AFB: Army Corps Memos Reveal “Dysfunction, Secrecy and Misconduct at EPA”

WASHINGTON — A cache of internal memos that federal regulators intended to keep private reveals a culture of secrecy, falsehood and dysfunction that permeated the Waters of the U.S. rulemaking process.

Yesterday, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released more than 50 pages of documents in which the Army Corps of Engineers repeatedly rebuked EPA officials for their abuse of the rulemaking process in producing the deeply controversial Waters of the United States rule. The entire economic analysis used to support the rule, Army Corps officials wrote, had no basis in either science or economics: https://oversight.house.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Army-Corps-Memoranda.zip.

“It is clear from the memos that there were dire concerns internally that EPA was getting it wrong and with a high degree of arrogance,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “The flawed economic study is just the tip of the iceberg, and it was known internally that trouble was ahead. In fact, the memos themselves were stamped ‘Litigation Sensitive.’ They were never intended to see the light of day.” Read more

General

America’s Rifle Exhibit Opens at NRA National Firearms Museum

FAIRFAX, Va. – The National Rifle Association proudly announces the opening of America’s Rifle, a new exhibit at the NRA National Firearms Museum examining the evolution and popularity of AR pattern modern sporting rifles.

The year-long exhibit follows the history of AR pattern rifles from their development to their uses today in competition, hunting, recreational shooting, and personal defense. Featuring more than a dozen rifles, America’s Rifle highlights influential predecessors like the M14, G3, and FN-FAL in addition to the M16 and AK47. This educational exhibit illustrates the significant differences between the select-fire military type rifles capable of full-auto and the semi-auto AR pattern sporting rifles owned by millions of civilians. Read more

Firearms

Bushnell Introduces Two New Night Vision Binoculars in the Equinox Z Line

Overland Park, KS- Bushnell®, an industry-leader in high performance sports optics for more than 65 years, has introduced two new night vision binoculars in the Equinox™ Z product line. These digital night vision binoculars offer outstanding optical clarity, ultimate illumination and unmatched field of view. Both units are packed with a host of features, including digital zoom, image capture and video recording.

Perfect for game observation and home security, they are available in 2x40mm and 4x40mm configurations. Equinox Z binoculars are constructed with a rugged, water-resistant housing. They have a glass objective lens and multi-coated optics for crisp, clear images. Equinox Z binoculars feature 1-3x digital zoom, adjustable IR settings and daytime color viewing with a viewing distance of up to 500 feet in the 2x40mm model and 750 feet in the 4x40mm version. Both units are powered with AA batteries for added convenience and cost savings.

In addition, the binoculars include image and video capture modes that allow users to record video and still images to be later downloaded to a computer. These devices also allow the user to select from multiple LCD brightness settings to select the best display intensity for current ambient light conditions.

The Equinox Z 2x40mm binocular sells for an estimated retail price of $499.00 and the 4x40mm unit for $549.00. Read more

Optics

New Lil’l Heifer Custom Wood Elk Call from Wayne Carlton’s Calls

The new Custom Wood Li’l Heifer Elk Call from Wayne Carlton’s Calls®allows hunters to easily make all the vocalizations of a cow elk.

The Li’l Heifer features a bite-style pinch reed that can quickly be mastered by even novice callers to produce realistic young cow whines and bleats that bring big bulls running. An adjustable “O” ring is included to customize the call’s pitch and tone. The call features a custom walnut and maple wood body with a textured shed elk antler design. With outstanding volume for mid and long-range calling, it not only sounds great, but looks great as well.

The Li’l Heifer Custom Wood Elk Call comes packaged with a lanyard and sells for a suggested retail of $17.99. Read more

Hunting

Ruger Introduces Ruger American Rimfire Rifle with Wood Stock

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE-RGR) is excited to introduce the Ruger American Rimfire® rifle with wood stock. In response to customer requests, this new model brings an exciting variation to an already popular rifle line. The stock is made from a hardwood blank in Newport, NH and mated to the popular .22 LR bolt-action in Mayodan, NC, resulting in a rifle with classic good looks and modern performance. Read more

Firearms

Check trees for Asian longhorned beetle in August

August is national Tree Check Month, which makes it a great time for Michiganders and travelers alike to be on the lookout for invasive, destructive pests threatening the state’s forest landscape. The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development, Environmental Quality and Natural Resources, along with the U.S Department of Agriculture, are asking people to take time out this month to examine trees for signs of Asian longhorned beetle, a highly destructive invasive pest.

TAsian longhorned beetleake just 10 minutes this month to check trees around homes for Asian longhorned beetle or any signs of the damage it causes. Out for a stroll? Look for signs around the neighborhood, at local parks and favorite recreation spots. Early detection and response are vital to protecting Michigan’s trees.

Adult Asian longhorned beetles are distinctively large, ranging from three-quarters of an inch to 1 and one-half inches in length, not including their long antennae. The beetles are shiny black, with random white blotches or spots, and their antennae have alternating black and white segments. They have six legs that can be black or partly blue, with blue coloration sometimes extending to their feet. Read more

Wildlife

CCRKBA Lauds Texas’ “Pistol Packin’ Pastor” Who Stopped Burglar

BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms today noted that a church shooting this week in Texas will be difficult for anti-gunners to exploit, because it involved an armed pastor who stopped an electronics thief in the act.

“I’ve read various published reports of the Tuesday morning incident in Baytown, Texas, and all of them clearly note that Pastor Benny Holmes will likely not face charges,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gotttlieb. “It’s not every day we hear stories about a member of the clergy rendering unto a thief what he’s got coming to him.”

Published reports say Holmes confronted a man identified as Lee Marvin Blue, who forced his way into the Church of New Beginnings. Unfortunately for Blue, Pastor Holmes was asleep inside, was aroused by the noise, grabbed his pistol and went to investigate. He reportedly found Blue carrying a box filled with electronics taken from the church, the AP noted. When the suspect made a quick furtive gesture, Holmes shot him. Read more

Self Defense

Federal Premium Adds 380 Auto to Personal Defense HST Lineup

ANOKA, Minnesota – In 2013, Federal Premium® made law enforcement’s top duty round available to the public, creating the ultimate Personal Defense® load: HST®. This year, the product line is even stronger thanks to a new load in 380 Auto, which is an excellent option for concealed carry pistols. Shipments of this new ammunition are currently being delivered.

HST ammunition provides consistent expansion, optimum penetration and terminal performance that raise the bar for micro-size handguns. Its specially designed hollow point won’t plug, and the jacket and core hold together to provide almost 100 percent weight retention. The construction ensures micro-size handguns deliver the power needed for personal defense situations. Read more

Ammunition

Browning Expands AB3 Rifle Line to Include Short Action Calibers in 2015

Browning is expanding the AB3 bolt-action rifle line to now include short action calibers for 2015. The AB3 is a super value rifle with incredible performance and features.

New short action calibers will include the 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., 308 Win. with 22″ barrel lengths. 270 WSM and 300 WSM chambered models will have 23″ barrel lengths.

The AB3 features a bolt lock override button that allows shooters to unload the firearm while leaving the top-tang safety in the on safe position. 60° bolt lift is fast to operate and easily clears optics when cycling. The steel receiver has a matte blue finish and is drilled and tapped for scope mounts. A free floating, hand chambered barrel with target crown is featured. The AB3 also has a removable box magazine. The composite stock is matte black and features textured grip areas. An Inflex Technology recoil pad reduces felt recoil. Sling swivel studs are included.

Suggested Retail: $599.99. Read more

Firearms

Safari Club International Suspends Membership of Hunter, Professional Hunter Involved in Death of Cecil

Washington, D.C. – Safari Club International (SCI) supports a full and thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of Cecil the lion in Zimbabwe. SCI has imposed immediate emergency membership suspensions of both the involved hunter and his guide/professional hunter, and they will remain in place pending the outcome of an investigation.

Safari Club International condemns unlawful and unethical hunting practices. SCI supports only legal hunting practices and those who comply with all applicable hunting rules and regulations, and SCI believes that those who intentionally take wildlife illegally should be prosecuted and punished to the maximum extent allowed by law.

Poachers
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