HSUS Claims $11 Million Bribery Settlement was a Win
This from HumaneWatch.org
It’s been a rough end to the year for the Humane Society of the United States. We broke the news a few weeks back that HSUS laid off dozens of staffers in October and closed a wildlife center and, apparently, a horse rescue.
We can tell how damaging the news is because it seems HSUS is pitching journalists to write about how everything’s actually just dandy. Look no further than the Chronicle of Philanthropy publishing a groveling article this month written by freelancer Marc Gunther—a hack writer who has written fawningly of HSUS before. It takes HSUS dishonesty to a whole new level.
The piece essentially reads like it was written by HSUS’s PR department. HSUS’s decline in revenue, apparently $20 million or more, is whizzed by. The layoffs? A mere bump in the road. Never mind that HSUS says it can’t afford to run a $700,000 a year wildlife center. That signifies a financial crisis.
But the most laughable part of the piece was when HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle claimed that HSUS’s 2014 settlement of a fraud, bribery and racketeering lawsuit “set up a huge programmatic victory for us.”
A nearly $11 million settlement, negative news stories, and now years of litigation as HSUS tries to get its insurer to cover the full settlement—Pacelle considers that a win? That’s like arguing the Cleveland Browns are at the top of the class of this year’s NFL.
We shouldn’t be surprised—Pacelle himself made false statements before Congress last year. He’s certainly shown a willingness to bend the truth, whether it’s being a demagogue on the issues or raising money by deceiving millions of Americans who think donations to HSUS will primarily help pets.
Historically, HSUS has gotten a number of “D” and “C” grades from CharityWatch for wasting donor money. If anyone ever graded groups on trustworthiness, HSUS would get an “F.”
Pulsar’s Trail Thermal Riflescope
MANSFIELD, TX – The popularity of thermal imaging technology is on the rise among law enforcement, first responders and hunters alike. From award-winning thermal-imaging manufacturer, Pulsar, comes a new innovative riflescope touted as Pulsar’s best-of-the-best. The Pulsar Trail Thermal Riflescope changes the game of quality thermal imaging through the use of world-class aspheric germanium optics, allowing small details, like the hair on your skin, to be viewed in detail at close range.
Pulsar Trail Thermal Riflescopes feature on-board video recording with 8gb of storage, friendly remote control operation and WiFi. Why WiFi? Trail Thermal Imaging Riflescopes perfectly pair with smartphones and tablets to work seamlessly with Pulsar’s Stream Vision app, available on both Android and IOS, which permits your friends to watch your action-packed adventures in real time!
Strikingly advanced and robust, Trails are IPX7 waterproof-rated and able to detect heat signatures up to 2000 yards away. Trail XP models include an advanced thermal sensor with rich 640×480 pixel resolution and an AMOLED micro-display at the same resolution. For more information on the Trail and other innovative products from Pulsar, please visit us at SHOT Show, booth 11924. Read more
Ruger Announces New Additions to the Mark IV Family
Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is adding three new models to the growing Ruger® Mark IV™ family of rimfire pistols. Ruger has long set the standard for reliable, affordable and accurate .22 LR handguns, beginning with the introduction of the Standard Pistol in 1949. In September 2016, Ruger introduced the newest additions to this time-honored family of pistols with three configurations of the Mark IV pistol. Today, Ruger proudly introduces a bronze anodized Mark IV 22/45™ Lite model, as well as Mark IV Hunter and Target models that feature wrap-around target grips.While the heavily redesigned Mark IV maintains the same classic outward appearance as the Mark III™, it incorporates a significant improvement customers will love – a simple, one-button takedown for quick and easy field-stripping. A recessed button in the back of the frame allows the upper receiver to tilt up and off of the grip frame without the use of tools. The bolt simply slides out of the receiver and the barrel can be properly cleaned from chamber to muzzle. Other new features that are common to the Mark IV family include an ambidextrous manual safety and a redesigned bolt stop for more ergonomic operation.
The Mark IV 22/45 Lite
combines a lightweight, precision-molded, polymer grip frame with an aircraft grade aluminum upper receiver. The receiver features an attractive anodized bronze color and pattern-drilled vents for a custom pistol look without the custom price. Chambered in the popular .22 LR, the Mark IV 22/45 Lite is fun to shoot, accurate and reliable. Weighing only 25 oz., the Mark IV 22/45 Lite is the ideal lightweight rimfire pistol. Read more
RMEF Grants Benefit Habitat, Hunting Heritage and Research in Minnesota
MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation awarded $72,794 in grant funding toward conservation and hunting heritage projects in the state of Minnesota.
There are 13 projects that benefit nearly 9,000 acres of elk habitat and outdoor/sporting enthusiasts in Beltrami, Cass, Clearwater, Douglas, Hubbard, Itasca, Kittson, Marshall, Morrison and Roseau Counties. There are also seven additional projects of statewide benefit.
“There was a time more than 100 years ago that historic elk range covered the entire state of Minnesota. Now their range is miniscule,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “A portion of this grant funding goes toward a study to determine the feasibility of restoring elk to eastern Minnesota.” Read more
Michigan: Late Antlerless Deer Season Begins Today
Contact: DNR Wildlife Division, DNR-Wildlife@michigan.gov, 517-284-9453
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that the 2016 late antlerless firearm deer hunting season begins Monday, Dec. 19. Below is the list of the deer management units (DMUs) that are open and closed for this private-land-only hunt.
A valid private-land antlerless deer license is required for this season, which runs Dec. 19 through Jan. 1, 2017.
The 2016 Michigan Antlerless Deer Digest has further rules and regulations for antlerless deer hunting. More information also is available by visiting mi.gov/deer or calling the nearest DNR Customer Service Center. Read more
Chiappa LA332 Take-Down Lever Action .22
Dayton, OH – Chiappa Firearms USA, Ltd., a market leading brand of rifles, shotguns, handguns and historic replica muzzleloaders is proud to offer a premium line of 22LR lever action rifles. The lever action 22LR is an American classic and Chiappa continues this legacy by using modern technology and materials to produce the LA322. This beautiful rimfire is as attractive as it is functional. Accurate, quick handling and rapid shooting, the LA322 embodies all the qualities that Americans want in a lever action rifle.
Internally CNC machined parts provide a smooth, reliable action shooters demand from lever action rifles. The LA322 comes standard with a hooded front sight and an elevation-adjustable rear leaf sight. For optics a 3/8″ dovetail is machined into the top of the receiver which is also drilled and tapped for scope mounts. Another coveted feature is the take down design letting the shooter easily and quickly separate the buttstock from the action for easy transport and storage making the LA322 perfect for hunting, survival, backpacking, fishing or any other situation requiring a rifle where space is at a premium. Read more
Carlson’s Choke Tubes Announces 20 Gauge Long Beard Turkey Chokes
Our new 20ga. Long Beard Turkey Choke Tubes have been specially designed to produce the best patterns when shooting Winchester’s New 20ga Long Beard Turkey ammunition.
This new 20ga. ammunition features Shot-Lok Technology which allows for tighter patterns and longer downrange reach over any lead turkey load on the market. Pair this ammunition’s capabilities with the new, choke design and constriction of Carlson’s Long Beard Turkey Choke and you have a devastating, gobbler-killing combination. Pattern results have averaged over 150 pellets in a 10″ circle at 40 yards while using 3″ #6 shot, with a 20ga.! Read more
GoFundMe Page Launches to Help Support the Pilanesberg Rangers
Atlanta, GA – The African Rhino poaching syndicates are becoming more sophisticated and are acquiring heavy weapons. The Pilanesberg Rangers are outnumbered and outclassed. They have outdated equipment and little to no training. One Ranger has been killed and 4 rhinos have been poached since the July 2016 filming of the 3 part video series on GetZone.com. Read more
School Preemption: Michigan Court of Appeals Overturns Clio Decision
This past week, the Michigan Court of Appeals overturned a favorable circuit court decision in Herman vs. Clio and upheld an unfavorable circuit court decision in MGO vs. Ann Arbor.
The court ruled in summary, “The issue presented is whether state law preempts Clio Area School District policies banning the possession of firearms in schools and at school-sponsored events. We hold that it does not, and reverse the judgment of the circuit court.”
In short, the decision reverses a long-held understanding that concealed pistol license holders enjoy an exception to carry openly in public schools and that public schools are local units of government that are preempted from enacting their own firearms rules.
The liberal justices on the three person Court of Appeals were hostile to gun owners in questioning and issued their judgement in short order. That judgement is being appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court where gun owners should get a friendlier reception due to a 5-2 conservative majority. The MCRGO Legal Foundation is expected to participate in the appeal.
You can read the full decision here .