The elm zigzag sawfly, Aproceros leucopoda, recently has been detected in several midwestern states. The sawfly is from eastern Asia and is not considered a threat in its native habitat, but here it can cause severe damage. Feeding exclusively on most native and introduced elm species, the elm zigzag sawfly is a defoliator that causes damage to the leaves of the trees. Look for zig-zag chewing patterns in elm leaves and report any suspected elm zigzag sawfly infestations to the Midwest Invasive Species Network.
Faxon Firearms is proud to announce its participation in the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Premier Shooting Expo on November 2, 2024, in Talladega, Alabama. The event offers firearms enthusiasts and history buffs the opportunity to explore products from industry leaders, and Faxon Firearms will take center stage by offering attendees the exclusive opportunity to be among the first members of the public to shoot a CMP M1 Garand fitted with a Faxon barrel. Hornady Manufacturing will be providing the ammunition for the M1 Garand shoot.
This landmark showcase is part of Faxon’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the iconic M1 Garand rifle while integrating modern barrel technology for enhanced performance. Attendees will experience first-hand the craftsmanship and precision that Faxon is known for, applied to a platform that is beloved by competitive shooters, collectors, and history enthusiasts alike.
“We are thrilled to be part of the CMP Premier Shooting Expo this year and even more excited to share our work on the M1 Garand barrels,” said Dustin Wallace, Director of Sales & Marketing at Faxon Firearms (whom will be present at the event). “This event is the perfect venue to celebrate the historical significance of the M1 Garand while introducing a new generation of shooters to the capabilities of our modern barrel manufacturing techniques.”
In collaboration with the Civilian Marksmanship Program, Faxon has focused on providing a high-quality barrel solution that meets the exacting standards expected by CMP participants and enthusiasts. Robert Faxon, who leads Faxon Firearms’ M1 Garand barrel project, emphasizes the importance of maintaining the historical accuracy of the rifle while also offering improvements in barrel performance and durability. Read more
Each year, sportsmen, bird watchers, and other wildlife enthusiasts can join the Wildlife Department in documenting federally endangered whooping cranes as they migrate through Oklahoma. It is important for sandhill crane hunters to be aware that whooping cranes could migrate through Oklahoma and be roosting or loafing in hunting areas at any time throughout the entire season.
The 2,500-mile journey from nesting grounds in Canada to wintering grounds in coastal Texas can take nearly two months, with the first migrating family groups of cranes reaching Oklahoma in mid- to late-October. The birds may touch down in wetlands or grain fields for a few days to rest and refuel on crustaceans, other small animals, or grain before continuing on to Texas.
The small flocks of whooping cranes that migrate through Oklahoma are part of the only remaining naturally occurring population, known as the Aransas/Wood Buffalo population. Read more
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
Like millions of people, I watched television in horror, as the folks in North Carolina were reeling from the destruction of Hurricane Helene. In one clip, a woman on the TV news remarked how people were driving by her place taking pictures of victims like they were animals in a zoo. She stated nobody would stop to lend a hand. I realized I was no better than the tourists, as I had done no more than watch the desperate situation that had developed. No roads, no bridges, no communication, no power, which also meant no water – other than the polluted water that covered the landscape.
When our daily newspaper arrived, The Argus-Press of Owosso, Michigan, highlighted Wheeler’s trucking company that was asking for donations to fill a semi-trailer with supplies that were to be transported to the stricken area. My wife and I pitched in with various supplies headed for the South, but it didn’t seem like much of a contribution. They needed people, too!
Franklin Graham was pleading for help, on behalf of Samaritan’s Purse; he was talking to me. Next thing I knew, I had signed up as a volunteer and was eagerly attempting to find accommodations through the volunteer organization but couldn’t seem to make the website cooperate. When I finally called them, I learned they were overwhelmed with people and had no way to put a roof over my head for a few days. However, I was given a phone number of a church contact in Black Mountain. Days passed with no return call, but finally a call from David Dodge of the Grovestone Baptist Church, who had room for me.
I loaded up the Chevy Equinox with supplies and gear then drove over 800 miles through Ohio, West Virginia, and Virginia stopping only for fuel. Arriving at the church, I was led to a stark basement room that was to be my home for a few days. It was perfect for this self-contained outdoorsman with a bathroom adjacent to the room. Although Mr. Dodge indicated there was no running water upon my initial telephone call, not only did they have electricity, but they were able to get running water. And, church members prepared jambalaya and spaghetti dinners for volunteers.
I set up my cot, sleeping bag and pillow and was ready for an overnight recharge, until I was subjected to a foul smell of fuel on my pillow. Apparently, the odor was from an oil lantern that had leaked during transport and I was forced to toss the pillow aside. A rolled-up blanket would suffice.
The next morning, the smell of coffee was in the air and I had a cup, while getting briefed by other volunteers stationed at the church. Strange to the area, I followed two volunteers to a distribution center in Asheville – one of the hardest hit areas anywhere.
Medical Supplies Arrive
Already, a large group of volunteers – including police from Raleigh – were organizing for the day’s events. Many would remain at the site of a large Harley Davidson’s motorcycle dealership that had been flooded out of business and converted to a center to receive and distribute supplies. Also, on hand were cadaver dogs and their handlers, shortly to be joined by a contingent of U.S. Army personnel for recovery efforts and on-site help with supplies. This gathering would become my worksite for the next two days.
People from the area and beyond would show up with their donations that had to be sorted and placed in large corrugated cardboard boxes called Gaylord boxes, while other were there to haul these life-saving items to their particular destinations. Even though there were ample people to help, it became obvious to me that clutter from emptied boxes and storage tubs had to be managed or everyone would be tripping over the discarded containers. I found my lot in the confusion by breaking down boxes and stacking the folded cardboard out of the way, along with myriad plastic tubs and bags used to bring supplies to the site.
The mountain of goods had to be sorted, so that orders from victims could be filled quickly. The Gaylord boxes, which each held approximately 65 cubic feet of food and gear, had to be filled with specifics in each box to expedite delivery by helicopters and ground vehicles. On hand was all manner of canned goods, clothing, sleeping gear, tents, generators, chain saws, fuel, water and medical items and so forth.
I spoke to several people loading supplies into personal vehicles to be shuttled to mountainous areas. One group had a most beaten-up pickup truck and had loaded many cases of bottled water and towed a large trailer being stocked with generators and fuel. The men were from Michigan and were supplying folks in higher elevations. One may think of North Carolina as being in a relatively warm environment, but one of the Michiganders noted that it had snowed the night before. It was no mystery why cold-weather clothing was needed. In addition, the volunteer mentioned that their tent camp amid mountain residents had consumed some 300 gallons of fuel just to keep warm the day before!
By my second day on the ground effort, I spoke to a young lady named Rae, who was one of the cadaver dog handlers and learned that the distribution center was going to be vacated and moved to another area. She was shut down as were other dog handlers.
Cadaver dog handler, Rae
Eventually, we ran out of wood pallets and Gaylord boxes and were left with piles of goods that remained on site in a heaping mess. Goods were not going out fast enough, as piles continued to grow. For the record, I worked shoulder-to-shoulder with the military personnel and to a person they were all exceedingly polite and willing to work for the cause. I’ve never been called “Sir” so many times in my life!
I’ll not show pictures or videos of the devastation encountered in my travels, because anyone can see for themselves the carnage through YouTube and other sites. However, help will be needed for years before the new normal becomes reality.
In many cases, a large portion of your scouting will be done ahead of season at fairly long distances, so a quality spotter will be your best piece of equipment. Our favorite units are heavily farmed and relatively flat without much in terms of coulees or cover.
Pronghorn is probably the most straightforward western species to hunt on your own. While they are commonly (though incorrectly) called antelope (and also oftentimes referred to as speed goats or goats), they are more closely related to giraffes than Africa’s true antelope species. Antelocarpa americana has a couple of very unique traits that are extremely interesting. First, they are the only species that loses its horns every year. Secondly the pronghorn reaches maturity at 3 years, meaning with the right conditions, a third-year pronghorn has the potential to express his largest set of horns. Interestingly, a pronghorn’s age is easily determined to age 3 as each year they add an additional front incisor until they reach maturity.
I am clearly intrigued by this species for its uniqueness and also the fact that pronghorn are only found on the North American continent. Their popularity is relatively low compared to many other western species, which can work to the visiting hunter’s advantage. Especially in areas of high abundance, access can usually be obtained. Although the same rancher that will gladly let you on for pronghorn is more likely to give you some of his water or a date with his daughter than permission to hunt mule deer. Read more
While you’re out hunting deer or small game, don’t miss the chance to bag a bird for Thanksgiving! Remaining fall turkey licenses are now available for everyone.
Purchase a license online or over the counter wherever DNR licenses are sold. Download the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app to buy licenses, look up regulations, get notifications from the DNR and much more.
eHarvest tags offered for fall turkey this year
The voluntary use of electronic harvest tags brings Michigan further into the digital age of hunting licenses. Electronic options have become more common around the country, and several states have developed electronic tagging systems for turkeys. Read more
CWD testing in northern Lower and Upper peninsulas
This year, chronic wasting disease testing will still be focused in some areas of the northern Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula. The counties for CWD testing in 2024 include Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Benzie, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Clare, Dickinson, Gladwin, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Manistee, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Otsego and Schoolcraft.
In these counties, a variety of sites will be popping up, with at least one of the following depending on the county: drop boxes, staffed submission sites, and partner processors and taxidermists to assist with collection efforts. To find out about available sites near where you hunt, see the CWD testing page. Read more
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation strongly opposes a reckless ballot initiative that undermines scientific wildlife management, hampers the ability of Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to balance predator and prey species, and endangers public safety.
Proposition 127 will appear on Colorado’s November ballot and seeks to ban all hunting of mountain lions, bobcats and lynx, even though it is already illegal to hunt lynx in the Lower 48.
So far, RMEF supplied more than $340,000 to defeat the measure while collaborating with Colorado partners.
“We’ve seen this before in Colorado. Activists use deceptive language and emotion to purposely circumvent the recommendations of professional wildlife managers and biologists in favor of their own agendas,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “This ballot box biology flies in the face of proven, science-based wildlife management as well as key principles of the North American Wildlife Conservation Model, which is the bedrock for maintaining successful wildlife populations in Colorado and across America.”
Step into a new era of air pistol excellence with the Velox, HatsanUSA’s latest innovation in semi-automatic PCP air pistols. Crafted with precision and designed to exceed the expectations of shooters of all levels, the Velox redefines performance and versatility in its class.
Available in both .22 and .25 calibers and your choice of black or FDE finishes, the Velox offers a personalized shooting experience. Its new trigger system delivers a light, smooth pull with a precise release, ensuring maximum accuracy with every shot. Featuring two detachable, caliber-specific multi-shot magazines and onboard storage in the grip, the Velox allows for seamless reloading and extended shooting sessions.
The Velox has a detachable 55cc air cylinder that fills to 250 BAR, ensuring consistent power across its 20-shot capacity in .22 caliber and 17-shot capacity in .25 caliber. An external pressure gauge allows easy monitoring and a Foster quick-disconnect fitting makes refills fast and convenient. The ½ UNF threaded muzzle tip supports a range of sound moderators, allowing shooters to customize their experience.
Compact yet powerful, the Velox boasts a steel upper receiver and a synthetic lower receiver for ideal durability and lightweight portability. The barrel shroud enhances stability and protects the precision rifled and choked German steel barrel, further elevating its exceptional accuracy.
Adjustable fiber optic front and rear sights (with the rear sight being removable) offer customizable aiming solutions. The integrated optics rail supports 11mm dovetail and 22mm Weaver mounts, providing versatility for your choice of optic. The Velox features a checkered grip for added control and comfort, ensuring a steady hold for precise shooting. Read more
All proceeds to benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation and their 18th annual Stand Up for Heroes Veteran’s Day event
RICE LAKE, Wis. – Henry Repeating Arms, one of the country’s leading firearms manufacturers and a world leader in the lever-action category, is auctioning a one-of-one New Original Henry Rifle to benefit the Bob Woodruff Foundation and their 18th annual Stand Up for Heroes event. The online auction, hosted on Gunbroker.com, ends on November 6 at 9:00 PM EST. Through its Guns for Great Causes charitable branch, Henry Repeating Arms is donating all proceeds from the auction to the Bob Woodruff Foundation in full support of its mission to ensure that America’s veterans, service members, and their families – those who stood for us – have stable and successful futures.
The New Original Henry Rifle is a line-for-line reproduction of the first practical repeating rifle patented by Benjamin Tyler Henry in 1860, except using the more modern .44-40 WCF caliber, and the foundation for the unique Stand Up for Heroes edition bearing serial number SUFH2024. The brass receiver engraving proudly displays the Stand Up for Heroes logo on the right side and 19th-century military items, including cannons, sabers, flags, drums, and a bugle, arranged in a patriotic abstract representation of a bald eagle taking flight on the left side. Flourishing scrollwork, stippling, and a scalloped border motif further embellish both sides of the receiver. Skilled artisans chase the engravings by hand to provide vibrant, sharp cuts. The buttstock is crafted from a single piece of Exhibition-grade American walnut and capped with a brass crescent buttplate that includes the period-correct trapdoor once used by soldiers for cleaning rod storage. A 24.5” blued steel octagon barrel fitted with an adjustable ladder sight and a brass blade front sight sits atop an integrated 13-round tube magazine.
The auction listing also includes a hand-built American walnut tabletop display case, providing the perfect way for the high-bidder to display their new rifle.
“Our gratitude for America’s service members and veterans knows no bounds, and the team here is exceedingly proud to donate this stunning rifle for such a worthy cause,” said Anthony Imperato, Founder and CEO of Henry Repeating Arms. “We’re shooting for a new company auction record with this rifle, which has all the hallmarks to set the new high bar. I look forward to presenting the Bob Woodruff Foundation with a sizable check to further their vital hard work.” Read more
The men were from Michigan and were supplying folks in higher elevations. One may think of North Carolina as being in a relatively warm environment, but one of the Michiganders noted that it had snowed the night before. It was no mystery why cold-weather clothing was needed. In addition, the volunteer mentioned that their tent camp amid mountain residents had consumed some 300 gallons of fuel just to keep warm the day before!
