Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
Overland Park, Kan. — Bushnell Outdoors, an industry-leader in outdoor product innovation, has introduced a comprehensive new lighting line that provides best-in-class light output combined with legendary optical technology from Bushnell to deliver brighter light and better sight. The new comprehensive Rubicon line includes flashlights, lanterns and headlamps. Read more
Washington, D.C. – With the passage of the Omnibus spending package that keeps the U.S. government funded until September 30, 2014, America’s hunters and ranchers received a welcome surprise that eliminates government restrictions on the hunting of U.S. populations of scimitar-horned oryx, dama gazelle, and addax (three antelope species). The legislative fix, first written by Safari Club International’s Washington, D.C. staff, reinstates a 2005 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regulation that facilitates U.S. conservation of these species. Read more
By Glen Wunderlich
A paradox of good intentions is the only description that comes to mind with a story from Texas relative to the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Although the ESA has been with us for some 40 years and is touted as having credible successes with certain species (and, rightfully so), it’s having a severe, negative impact on three antelope species: horned oryx, Dama gazelle and addax. These antelope species are known in Texas as the “Three Amigos.”
The U.S. House and Senate will consider Dallas Safari Club (DSC)-backed legislation that would exempt from ESA protections three antelope species nearly extinct in their native countries but thriving on ranches in Texas. The exemptions would clear the way for ranchers to maintain their herds and to offer hunts for these game animals without government intervention.
Once again, the seemingly counter-intuitive rationale to allow hunting is being used as an argument to save the species. Yes, they are not indigenous to Texas, but tell that to the once-thriving herd.
First, we must understand that the imposition of ESA mandates brings with it certain prohibitions Read more
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For those who never knew “the fat lady” and the reference, hope you enjoy meeting Kate Smith, as she sings God Bless America in public for the first time. And, yes, that’s Ronald Reagan in the vintage footage.
Enjoy:
“The deceased individual had his [gun] in his hand, waving it. The customer actually had one in a holster covered up. We’re in the process of checking on permits and all of that. To have a gun concealed, you need a permit. To carry it open carry, you don’t. But you have a sign in a place of business, that’s letting you know that the people inside that place of business do not want guns in there,” the sheriff said.
OK. So the store’s sign didn’t deter the bad guy. Duh! And, the hero, who may have saved lives – including his own – is under investigation to see if he had legal permission to defend himself and others. Yeah, and don’t forget he may have violated the civil rights of the gun-waving guy, too.
Details of a thwarted robbery, and whatever else would have ensued, are here…
This from www.HumaneWatch.org
We reported earlier this week about the controversy around an auction for a hunt of a single, non-breeding black rhino that raised $350,000 for anti-poaching efforts. It’s interesting that the biggest complainer about this auction, the Humane Society of the United States, isn’t apparently spending much, if anything, toward rhino conservation itself, according to its tax returns. If HSUS had its way, this $350,000 wouldn’t make its way to anti-poaching programs, simply because HSUS is ideologically against hunting.
And now, the latest setback in the fight against illegal poaching comes from HSUS’s own “global ambassador,” the music artist calling herself Ke$ha. Read more
Join NRA-ILA Grassroots staff on Saturday, February 8, for our FREE NRA University (NRA U). NRA University (NRA U) is a FREE training seminar geared toward college students, but open to all interested in learning more about NRA, the Second Amendment, the real facts surrounding the gun control debate and how to become an even more effective grassroots activist. Attendees who are not current NRA Members will receive a complimentary one-year membership to NRA, along with hats, t-shirts, and other important materials.
At this NRA U you will hear from NRA staff on the challenges and opportunities we will face this year and what you can do to ensure the preservation of our Second Amendment rights. Success in the 2014 elections is critical if we are to preserve our Second Amendment rights from a relentless barrage of attacks by President Obama and Michael Bloomberg, and victory in November is dependent on your activism, which has never been more important. Read more
The Department of Natural Resources confirmed the catch of a new state record flathead catfish on Monday, Jan. 13.
The catfish was caught by Dale Blakley of Niles, Mich., on Sunday, Jan. 12, on Barron Lake in Cass County at 3 p.m. The fish weighed 52.0 pounds and measured 46.02 inches. Blakley was ice fishing for crappies when he landed the record fish.
The record was verified by Brian Gunderman, a DNR fisheries biologist, at the Plainwell office.
The previous state record flathead catfish was caught by Rodney Akey of Niles on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County on May 22, 2012. That fish weighed 49.8 pounds and measured 45.7 inches. Prior to that, the record hadn’t been broken since 1943. Read more
Michigan On-the-Ground program engages volunteers to improve habitat
LAS VEGAS, NV— The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) earned Outdoor Life magazine’s first ever Open Country award, which recognizes individuals, organizations and agencies for protecting and improving public hunting access. The DNR won the agency award for its public-private partnership with Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) in the Michigan On-the-Ground program, a statewide series of volunteer fish and wildlife habitat improvement projects. The award was presented at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Read more