Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
In an email message, Senator Diane Feinstein blamed “Tea Party members in Congress — at the behest of their friends in the gun lobby” for the bill, but the truth is that Democrats Begich and Manchin have sponsored the legislation. See more about the liar here…
Lansing— Legislation authorizing Michigan citizens, who are already holding concealed pistol permits to carry a Taser for personal protection, is now on Governor Rick Snyder’s desk.
Snyder has 14 days to decide whether to sign or veto the three-bill package or let them become law without his endorsement.
Although the once endangered Kirtland’s warbler population numbers are on the rise, there’s more to it than providing good breeding grounds in Michigan. Its wintering area and even its migratory route are being studied so assistance can be provided if and where necessary. More here…
Back in February, U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) promised to hold Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress if Holder didn’t hand over Justice Department documents that had been subpoenaed as part of an ongoing investigation into the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ now-infamous “Operation Fast and Furious” gun-walking operation. This week, Rep. Issa–chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee–made good on the pledge and sent out a draft Contempt Order against Holder to members of the committee. Read more
“It is difficult to choose a better place [to set wildfires] other than in the valleys of Montana where the population increases rapidly,” Inspire’s “AQ Chief” columnist writes. But, equal-opportunity law enforcement shoots back here…
A disaster is unfolding in Michigan orchards as erratic spring weather causes some of the biggest losses in decades of cherries, apples and other fruits, growers said Thursday. More here…
With my turkey hunting season opener less than one week away, it was time for some scouting. I perched myself above a wildlife food plot in a deer hunting shack so that I could remain comfortable with a clear view. 
Within 15 minutes, a lone hen appeared and seemed to be on a mission, never slowing much and disappearing to the north. The action continued throghout the 3.5 hours of observation with wildlife in view the entire time.
A few deer here and there
and at about 8:05 the first distant gobbles sounded. From the broken-off calls, I assumed they were jakes, and my suspicion was confirmed 30 minutes later.
All in all, a good day of viewing, but still looking for the boss gobbler.
Distant Jakes
During the four-year period between 2008 and 2012, a total of 110 sheep were killed by collisions, he said. A total of 107 sheep were killed on Montana Highway 200, while just three sheep were killed by trains. Since 1985, Sterling said 403 sheep have been killed by motor vehicles on the highway and 58 sheep have been killed by trains.
Flashing yellow caution signs and electronic reader boards haven’t worked yet. Salt blocks in the area have had little impact luring the sheep away from the highways.
A simple simple solution exists: quit driving cars and trucks. But, alas, not even the most radical animal rights whackos will not give up their lifestyles in exchange for a few measley sheep. Anyway, more here…
The Michigan House Judiciary Committee will have a hearing on Thursday, May 17, to review an important and long-overdue bill that would eliminate the state handgun “permit-to-purchase” and registration requirements. This committee will hear House Bill 5225 and consider this proposed amendment language that will be used as a substitute for HB 5225 when this hearing takes place. Read more
by Bill Horn
As regular U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance readers know, on April 17th, the House of Representatives passed the most important fishing and hunting bill in 15 years – HR 4089, The Sportsmen’s Heritage Act – by a lopsided 274 to 146 vote. A bipartisan majority of 235 Republicans and 39 Democrats voted yes. The bill has two fundamental features: (1) establishing that 700 million acres of federal public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service are open to fishing, hunting, and recreational, as a matter of law, until or unless closed for good specific reasons and (2) confirming recent EPA decisions that the 1976 Toxic Substances Control Act does not allow the agency to regulate lead in fishing gear or ammunition. The overwhelming support from America’s real conservationists, the angling and hunting community, demonstrates this is good public policy and ought to be non-controversial.
But nothing in Washington, D.C. ever is. So it’s little surprise that the usual suspects are screaming about the bill and peddling disinformation about what it does. Read more