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

2017 Can-Am Outlander 6×6 Family

The Can-Am Outlander 6×6 family of six-wheeled ATVs is at the top of its class when it comes to conquering tough work and challenging terrain. The Outlander 6×6 vehicles have an additional set of rear wheels, and an exclusive Double Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI2™) rear suspension (complete with a quick-release sway bar). For tackling tough chores, the ATVs have an extra low L gear, Dual-Level cargo box with modular accessories and the largest towing capacity of any Can-Am ATV. For 2017, Can-Am has enhanced its talented 6×6 ATV family with all the Outlander ATV family updates as well as the addition of the new Outlander 6×6 DPS package. The newest 6×6 vehicle comes standard with Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering and Visco-Lok QE at an affordable price. Read more

General

Bass Pro Shops Acquiring Cabela’s for $5.5 Billion

LEGENDARY OUTDOOR BRANDS BASS PRO SHOPS AND CABELA’S TO COMBINE

*Attached: an open letter from Johnny Morris.

MERGER WILL ENHANCE ABILITY TO SERVE OUTDOOR ENTHUSIASTS WITH COMPLEMENTARY PRODUCT OFFERINGS AND GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINTS

CABELA’S SHAREHOLDERS WILL RECEIVE $65.50 PER SHARE IN CASH

BASS PRO SHOPS ENTERING INTO MULTI-YEAR CREDIT CARD PARTNERSHIP WITH CAPITAL ONE

BASS PRO SHOPS AND CABELA’S CLUB CUSTOMER LOYALTY PROGRAMS REMAIN UNCHANGED

Springfield, Mo. and Sidney, Neb. – October 3, 2016 – Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Incorporated (NYSE:CAB), two iconic American outdoor companies with similar humble origins, and with a shared goal to better serve those who love the outdoors, today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Bass Pro Shops will acquire Cabela’s for $65.50 per share in cash, representing an aggregate transaction value of approximately $5.5 billion. Read more

Ammunition, Archery, Cutlery, Firearms, Fishing, Hunting, Optics, Self Defense

CCRKBA Calls On Oregon Judge To Resign After Anti-Gun Remarks

GW: I heard this man, who has taken an oath to protect the Constitution, deny his responsibility to his oath of office. Throw the bum out!

BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today called on Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Kenneth Walker to step down from the bench after launching an anti-gun-rights tirade in court earlier this week in which he stated that firearms “are a scourge of this country and no one should have one as far as I’m concerned.”

“Judge Walker is entitled to his opinion,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “but he should not use the bench as a bully pulpit to attack a constitutionally-protected civil right. Just because he had to sentence a criminal to prison for brutally murdering another man in 2014 is no excuse for this kind of rhetoric.”

Judge Walker’s comments came as he sentenced Marcell Lee Daniel Jr. to 17 ½ years in prison for the June 30, 2014 slaying of 24-year-old Andrew Coggins, Jr. on a North Portland sidewalk. Gottlieb said Walker’s remarks seemed to blame the gun, not the man who committed the crime.

The judge declared that if he could, he would “take all the guns in America, put them on big barges and go dump them in the ocean.” And he did not stop there, according to the Portland Oregonian and a YouTube video. He also said, “There’s no defense to guns. There’s just absolutely no reason to have them. But it is a right of people in this country to own and possess them, and I will not say anything to affect that right.” Read more

Gun Control
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