QDMA’s Deer Courses
ATHENS, GA (January 23, 2017) – Registration has opened for QDMA’s 2017 Deer Steward courses, which will include a Level I offering in Missouri and Level II courses in Arkansas and Michigan. Read more
Sportfishing Industry Angered by Last-Minute U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services’ Director’s Order
New U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policy on lead fishing tackle blindsides
recreational fishing community
January 23, 2017 – Alexandria, VA – On the day before President Obama left office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued an edict to phase out the use of traditional fishing tackle on the hundreds of thousands of square miles of public lands under its management.
Director’s Order No. 219 will, “require the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle to the fullest extent practicable for all activities on Service lands, waters and facilities by January 2022, except as needed for law enforcement or health and safety uses, as provided for in policy.”
Scott Gudes, vice president of Government Affairs for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association that represents the recreational fishing industry, issued a statement of behalf of the industry.
“The sportfishing industry views this unilateral policy to ban lead fishing tackle, which was developed without any input from the industry, other angling organizations and state fish and wildlife agencies, as a complete disregard for the economic and social impact it will have on anglers and the recreational fishing industry,” said Gudes. Read more
What to do if You Must Use a Firearm in Self Defense
From: MICHIGAN COALITION FOR RESPONSIBLE GUN OWNERS
Celebrating Twenty Years of
“Promoting safe use and ownership of firearms through education, litigation, and legislation” – 1996 – 2016
MCRGO E’News
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Frequently Asked Question
Occasionally we like to review what responsible gun owners should do in a self-defense situation. Most of us already know this. It is offered for the benefit of our new newsletter subscribers.
Q: What should I do if I ever need to use my gun in self-defense?
A: You should first be certain that the threat is removed before you lower your guard. Then, call 911 and say that there has been a shooting. Describe the immediate need for ambulance and police (and fire department if applicable). Tell the 911 operator where you are, how many people are wounded etc. Do not have your gun in your hand Read more
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Taking Out a Michigan Fawn Killer
By Glen Wunderlich
Hunting coyotes is always a challenge and adverse weather conditions can make it even more so. High winds, rain, snow or extremely cold temperatures can make hunting more than uncomfortable. However, by employing some basic deer hunting tactics, the predator hunter can not only bear the elements but he may have reason to grin, as well.
Planning a hunt in advance can mean that hunters may be subjected to unfavorable conditions on the day(s) of the hunt. Sometimes it just doesn’t make sense to attempt to define the difference between brave and stupid. But, on this brisk and frosty January morning, we had a plan.
Nothing would please me more than to remove a local fawn killer from the gene pool within the boundaries of our deer hunting grounds. With light wind from the west, my hunting partner, Joe, and I agreed that one of our deer hunting shacks would be the perfect site for an ambush. There, we could take advantage of the prevailing wind and the warmth from a propane heater in the blind. Typically, a heater is not necessary, because setting up for a coyote encounter doesn’t usually involve extended stays – usually, 20 minutes or so – but, not this time.
Overnight temperatures had dipped to 16 degrees Fahrenheit and had transformed the ground into a crunchy carpet of ice balls. The sound of two flat-footed hunters making their way across the landscape was like crushing styrofoam in the still air; it was impossible to make a quiet approach.
While Joe carried the firearms to the blind
Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08, Leupold scope
, I set up a full-body coyote decoy about 100 yards into the wind and the FoxPro electronic caller was placed nearby. Deer urine collected and melted from yellow snow was applied to our boot soles and around the decoy – not on it.
Here is where the heated blind comes into play: We fired up the heater and let our disturbing approach succumb to patience, as we waited for dawn. We positioned ourselves to cover any potential activity in the field using sandbag rests for our rifles – a distinct advantage. Plus, in the event of electronic caller failure, I carried a couple of hand calls for backup.
A half hour or so had passed before I selected some vole squeaks with the remote transmitter. (It’s always best to start a calling sequence at low volume in case a varmint is lurking nearby. Since the hearing of coyotes is almost incomprehensively superior to that of humans, there is no need to blast out sounds.) The stillness of the air was then interrupted by 30 seconds of pitiful squealing sounds, before hitting the pause control. Several minutes of quiet produced nothing, so I repeated the procedure. We watched.
With no response, I switched to the predator hunters’ favorite sound: a rabbit in distress at low volume. After another quiet period, nothing appeared, so I increase the volume a bit more, switched the caller off, and we continued to scan for movement. Minutes had passed and then Joe noticed a lone coyote curiously searching for some fast food along a brush line about 150 yards out.
The 33-pound female paused long enough for Joe to launch a 139-grain Hornady SST projectile from his Remington Model 7 in 7mm-08
Handloads for 7mm-08
, while I plugged my ears and watched intently. The killer was dead.
Saving fawns can be a challenging experience, although success is never guaranteed. But, this time, we beat the odds.
Joe Reynolds with his 33lb. 2oz. female coyote taken at 137 yards
DSC Objects to USFWS Order 219
DALLAS – For his last hurrah before departing office, outgoing U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Director Daniel Ashe released USFWS Director’s Order 219, expanding the use of nontoxic ammunition and fishing tackle. Dallas Safari Club (DSC) objects to the Order, and condemns the decision as it targets our hunting and fishing heritage.
“This action flies squarely in the face of long and constructive tradition of states working in partnership with the Service to effectively manage fish and wildlife resources,” stated Nick Wiley, president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The Association views this Order as a breach of trust and deeply disappointing.” Read more
SCI Sues to Protect Hunting Opportunities in Alaska
WASHINGTON, DC – On January 19, 2017, Safari Club International (SCI) filed a lawsuit against three sets of Obama Administration regulations that prohibit and restrict certain methods and means of hunting on National Wildlife Refuges and National Preserves in Alaska. SCI filed suit in federal district court in the District of Alaska.
SCI’s lawsuit challenges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) and National Park Service’s (NPS) illegal acts in ignoring and overriding the State of Alaska’s authority to manage wildlife and regulate hunting in Alaska. The Complaint documents how the FWS’s regulations pertaining to Alaska National Wildlife Refuges and the NPS’s regulations pertaining to National Preserves conflict with the State of Alaska’s constitutional and statutory obligations to manage the State’s wildlife for sustained yield by Alaska’s hunters. SCI’s lawsuit explains that the FWS’s and NPS’s regulations violate the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the Administrative Procedure Act. Read more
Aimpoint Micro S-1
Las Vegas, Nevada – – Aimpoint, the originator and worldwide leader in red dot sighting technology, has announced the release of the new Aimpoint® Micro S-1 sight at SHOW Show 2017. Designed specifically for use on shotguns with a ventilated rib, the Micro S-1 greatly enhances hit percentage for waterfowl and upland bird hunters, on the sporting clays course, and provides a compact, low-profile optic for turkey and deer shotgun hunters.
The innovative carbon fiber reinforced mounting system positions the Aimpoint® Micro S-1 on the lowest possible optical axis without adding unnecessary weight. The optic may be attached directly at any point along the ventilated rib, and currently includes interchangeable adapter plates to fit most Browning, Beretta, and Benelli shotguns. Read more
New Umarex Havox Ammo Expands Maximum Lethality
FORT SMITH, Ark. – Umarex USA, a company on the forefront of innovation in outdoor products, announces the introduction of the most lethal air gun hunting ammunition ever created. The Umarex® Havox™ is designed to expand upon contact of soft tissue immediately transferring massive energy into the intended target.
The Havox line of smallbore air gun hunting ammunition is designed to expand 100% into six razor sharp cutting edges, creating a massive wound channel in the target. The wide razor sharp blades stay attached and maintain a large diameter to provide the greatest cutting surface throughout penetration. Read more
Sightmark Wolverine 1×28 FSR is NTOA Approved
Sightmark Wolverine 1×28 FSR: NTOA Recommended!(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – Sightmark is proud to announce the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) has completed testing of the Sightmark Wolverine 1×28 FSR Red Dot Sight (SM26020), resulting in the organization’s high recommendation of the dependable red dot sight to its law enforcement community, and an overall rating of 4.62 out of 5. The Wolverine FSR received high marks from law enforcement individuals across various categories including performance, ease of use, quality, durability, accuracy and more.
Designed for close quarter engagements, the durable Wolverine FSR Red Dot boasts an IP67 waterproof rating, is submersible to three feet of water and is protected by a single piece of rubber-armored 6061-T6 aluminum. Fog proof and nitrogen purged, the Wolverine FSR allows shooters to take aim with its 2 MOA red dot reticle in extreme temperatures ranging from -22° to 122° F. Weighing only 12.3 ounces, the Wolverine delivers heavy-duty performance in a lightweight package and has an incredible battery life of over 114 years on low setting using just a single AA battery. Read more
Buck Knives 110 Automatic Knife
The timeless 110 Folding Hunter has been transformed into an exciting automatic knife. The 110 AUTO is powerfully deployed with the push of a button, instantly readying the 420HC blade.
First introduced by Al Buck in 1964, the Model 110 Folding Hunter revolutionized the industry and quickly became a top seller with its breakthrough folding locking system. As one of the worlds most imitated and easily-recognized knives, the Model 110 continues to serve as proof that one man’s hope and determination can transform into a legacy passed on through generations. Read more