Iowa Pheasant Harvest Highest Since 2009, Quail Highest Since 2007

Iowa’s estimated pheasant harvest continues its climb and for the fifth year in a row has been higher than the previous year. In 2015, more than 56,000 hunters harvested nearly 270,000 rooster pheasants in Iowa, which is an increased harvest of 24 percent over 2014 and the highest pheasant harvest since 2009.

Pheasant hunters were not the only ones who had better hunting, quail hunters enjoyed their best hunting since 2007.

Hunters harvested an estimated 28,400 quail in 2015, which was a 165 percent increase over 2014. The large increase in quail harvest was predicted by the August roadside survey which counted the highest number of quail in 21 years. Read more

Hunting

Otis Technology’s Ripcord Race Gun Giveaway


Win a Race Gun Chosen by Champion Shooters Doug Koenig, Max MichelLYONS FALLS, NY—Otis Technology invites shooters to enter its online sweepstakes for a chance to win an elite race gun and a complete set of Ripcord® one-pass gun cleaners.

Now under way, the Ripcord® Race Gun Giveaway features two grand prizes: a Smith & Wesson Pro Series C.O.R.E. pistol in 9mm or .40 cal., and a SIG 1911 Max Michel Edition pistol in .40 or .45 cal. The Smith & Wesson race gun was personally selected by Doug Koenig, an Otis pro staff member who is widely regarded as the world’s best all-around shooter. Also an Otis pro staffer, Michel picked the SIG 1911. He reigns as the world speed shooting champion.

The giveaway entry period runs through June 30, 2016. To enter, go to www.otisgungiveaway.com . A weekly prize drawing for a complete set of Otis Ripcords will be held each Friday through July 1, 2016. The race gun winners will be selected July 8, 2016, and will also receive a complete set of Ripcords.

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Firearms

New Browning X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed Rifle


Browning’s new X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed bolt-action rifle is built for hunting the toughest terrain. The new rifle features a composite stock with A-TACS AU (Arid/Urban) Camo™ and a Cerakote™ Burnt Bronze finish on the barrel and action. The combination provides versatile concealment and protection for the serious hunter.The barrel on the new X-Bolt Hell’s Canyon Speed is fluted and features a threaded muzzle brake. A thread protector is included with the rifle and can be used in place of the muzzle brake. The rifle has an adjustable Feather Trigger™, detachable rotary magazine and tang safety with bolt unlock button. Each X-Bolt rifle is drilled and tapped for the X-Lock scope mounting system. Rifle weight is 6 lbs. 5 oz. – 6 lbs. 13 oz. depending on the caliber.

Calibers include 243 Win., 6.5 Creedmoor, 308 Win., 7mm-08, 270 Win. and 30-06 Sprg. in 22″ barrel length; 270 WSM, 300 WSM in 23″ barrel length; and 26 Nosler, 7mm Rem. Mag. and 300 Win. Mag. in 26″ barrel length.

Suggested Retail $1,199.99 for standard calibers and $1,239.99 for magnum calibers. Read more

Firearms

Fun events planned across Michigan for Free Fishing Weekend


On Saturday, June 11, and Sunday, June 12, everyone in Michigan – including residents and nonresidents – can fish without a license, but all other fishing regulations still apply.These two days make up the Summer Free Fishing Weekend – an annual effort (it’s the 31st year this has been celebrated) to promote Michigan’s world-class fishing opportunities. While many individuals and families will head out to fish for free on their own, there are numerous organized events scheduled throughout the state to celebrate the weekend as well. Read more
Fishing

SAF Wants DOJ Probe Of Alleged Gun Purchases By Couric Crew

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation is today calling for a Justice Department investigation of possible illegal firearms transactions apparently involving an unidentified producer of Katie Couric’s “Under the Gun” film that were revealed four months ago by director Stephanie Soechtig during an interview on the BYOD program on TheLipTV.

In this interview, Soechtig tells BYOD host Ondi Timoner, “We sent a producer out and he was from Colorado. He went to Arizona, and he was able to buy a Bushmaster and then three other pistols without a background check in a matter of four hours. And that’s perfectly legal. He wasn’t doing some sort of underground market.”

But founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb pointed out that transactions described by Soechtig really aren’t legal at all. He added that no amount of “walking back” the allegation Soechtig made on camera is going to square her or Couric, or the unidentified producer, with existing federal law.

“There can only be two explanations for this,” Gottlieb explained. “Either federal gun laws were violated, or Soechtig made the whole thing up. If the latter is true, then her credibility just went out the window, taking Couric’s along with it. If the former is true, and the unidentified producer actually did buy the guns, and if he was sent to do that – as Soechtig’s remarks imply – then that’s possible evidence of a criminal conspiracy, or at the very least being an accessory. Read more

Gun Control

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for May 2016


The May 2016 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 928,532 is an increase of 1.1 percent compared to the May 2015 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 918,707. For comparison, the unadjusted May 2016 FBI NICS figure of 1,860,699 reflects an 18.4 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 1,570,893 in May 2015. To learn more about last month’s NICS report, log in to the member side of www.nssf.org.

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

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 of firearms sales and transfers on new and used handguns and long guns. 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.

Firearms

B&C Three-Year Findings Give Insight to Trends in Big Game


MISSOULA, Mont. – Record-class specimens of Canada moose, desert sheep, non-typical American elk and Columbia blacktail deer, Roosevelt’s elk and typical Sitka blacktail deer have become more common afield, based on newly compiled records by Boone and Crockett Club.Conversely, records reveal a stable or opposite trend for other categories of native North American big-game species.

The Club recently compiled records for the period 2013-15 in preparation for its triennial tribute to big-game conservation and management – the 29th Big Game Awards, July 14-16, in Springfield, Missouri. The event, hosted by Bass Pro Shops, features a public exhibition of the largest trophies from this three-year period, including two new World’s Record Alaska-Yukon moose and pronghorn and records-book specimens taken by youths. The exhibit is open free to the public May 9 – July 31 at the Bass Pro Shops store. Go to www.biggameawards.com for event details. Read more

Hunting

Gun Digest’s Competitive Pistol Book


Iola, Wisconsin – Find expert advice, tips and techniques to get started and hone your skills in the most popular pistol shooting events in the nation today, with Gun Digest Shooter’s Guide to Competitive Pistol Shooting, authored by Steve Sieberts. The latest publication from Gun Digest Books’ Shooter’s Guide series is a crash course in competitive pistol events, with information on everything from selecting a firearm to fine-tuning your skills. The book will be available starting June 21 at www.gundigeststore.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other major and specialty retailers. Read more
Firearms

Century Arms Announces Limited Edition AK-47


Delray Beach, Fla. –– Century Arms, North America’s premier manufacturer of the AK-47 rifle, has announced a limited edition of their new, 100% American Made, AK-47 semi-automatic sporting rifle, the RAS47. The limited edition model includes the premium features of the standard model RAS47, but features lustrous, high-quality walnut wood furniture. The rifle was unveiled at this year’s NRA’s Annual Meetings in Louisville, Kentucky on May 20th as a summer special limited edition.The lustrous, oil finished walnut stocks give the rifles an enhanced look while still providing a traditional feel. Each unit comes equipped with the smooth, crisp RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group, a chrome moly 4150 nitride-treated barrel for durability and weather resistance, larger T-shaped magazine catch, and are compatible with standard AKM furniture, which allows users to easily drop-in any standard AKM stocks. Read more
Firearms

?ZEISS Offers Father’s Day Savings


NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA. – Carl Zeiss Sports Optics, the world’s leading manufacturer of high performance sports optics, is pleased to announce their annual Father’s Day savings promotion. Father’s Day is a time to celebrate, so if you are searching for that perfect gift for dad this year, why not avoid the standard gift options and consider a great gift from ZEISS.”Spending time outdoors with your Dad is one of those magical activities that creates incredible memories,” said Tom Andrews, Vice President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics. “With Father’s Day approaching, ZEISS has decided to honor that special Dad with special savings.”

In celebration of Father’s Day ZEISS is offering a $50 instant savings on the award winning TERRA ED 32mm & 42mm Binoculars during the period May 31st through June 19th, 2016. Simply purchase one of the qualifying TERRA ED Binoculars from any participating authorized ZEISS dealer during the promotional period and get $50 instant saving at checkout. Full terms and conditions of the Father’s Day promotion and a list of ZEISS authorized dealers can be found at www.zeiss.com/us/sports-optics or call us at (800) 441-3005.

Optics
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