Leupold® Offering Free Ammo to America’s Turkey Hunters

BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., wants to help turkey hunters across America bag a bird this spring, and will even provide the ammo. Between March 1 and April 15, 2017, hunters will receive two boxes of Winchester® Long Beard XR Turkey Shotshells with every purchase of a Leupold® DeltaPoint Pro™ or VX®-1 riflescope with the Turkey Plex® reticle.

The VX-1 Shotgun/Muzzleloader riflescope is parallax adjusted for the closer ranges turkey hunters face, and delivers a bright, crisp image throughout the day. The Turkey Plex reticle features Duplex®-style crosshairs, with a circle at the center that equates to the size of an adult turkey’s head at 40 yards.

The Turkey Plex reticle is available on the VX-1 1-4x20mm and VX-1 2-7x33mm Shotgun/Muzzleloader riflescopes.

Leupold’s DeltaPoint Pro is a natural fit for any shotgun and provides near instantaneous aiming. Parallax-free, the DeltaPoint Pro delivers pinpoint accuracy no matter the body position. If you can see the dot, you can accurately make the shot. Read more

Optics

Mild Nebraska weather bringing more sandhill cranes

LINCOLN, Neb. – Numbers of sandhill cranes on the Central Platte River during the spring migration typically peak in the third week of March. That seems to be changing.

Close to 195,000 cranes are on the Central Platte as of Feb. 27, according to an aerial survey by the Crane Trust. That figure was around 66,000 just a week ago. Numbers should continue to build with continuing mild weather and viewing should be favorable going forward.

The aerial survey detected 213,000 sandhill cranes on the Central Platte during the same time a year ago, but in previous years, the number of cranes ranged from about 5,000 to 60,000 in late February. Last year, according to Crane Trust counts, the crane migration peaked at 413,000 birds on March 14, approximately a week to two weeks ahead of historically recorded peak migration numbers (generally between March 21 and March 28) observed in the Crane Trust Database (2002-2017). Read more

Wildlife

Jaguar photographed in southern Arizona’s Cochise County, AZ

PHOENIX — The third jaguar documented in southern Arizona since September 2012 was photographed by a Bureau of Land Management trail camera in Cochise County. The image was taken on Nov. 16, 2016, in the Dos Cabezas Mountains 60 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border; the camera data was only recently retrieved. This is the only jaguar photographed by this BLM-deployed camera since it was installed in August 2016. The camera remains on site.

Five Arizona Game and Fish Department scientists have independently completed an analysis of the photo, comparing the jaguar’s spot patterns to other jaguars sighted previously in Arizona. They concluded that this animal has not been previously identified. The sex of the jaguar cannot be determined by the photo.

“Since 2012, an increase in trail camera monitoring of mountainous habitat in southern Arizona has provided increased documentation and a better understanding of jaguar presence and habitat preferences,” said Steve Spangle, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Arizona Field Supervisor. “This supports the phenomenon that jaguars seeking territories outside of competitive breeding areas in Mexico continue to occasion Arizona.” Read more

Wildlife

Winchester Introduces Super X4 Autoloading Shotgun Built 4 Speed

Winchester Repeating Arms Introduces The Super X4 Autoloading Shotgun That’s Built 4 Speed

Winchester Repeating Arms Super X® autoloading shotguns have been popular with both hunters and clay target shooters for a long time. Through the years, Super X shotguns have steadily improved with the addition of the Super X®2 and Super X®3 models. Now, for 2017, Winchester Repeating Arms introduces the Super X®4.

The new Super X4 is designed to be lighter, faster cycling, smoother swinging and more ergonomic than previous models. Key features of the Super X4 include a larger bolt handle, oversized bolt release button and a pistol grip that is slimmer and more ergonomic for both right and left-hand shooters. The total weight of the Super X4 is also less than previous models, making it quicker to swing and easier to carry.

The new Super X4 12 gauge will be offered in four models including the SX4, SX4 Waterfowl Hunter, SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact. The composite-stocked SX4 and SX4 Waterfowl Hunter models will be offered in 3″ and 3½” versions. The SX4 3″ has a suggested retail of $799.99 and $939.99 for the 3½” chambering. The SX4 Waterfowl Hunter in 3″ chambering has a suggested retail of $939.99 and $1,069.99 in the 3½” chambering. The new SX4 Field and SX4 Field Compact are offered only in 3″ chambering with a suggested retail of $939.99. Read more

Firearms

100 Years of the Browning BAR


BAR Safari 100th Anniversary model.The new BAR Anniversary model will feature a steel receiver with polished blued finish and special engravings – military scenes on the right side and hunting scenes on the left side – all highlighted in gold. The polished blued barrel is 22″ long. The stock is Grade V Turkish walnut with an oil finish. Production is limited to 100 rifles chambered in 30-06 Springfield. Suggested retail price is $2,699.99.

Also introduced in the BAR rifle line for 2017 is the new BAR MK 3 DBM. The rifle features a matte black finish, 18″ barrel, black composite stock and forearm and a 10-round detachable box magazine. The rifle includes integrated Picatinny rail scope mounts, front sling swivel stud and two QD sling swivel cups installed (QD sling swivels included). The stock is shim adjustable for cast and drop at comb. Chambered in .308 Winchester, the suggested retail price is $1,469.99.

Other additions to the BAR family are the BAR MK 3 Stalker and the BAR MK 3 in Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country®. The Stalker has a matte black finish on the receiver and barrel while the other rifle is finished in full coverage Mossy Oak® Break-Up Country® camo. Both rifles are available in several calibers from 243 Win. to 300 Win. Mag. Barrel lengths vary from 22″ to 24″ depending on caliber. Rifle weights vary from 6 lbs. 10 oz. to 7 lbs. 11 oz. Suggested retail prices for the BAR MK 3 Stalker range from $1,269.99 to $1,359.99 and suggested retail prices for the BAR MK 3 in Mossy Oak Break-Up Country range from $1,379.99 to $1,499.99. Read more

Firearms

TenPoint Introduces Lightweight Carbon Phantom RCX™

Mogadore, OH. Industry leader TenPoint Crossbow Technologies’ introduced its NEW Carbon Phantom RCX. One of TenPoint’s three new crossbows for 2017, the Carbon Phantom RCX generates maximum efficiency in combining a newly engineered reverse cam bow assembly with a newly engineered stock and carbon fiber barrel combination.

“The goal from the outset was to truly push the envelope and create the easiest-to-handle bow with the lightest draw weight that still generates top-end speeds,” said Rick Bednar, TenPoint CEO. “The combination of speed, weight, size, efficiency, and adjustability make the Carbon Phantom RCX the most technologically advanced crossbow we have ever produced. All indications point to it being the ideal high-end crossbow on the market.”

At the heart of the crossbow’s efficiency is the bow assembly’s new RCX Cam System™. Measuring 13.375-inches axle-to-axle when cocked, the bow assembly creates an increased power stroke, at 16-inches, for a crossbow measuring just 35.5-inches long. In addition, it allows the lightweight 160-pound bow assembly, equipped with 10.5-inch RCX limbs and new Brownell Rhino string and cables, to generate speeds up to 385 feet per second. Its newly designed, machined aluminum riser features Over-the-Top™ limb pocket and Zytel® Limb Suspension System both separates and isolates the limbs from direct contact with the riser to reduce sound and vibration, as well as pre-installed String Dampening Rods (SDR) that further reduce noise and vibration. Read more

Archery

Secretary Zinke Shows Support for Sportsmen on First Day in Office


Secretary Ryan Zinke and guests at the signing ceremony. (Source: Department of the Interior)
WASHINGTON — On his first official day as the 52nd Secretary of the Department of Interior, Ryan Zinke issued his first two secretarial orders benefitting the sportsmen and outdoor communities. Zinke invited various members from the sportsmen’s community for the signing ceremony of the secretarial orders that help expand public land access, as well as opportunities to hunt, fish and recreate across the country. Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall was present for the signing ceremony.”Today’s actions by Secretary Zinke are a clear indication that sportsmen and women around the country will have a voice at the Department of Interior,” said Dale Hall. “Providing places for all Americans to hunt, fish and recreate is vitally important, as hunters and anglers are North America’s greatest conservationists. I want to thank Secretary Zinke for his strong commitment and look forward to working him in his new capacity at the Department of Interior.”

Order 3346 overturns the lead ammunition and fishing tackle ban on Fish and Wildlife Service lands, waters, and facilities. The second order, 3347, advances conservation stewardship, improves game and habitat management and increases outdoor recreation opportunities by directing bureaus and agencies to immediately identify areas where recreation and fishing can be expanded. The order also requests the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council and Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council to provide recommendations on enhancing and expanding access on public lands and improving habitat for fish and wildlife. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

ELEY Ammunition Introduces Rec Packs

ELEY ammunition is no longer just your competition .22LR. ELEY has entered the commercial .22LR market with one goal – produce the most accurate and reliable .22LR available to shooters at every level. ELEY is offering two hollow point rounds, ELEY high velocity hollow and ELEY subsonic hollow. ELEY subsonic hollow has been independently proven as the most accurate subsonic hollow point when compared to it’s competition. ELEY’s expansion into the commercial market was jump started by the introduction of ELEY force and ELEY contact. These products are specifically designed for use in semi-automatic firearms, with accuracy and knock down as the pinnacle of performance. That combination is why Jessie Duff trusts ELEY force and ELEY contact to compete with in rimfire competitions at the highest level. Read more

Ammunition

STEINER Now Offers HX 15X56 Binocular

GREELEY, Colo.— One of Steiner’s most powerful hunting optics, the HX Series binocular line, now features a 15x56mm model. The strong 15x magnification and larger objectives provide exceptional clarity when spotting your target at long ranges. The HX 15x56mm is tripod mountable to make remote views rock-steady.

The HX Series is known to offer optical design that provides users with bright, crisp images for any hunting challenge from high plains to lowland bogs. The HX 15x56mm is fog proof and waterproof down to 16 feet.

The binoculars feature Fast-Close-Focus™ to minimize the rotation on the focusing wheel for sharper images at various distances. Steiner has also implemented its ever-popular ergonomic eyecups to reduce eye fatigue created by peripheral light, wind and dust.

To withstand weather conditions in any part of the world, the HX Series features Steiner Nano-Protection® hydrophobic molecular coating, creating a lens surface that repels water and is resistant to dirt, dust and fingerprints. The N2 Injection® System pressure seals the binoculars for ultimate waterproof protection, and the ergonomic Makrolon® housing combines a durable polycarbonate frame with NBR Long Life rubber armoring for a light, tough chassis. Read more

Optics

Michigan’s hand netting season opens, dip netting opens March 20

With recent warmer weather conditions making many people interested in getting on the water, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers about netting season dates:

The hand netting season opened today, March 1, and closes May 31.
The dip netting season opens Monday, March 20, and also closes May 31.
The following species can be taken during both seasons: bowfin, carp, goldfish, gizzard shad, longnose gar, smelt and suckers. Waters open to hand netting include all Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, the Detroit River and the St. Marys River including all tributaries to those waters from the mouth to half-mile upstream. Waters open to dip netting include all Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula streams, except Designated Trout Streams.

Additional waters are closed to these activities; visit michigan.gov/fishingguide for full details.

Using seines, hand nets or dip nets for minnows is allowed all year on all waters (except Designated Trout Streams and those waters closed to minnow harvest), while cast nets can be used for alewives, minnows, smelt and gizzard shad all year on the Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, the St. Clair River, the Detroit River and the St. Marys River.

For those interested in dipping for smelt later this spring, visit the DNR’s smelt dipping and fishing opportunities page online.

Fishing
1 … 1,060 1,061 1,062 1,063 1,064 … 1,835