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HARRISBURG, PA – A Dec. 11 poaching incident has two Lebanon County brothers facing possible prison sentences, including one who has the unfortunate distinction of being the first individual to be charged with felony counts under a new Game and Wildlife Code penalty structure that took effect in September, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Derek Daly charged William M. Kirkwood, 50, of Camp Strauss Road, Bethel, with unlawfully killing seven deer in 2010 and four deer in 2009, fleeing an officer and trespassing, among other things, for which he faces total fines and penalties of up to $64,000 and 10 years in prison. WCO Daly also charged Kirkwood’s brother, Theodore P. Kirkwood, 54, of Heilmandale Road, Lebanon, for aiding and abetting his brother, fleeing an officer and trespassing, for which he faces total fines and penalties of up to $5,000 and nine months in prison.

All charges were filed on Tuesday, Jan. 18, before District Judge Michael Smith in Cleona.

According to WCO Daly, on Dec. 11, he received information about possible hunting violations on the Lebanon Landfill property. Responding to the area, along with Deputy WCO Brian Sheetz, the officers were met by witnesses at the scene, who informed the officers of an individual who they had seen hunting without orange on and that they suspected he had killed several deer.

“The witnesses identified the individual as William Kirkwood,” WCO Daly said. “They also said they believed Kirkwood hunts the Lebanon Landfill without orange and uses an ATV to recover the deer.

“As Deputy WCO Sheetz and I were talking with the witnesses, we saw two suspects on an ATV driving across a field on the Landfill property along Heilmandale Road. Upon seeing my patrol vehicle, the ATV sped off and drove through several private properties, Route 72 and other public roadways.”

After catching up to the two brothers at Theodore Kirkwood’s home, William Kirkwood admitted to WCO Daly that he illegally killed seven deer during the two-week firearms deer season in 2010, including two protected antlered deer. After returning to William Kirkwood’s home, William Kirkwood told WCO Daly that he also was in illegal possession of antlers from two antlered deer that he found during the 2010 archery season, as well as four antlered deer that he illegally killed during 2009.

During the investigation on Dec. 11, William Kirkwood was found to have killed two antlerless deer, for which he did not possess any valid antlerless deer licenses. The two deer were recovered and retained for evidence.

“We also found William Kirkwood to be in possession of a hunting knife with fresh blood, as he field-dressed the deer prior to returning for them,” WCO Daly said. “The ATV the brothers had fled on had dried blood on the front and back. There was dried blood in William Kirkwood’s truck bed as well, which all led into questions about previous deer killed and resulted in William Kirkwood’s admissions.

“Consent to search William Kirkwood’s residence was obtained to collect all the evidence, which also led to the discovery of the six additional counts of unlawful possession.”

In total, between Nov. 29 and Dec. 11, evidence and admissions by William Kirkwood showed that he illegally killed two bucks that were below the minimum antler restrictions (one spike and one with two-points on one side), three antlerless deer and two button bucks. None of the seven deer were tagged, and he did not possess any valid antlerless deer licenses for the five antlerless deer harvested.

Also confiscated as evidence were eight sets of antlers, including the two William Kirkwood is alleged to have killed illegally this year, two that he claimed to have found and possessed illegally and four he allegedly killed illegally during the 2009 firearms deer season.

“There was very positive response from the local residents once word got out we apprehended William and Theodore Kirkwood,” WCO Daly said. “Several local residents who hunt deer legally on properties surrounding the Lebanon Landfill were very upset this was going on, and glad we have put a stop to it.”

Specific charges against William Kirkwood are: two counts of a third-degree felony for illegally killing and possessing two deer in 2010, for which he faces up to $15,000 in fines per count and up to three years in prison; two counts of a first-degree misdemeanor for unlawfully killing and possessing two deer in 2010, for which he faces $10,000 in fines per count and up to 18 months in prison; two counts of an ungraded misdemeanor for unlawfully killing and possessing two deer in 2010, for which he faces up to $3,000 in fines per count and up to six months in prison; seven counts of a second-degree summary for unlawfully killing and possessing parts of seven antlered deer in 2009 and 2010, for which he faces up to $800 in fines per count and up to one month in prison; one count of a first-degree summary for fleeing an officer, for which he faces up to $1,500 in fines and three months in prison; one count of a fourth-degree summary for refusing to stop at an officers request, for which he faces up to $300 in fines; one count of a fifth-degree summary for trespassing on posted property while hunting, for which he faces fines of up to $200; two summary counts for criminal trespass, for which he faces up to $300 in fines; one count of a fifth-degree summary for failure to wear required fluorescent orange, for which he faces fines of up to $200; and two counts of a fifth-degree summary for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle, for which he faces fines of up to $200 per count.

Specific charges against Theodore Kirkwood are: two counts of a misdemeanor for aiding, abetting and assisting in the possession and transporting of two unlawfully killed antlerless deer, for which he faces up to $3,000 in fines per count and six months in prison; one count of a first-degree summary for fleeing an officer, for which he faces up to $1,500 in fines and three months in prison; one count of a fourth-degree summary for refusing to stop at an officers request, for which he faces up to $300 in fines; one count of a fifth-degree summary for trespassing on posted property while hunting, for which he faces fines of up to $200; and one summary count for criminal trespass, for which he faces up to $300 in fines.

The law to increase fines and penalties for poaching was made possible by House Bill 1859, which was sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote in the House also on July 3. The bill was signed into law by the Governor on July 9, making it Act 54 of 2010.

As part of their constant effort to make ordering easy, Brownells has upgraded their website. The latest generation of brownells.com is now integrated with a world-class search engine, for drastically improved search results. At the same time the product categories were thoroughly examined and reduced by more than 50% which means fewer clicks to navigate the site.

The most noticeable change is the addition of a Make and Model filter. You can now look only for parts, accessories and tools that fit your specific firearm. The owner of a Remington 870 no longer has to wade through products for 1100s or Mossberg 500s.

When you land on a product page, all the information is there, no more clicking to see the full copy or specs, everything is in front of you. The left side navigation area has some new filters to make things faster, and bigger type to make it easier to read. And, the whole site is now hosted using cloud technology for even faster speed and greater performance.

Company President Pete Brownell told us, “We want our online shopping experience to be the best possible, and the web team has done a great job with this latest upgrade.”

At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed, period! …Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Founded in 1939, they supply more than 30,000 firearms parts, accessories and gunsmithing tools to armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. Brownells provides free tech help and there’s no minimum order size or small order fees. To order, or for more information, call 800-741-0015 or visit www.brownells.com and mention code PH2.

MIAMI – The Wizard Pistol takes the same break-open interchangeable barrel system and makes it lighter and smaller for handgun hunting, target shooting or plinking. Available in .243 Win. or .22-.250 Rem with other calibers coming soon, the Wizard Pistol offers outstanding and reliable performance in a versatile package. Its ingenious break-open barrel system changes quickly by unscrewing the front swivel with no tools needed.

Offered in blue finish, additional features include pistol grip with custom grooves for fast handling and comfort, manual safety with “S” mark for visual confirmation, hammer extension, scope rail and the unique onboard Taurus Security System®.The Wizard’s barrel measures 11 inches with an overall length of 20.4 inches.

The Rossi revolution of firearm design and manufacture started with the founding of the company in 1889 by Amadeo Rossi. For the past 120 years, the tradition of innovation grew along with the company and the Rossi family. Today, as part of Taurus International, a Rossi firearm still features the same dedication and innovation in every firearm. Rossi looks forward to providing its customers with the next generation of great firearms. Rossi is proud to offer a free One-year NRA Membership with the purchase of any Rossi model. For more information about Rossi Firearms, a Division of BrazTech International, visit www.rossiusa.com. High-resolution images are available for download at www.rossidownloads.com.

GW: Here we go again. If it looks like a bad gun, it cannot possibly be used for self defense. More genius!

A bill in New York would redefine “assault weapon” to include many firearms that are commonly used for hunting.

Assembly Bill 1479, introduced by Asm. Linda Rosenthal (D-New York), changes the state’s definition of “assault weapon.” The new definition would classify firearms commonly used for hunting, like semi-automatic shotguns that have a thumbhole stock or a pistol grip, as assault weapons.

Currently, possession of “assault weapons” in the state are generally prohibited.

Even more dangerous to sportsmen and gun owners, the bill gives the Superintendent of State Police the authority to regulate and classify additional firearms as “assault weapons” by simply finding that a firearm feature or modification is “particularly suitable for military and not sporting purposes.” The Superintendent can also designate specific firearms by make and model to be considered assault weapons.

Ultimately, the bill gives the Superintendent vast powers to determine which firearms citizens can and cannot own.

“This bill is taking an already extreme set of gun laws and making them worse. It outlaws many popular firearms that are commonly used for hunting and gives immense power to the State Police to restrict law-abiding gun owners even further,” said Evan Heusinkveld, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance director of state services. “Sportsmen, gun owners, and collectors alike need to call their state assemblyperson and senator today to express their opposition to this dangerous bill.”

While AB 1479 does include an exemption that allows citizens to keep newly declared “assault weapons” that are possessed before July 1, 2012 the exemption does little to ease the concerns of sportsmen. The bill in turn requires that those firearms that are “grandfathered in” be rendered inoperable or mandates their registration with the state. Even after proper registration, the bill only allows those firearms to be used at a licensed gun range and not while hunting.

If passed the bill would take effect on July 1, 2012.

Take Action! New York Sportsmen should contact their state assemblyperson and tell them to oppose AB 1479. Tell them the bill would ban many firearms that are commonly used for hunting, target shooting, and other recreational activities. To find your state assemblyperson’s phone number and other contact information, use the USSA Legislative Action Center at www.ussportsmen.org/lac.

NAPA, CA (January 2011) – American Gunsmithing Institute (AGI), producers of the most authoritative instructional gunsmithing video courses, continues to expand course offerings to include new firearms, new instruction and new opportunities for anyone interested in learning about guns.Bob Dunlap of AGI

The AGI Certified Professional Gunsmith course provides future gunsmiths with all the current information and how-to’s to set up and start a successful gunsmithing business for a small investment in dollars and time. The AGI Professional Gunsmith course has provided thousands of students with the tools and skills to make money part-time or open their own business.

Unlike most trade schools, the AGI program allows you to complete the program in as little as three months, studying from home, through video instruction representing the latest technology and packed with current information on the design, function and repair of firearms. With over 108 hours of video instruction in pistols and revolvers, rifles, shotguns, .22’s you will also receive instruction on what tools to purchase, how to set up a shop and run a successful business. Students also receive written and practical application testing during the program and when completed receive their certification ready to hang on the wall and announce they are open for business.

The Professional Gunsmith course is an excellent opportunity for anyone recently retired or out of work, which are passionate about firearms and looking to start their own business or as an additional service provided by current firearms dealers.

The American Gunsmithing Institute is the Nation’s premiere Gunsmithing School and has been providing students with the highest level of hands-on instruction in the comfort of your own home since 1993. AGI provides Instruction by internationally known and respected Gunsmiths such as; Gene Kelly, AGI President; Robert Dunlap, AGI’s Senior Instructor; Darrell Holland, custom Riflesmith; Gene Shuey, world-class custom Pistolsmith; Ken Brooks, Repair Gunsmith Instructor and T.R. Graham, an authority and gunsmith on Glocks and other handguns. These Instructors help every AGI gunsmith course to provide students with the latest information and techniques on firearms repair, building and rebuilding.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that the deadline for application for spring turkey hunting licenses is Feb 1. Hunters may apply at any authorized license agent or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

The 2011 season runs from April 18 through May 31 with hunts lasting from seven to 44 days, depending on the hunt unit. A total of 114,290 licenses are available, including 49,290 general licenses and 65,000 private-land licenses.

“Hunters looking for the greatest flexibility should consider Hunt No. 234, which includes all open areas of the state except the public lands of southern Michigan,” said DNRE upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. “Hunters who do not purchase a license or apply for a limited-quota license by the Feb. 1 deadline can still purchase a license for Hunt 234 until May 1.”

Hunters may purchase a license for Hunt No. 234, which runs May 2-31, so they do not have to pay the $4 fee to enter the drawing for limited-quota licenses. Hunters who do apply for a limited hunt are responsible for verifying their customer ID number. An incorrect customer ID number will disqualify an applicant from the drawing.

Applicants can check if they were drawn for a license beginning March 1 at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

“The current regulations were established to maximize hunting opportunity while maintaining high-quality experiences and allowing turkey populations to expand,” Stewart said. “There are now 56,433 square miles of Michigan open to spring turkey hunting.”

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Leupold’s® new VX-R™ illuminated riflescopes combine proprietary powered fiber optic technology and an exclusive FireDot™ reticle to provide hunters with exceptional target acquisition, in the bright light of day as well as the low light of dawn or dusk.

VX-R riflescopes feature a single push button illumination system with Leupold’s own Motion Sensor Technology (MST™). A touch of the button illuminates the dot within the reticle. By repeatedly pressing the button, the user can select between eight different intensity settings including a high-low indicator, which flashes when either the maximum or minimum intensity is reached. After five minutes of inactivity, the illumination system automatically switches to stand-by mode, but reactivates at the same intensity setting whenever the rifle is moved. This helps extend battery life and, by reducing movement, allows the hunter to maintain greater stealth in the field.

In addition, the FireDot reticle in the VX-R has a fiber optic light pipe with a precisely cut and meticulously polished tip designed to deliver an illuminated dot that can be easily seen in bright light, yet is not overpowering in low-light conditions. Once activated, the dot illuminates with bright, sharp definition, while the rest of the reticle remains non-illuminated. This combination leads the eye naturally to the center aiming point and makes target acquisition quick, precise and simple.

“Riflescopes with illuminated reticles are legal for use in all states that allow centerfire rifles for big game hunting,” commented Pat Mundy, communications manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “Our new VX-R illuminated riflescopes allow hunters around the country to see their game in a better way. VX-R offers true daylight-capable illumination as well as the optical performance required to extend those precious minutes at daybreak or day’s end.”

VX-R models include 1.25-4x20mm, 2-7x33mm, 3-9x40mm, 3-9x50mm, 4-12x40mm and 4-12x50mm. Each is available with one or more of the FireDot reticle options: FireDot Duplex®, Ballistic FireDot, FireDot Circle or FireDot 4. In addition, the 3-9x40mm, 3-9x50mm and 4-12x40mm models are available with Leupold’s Custom Dial System® (CDS®), which helps hunters and shooters get on target at any range, with any load, by matching their scopes to the ballistics of their ammunition and sight-in conditions.

Other key features of VX-R riflescopes:

• Leupold’s Index Matched Lens System®, which maximizes light transmission to produce an extremely bright, sharp image across the visual field

• Blackened lens edges for enhanced light transmission, clarity and contrast

• DiamondCoat™, an ion-assisted lens coating for optimal light management and maximum abrasion resistance

• One-turn, non-locking eyepiece to provide smooth, fast and precise focus adjustment for users of different visual acuity, from nearsighted to farsighted

• Precision finger click adjustments for windage and elevation (1/4-MOA for all models except those with the FireDot 4 reticle, which has metric adjustments – one centimeter per click)

• Leupold’s most durable twin bias spring erector system

• Second generation Argon/Krypton waterproofing

• CR-2032 coin cell battery, readily available around the country

VX-R riflescopes have a rugged 30mm matte black maintube and a sleek design that reduces bulk atop the rifle. Sporting Leupold’s familiar Golden Ring, they are backed by the company’s Full Lifetime Guarantee. For more information, visit a local dealer, go to www.leupold.com or call 1-800-LEUPOLD.

BEAVERTON, Ore. – Hunters, picture this: Leupold® now offers a trail camera system featuring innovative “plug and play” technology that simplifies the process of taking and retrieving images of game in the field.

The new RCX™ Trail Camera System is not only designed for easy use, but for capturing high-quality images in the places that can help swing the odds in a hunter’s favor. Key components of the system include the USB Controller/Viewer and either a RCX-1 (eight megapixels) or RCX-2 (10 megapixels) camera. A feature exclusive to Leupold, the hand-held USB Controller/Viewer has a three-inch display screen and can be used to download and view images from the camera on the spot, eliminating the need to remove photo/SD cards and check them at another location. With the controller/ viewer, the user can also get real-time alignment of the camera’s view and instant access to all program settings, without opening the camera or removing it from the mount.

“We call our new RCX Trail Camera System a game changer for whitetail deer hunters and others interested in patterning animals,” said Pat Mundy, communications manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “It is the most user-friendly system of its kind, doing away with the hassles common to traditional trail cameras: manual resets, swapping photo/SD cards in and out, guessing on alignment of the sensor and framing of the picture, counting blinking lights, scrolling through confusing mode options, multiple trips to and from your home or truck to view the images, and so on. RCX is also extremely versatile, allowing users to choose how simple or advanced they want the system to be, according to their specifications.”

The USB Controller/Viewer plugs into the USB jack in each RCX camera, and also plugs into home computers to download pictures and images to the hard drive. RCX cameras provide high- resolution color images during the day and infrared images at night, as well as a video/audio option. A special day/night sensor allows the camera to quickly adjust exposure as light levels change, and to activate the infrared system when darkness falls.

Both the RXC-1 and RXC-2 cameras have a 54-degree lens for a wide field of view, and offer 45 degrees of heat/motion sensing coverage to a maximum range of 45 feet. A feature unique to the RCX-2 camera is Dual Sensor Technology (DST™), which provides the option of 10 degrees of sensing coverage out to 90 feet. The user can choose to have the 45-degree sensor and the 10-degree sensor active at the same time.

Other key features include a silent digital shutter, “blink-of-an-eye” (less than one second) trigger speed to capture more complete images, and extremely fast recovery time – after taking a picture, the camera can recover and be ready to take another in two seconds or less, depending on setting. The system is designed to easily take the user through each program setting, step by step. The RCX Trail Camera System offers many customizable features – image file type/size, picture quality, time lapse, operation hours and separate day/night settings, among others.

The RCX camera frame is constructed for durability and to provide maximum protection for the internal components. Each camera can operate continuously for months using eight AA lithium batteries; AA alkaline batteries work as well.

RCX cameras and the controller/viewer can be purchased separately or in kits. The RCX-1 System Kit includes the camera, controller/viewer, 12-volt cable, car adapter, home adapter, USB cable, AA battery pack cartridge tray (batteries not included), lithium-ion battery (for the controller/viewer), six hex standoffs for mounting and a mounting strap. The RCX-2 System Kit offers the same items, plus a lock-down security plate and screws.

For more information, visit a local dealer, go to www.leupold.com or call 1-800-LEUPOLD.

In recent years, accuracy-avid hunters and shooters have made Vanguard® rifles the top seller in Weatherby’s firearms line. Weatherby now takes the performance of Vanguard to an even higher level with the new Series 2 (S2), which is guaranteed to shoot SUB-MOA (a three-shot group of .99-inch or less) with factory or premium ammunition.

Scheduled for a Spring 2011 introduction in blued and stainless versions, the Vanguard S2 rifle features a new two-stage Match Quality Target Trigger. The trigger has an auxiliary sear for a “creep free” consistent let-off and pre-set sear engagement at .008-.012. It is adjustable for weight of pull down to 2.5 pounds.

“Our new S2 incorporates the most significant changes to Vanguard rifles since they were first introduced in the early 1970s,” said company President Ed Weatherby. “An outstanding new trigger, a more current look and a written SUB-MOA accuracy guarantee make the S2 a tremendous value, with all the flat-shooting, hard-hitting performance expected of a Weatherby.”

The Vanguard S2 sports a new Griptonite™ stock with the traditional Weatherby profile that allows quick eye-to-scope alignment and fast target acquisition. Constructed of modern materials, the stock has non-slip panels and a right-side palm swell for improved handling and control. Also new is the metalwork’s matte bead blast finish on both the blued and stainless versions.

Other added features include a 3-position safety, and a trigger housing constructed from aluminum alloy to reduce weight. The Vanguard S2 has a 24-inch barrel and weighs approximately 7.25 pounds. Like all Vanguard rifles, the S2 is based on the legendary Mark V® action. The Vanguard action has a one- piece machined bolt, fully enclosed bolt sleeve and three rings of steel surrounding the casehead for an extra measure of strength and structural integrity.

1605 Commerce Way • Paso Robles, California 93446-3644 • 805-227-2600 • Fax (805) 237-0427 www.weatherby.com

The Vanguard S2 blued version will be available in 15 calibers: .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .25-06 Remington, .257 Weatherby Mag., .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Mag., .300 Weatherby Mag., .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester, .338 Winchester Mag., 7mm-08 Remington, 7mm Remington Mag., .270 Winchester Short Mag. and .300 Winchester Short Mag.

The stainless version will be offered in .223 Remington, .243 Winchester, .257 Weatherby Mag., .270 Winchester, .300 Winchester Mag., .300 Weatherby Mag., .30-06 Springfield and 7mm Remington Mag. Retail prices are expected to be around $450 for the Vanguard S2 blued version and $600 for the stainless. Right-hand models only.

For more information, contact a local Weatherby dealer, call the company at (805) 227-2600 or visit www.weatherby.com.

Taurus Introduces the Raging Judge in New Caliber
MIAMI – Personal protection, home defense and sport shooting are easy work for the latest Taurus® Raging Judge that fires the larger, more powerful 28-gauge shotshell. The first Judge of its kind is ready to take on whatever comes your way. Whatever “it” happens to be.

The Taurus Raging Judge in 28 gauge comes equipped with the distinctive “Raging Bull” cushioned insert grip for reduced felt recoil and its strong, ordnance grade steel frame is built to take everything the revolver dishes out. Additional features include a single-action/double-action trigger and highly visible fiber optic front sight.

Available in blued or matte stainless finish with a 6.5 inch barrel, the Raging Judge in 28 gauge has overall length 13.75 inches and weighs 67 ounces. Like all Taurus handguns, the unique onboard Taurus Security System® allows users to securely lock the gun using an inconspicuous key-lock.

Beginning as a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil more than sixty years ago, Taurus has become a diversified, international company celebrating resounding success as one of the world’s leading small arms manufacturers. In 1941 the company produced its first revolver, and in 1984 changed the industry forever by offering customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY™, posting record growth every year since. For additional information about Taurus and its complete line of products, visit www.taurususa.com. High-resolution images are available for download at www.taurusdownloads.com.

MIAMI – Personal protection, home defense and sport shooting are easy work for the latest Taurus® Raging Judge that fires the larger, more powerful 28-gauge shotshell. The first Judge of its kind is ready to take on whatever comes your way. Whatever “it” happens to be.

The Taurus Raging Judge in 28 gauge comes equipped with the distinctive “Raging Bull” cushioned insert grip for reduced felt recoil and its strong, ordnance grade steel frame is built to take everything the revolver dishes out. Additional features include a single-action/double-action trigger and highly visible fiber optic front sight.

Available in blued or matte stainless finish with a 6.5 inch barrel, the Raging Judge in 28 gauge has overall length 13.75 inches and weighs 67 ounces. Like all Taurus handguns, the unique onboard Taurus Security System® allows users to securely lock the gun using an inconspicuous key-lock.

Beginning as a small tool manufacturer in Porto Alegre, Brazil more than sixty years ago, Taurus has become a diversified, international company celebrating resounding success as one of the world’s leading small arms manufacturers. In 1941 the company produced its first revolver, and in 1984 changed the industry forever by offering customers an unqualified LIFETIME REPAIR POLICY™, posting record growth every year since. For additional information about Taurus and its complete line of products, visit www.taurususa.com. High-resolution images are available for download at www.taurusdownloads.com.