Bovine tuberculosis – a disease still worth fighting


DNR continues to work to eradicate bovine TB; help neededMichigan Department of Natural Resources
After more than two decades of study and testing white-tailed deer for bovine tuberculosis, Michigan has become world-renowned for its research and expertise on managing this serious contagious disease.

Over this time, Michigan Department of Natural Resources wildlife managers have learned a great deal, including that continued assistance from hunters and others remains vitally necessary to make significant gains in battling bovine tuberculosis into the future.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by certain bacteria that attack the respiratory system of animals and humans.

There are several types of tuberculosis, but bovine tuberculosis (bTB) can infect the widest variety of animals and is what wildlife managers have been trying to eradicate from white-tailed deer in Michigan.

“Michigan is one of the leading experts in management and information related to bTB,” said Kelly Straka, DNR state wildlife veterinarian. “We are the only state in nation that has bTB established in wild deer.”

Although originating and typically occurring in cattle, bTB can infect nearly any mammal, including humans. Bovine TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis), which is part of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Read more

Wildlife

Walther Arms the 5″ PPQ M2 Standard Slide

At the request of specific Law Enforcement users, Walther Arms is proud to release a 5″ PPQ M2 Standard slide model suited for duty use. The new 5″ model does not have any ports in the slide. With greater interest from LE and Military customers, their preference is to have a solid slide to minimize points of entry for foreign objects to enter the firearm. All other aspects of the pistol are unchanged. The part number for the new 5″ PPQ M2 Standard is 2813734 and there is also a 10-round version available, part number 2813735.

“Even though this is a relatively minor change, Walther is excited to take feedback from our customers and incorporate it into our products. The PPQ line continues to grow as the best striker fired polymer pistol with the best grip and trigger on the market” said Luke Thorkildsen Walther Arms VP of Marketing and Product Development. Read more

Firearms

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for June 2017

The June 2017 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,016,213 is a decrease of 10.9 percent compared to the June 2016 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,140,088. For comparison, the unadjusted June 2017 FBI NICS figure 1,888,266 reflects an 11.1 percent decrease from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 2,123,334 in June 2016.

The second quarter 2017 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 3,116,282 is a decrease of 2.0 percent over the 3,179,825 figure for second quarter 2016.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by several states such as Connecticut, Illinois, and Utah for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016.

Though not a direct correlation to firearms sales, the NSSF-adjusted NICS data provide an additional picture of current market conditions. In addition to other purposes, NICS is used to check transactions for sales or transfers of new or used firearms. FBI NICS and NSSF-adjusted NICS figures do not account for firearm sales using approved alternate permits such as a concealed carry license. Several states allow the use of such alternate permits. It should be noted that these statistics represent the number of firearm background checks initiated through the NICS. They do not represent the number of firearms sold or sales dollars. Based on varying state laws, local market conditions and purchase scenarios, a one-to-one correlation cannot be made between a firearm background check and a firearm sale. Read more

Firearms

New Costa VIP Pistol from STI International


STI International has teamed up with self-defense and weapons training expert Chris Costa to design the new Costa series of pistols.Specially designed and built for the discerning concealed carry market, the new Costa VIP pistol features a shortened stippled grip, 4.15-inch bull barrel, low profile Tritium front sight with a fixed ledge rear and a Picatinny under-rail for mounting a light or other accessories.

The Diamond Like Carbon black finish on metal parts and the black TreeBark stippled VIP length grip helps ensure added concealment. The 2011® platform provides higher round capacity for more firepower when it is needed the most. The Modular design of the 2011 transfers recoil along a flatter plain for better control and faster follow up shots. The STI Recoil Master spring system reduces recoil allowing shooters to stay on target. The gun comes equipped with two 120mm magazines.

The Costa VIP sells for a suggested retail price of $2,599.

For more information, please visit www.stiguns.com or e-mail marketing@stiguns.com.

Firearms

Cabela’s Shareholders to Vote Next Week on BPS Merger

With federal regulators apparently satisfied with the proposed merger of Cabela’s (CAB) and Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s shareholders are now scheduled to vote next Tuesday, July 11 to move forward with the transitions. The original sale priced the transaction at $5.5 billion, but was amended after delays, sitting now at $61.50/share, down $4 from the original price, but still at a premium to the current share price trading range.
General

Nosler Mid-Year Introductions

Bend, Ore –– Due to popular demand, Nosler® will be introducing three new offerings to their current Match Grade™ and E-Tip® Ammunition product lines.
To further supplement the incredible popularity of the recently announced 22 Nosler cartridge, owners will now be able to purchase Nosler Match Grade™ ammunition loaded with the new 70 grain RDF (Reduced Drag Factor™) bullet as well as the 55 grain E-Tip® bullet loaded in Nosler E-Tip® Ammunition.
The 70 grain RDF bullet is ideal for target and match shooting with the highest ballistic coefficient compared to any bullet in its weight class. The 55 grain E-Tip® bullet will turn the 22 Nosler into a perfect medium to small game hunting cartridge with exceptional terminal performance and weight retention.
Nosler will also be adding the 6.5 Creedmoor loaded with 140 grain RDF bullets to their Match Grade® Ammunition line. With the increased ballistic coefficient and reduced hollow-point size, the 140 grain RDF will squeeze even more long range performance out of the 6.5 Creedmoor.
Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Pricing for the mid-year introductions are as follows:
· Match Grade™ Ammunition 22 Nosler 70 grain RDF #60124 – $27.95/20 ct. box

· Match Grade™ Ammunition 6.5 Creedmoor 140 grain RDF #60115 – $38.95/20 ct. box

· E-Tip® Ammunition 22 Nosler 55 grain E-Tip® #40140 – $31.95/20 ct. box

All three of these introductions are available now so please visit your local Nosler dealer or www.nosler.com for more product information.

Ammunition

Bushnell Engage Optics Line Now Shipping

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – – Bushnell, an industry leader in high-performance optical solutions for more than 65 years, offers a new line of high-quality, performance-driven optics for modern hunters and shooters. Now arriving at Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Scheels, Sportman’s Warehouse and online at www.midwayusa.com, the new Engage riflescopes and binoculars represent the latest evolution in Bushnell optics.

Engage scopes and binoculars boast fully multi-coated glass that captures bright, clear images while preventing glare and actively repelling water, oil, dust and debris. The new
EXO Barrier is the absolute best protective lens coating technology Bushnell has ever developed. Added at the end of the coating process, EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to the lens and fills microscopic pores in the glass. The result is an ultra-slick coating that repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris. Rain, snow, fingerprints and dirt will not stick. Plus, the bonded coating will not fade from the passage of time or normal wear and tear. Read more

Optics

Trojan Firearms Introduces 9mm PRO9V1 Rifles

Phoenix, AZ – July 6, 2017 – Trojan Firearms has introduced their new line of 9mm AR platform carbines: the PRO9V1 series. These rifles are not just converted AR-15’s, but the Phoenix, Arizona based company specifically designed a pistol caliber carbine from the ground up for superior reliability, whilst still retaining the handling of the standard AR platform. During the engineering process, particular attention was given to improve the common issues found in the majority of 9mm carbine blow back gas systems.

All PRO9V1 rifles are CNC machined using high-grade aircraft billet aluminum in the lower, upper and hand rail. The lower features Teflon® coated springs and detent pins, as well as an enhanced flared mag well. The 16-inch light weight contour barrel is made of 4150V steel with Nitride finish and features a Grater Gen II 9mm tunable muzzle brake. Other great features on the PRO9V1 include a Gen II ambidextrous charging handle and the Trojan Firearms adjustable drop-in trigger group.

The two models in this new product series are the PRO9V1-G (MSRP $1,399.00) which is compatible with 9mm Glock® magazines, and the PRO9V1-M (MSRP $1,549.99) which is compatible with 9mm MBX/STI 2011 magazines. The PRO9V1-G is also available in a California 2017 compliant version (MSRP $1,449.99). Read more

Firearms

Browning Adds to the X-Bolt Rifle Line

Browning is expanding the bolt-action X-Bolt rifle line in 2017 with two new models and the addition of caliber choices in several existing models.

Browning’s new X-Bolt Medallion Safari Grade rifle features a deep polished blued fluted heavy sporter barrel with gold accented engraving. The polished blued steel receiver is also engraved. A gloss finish checkered Grade IV/V walnut stock is accented with a rosewood fore-end cap and pistol grip cap. Available in short action calibers from in .243 Win. to long action 375 H&H Mag., including the 6.5 Creedmoor. Suggested retail is $1,999.99- $2,049.99.

Another new addition to the X-Bolt line-up for 2017 is the Hell’s Canyon Long Range model. This rifle features a Cerakote Burnt Bronze finish on all exposed metal surfaces. The heavy sporter contour barrel is fluted. The composite stock has textured gripping surfaces, a palm swell and is covered in A-TACS AU Camo® with Dura-Touch Armor Coating. The X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Long Range model is available in 6.5 Creedmoor with 22″ barrel, 270 WSM and 300 WSM with 23″ barrel, 26 Nosler, 7mm Rem. Mag., 28 Nosler and 300 Win. Mag. with 26″ barrel, the suggested retail is $1,229.99 – $1,299.99. Read more

Firearms

Senators Introduce the Strongest Legislative Package of Sportsmen’s Priorities in Years

A package of bills just introduced has bipartisan support and will benefit habitat, access, and conservation funding

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Only hours ahead of their departure for the Fourth of July recess, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), and a bipartisan group of senators introduced S. 1514, a strong package of bills that would benefit fish and wildlife habitat nationwide, while funding critical watershed restoration efforts in the Mid-Atlantic and improving access for recreational shooters on public lands.

The legislation would include the following:

  • Reauthorize the North American Wetlands Conservation Act—a grant program through which each federal dollar invested is matched an average of three times over by non-federal dollars—at $50 million annually through 2022.
  • Authorize the National Fish Habitat Conservation Act, which was created to foster partnerships that improve conditions for fish species and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.
  • Reauthorize the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the nation’s largest conservation grant-maker.
  • Reauthorize Chesapeake Bay restoration program at $90 million per year through 2022.Senators Introduce the Strongest Legislative Package of Sportsmen’s Priorities in Years

“What makes this effort different from sportsmen’s packages of the more recent past is that, right from the outset, it deals with meaningful conservation priorities by reauthorizing and instituting programs that will actually enhance fish and wildlife populations, habitat, and access,” says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We applaud Sen. Barrasso, Sen. Cardin, Sen. Boozman, Sen. Klobuchar, Sen. Capito, and Sen. Baldwin for their leadership and recognition of what American hunters and anglers value.” Read more

Firearms, Hunting
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