BIPARTISAN AMENDMENT TO STRENGTHEN BACKGROUND CHECK SYSTEM PASSES HOUSE

WASHINGTON, DC, May 29, 2014 – A bipartisan amendment authored by U.S. Reps. Mike Thompson (D-CA), chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, Pete King (R-NY), Elizabeth Esty (D-CT), Joe Heck (R-NV), Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Mike Quigley (D-IL) to strengthen the National Instant Criminal Background Checks System (NICS) passed the U.S. House of Representatives today by a vote of 260-145-1. The amendment provides an additional $19.5 million to help states improve their submissions into the criminal background checks system, bringing NICS funding for Fiscal Year 2015 to $78 million. Thompson offered the amendment on the Floor last night.

“Our national criminal background check system is only as good as the data you put in it, and right now all the information isn’t getting into the system,” said the six Representatives in a joint statement. “When this happens, we can’t enforce the law, and criminals, domestic abusers, or dangerously mentally ill individuals who otherwise wouldn’t pass a background check can slip through the cracks and buy guns. Our bipartisan amendment addresses this dangerous shortfall of information by providing states with the resources they need to get their records into the criminal background checks system.”

Ammunition, Firearms, Gun Control, Self Defense

You Don’t Need a License for This

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced the 2014 Summer Kickoff, with a variety of recreation activities across the state. During Summer Kickoff, fees will be waived for some of the state’s most Father and son on the shore fishingpopular outdoor activities, making it a great time to grab a fishing pole, ride an ORV or enjoy a day in the outdoors at a state park. The DNR Summer Kickoff includes:

  • June 7-8 is Free Fishing Weekend, when all fishing license fees are waived for two days. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. All fishing regulations still apply. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/freefishing.
  • June 7-8 is Free ORV Weekend, when ORV license and permit fees are waived for off-road vehicles. Anyone (resident or nonresident) may ride an ORV for free, but all ORV laws still apply. Find a trail at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.
  • June 8 is free entry to all 102 Michigan state parks; no Recreation Passport required. Pack a picnic, bring some sand toys and make a day of it. This is the only day of the year when there is no vehicle entry fee for the state parks. Camping fees still apply for overnight visitors. Find a park near you at www.michigan.gov/stateparks. 

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Fishing

Fish kills may be common in Upper Peninsula following extreme winter conditions

After the heavy ice and snow cover experienced on Upper Peninsula lakes this winter and spring, it may be common for anglers and others enjoying the outdoors to discover a higher than average number of dead fish or other aquatic creatures, such as turtles, frogs, toads and crayfish, Department of Natural Resources fisheries managers said today. “Winterkill is the most common type of fish kill,” said Gary Whelan, DNR Fisheries Division research section manager. “Much of the U.P. saw very deep ice and snow, so winterkill may be particularly common this year in shallow lakes, streams and ponds. These kills are localized and typically do not affect the overall health of the fish populations or fishing quality.” Read more

General

Public invited to provide input on new Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Plan

In 1966, the Kirtland’s warbler was listed as a federally endangered species; today, history is being made as this unique songbird may soon be delisted.

 

Kirtland's warbler in jack pine treeThe Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service signed a memorandum of understanding in June 2011 to clarify each agency’s commitment to the conservation of the Kirtland’s warbler. Due to the potential for delisting, the three agencies decided it was necessary to develop a Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Plan (KWCP) that would provide future strategic guidance to sustain a viable population of Kirtland’s warblers across their breeding range. Read more

Wildlife

Buy Any New MINOX ZA 5 HD Riflescope Get a Free PUMA IP Elk Hunter Knife

Buy any new MINOX ZA 5 HD riflescope from an authorized MINOX dealer by July 31, 2014, and receive a free PUMA IP Elk Hunter knife.

MINOX USA and PUMA Knives have combined two great German brands into one hunting pre-season special offer: buy any new MINOX ZA 5 HD riflescope from an authorized MINOX dealer through July 31, 2014, and receive a free PUMA IP Elk Hunter knife – a $169.99 value.

The MINOX ZA 5 HD riflescopes, designed and engineered in Germany and assembled in the USA, provide enhanced high-definition optics that meet the demands of hunters and shooters. They offer a 5x zoom range and new long-range reticles, and come in both 1″ and 30mm tube models.

Firearms, Hunting

Hooyman introduces new Ratchet Pruner with Detachable Saw

Kiel, WI- Hooyman, makers of the highly regarded line of high performance, extendible shooting lane saws, has designed a revolutionary new Ratchet Pruner that features a built-in, detachable pocket saw. The simple push of a button detaches the in-handle saw from the pruner providing you with a handy hand saw. This multipurpose trimming tool is ideal for cutting shooting lanes and brushing in blinds. Read more

Hunting

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Donates Funds for Wolf Control

MISSOULA, Mont.-Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) accepted a $25,000 grant from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation to assist its wolf management plan.

“RMEF staunchly supports the science-based state management of wolves and other predators,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO. “This grant will put more collars on more wolves so Montana’s wildlife managers have more relevant data on Montana’s wolf population. We are far over objective on wolf numbers and the more specific data we have the better we can manage the population downward.” Read more

Animal Rights, Hunting, Wildlife

NSSF Issues Statement On “Operation Choke Point”

NEWTOWN, CT — The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) today issued the following statement:

The National Shooting Sports Foundation has been investigating the possible role of the federal government in influencing banks in their lending and business banking relationship decisions regarding companies in our industry. We have heard from several industry members that they had banking relationships terminated by their lending institutions. Read more

Firearms, Gun Control, Hunting, Self Defense
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