Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
GW: I’m thinking executive order. Oh, I know, he doesn’t have such power. But, who will tell him.
Fairfax, Va. – Four members of the U.S. Senate have sent a letter to President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and the United Nations with the clear message that the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty will not be ratified. Read more
BELLEVUE, WA – The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms concurs with Interpol Secretary General Ronald Noble’s suggestion earlier today that an armed citizenry is one way to meet the threat of terrorism like the attack on a Nairobi, Kenya shopping mall last month. Read more
Since our doors opened in 1949, Vixen optical products have remained one the Astronomical Industries most respected brands, by delivering uncompromising optical quality, states-of-the-art product innovation and superior customer service. “We are extremely proud to announce the introduction of a new 1-6×24 dangerous game riflescope to the US market. Said Walter Seace – Dir. Sales & Marketing, Vixen Sport Optics. Read more
OLATHE, Kan./ October 22, 2013-Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), the global leader in satellite navigation, today announced tactix, a rugged high-sensitivity GPS navigator and ABC watch inspired by the requirements of Law Enforcement and Police Special Operations.
Built for training, exploring, and more, this field-ready wristwatch boasts an altimeter, barometer, 3-axis compass, and extensive tracking capabilities for precise navigation in the field. tactix is waterproof to 50 meters, and can run up to 50 hours in GPS mode on one charge. It comes preloaded with tide data (U.S. units only) and Jumpmaster software, which could prove invaluable for amphibious and airborne operations. It has a stealth, matte black design with a curved lens and green backlight, so it won’t flare out with night vision devices or compromise the user’s position. tactix can withstand even the most extreme elements and situations, but is sleek enough to be worn as an everyday timepiece. Read more
FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — The traditional image of men escaping for the weekend to experience the thrill and challenge of outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing and shooting may be as antiquated as the gender make-up in the boardroom in scenes from television’s Mad Men. Annie it seems has definitely got her gun, and hunting license and fishing rod and reel. In fact, according to Women in the Outdoors in 2012, an in-depth report on women’s participation in outdoor recreation compiled by Southwick Associates, women now make up more than a quarter of all anglers and represent the fastest growing segment within the hunting and shooting communities making up as much as nearly 11 percent of all hunters. Read more
The precision engineering found in ExtremeBeam’s tactical lights has set them far and above other flashlights on the market. Now, the company has used the same lighting technology of its exceptionally crafted handheld flashlights to create one of the world’s brightest and farthest reaching 3.5 ounce quick-focusable headlamps. The OSR-800, attached to a fully adjustable elastic headband, is fitted with a 180-lumen LED bulb and masterfully engineered lighting amplifier that work together to throw light to distances beyond 550 feet. Read more
On the three weekends prior to November 15, the Department of Natural Resources will provide extended shooting hours to help hunters prepare for the firearm deer season.
| Ortonville and Pontiac Lake | October 26-27 | 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Rose Lake and Sharonville | October 26-27 | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Ortonville and Pontiac Lake | November 2-3 | 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Rose Lake and Sharonville | November 2-3 | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Ortonville and Pontiac Lake | November 9-10 | 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
| Rose Lake and Sharonville | November 9-10 | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
As a reminder, the DNR shooting ranges will be open seven days per week from November 1-15. The weekday hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rose Lake and Sharonville, and they are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Ortonville and Pontiac Lake. Read more
Wildlife officials have indicated that it is impossible to determine if five wolves recently killed are members of a certain pack. Meanwhile, and totally predictable, Wolves of the Rockies President Marc Cooke says he believes the five wolves killed were from Yellowstone.
Of course, no supporting documentation is provided to help us understand Mr. Cooke’s perspective, other than the fact that he adores wolves.
Anyway, wolf seasons are aimed at controlling the burgeoning wolf populations throughout their range.
No animal-rights organization will ever go along with any type of managed hunt; they’re anti hunters! They never agree on population numbers or goals being met. If it’s hunting, they don’t agree. And, that may explain Mr. Cooke’s feelings.
By Glen Wunderlich
A sure sign that deer season is upon us becomes obvious each year: bags of bait at every corner store and gas station. High on the list of preferred foods is apples and this year Michigan has them in record numbers. While I’m not into hauling buckets of bait to the field, I am well aware of where the wild apple trees are growing; so are the opportunistic deer.
To begin, I am not an expert on the subject of growing fruit trees, but I am smart enough to know where to turn for advice. In Ed Spinazzola’s book, Ultimate Deer Food Plots, an entire chapter written by Charlie Morse (www.MorseNursery.com) is devoted to the subject. Also, on the website provided, a forum is available for those that have specific questions.
Charlie describes how to choose trees for planting and how to protect them from damage in the wild. All good stuff, but what if you already have some established fruit trees that have been neglected over the years? Here are some tips to bring them back. Read more
Videos offer virtual tours of Michigan’s ‘Wetland Wonders’ for waterfowl hunters
Hunters can check out Michigan’s seven “Wetland Wonders” – the seven premier managed waterfowl areas in southern Michigan – in a series of new YouTube videos highlighting some of these treasures. The DNR invites hunters to explore these areas this fall, and the videos offer a great resource, especially for hunters wanting to try a managed waterfowl hunting area for the first time. Read more