NWF, Affiliates Back National Response to Fatal Wildlife Disease

WASHINGTON  – News of Montana’s first confirmed case of chronic wasting disease underscores the importance of a bill introduced Tuesday by Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner of Wisconsin. The bill would give states and tribes the funding and other assistance they need to fight the always-fatal neurological disease in deer, moose and elk that threatens the nation’s big-game populations and hunting opportunities.

The National Wildlife Federation and state affiliates support the bill, which would help states launch rapid responses when an outbreak occurs. Chronic wasting disease, which is contagious and affects members of the deer family, leaves animals uncoordinated and emaciated before it kills them. It has spread among herds from the Rocky Mountains to the Midwest to the Northeast.

“Chronic Wasting Disease poses a grave threat to North America’s deer, elk, and moose herds, and the hunters and communities that depend on them,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Yet as this terrible disease spreads rapidly across our country, it’s received neither the urgent attention or sufficient resources from Washington to combat it. That is about to change thanks to the leadership of two great sportsmen, Reps. Ron Kind and Jim Sensenbrenner, who understand how serious this threat is and why immediate action is needed. The National Wildlife Federation enthusiastically supports their bill to provide states and tribes the support required to respond to this critical threat to America’s wildlife.” Read more

Wildlife

New ICOtec® PD200 & AD400 Electronic Predator Decoys

The NEW Electronic Predator Decoys from ICOtec are the best value on the market. Features include; adjustable speed dial, intermittent motion, two quick-change toppers, LED light for night hunts, connectivity to e-callers and self-contained battery power source, both units require four AA batteries, not included. Designed and manufactured by ICOtec to be durable and effective. These new decoys are essential tools when calling predators, and a perfect pairing with ICOtec brand game calls. Read more

Hunting

Strasser Hunting Firearms Enter the US Market

(Midwest City, Oklahoma) – International Firearm Corporation, exclusive importer of an elite selection of European firearms is proud to offer American shooters the Strasser RS14 Evolution and RS14 Evolution Tahr for the first time. Strasser, an Austrian arms maker with a rich history of manufacturing hunting and sporting rifles, has built a reputation on precision, innovation, unsurpassed quality, and elegant design. As passionate hunters, they know what is important. The revolutionary design, and ergonomic operating functions make the Strasser RS14 Evolution a reliable companion for hunters around the world.

The new RS14 Evolution, specially designed for the US market, is a straight pull bolt action rifle that features a removable trigger pack and the ability to easily adjust trigger weight without tools. It also has a set trigger feature that brings the trigger pull down two ounces. The quick change bolt face allows users to quickly and easily switch between mini, standard, and magnum bolt face. It comes with an integrated picatinny rail on the receiver. Consumers are offered two different models on the RS14 with a grade E Walnut stock or with a grey, laminate stock called Tahr. The first 100 of each model will be serial numbered to signify a special edition just for America. Read more

Firearms

Big Game Trophies and Trophy Hunting

Situational Overview

There are broad misconceptions that exist among non-hunters and within the hunting community itself about big game trophies and hunting. To compound matters, organized groups whose intention is to end all hunting are attempting to sway the public, policy makers, and the media by building a negative image of trophy hunting. As the leading conservation organization that was the first to promote the selective hunting of mature male animals as a practice of wildlife conservation, the Boone and Crockett Club is concerned with misrepresentations, and wants people to understand the value of big game trophies and hunting to conservation.

Position

The Boone and Crockett Club supports hunting that is conducted legally and guided by a conservation ethic. If the intent of a hunter is to pass up a younger animal in favor of an older, mature animal, or merely take any legal animal regardless of sex or size, these are both choices that should be respected. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

SCI President Clarifies Position On Elephant Import Issue

The Press has been full of conjecture about SCI’s reaction to President Trump’s request that Secretary Ryan Zinke place a hold on the issuance of import permits for elephants from Zimbabwe and Zambia.  SCI President Paul Babaz put an end to that conjecture with the following statement:

“SCI was very pleased when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service made findings that the importation of legally-hunted elephants enhances the survival of the species.  While SCI was disappointed to learn that the President requested a hold on importation permits issued under authority of the two enhancement findings, we understand that the President and Secretary Zinke wish to make certain that the facts and law support the positive enhancement findings.  We respect the President for taking the initiative to delve into the science behind those findings.  SCI remains confident that, given the opportunity, we can help the President reach the same conclusions that the Department of the Interior and, in particular, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, have reached – that hunting and importation of elephants from Zimbabwe and Zambia not only cause no harm to the species, but that these activities enhance species survival.  SCI will continue to work with the President, the Secretary, the FWS and the entire Administration to find ways to acknowledge and facilitate the beneficial role that hunting plays for wildlife, including, and especially, species like the African elephant.  SCI stands ready to respond to the President’s questions and concerns.  We will continue to work with this Administration and to help it to support, protect and defend hunting and sustainable use conservation.”

Animal Rights, Hunting

Arizona desert bighorn sheep translocated to Goldfield Mountains


MESA, Ariz. — The next time you’re out hiking or just meandering in the Goldfield Mountains, take a good look around.If you’re lucky, maybe way up high on the crags, you’ll see one or more of the area’s newest residents taking a good look at you.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department recently translocated 14 adult desert bighorn sheep – four rams and 10 ewes – from a healthy population of the animals near Saguaro Lake in Game Management Unit 24B to the Goldfield Mountains, also in Unit 24B.

All 14 of the animals were given an identification ear tag and complete health evaluation before being released. A few were fitted with a GPS tracking collar to better monitor their movements in their new locale.

“The main purpose of this project was to capture several desert bighorn sheep from within Unit 24B and establish a subpopulation within their native range,” said Dustin Darveau, terrestrial wildlife specialist. Read more

Wildlife

Michigan Offers Free Entry to State Parks on Black Friday

Put away the leftovers and #OptOutside as part of your day-after-Thanksgiving traditions. To encourage folks to tap into Michigan’s great outdoors and gather with friends and family, on Friday, Nov. 24, the DNR will waive the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that enables vehicle access to Michigan state parks, trails and boating access sites.To search for a list of Michigan state parks, rustic state forest campgrounds, state-designated trails and associated activities and amenities, visit www.michigan.gov/recsearch. Interested in the Recreation Passport and how it helps Michigan state parks, trails and waterways? Visit www.michigan.gov/RecreationPassport.

General

Michigan: DNR to auction surplus public land starting Dec. 12


Most parcels located in central/northern Lower Michigan and the Upper PeninsulaThe Michigan Department of Natural Resources Monday announced it will offer surplus public land for sale by sealed-bid auction between Dec. 12, 2017, and Jan. 10, 2018. The auction will feature 80 parcels located in counties mainly in central/northern Lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula, including Alpena, Arenac, Barry, Bay, Cheboygan, Dickinson, Gladwin, Iron, Kalkaska, Lake, Menominee, Midland, Montmorency, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oakland, Osceola, Oscoda and Roscommon counties.

Properties range in size from less than an acre to 146 acres. These lands are isolated from other DNR-managed public land, are difficult to manage and provide limited public outdoor recreation benefits. Several of the parcels are forested and have riverside or lake frontage and are better suited for private ownership. In addition, several large-acreage parcels are being offered in Alpena, Arenac, Gladwin, Menominee, Montmorency, Osceola and Roscommon counties. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Steyr Arms Announces Black Friday/Cyber Monday Specials


BESSEMER, AlA— Steyr Arms announced today that the company’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials will begin Wednesday afternoon and will continue until Monday at midnight, CST. The holiday specials will cover all Steyr Arms brands—Steyr, Merkel, JAGDHUND and X JAGD.Leading the specials will be the K3 Stutzen (Full Stock) package with Swarovski Z3 for $3,395. Merkel RX.Helix rifles will be marked down 25 percent. All Merkel Gear will also be marked down 15 percent. Read more
Firearms

MidwayUSA Black Friday 8 Days of Deals

COLUMBIA, MO –
MidwayUSA is pleased to announce the kickoff of their 2017 Black Friday Sale. Starting today, Monday November 20 through Monday November 27, Customers can expect deep discounts on popular Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor products. This year, the MidwayUSA Black Friday Sale features great deals on select hunting clothing and shooting gear, AR-15 Uppers, ammunition, optics and more from brands like MidwayUSA, AR-Stoner, Hornady, Sierra, Leupold and Vortex just to name a few. Select products will also be eligible for FREE SHIPPING!

“Throughout the past year we’ve been able to offer our Customers some really great prices on their favorite products,” said Jeff Larkin, VP of Marketing. “Starting today, through next Monday, our Black Friday 8 Days of Deals is an opportunity to really wow our Customers – they’re going to love what we have to offer.”

In addition to the Black Friday Sale, Customers will have the opportunity to enter the 2017 MidwayUSA Black Friday Sweepstakes! Visit www.midwayUSA.com/black-friday-sale and enter for your chance to win the new AR-Stoner Optics Ready AR-15 Upper, 1,200 rnds of IMI 5.56, 1,500 Rnds of Norma 22LR, 500 rnds of Magtech 9mm, a Magpul MOE SL-K Stock, MOE Pistol Grip, and 10-pack of M2 PMAGs – plus a YETI Hopper, Rambler Tumbler, Colster and Lowball. Total ARV of prize pack: $1,853.62! Read more

General
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