Refuge comes in two temperature grades +15-degrees and -10-degrees). The durable separating zippers glide smoothly, and the outer fabric is nylon ripstop. What makes the Refuge stand out are the zippered armholes that allow venting, or the freedom to drink your warm beverage of choice without leaving the warmth of your sleeping bag. Read more

General

Streamlight ProTac HPL

ProTac® HPL USB Features 1,000 Lumens; Uses Three Battery Types

EAGLEVILLE, PA  – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced the ProTac® HPL (High Performance, High Lumen) USB, delivering an incredibly bright 1,000 lumens and an intense, down-range beam. The new model, which uses a Streamlight lithium ion rechargeable battery, includes a built-in USB charge port, permitting it to be charged from a laptop or most USB wall chargers.

The next generation of ProTac® design, the ProTac HPL USB is capable of flooding an entire room, vehicle, or area with sweeping bright light, while also delivering a far-reaching “hotspot” beam. The light includes a sliding sleeve that reveals a USB charge port as well as a charging light indicator. For added convenience, the flashlight operates from multiple battery sources, including a rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery or two CR123A lithium cell batteries. Read more

Optics
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