Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Noreen Firearms of Belgrade, Montana, is a true firearms manufacturer. Unlike others that are more assemblers, Noreen makes all their components. This distinction translates into firearm accuracy. Read more
By Jillian Farkas, DNR Wildlife Division
With binoculars in tow, I scouted the seemingly calm water in front of me. Slowly, and without a ripple, a sea monster-like head began to emerge from the water. With a duckweed disguise, the snake remained still, repeatedly flicking its tongue in my direction. To confirm identification of the species, I lunged towards the snake with long tongs, but it was just out of reach. Reacting to the threat of capture, the snake swiftly swam into the surrounding vegetation and escaped.
The copperbelly water snake is an exceptionally rare species in Michigan. These snakes are found in two distinct population segments in the United States – the north and south. The northern population remains federally listed as threatened, and its range includes southern Michigan, northwestern Ohio and northeastern Indiana. In Michigan, this species is listed as endangered and has only been documented at 13 sites in seven counties. However, recent surveys have revealed that the number of sites the species currently occupies has dwindled down to only four.
Copperbelly water snakes are harmless, non-poisonous, relatively large, semi-aquatic snakes that are often witnessed basking in the sun where they can effortlessly escape into water if bothered. They tend to live near shrub wetlands, wooded floodplains and slow-moving rivers. A hungry copperbelly will hunt a variety of prey, including tadpoles, frogs, salamanders, insect larvae and crayfish. Adults are dark black or brown on the top, with a vibrant orange-red underside. These snakes also have labial (lip) scales that are tinted slightly orange-red with darkened edges. In Michigan, northern water snakes, Kirtland’s snakes, queen snakes and northern red-bellied snakes look similar to, and might be mistaken for, the copperbelly water snake. Read more
In January 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a key decision in the case of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. The decision removed unconstitutional restrictions on the ability to speak freely at election time of grassroots groups like NRA and others. But now, some are trying to reverse the decision–and while they recognize that they must amend the Constitution to do so, their amendment would gut the First Amendment rights of organized political groups as we know them. Read more
The Board of State Canvassers has assigned ballot numbers to the two moot anti-hunting referendums sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States through its front group, Keep Michigan Wolves Protected.
The first referendum, which seeks to repeal Public Act 520 of 2012, which originally named wolves as a game species, will be Proposal 1 on the ballot. The second, which seeks to repeal Public Act 21 of 2013, was assigned Proposal 2. This act originally authorized the Natural Resources Commission to name game species. However, both referendums will be meaningless since the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act was passed last week and will take effect in March.
The Board of State Canvassers also approved the language that will appear on the ballot. MUCC’s Drew YoungeDyke spoke before the board and suggested that a specific reference to wolves be removed from the summary of Proposal 2, since the actual act in question is not specific to wolves and applies to multiple species. An attorney for Keep Michigan Wolves Protected asked the Board to insert the word “unelected” before a reference to the Natural Resources Commission. The Board granted neither request.
“The final language reasonably apprises voters of what the legislation does, which is allow the Natural Resources Commission to name game species,” said YoungeDyke. “But it doesn’t tell them that the NRC has to use sound science, which is an important part of the act.”
After the language was adopted, YoungeDyke was asked if MUCC or Citizens for Professional Wildlife Management planned to campaign for a “yes” vote on the referendums.
“We’re not going to waste resources on it,” he said. “No matter what happens in November, there’s not going to be a 2014 wolf hunt because there isn’t time for the DNR to scientifically craft a season structure for it. And no matter what happens in November, there will be a hunting season in 2015, 2016 and every year thereafter as long as it continues to be supported by sound science.”
That’s because the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act will take effect in March. In addition to re-granting the Natural Resources Commission the authority to name game species using sound science, it also reenacts the sections of law that HSUS is trying to repeal. It also contained a $1 million appropriation to protect fisheries from aquatic invasive species, so it is not subject to a third anti-hunting referendum.
Jill Fritz, Michigan director for the Humane Society of the United States and director of Keep Michigan Wolves Protected, told reporters that they would campaign heavily for a “no” vote on Proposals 1 and 2, including television advertisements. The Humane Society’s Legislative Fund spent $750,000 on “media” for Keep Michigan Wolves Protected in late July, according to campaign finance reports.
She also told reporters that they planned to sue to block the Scientific Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont. – The largest pronghorn ever recorded has been certified by Boone and Crockett Club as a new World’s Record.
The huge buck, hunted in Socorro County, N.M., in 2013, scores 96-4/8 B&C points.
The new record breaks a tie between two specimens from Arizona. One was taken in Coconino County in 2000, the other in Mohave County in 2002. Both scored 95 B&C points. Club officials say the difference between these old records and the new – a full inch-and-a-half – is an extraordinary jump. In fact, the margin between the now No. 1- and No. 2-ranked trophies is the largest in Boone and Crockett pronghorn records, which contain more than 3,400 entries.
The outstanding trophy also marks a notable achievement for conservation professionals.
Boone and Crockett records are a gauge of exceptional habitat, strong recruitment of game animals into older age classes, sustainable harvest objectives and other elements of sound wildlife management and fair-chase hunting. Read more
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association, in cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, introduces the 2014 collector-edition Michigan duck stamp and prints.
The Michigan Duck Stamp Program, established in 1976, has become an icon for waterfowl hunters and wetland conservation enthusiasts. During the past 38 years, the program has gained popularity with collectors and conservation groups throughout the United States.
The Michigan Duck Hunters Association coordinates the Michigan waterfowl stamp program in partnership with the DNR. MDHA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to waterfowl and wetland conservation. Proceeds from stamp sales will be used to fund MDHA projects, with 10 percent used to match DNR funding for purchasing wetlands. Read more
Birchwood Casey’s new Sharpshooter™ Stand and Target Kit gives shooters a quick and easy way to set up an informal range in any safe location.
The Sharpshooter Stand and Target Kit includes a heavy gauge wire stand and a 12”x18” corrugated backer board that will absorb hundreds of shots. It comes with four Shoot-N-C targets, including one 12”x18” Silhouette, one 12” Bull’s Eye, one 12” Sight-In and one 8” Bull’s Eye. Also included are 54 pasters that can be placed over bullet holes to increase the life of the target for added value. Read more
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters to check their antlerless deer drawing results and availability of remaining licenses at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. Successful applicants may purchase their licenses online at E-license, at any authorized license agent or at a DNR Customer Service Center.
All leftover public- and private-land antlerless deer licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Thursday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. EDT. Licenses will be sold until quotas are met. When purchasing a license online via E-license, note that all available hunts will be listed on one page. Public-land hunts are listed first with hunt numbers that begin with a 1, followed by private-land hunts, which begin with a 2. Hunts will be removed from the list when they are sold out. License purchasers should scroll down until they find the hunt they wish to purchase.
For more information, see the 2014 Antlerless Deer Hunting Digest, which can be found at local license agents or online at www.michigan.gov/dnrdigests. Read more
NEWINGTON, NH- SIG SAUER®, Inc. has imported a limited number of the famed Swiss Arms SG 553 pistols to the U.S. market. These Swiss-built firearms have set the standard for reliability and dependability worldwide.
Built around the famed SG 551/552 series gas piston actions, the SG 553 delivers the ultimate in reliability and function combined with the legendary Swiss design and attention to manufacturing details.
“The classic SG rifle series are highly sought among collectors and firearms experts,” said Jeff Creamer, SIG SAUER Executive Director and General Merchandise Manager. “This was a unique opportunity and the only time SIG SAUER has been able to offer the SG 553 to the commercial market in the United States.” Read more
Hunting from a tree stand is a popular way for hunters to enjoy their season, but nearly every year a Michigan hunter is seriously injured or killed falling out of a tree stand. Conservation officers at the Department of Natural Resources remind hunters of the top safety tips when it comes to tree stands.
Before a hunt, know your equipment:
When scouting for a tree: Read more