Oklahoma Bill Seeks to Block HSUS Fundraising

This from HumaneWatch.org…

 

OK_legHSUS has been facing setback in Oklahoma as the state’s attorney general, Scott Pruitt, opened an investigation into HSUS fundraising. Last year, one of Oklahoma’s U.S. Senators, Jim Inhofe, took HSUS CEO Wayne Pacelle to task in front of a subcommittee. And now the legislature is getting involved in trying to stop the deception-for-dollars scheme that HSUS runs.

A new bill by Rep. Brian Renegar (who is also a veterinarian) would only allow animal groups to fundraise for programs conducted inside the state. That’s not a problem to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society and other similar groups that shelter or rescue animals. But that is a problem if you’re HSUS, and you don’t run a single pet shelter in Oklahoma (or anywhere in the U.S., in fact).

You can read the full text of the bill, HB2250, here.

No doubt HSUS’s lawyers will be thinking of any way to claim this is unconstitutional. But the protestations will only highlight one thing: How much HSUS is benefitting at the expense of local animal groups in Oklahoma. The effort should be commended.

Animal Rights

Michigan Looks to Legalize Suppressors for Hunting

GW:  I sure don’t like the restrictions. – especially, with the sub-sonic ammo. Reminds me of the time when crossbows were permitted for use in archery deer season, but only if they didn’t exceed 350 fps.  Stupid.  Sure the law was changed after the fact, but how many folks got stuck with compliant, slower bows.  So, why does anyone need to know when I am hunting and decide to shoot?  Why penalize law-abiding citizens?  Understand that cheaters will always cheat, no matter the rules. 

Last month, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) heard testimony on the merits of suppressor hunting at a public hearing in Lansing, MI. During the meeting, a member of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division delivered a presentation to the NRC expressing that their department does not object to allowing hunters to use suppressors. Following the presentation, NRC Chairman John Matonich asked that a resolution be drafted and presented for first consideration at the January 14th NRC meeting. If approved, the measure will then move for a final vote at the February 11th NRC meeting. That Wildlife Conservation Order has now been introduced, but may have some restrictions supporters were not planning on.

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During public comment, representatives from the American Suppressor Association, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, the National Rifle Association, and Gemtech all provided testimony in support of making Michigan the 38th state to legalize suppressor hunting. Additionally, the Michigan Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and its Advisory Council have recommended to the NRC that they should consider legalizing suppressors for hunting.

Suppressors, which are already legal to possess in Michigan, are considered by these supporters to be the hearing protection of the 21st century sportsman. Michigan is one of only four states in which their possession is legal, but their use in the field is not. Since 2011, 15 states have legalized suppressor hunting for all game animals.

Wildlife Conservation Order Amendment #1 of 2016 legalizes suppressors for hunting in Michigan, but as introduced, would only allow suppressors that reduce the sound of a firearm by 30 decibels or less. You could still own but not hunt with a firearm that has a suppressor capable of reducing sound beyond 30 decibels. Additionally, subsonic ammunition would not be allowed in firearms with a suppressor. Subsonic ammunition is defined as ammunition that does not reach 1,126 feet per second velocity, which is below the speed of sound and would not create the “sonic boom”.

If you would like to support this measure or would like to remove either of the two restrictions proposed, please contact the Michigan NRC and politely express your position at: NRC@michigan.gov, or by phone at (517) 284-6237.

MUCC will keep our members informed as this regulation moves through the process.

Hunting

Traditions Performance Firearms Expands Northwest Series


Old Saybrook, CT – For 2016, Traditions™ Performance Firearms expands their popular Northwest series of blackpowder rifles. All Northwest models feature musket an ignition system, exposed breech, and open sights to meet state-specific regulations in states such as Washington, Idaho, and Oregon.Traditions builds on their award-winning Pursuit G4 Ultralight Northwest style with additional options that hunters will appreciate. This nimble 26″ barrel is available with either the new Nitride finish or a CeraKote finish. The new Nitride Finish coats the inside and outside of the barrel protecting against corrosion, weather, and pitting while the CeraKote Finish option models have a protective coating on the outside of the barrel and protects against nature’s elements. Both finishes are available with either Realtree® Xtra® or black stock options with pricing from $339 – $399. Read more
Firearms

Atama Airguns Now Available in U.S.


High Quality, Extremely Accurate Russian-Built PCP Air Rifles On Display at 2016 SHOT SHOWCleveland, Ohio – Air Venturi, an exclusive airgun, airsoft and ammunition importer of leading international airgun brands, today announced that Ataman M2R air rifles are now available in the U.S. Built in Russia, the Ataman M2R series precharged pneumatic (PCP) air rifles will be distributed in North America by Air Venturi. The rifles feature five different stock configurations, and are offered in multiple calibers ranging from .177 to .35. Read more
Firearms

Umarex Introduces Smooth-Shooting Parrus Air Rifle


FORT SMITH, Ark. – Umarex USA announced today the introduction of a new adult air rifle – the Walther Parrus. The German-engineered Parrus is a reliable magnum velocity, spring-operated, break barrel pellet rifle that creates power and results.The Walther Parrus is the next version of the smooth-shooting Terrus model. Its steady, single-stroke cocking mechanism produces a muzzle energy of 22 foot-pounds (30 joules), ideal for small game in the field. The .177 caliber is capable of 1200 feet per second and the .22 caliber 1000 feet per second. Read more
Firearms

SIG SAUER Launches Sport Pellet Line of Airguns


Newington, NH – SIG SAUER, Inc., designer and manufacturer of the world’s most reliable firearms, optics, ammunition, airguns and accessories is pleased to introduce its first-ever Advanced Sport Pellet (ASP) line of airguns. These world-class CO2-powered pistols and rifles are a new breed of firearms for training and recreation, elevating airguns to a new level of performance and use. SIG SAUER is also offering a wide variety of ASP targets and pellet ammunition.The introductory line of SIG SAUER high-performance Advanced Sport Pellet airguns includes CO2-powered SIG MPX™ and SIG MCX™ semi-automatic rifles in .177 and .22 (pellet-only) calibers, and P226® and P250® semi-auto CO2 pistols in .177 caliber. SIG SAUER ASP airguns not only look like the original guns, they are the same weight and have similar trigger pull. This makes them ideal for training with the added benefit of reduced cost and minimal noise. Read more
Firearms

Smith & Wesson Introduces New M&P 15-22 SPORT


M&P15-22 SPORT Delivers Rich Features and Value for 2016SPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Smith & Wesson Corp. today announced that it has introduced the new M&P15-22 SPORT, its most feature-rich M&P15-22 to date. While the first generation M&P15-22 has been widely recognized as the best .22 LR Modern Sporting Rifle (MSR) on the market, the new rifle carries the “SPORT” name and premium Magpul® accessories as standard equipment.

The M&P15-22 SPORT features a 10-inch M&P slim handguard that incorporates the popular Magpul M-LOK™ system. The M-LOK system allows rifle owners to easily customize their M&P15-22 SPORT by adding accessories without removing the handguard. M&P15-22 SPORT owners have the option of easily mounting numerous M-LOK-compatible accessories or any number of Picatinny-style rail sections designed to accommodate other accessories. Smith & Wesson includes a 2-inch M-LOK rail panel with each rifle.

The M&P15-22 SPORT comes standard with one of the most popular folding sights systems available for MSRs. The removable Magpul MBUS® front and rear folding sights are lightweight and durable, further enhancing the performance and value of the new M&P15-22 SPORT. Read more

Firearms

Steiner Introduces NEW DBAL-A4


MONTEREY, Calif. —The Steiner eOptics Division announces the DBAL-A4, a four function aiming and illuminating device that allows users to target and observe in both the visible and invisible spectrums. The DBAL-A4 combines four illuminators into one rugged, battle-ready unit: visible green laser, IR laser, IR illuminator, and white light.Based on the very successful track record of the DBAL family, the new DBAL-A4 includes battle proven components and features customers depend on. Simple switching, visible override, and patented illumination technology are combined into a compact and rugged device worthy of the DBAL name. Industry and military experts that have long utilized the Steiner DBAL-A3 (with visible and IR laser and IR illuminator) and coupled it with the Steiner Mk4 Battle Light for white light illumination, now have a one-unit solution in the DBAL-A4, reducing size and weight while significantly improving mission effectiveness. Read more
Optics

Burris Eliminator III Upgrade Features New Remote Cable Switch


GREELEY, Colo. — Burris Optics’ Eliminator® III LaserScope®, the most innovative and effective hunting scope in the world, now features a Remote Cable Switch on the popular 4-16x50mm model to activate the On/Range button from any position the shooter desires.The cable is flexible and stretches from 14-24 inches in length. With connection ports located on both the left- and right-hand side of the scope, the Remote Cable Switch can be mounted in virtually any position for ultimate convenience when hunting or shooting at the range.

Eliminator III LaserScopes provide precise trajectory compensation for your exact ammunition and range. Once you program the scope with your cartridge’s ballistic information, the Eliminator III will calculate the perfect holdover at your exact distance, estimate wind drift, and provide you with a bright red aiming dot for extreme accuracy out to 1,200 yards.

MSRP on the new Eliminator III LaserScope with the Remote Cable Switch is $2,039.00. Read more

Optics

Vortex Optics Defender Flip Caps


Vortex takes riflescope lens protection to another level with their new Defender Flip caps. High-quality components and purpose-specific materials deliver stand-out durability—a welcome attribute for shooters who have been searching for a better option.Super-stout stainless steel spring and pin guarantees operational reliability. Eyepiece covers boast three stop positions. Vertical stop is ideal for use with one of Vortex’s all-new Dope Disks™. The optional Dope Disk is fully customizable with user-specific ballistic data and fits directly into the eyepiece cap. Provides ultra-convenient access and viewing of drop numbers from the shooting position. 45-degree stop offers a secondary viewing position. Pushed all the way forward, the 270-degree stop lays flat and locks out of the way. Objective caps have two stops and lock flat out of the way as well. Read more
Optics
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