ThinkingAfield.org

By: Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

A recent survey of rifle owners by HunterSurvey.com concluded that scopes are essential gear. The survey revealed that over 92 percent of rifle owners own at least one scoped rifle and most of them own multiple scoped rifles. The survey also indicated that scopes are also a prominent purchase for many shotgun and handgun owners, as well. While both types of firearms are generally used with open sights, 28.7 percent of shotgunners and 24.5 percent of handgunners say they own at least one scoped model. Count me in.

Open sights may be acceptable for youth, because they are simple and are usually part of a firearm, so there’s no added cost. However, they still have limitations: 1) no magnification, 2) no added light-gathering ability, and 3) limited target acquisition.

The lack of magnification without scopes can be counteracted by using good binoculars, and as a matter of fact, doing so is the safest way to identify and size up game. Viewing through a scope can be dangerous, because looking at objects through a scope also means pointing the barrel in the same direction, which violates rule #1 of gun safety: Don’t point your firearm at anything you don’t intend to shoot. People do it all the time, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Having a shoulder harness for binoculars keeps them at the ready, and at the same time, out of the way. I never go hunting without them.

Additional light gathering is not important if a hunter does his hunting in good light. Examples include varmint hunting for woodchucks or small game hunting. Deer hunters on the other hand, often do their best work in low light and the better the glass, the longer the hunter can remain afield increasing his chances at success. Good glass pays dividends of “prime time” over the life of the hunter. Good scopes have better warranties – many good ones for life – and are transferable to any subsequent owners with absolutely no paperwork. Compare that feature to any other consumer purchase and you will understand the difference between total customer satisfaction and mere weasel words and fine print.

Target acquisition means being able to define the target. Without the advantages of a scope, defining a clear target is only as good as the shooter’s eyesight. But, when longer shots are required, a problematic condition exists with iron sights. Many people make the mistake of sighting in by covering the target with the front sight. Question: If you can’t see the target, how can you hit it? Let’s say, however, that you’ve properly adjusted the iron sights so that your target sits on top of the front sight at 100 yards, which is a fair poke with a non-scoped firearm. Good. That’s how it should be set up for a 100-yard shot.

But, if your target is 150 yards or so, the front sight must be elevated with the bore to be on target which totally blocks a view of the target. Back to that not-being-able-to-see-the-target thing.

All of the above issues point to the problematic nature of iron sights. Sure, many African dangerous-game hunters use iron sights because much of the action is close up and sometimes death-defying. Quick shots don’t allow for adjustments associated with scoped firearms, but there are some phenomenal, high-tech options available that may surprise you. Next week I’ll review some of these and more.

2/17/11

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) just got rapped on the knuckles by a U.S. Senator that is upset the agency caved in to PETA demands.

The letter was prompted after the TSA decided to cancel plans for recruiting new workers during the 2011 Iditarod dog race in Alaska due to criticism from PETA. Thousands of Iditarod fans flock to Alaska for the race. The animal rights group, as usual, claimed that the agency was supporting a “cruel” event.

However, the TSA decision did not sit well with Alaska Senator Mark Begich (D). Sen. Begich immediately fired off a letter to TSA Administrator John Pistole where he expressed shock and disappointment.

He wrote, “It is outrageous the TSA would act on one complaint from a group with virtually no understanding of the ‘Last Great Race on Earth.’” He concluded by commenting that, “your decision may have PETA ‘howling with delight,’ but Alaskans know you have headed down the wrong trail.”

The letter was also copied to the Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual race that covers over 1,100 miles of Alaska territory. Typically, sled dog teams of twelve to sixteen dogs cover the trail over the course of between anywhere from a bit over a week to two weeks. Every year the race starts on the first Saturday each March.

The first full Iditarod was run in 1973.

2/17/11

A bill in New York would require all gun owners to register their firearms and pay yearly gun ownership fees.

Senate Bill 2994, introduced by Senator Eric Adams (D- Brooklyn), requires gun owners to register each firearm currently owned with their local county clerk’s office or local precinct station. The bill also requires that any firearms acquired in the future also be registered with the state, including such information as to where and how the gun was acquired.

Take Action! New York sportsmen should contact their state senator and urge them to oppose Senate Bill 2994. To find your state senator’s contact information, please visit www.ussportsmen.org/LAC.

Under the measure, gun owners would be required to provide the serial number of each firearm owned, in addition to their name, address, phone number, and the location where the firearm will be located when not in use.

The bill also calls for a fee of $15 for each initial gun registration. In addition, gun owners would face a $10 per year renewal fee for each gun owned.

“Not only is this bill an attack on gun ownership rights, it’s a blatant tax on gun ownership,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance associate director of state services. “It’s outrageous that the state would try to make citizens register their guns and then make money off of this process.”

To accommodate smaller framed shooters and hunters, Browning® has introduced a full line of firearms called the Micro Midas. Included in the new line is an X-Bolt™ rifle. The X-Bolt Micro Midas has all the innovative features of the X-Bolt line, just in a more compact and lighter weight package.

The new rifle has a steel receiver with a low-luster blued finish. The 20-inch barrel has the same blued finish. The stock is a checkered walnut with a satin finish. Like other X-Bolt models, the Micro Midas has a 60â—¦ bolt lift, adjustable Feather Trigger™, detachable rotary magazine, top tang safety and bolt unlock button. Each rifle also has sling swivel studs installed and an Inflex Technology recoil pad.

The X-Bolt Micro Midas has a length of pull of 12 ½ inches. The overall length is 38 1/8 inches and it weighs just 6 lbs. 1 oz. For 2011 the rifle is available in four popular calibers, 22.250 Rem., 243 Win., 7mm-08 Rem., and 308 Win.

Suggested retail of all models is $799.99.

Contact: Scott Grange – scottg@browning.com
Paul Thompson – pault@browning.com
801-876-2711
ext. 3306 or 3229

Originally introduced with the GLOCK 22 (.40 caliber), and the GLOCK 17 (9×19) models, GLOCK’s newest generation pistol, the Gen4, brings revolutionary design changes to the world’s most popular pistol, centered around ergonomics and the recoil spring assembly. New to the Gen4 family for 2011, GLOCK has unveiled GLOCK models 26 (9×19), G27 (.40 caliber) Gen4 models.

With any Gen4 model, the most noticeable difference you will see is that the basic grip size is smaller compared to the previous generation designs, due to the fact that the new generation offers a multiple backstrap system that allows the user to change the circumference of the grip to fit their individual hand size. The grip which has a new Rough Textured Frame (RTF) surface designed to enhance grip traction, offers three options: a short frame version, medium frame or large frame that are easily changed and secured with a single pin. The trigger mechanism housing has also been dimensionally adapted to fit in the smaller sized grip space.

The magazine release catches are also significantly enlarged and reversible for the left handed shooter. To utilize the swappable magazine release feature, the Gen4 magazines have two notches cut on both sides of the magazine body, allowing users to switch access of the catch to the left or right side of the pistol with no additional parts.

Internally, the original recoil spring has been replaced with a dual recoil spring assembly, which noticeably reduces the recoil while simultaneously increasing the life cycle of the part. The slide and barrel shelf have been resized due to the larger diameter of the spring assembly. The front portion of the polymer frame under the slide has also been widened and enlarged internally in order to accommodate the dual assembly.

“GLOCK, Inc.’s dedication to perfection has made GLOCK the chosen firearm for many Law Enforcement agencies around the world.” said Gary Fletcher, Vice President at GLOCK, Inc. “The new Gen4 models are just another step in GLOCK, Inc.’s commitment to producing the best firearm for U.S. Law Enforcement, Military and the law-abiding citizen.”

The Gen4, just like any GLOCK pistol, has the same tested “Safe Action” system, durable exterior finish, cold hammer forged barrel, durability, reliability and lightweight that have made GLOCK firearms famous. All GLOCK pistols are backed by the GLOCK Limited Lifetime Warranty and world-class customer service and support that is second to none in the firearms industry.

About GLOCK, Inc.

GLOCK, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of pistols and accessories. GLOCK’s superior engineering has produced a pistol with only 34 parts and a rugged polymer-frame, providing industry-leading reliability shot after shot. GLOCK is renowned for its pistols which are safe, featuring three safeties; simple, offering a low number of components to provide reliability; and fast, with no encumbering parts to slow the speed to fire. This combination makes GLOCK pistols the first choice among consumers and law enforcement, with 65% of agencies nationwide choosing to carry GLOCK. Austrian-engineered, the company has manufacturing facilities in the United States and Austria. Based in Smyrna, Ga., GLOCK, Inc. is an advocate for our nation’s law enforcement and military personnel, as well as all citizens’ Second Amendment right to bear arms. For more information, please visit www.teamglock.com.

FERNANDINA BEACH, Fla. — Nearly 3 out of every 4 recreational shooters and hunters in America owns at least one handgun according to a recent survey conducted by HunterSurvey.com. Of particular significance, however, is the finding that the handgun owners who don’t already possess a concealed-carry permit, about 40 percent said they intend to apply for one within the next 12 months. This strong interest in obtaining concealed-carry weapon (CCW) permits could mean a real demand for training and CCW-related accessories and firearms in the coming year.

“I see a real growth opportunity for qualified firearms instructors and shooting facilities in providing the training that many states require in order to secure a CCW permit,” said Rob Southwick, president of Southwick Associates, which designs and conducts the surveys at HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com. “Interest in CCW could also generate quite a market opportunity for companies that not only make handguns suitable for concealed carry, but also for manufacturers of accessories that serve that same market, such as holster and ammunition makers.”

February 14, 2011

A new report calls “The 90 Percent Myth,” which refers to the number of illegal guns in Mexico coming from the United States, “more political rhetoric than empirical fact.”

We couldn’t agree more. NSSF has been trying to stamp out “The 90 Percent Myth” ever since ATF misstated the number in testimony at a congressional hearing in 2009. A prompt clarification issued by ATF couldn’t put the proverbial genie back in the bottle. Unfortunately, “The 90 Percent Myth” has been widely promoted by Mexican officials and wrongly cited in U.S. news stories, although a Fox News study of the “90% statistic” noted “that number’s just plain wrong.”

In a report issued last week, the independent research group STRATFOR has corroborated what NSSF has been saying for some time about firearms recovered from drug cartels in Mexico: that it is erroneous and grossly misleading to say that 90 percent (a rounded up number) of the firearms recovered in Mexico came from the United States.

The truth is that less than 12 percent of the guns Mexico seized in 2008 have been verified as coming from the United States. The proof can be found in the U.S. government statistics.

According to a June 2009 U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, “some 30,000 firearms were seized from criminals by Mexican authorities in 2008. Of these 30,000 firearms, information pertaining to 7,200 of them (24 percent) was submitted to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for tracing. Of these 7,200 guns, only about 4,000 could be traced by the ATF, and of these 4,000, some 3,480 (87 percent) were shown to have come from the United States.

“This means that the 87 percent figure relates to the number of weapons submitted by the Mexican government to the ATF that could be successfully traced and not from the total number of weapons seized by Mexican authorities or even from the total number of weapons submitted to the ATF for tracing. In fact, the 3,480 guns positively traced to the United States equals less than 12 percent of the total arms seized in Mexico in 2008 . . . .”

Yes, nearly 90 percent of firearms that were recovered and able to be successfully traced by ATF were found to have originated in the United States (that’s 3,480 out of 4,000), but why should that surprise anyone? The United States has a very good system for tracking firearms through serial numbers and purchase records (some countries don’t track them at all). Mexico submitted for tracing only those firearms that it believed, due to their serial numbers, would likely trace positive. The vast majority of guns recovered in Mexico are not sent to the U.S. for tracing at all because their markings, or lack of them, show they do not come from here.

A number of handguns—the top three are 9mm, .38 and .22 caliber—and other sporting firearms have been smuggled across the border, but the STRATFOR report notes that the drug cartels increasingly prefer military weapons instead of sporting arms. Military-grade equipment such as hand grenades, rocket-propelled grenades, automatic rifles and light machine guns are certainly not readily available in this country from firearms retailers. These types of firearms and military ordinance are coming from someplace other than the United States.

The STRATFOR report points out where the guns are flowing from:

•“Most of the military ordnance used by the Mexican cartels comes from other sources, such as the international arms market (increasingly from China via the same networks that furnish precursor chemicals for narcotics manufacturing), or from corrupt elements in the Mexican military or even deserters who take their weapons with them. . .

•Some of these seizures have included M60 machine guns and hundreds of 40 mm grenades obtained from the military arsenals of countries like Guatemala. . .

•Latin America is awash in weapons that were shipped there over the past several decades to supply the various insurgencies and counterinsurgencies in the region. When these military-grade weapons are combined with the rampant corruption in the region, they quickly find their way into the black arms market.”

While Mexican president Calderon is to be applauded for cracking down on the drug cartels and the rampant and systemic corruption in his country, blaming the United States and its Second Amendment freedoms for Mexico’s violent crime will not help solve Mexico’s problem. STRATFOR’s report argues that Mexico’s political leaders have attempted to deflect responsibility for dealing with the cartels: “According to the Mexican government, the cartel wars are not a result of corruption in Mexico or of economic and societal dynamics that leave many Mexicans marginalized and desperate to find a way to make a living. Instead, the cartel wars are due to the insatiable American appetite for narcotics and the endless stream of guns that flows from the United States into Mexico and that results in Mexican violence.”

This argument, of course, implies that U.S. guns laws and the firearms industry, specifically firearm retailers along the border, are to blame, yet it’s those same retailers who cooperate regularly with ATF investigators by providing information that can help bust the illegal firearms traffickers. Also, the idea that there’s a steady flow of newly purchased firearms bound for Mexico doesn’t square with the fact that in 2008 the firearms successfully traced to the United States were, according to ATF, originally sold at retail, after a background check, on average 14 years earlier.

We urge you to read the full STRATFOR report, which ends by dismissing “The 90 Percent Myth”: “It is important to recognize that, while the United States is a significant source of certain classes of weapons and ammunition, it is by no means the source of 90 percent of the weapons used by the Mexican cartels, as is commonly asserted.”

Monday, February 14, 2011

PHOENIX – What better way to spend a Sunday than on the back of a motorcycle enjoying Arizona’s landscape, all while benefiting sick and injured wildlife? Riders are invited to participate in the family-friendly “Bikers Soar for Wildlife Poker Run” on Feb. 20. The fundraiser helps with the care and rehabilitation of animals at the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center, and is hosted by the Wildlife Center’s Auxiliary.

“This ride is a wonderful way to enjoy a day with your family in Arizona’s great outdoors and help raise money for wildlife rehabilitation,” says Sandy Cate, coordinator of the Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center. “The whole family is sure to have fun with a variety of activities, including the poker run, plus wildlife exhibits, a live band and a raffle for prizes.”

Riders will enjoy 100 miles of scenic Arizona, beginning at Arrowhead Harley Davidson at 16130 Fountain Center Drive in Peoria and ending at Pioneer Living History Village at 3901 W. Pioneer Rd. in Phoenix. Pioneer Living History Village is a reproduction of an old Western town from the 1800s. Throughout the route, riders will stop at designated locations to collect a playing card, with the best hand of five cards winning a prize at the end of the ride. Even the non-riders in the family can partake by joining riders after 1 p.m. to enjoy the activities at the final destination.

The tax-deductible cost to participate is $30 per rider or $35 per rider and passenger, with lunch provided to all registered riders. The first 300 registrants will receive a free event T-shirt and ride pin. Registration begins at 8 a.m. For more information and to register, visit the Wildlife Center’s volunteer auxiliary website at azwildlifecenter.org/events or call (623) 587-0139.

Founded in May 1983, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Adobe Mountain Wildlife Center treats more than 1,000 sick and injured animals annually, and provides wildlife education to local schools and outreach to community groups. The center’s mission is carried out with a small budget from the state’s Heritage Fund, making fundraising an important contributor to the care of the animals.

Note to media: Wildlife photos are available by contacting Public Information Officer Lynda Lambert at (623) 236-7203. Live shot opportunities with wildlife and Wildlife Center volunteers also are available upon request.

The Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) is adding special destination tours to its Deer Steward courses in 2011, including Jeff Foxworthy’s Georgia farm, Dr. Grant Woods’ Missouri “Proving Grounds,” and a 9,000-acre QDM Cooperative in Minnesota.

The Deer Steward Certification program is a multi-level personal educational experience designed to offer landowners, hunters and natural resource professionals an opportunity to learn from the world’s top experts about Quality Deer Management (QDM). The first two Levels are actual courses, and Level III is an application process; all three need to be taken in succession.

Each course follows the Four Cornerstones of QDM. Level I courses include nearly 20 presentations over a two-day period, followed by an optional half-day field trip; Level II courses involve more hands-on experience. Attendees will learn techniques on aging deer jawbones; taking soil samples and interpreting soil test results; determining acreage of food plots and calibrating equipment; population surveys; forest and early succession habitat management; analyzing harvest data; making property maps; and much more. Level III status is the recognition of those who have given back to the whitetail resource over a long period of time.

QDMA’s Deer Steward certification program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from graduates. Last year, the fourth year of the program, brought the total number of graduates to more than 400 individuals. Past students now hail from 34 states, three Canadian provinces and one of the United States’ Virgin Islands; a map is posted on QDMA.com and shows the number and level of graduates represented in each state or province across North America (visit www.QDMA.com/programs/certify)

2011 Dates and locations:

Level I Courses:
March 11-14 – Ottertail, Minn. at Thumper Pond Resort (Field Tour: Hudalla Farms and 9,000 acre “Rivers Edge” QDM Co-op)
April 15-18 – Pine Mountain, Ga. at The Lodge & Spa at Callaway Gardens (Field Tour: Jeff Foxworthy’s personal farm, “The Beloved”)
May 13-16 – Branson, Mo. at Barrington Hotel & Conference Center (Field Tour: Dr. Grant Woods’ “The Proving Grounds” and Special reception: Bass Pro Shops Big Cedar Lodge)

Level II Courses:
June 10-13 – Bogart, Ga. at QDMA National Headquarters (Field Tour: University of Georgia deer research facility)
June 24-27 – Hillsdale, Mich. at Sit n’ Bull Farm

To register, call 800-209-3337 or visit www.QDMA.com and click the REACH Program link and then the REACH Certification link.

Contact: Matt Ross, QDMA Certifications Program Manager (mross@qdma.com or 518-280-3714).

By Glen Wunderlich
Outdoor Columnist
Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds lists two birds under the category of “Seriously Reduced” (as in population numbers): peregrine falcon and whooping crane. Both have received the benefit of human compassion and are being brought back from the brink of extinction. The crow-sized peregrine falcon has been introduced into the city lifestyle high atop skyscrapers – far from its natural habitat of open country settings – where it plunges at speeds up to 180 miles per hour snacking on problematic pigeons. Beyond cool!

The whooping crane on the other hand has been assisted by humans on a much more elaborate level. People dressed up like big, white birds raise the young cranes and use two techniques to help them survive. One method releases young birds directly into populations of wild whooping cranes; the other method involves training cranes to follow costumed pilots flying ultralight aircraft to their wintering grounds down South. It has been a monumental undertaking and monumental success, considering that only 21 whooping cranes existed in 1944 but have grown to an estimated 400 in the wild with the help of mankind.

Also at the hand of man, a senseless killing of one of the treasured cranes known only as 12-04 in Alabama on January 28, 2011 has garnered plenty of attention. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is investigating the death of the crane which was reported by an Alabama conservation officer at Weiss Lake, in Cherokee County. The magnificent bird was equipped with a radio transmitter and leg bands to help track its movements. This killing comes on the heels of three other whooping cranes killed late last year, while on their first migration but not as part of the ultralight aircraft-led migration effort.

Last spring, whooping crane 12-04 had paired with 27-05, the oldest Direct Autumn Release bird. The new couple successfully mated and had a late season nest with two eggs in Juneau County, Wis., south of Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. One egg hatched and the pair raised the chick for several weeks until it disappeared, presumably taken by a predator — possibly a bobcat or coyote.

Crane 12-04 was raised in Wisconsin and was one which learned to migrate behind an ultralight aircraft flown by Operation Migration. According to the USFWS, the bird made its first migration to the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge in Florida during the fall of 2004. It annually wintered in Florida until 2009. Since then it has spent winters on the marshes in and around Weiss Lake, Alabama.

Special Agent Jim Gale has asked for the support of the public, especially the fishing, hunting, and boating community who may have seen or heard about the killing on Weiss Lake to help prosecute whoever shot this crane. Gale, who is in charge of law enforcement in the service’s Southeast region said, “We are extremely disappointed by the killing of this whooping crane…This senseless killing has got to stop.”

With only about 100 such cranes in the eastern migration population, it’s easy to understand why a $6000 reward is being offered for information that leads to a conviction.

For more information about the reintroduction effort, visit http://www.bringbackthecranes.org