RMEF: I-177 Bad for Elk, Wildlife Management

MISSOULA, Mont.—The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly opposes Initiative 177, a measure on Montana’s November ballot that would immediately ban trapping on all public lands in the state. If passed it would severely cripple scientifically sound management practices that maintain healthy wildlife populations across Montana.

“Removing trapping as a management tool flies in the face of the science-based North American Wildlife Conservation Model which is the foundation of maintaining the healthiest and most successful wildlife populations in the world. And managing wildlife at the ballot box is extremely dangerous for our wildlife and should remain in the hands of state wildlife agencies,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “A trapping ban would lead to an immediate jump in the wolf population of at least 15 percent and likely greater than that, which would trigger an even greater detrimental impact on the overall size and health of our elk, moose and deer populations.” Read more

Hunting

Mahoney Releases Video to Address Divide Between Hunters and Non-Hunters

ST. JOHNS, Newfoundland – Internationally recognized conservationist, wildlife biologist, speaker, and author, Shane Mahoney, has just launched Building a Coalition Between Hunters & Non-Hunters, the fourth video to be released as part of his new Conservation Matters vignette series. Building a Coalition Between Hunters & Non-Hunters is available to view on Facebook, or via Conservation Visions’ YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/2cx0Rpf.

In this short film, Mahoney discusses breaking down the barriers that prevent or hinder the formation of broad and diverse coalitions in the modern conservation movement. In just under nine minutes, he provides historic examples of cooperation from our shared past, while warning against present day division among the individuals and organizations that work on wildlife’s behalf.

Read more

Hunting

More States Accept “Constitutional Carry”

USCCA’s Tim Schmidt joins The Daily Ledger on Defending the 2nd Amendment

In case you missed it, the Washington Times reports today that amid the rising number of Americans licensed to carry a concealed handgun, more states are passing laws that don’t require a permit to carry firearms, embracing the view that self-defense is a “natural born” right.
Missouri became the fourth state this year to approve a so-called “constitutional carry” law when Republican legislators overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Jay Nixon on Sept. 15, making permitless carry legal. West Virginia, Mississippi and Idaho also have adopted constitutional carry laws in 2016, bringing the total number of such states to 12.

“States that focus on freedom realize that if self-defense truly is a natural-born right, and the Second Amendment truly affirms that natural-born right, you shouldn’t have to ask the government for permission to exercise it,” said Tim Schmidt, president of the U.S. Concealed Carry Association in West Bend, Wisconsin. “Kind of like you don’t have to ask the government to exercise the First Amendment.” Read more

Self Defense

Savage Arms A17 17 HMR Target and Sporter Models


SUFFIELD, Connecticut –– Savage Arms is pleased to announce its launch of the A17 17 HMR in heavy barrel / target stock configurations. These new models feature heavy barrels and/or gray wood laminate stocks for updated styling and increased accuracy. Shipments of these new rifles are being delivered to dealers.The A17 platform is the first high-performance semi-automatic rimfire specifically designed for the 17 HMR cartridge, and its unique delayed-blowback action provides safe, reliable operation with standard 17 HMR loads. Standard features such as a hard chrome bolt, case-hardened receiver, 10-round rotary magazine and button-rifled barrel boost performance even further, while the user-adjustable AccuTrigger™ provides a crisp, light pull for the best possible accuracy. Read more
Firearms

Privately-operated fish hatchery on Au Sable River inspected for invasive species


Last week, the Michigan departments of Natural Resources, Environmental Quality and Agriculture and Rural Development jointly inspected the Grayling Fish Hatchery located on the East Branch of the Au Sable River in Crawford County.The inspection was conducted following the discovery in June of New Zealand mudsnails immediately upstream and New Zealand mudsnails downstream of the privately-operated hatchery. New Zealand mudsnails compete with native snails and other macroinvertebrates that trout may eat.

Inspection of the Grayling Hatchery followed a letter from the hatchery’s operator, which invited the three state agencies into the facility to conduct an inspection, and to review procedures the hatchery has instituted to reduce the risk of spreading the invasive snails.

In July, the DNR required risk reduction procedures to the hatchery owner in order for him to be able to stock fish in public waters. The owner independently also implemented additional risk reduction practices, including use of well water for fish transport. The inspection last week confirmed a source of well water is available to the hatchery for use in trucks transporting fish. Use of this specific source of well water ensures invasive snails are not leaving the property in river water.

With well water being used for fish transport, the remaining required practice to implement – which aligns with industry standard – is to hold fish for no more than 36 hours without food before transporting them. The 36-hour maximum no feed period is designed to minimize the possibility fish will feed on snails and move them elsewhere, even though snails are not a preferred food source for trout.

The on-site inspection also included surveys for New Zealand mudsnails within the facility. A small number of specimens presumed to be New Zealand mudsnails were collected from the walls of the hatchery’s raceways, where trout are reared for the purposes of stocking in other waters and harvesting for market.

Results of genetic testing are expected by the end of this week to confirm if those specimens are indeed New Zealand mudsnails. Read more

Fishing

Firefield Laser Designators and Illuminators


(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – With plenty of huntable predators running rampant from sea to shining sea and feral hogs now reported in at least 39 states and 4 Canadian provinces, Firefield introduces three new products specifically designed to up your success in the field, the Laser Designator (FF25003), Laser Illuminator (FF25004) and Subcompact Green Pistol Laser (FF25005). The Laser Illuminator and Laser Designator complement rifle or crossbow systems used for low-light hunting or shooting situations. The Subcompact Green Pistol Laser turns your handgun into the perfect hunting sidearm and can also be invaluable for training, troubleshooting and personal defense. Read more
Optics

Browning Upgrades the BAR Line


Browning will introduce a new updated BAR autoloading rifle for 2016 called the BAR MK 3. In addition to legendary reliability and accuracy, the new model features a new receiver profile and engraving, as well as a new stock and forearm design.The lightweight alloy receiver has a satin nickel finish with high-relief engraving and is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. The stock and forearm are Grade II walnut with cut checkering and an oil finish.

The new BAR MK 3 will be offered in 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win., 270 Win., and 30-06 Sprg. with 22′ barrel length; 270 WSM and 300 WSM with 23″ barrel length; and 7mm Rem. Mag. and 300 Win. Mag. with 26″ barrel length. Weight is 7 lbs. 2 oz. – 7 lbs. 11 oz.

Suggested Retail, $1,239.99 – $1,339.99. Read more

Firearms

Sightmark XT-3 Magnifier

Sightmark XT-3 Magnifier and Ultra Shot M-Spec combo hits the mark!

(MANSFIELD, TEXAS) – While Sightmark’s Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sights give professionals the targeting performance they need for up close and personal engagements, adding the XT-3 Magnifier takes your offensive strategy to extended ranges. Specifically designed for use with Sightmark Ultra Shot M-Spec LQD and FMS sights, this seamless combination, complete with the XT-3’s on-the-fly Flip-to-Side Locking Quick-Detach (LQD) Mount, creates the perfect optic system for constantly evolving shooting environments.

XT-3 Magnfier (SM19061)
The picatinny/weaver rail mounted Sightmark XT-3 Tactical Magnifier features a 23mm objective lens, 3x magnification, Flip-to-Side LQD Mount, rugged 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum tube, rubber armor, premium fully multi-coated glass, and a 30mm tube. The XT-3 Tactical Magnifier is shockproof, fogproof, dustproof and IP67 waterproof for reliable performance anytime, anywhere.

Ultra Shot M-Spec LQD (SM26009) and FMS (SM26010) Reflex Sights
Ultra Shot M-Spec Reflex Sights deliver lightning quick target acquisition with parallax correction, infinite eye relief and an ultra-clear field of view through an advanced, distortion free, anti-reflective coated, scratch-proof lens system. Housed in a military spec, heavy duty, cast magnesium alloy housing with an additional protective shield, Ultra Shot M-Spec LQD (locking, quick-detach) and FMS (fixed-mounted) Reflex Sights handle high recoil (up to .50-cal.), are submersible up to 40 ft. (IP68 waterproof rated) and provide long-lasting reliability (up to 1,000 hours of battery life with motion-sensor auto-on technology). Ultra Shot M-Spec LQD and FMS Reflex Sights feature 8 daytime brightness settings, 6 night vision modes, several reticle options, digital switch controls and 1 MOA windage and elevation click-adjustments (up to 120 MOA).

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About Sightmark®
Sightmark manufactures award-winning products including riflescopes, gun sights, laser sights, night vision, flashlights, bore sights and other cutting edge, premium shooting accessories. Inspired by military and law enforcement technology, Sightmark products are designed for competition, shooting, home defense, personal safety and other tactical applications, as well as hunting. For more information about Sightmark products, visit www.sightmark.com. For media requests related to Sightmark, please email mediarelations@sightmark.com.
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Optics
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