Attract Rare Birds

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Article by Paul Konrad

Perhaps the rarest sighting of a Red-flanked Bluetail in a backyard took place in Whiting, New Jersey, far from the species’ Asian range (photo by Thomas Gibson).
A recent surprise sighting of a Yellow Grosbeak visiting a feeding station at a ranch near Berryville, Arkansas established a First State Record for that species (photo by Johanna Beam).
While you can’t plan to attract a rare bird to your yard, you stand the best chance of attracting an off-course species by providing a variety of foods and fresh water daily. This male Calliope Hummingbird was photographed at the nectar feeder in the author’s yard, photos that documented it as the Fourth State Record (photo by Paul Konrad).

Stay Alert: It’s that time of year when new birds filter north, appearing outside your windows, foraging in your trees and on your lawn, or flying straight to your feeding station or a birdbath. New migrants will continue to appear this week through early June, and that’s expected each year; but there is another level of birding excitement that could suddenly appear in dramatic fashion – a rare bird, so rare that you may not be familiar with it at first sight. “What’s that bird?!” Well, it could be a super-surprising Yellow Grosbeak at your feeder, or a Redwing among a flock of robins, or a Red-flanked Bluetail on a nearby perch in the company of juncos! Read more

Wildlife

Federal’s Struttin’ Savings Turkey Load Rebate Program is Underway

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Federal Ammunition’s Struttin’ Savings rebate for hunting springtime gobblers is underway, and the promotion will run until May 31, 2025. Wild turkey hunters can now buy Federal Premium turkey loads and get up to $100 back.

To take advantage of this rebate, customers must purchase Federal’s Strut-Shok to receive a $3.00 rebate per box or buy Federal Premium Grand Slam, 3rd Degree, or HEAVYWEIGHT TSS to receive $5 per box back.

A minimum purchase of two (2) boxes is required, with a maximum rebate of $100.00 per person or household. Valid purchases must be made from March 1 through May 31, 2025. The deadline for submission of this rebate offer is June 30, 2025. Read more

Ammunition

Smith & Wesson Expands M&P10MM M2.0 Series with Compliant Models

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MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, is pleased to announce the addition of three 10-round compliant pistols from the M&P10MM M2.0 series.

In response at the time, to the growing demand of this popular caliber, Smith & Wesson expanded the M&P M2.0 line and paired 10mm with the enhanced features of the M2.0 series. This included a newly designed flat-face trigger, optics cut slide with the C.O.R.E.™ plate system, and the choice of an ambidextrous manual thumb safety. In addition to these upgrades, models are currently available with a 4-inch or 4.6-inch barrel, ship with four interchangeable palmswell inserts with improved grip texture, and include a spare magazine.

Following the release of the M&P10MM M2.0 pistols, Smith & Wesson then gave the series the Performance Center® treatment. The result was a smooth-shooting, full-size model, that includes a 5.6-inch ported barrel to reduce muzzle rise, optic-height tritium night sights for a clear picture in low-light conditions, and Performance Center tuned flat-face trigger with a crisp break and audible reset.

Starting today, consumers will have the option to purchase a 4-inch or 4.6-inch full-size M&P10mm M2.0, and a ported 5.6-inch full-size Performance Center model in a 10-round capacity. Whether for hunting, self-defense, or on the range – M&P10MM delivers when you need it the most. Read more

Firearms

CCW Safe Covers Church Security Teams During Self-Defense Incidents

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During this Lenten Season, Churches can utilize a single payer option for the Volunteer Security Team members at the Designated House of Worship or sponsored Events.

CCW Safe supports houses of worship across the United States in their efforts to prioritize the safety of their congregations with its House of Worship Volunteer Security Team plan. With over 300,000 Christian houses of worship preparing for increased attendance during the Lenten season and Easter Sunday, the need for effective security measures has never been more critical.

Easter Sunday is a time of celebration and community, but it can also present unique challenges. As congregations gather to commemorate this significant occasion, houses of worship can become potential targets for threats. CCW Safe recognizes this reality and is committed to providing churches with the resources they need to ensure a safe environment for their members.

“CCW Safe wants you to protect your congregation with its House of Worship Volunteer Security Team plan this Easter,” said CCW Safe President Kent Brown. “We created this Volunteer Security Plan to help Houses of Worship provide safety and security in a way that doesn’t put monetary impact on volunteer staff. Volunteer security teams should not be afraid to defend themselves and fellow attendees. We believe that every church should have the means to create a secure environment where worshippers can focus on their faith without fear.”

From the first instance of a mass shooting of a faith-based property in 1963, it has been recorded that 13.3% of all hate crimes are religiously motivated and 46% of House of Worship shooters have stated religious hate as their primary motivation. Read more

Self Defense

Tariff Announcements Impact the Sportfishing Industry

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Over the past week, the Trump Administration has taken several actions related to trade that will impact the sportfishing industry. These include new tariffs on critical components used in the manufacturing of sportfishing tackle and accessories.

Citing failures to adequately address fentanyl shipments, President Donald Trump announced that the February 1 previously announced, and subsequently delayed, 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico will come into effect on March 4, 2025. He also stated that the 10% additional tariff on Chinese imports that went into effect on February 4 would be increased to 20% on March 4, 2025. Read more

Fishing

Guns.com and National Association for Gun Rights Announce Ultimate EDC Giveaway

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$5,000 in Prizes, Including a SIG SAUER P365 XL Spectre Custom Package

Guns.com and the National Association for Gun Rights (NAGR) are excited to announce the Ultimate EDC Giveaway, and a chance to win a $5,000 prize package featuring a custom SIG SAUER P365 kit, 1,000 rounds of 9mm range ammo, a lifetime membership to NAGR, and many other incredible prizes.

The giveaway runs through March 31, 2025, allowing eligible participants to win a complete everyday carry package to equip their journey to protect and defend themselves and those around them.

“We at the National Association for Gun Rights are proud to partner with Guns.com and our allies in the firearms industry to help more Americans exercise their right to bear arms,” states Ronnie Adkins, industry relations director for the National Association for Gun Rights. “As we continue our fight for Nationwide Constitutional Carry—just as we have successfully helped pass it in the large majority of the 29 states that have adopted it—we want more law-abiding citizens prepared to defend their families and freedoms alongside us.”

The grand prize package, valued at $5,000, includes:

  • SIG SAUER P365 XL Spectre Custom EDC Package (Holosun 407K-X2, Streamlight TLR-7 Sub, Sig Sauer protective case, and additional magazines)
  • 1,000 Rounds of 9mm 115GR Komanda range ammo
  • NAGR Lifetime Membership
  • Microtech Ultratech Knife
  • Wasson Automatic Field Watch
  • WileyX Glasses (Founder, Saber Advanced, Recon)
  • QVO Tactical Custom Holster
  • North American Rescue Mini First Aid Kit

“Coming together with the National Association for Gun Rights and other incredible industry partners for this giveaway will help one lucky winner advance their commitment to responsible concealed carry,” states Dave Conlan, brand manager of Guns.com. “We’re committed to providing the Second Amendment community with the best online shopping experience in the industry and are grateful to our partners who make it possible.”

Eligible participants may enter the giveaway by visiting the Guns.com contest page https://www.guns.com/contest. Terms and conditions apply. The giveaway concludes on March 31, 2025, and the winner will be announced shortly after. Read more

Contests, Firearms

Campground pay pipe thief headed to circuit court in Luce County (U.P. MI)

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March 4, 2025

GW:  I spoke to the main ranger for campgrounds such as Ess Lake, Avery Lake and others in the northern Lower Peninsula about such crimes in his jurisdiction.  They got their man, too.  Surveillance cameras:  not just for hunting anymore.  Mr. Spitzley now becomes the most recent entry into my shameful “poachers” category.

An Eaton County man is scheduled for an upcoming circuit court appearance in Luce County on 13 charges, including a dozen felonies, stemming from an investigation into state forest campground pay pipe thefts that occurred over the past two years.

Justyn Mark Spitzley, 36, of Sunfield was arrested on a 13-count warrant and arraigned Feb. 14 in Luce County District Court. He is charged with felony larceny of $1,000 to $20,000, 11 felony counts of breaking and entering a coin-operated device and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked license. Read more

Poachers

Mexican Wolf Population Grows for Ninth Consecutive Year

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2024 population survey revealed a minimum of 286 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico

The wild population of Mexican wolves saw another year of growth in 2024, according to the results of the annual census.

The 2024 population survey revealed a minimum of 286 Mexican wolves distributed across Arizona and New Mexico. This increase marks the ninth consecutive year of population growth, the longest continuous streak since recovery efforts began.

The 2024 minimum count represents an 11% increase from the minimum of 257 wolves counted in 2023. Survey results show the population is distributed with a minimum of 162 wolves in New Mexico and 124 in Arizona. Read more

Wildlife

Spring Classic Fishing Sale Offers Best savings and Family Fun at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s

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The biggest fishing sale of the year offers anglers big bargains, free family friendly events and an opportunity to support conservation efforts

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s is gearing up for one of the most exciting times of the year – the spring fishing season – with the largest nationwide sale of the year, the 2025 Spring Classic Fishing Sale.

This annual event runs from March 6 through March 26, and is a free celebration of the great sport of fishing for anglers and families of all experience and skill levels.

Rod and reel trade-ins for a great cause and big savings Read more

Fishing, Promotions

North Dakota’s 2024 Bighorn Sheep, Moose and Elk Harvests

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Harvest statistics released by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department show overall hunter success during the 2024 season was 100% for bighorn sheep, 92% for moose and 64% for elk.

The department issued six bighorn sheep licenses and auctioned one. All seven hunters harvested bighorn rams.

The department issued 238 moose licenses last year. Of that total, 229 hunters harvested 210 animals – 125 bulls and 85 cows/calves. Harvest for each unit follows: Read more

Hunting
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