FWC (Florida) reminds vessel owners to secure their boats and have a plan in place for impending severe weather
Preparing for a natural disaster can be stressful, there are so many important things to think of and consider. Taking time to prepare well in advance of an impending storm reduces risk to life and property. In addition to their loved ones and property, Florida’s boat owners and operators have more to be concerned about. The following informational resources have been gathered by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to help boaters prepare for storms and to have a guide to deal with the aftermath.
Move your vessel if you can and protect it if you can’t Read more
A 7% drop in population estimates underscores need for continued conservation
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Aug. 18, 2023 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)released its report on 2023 Waterfowl Population Status based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and other partners.
Total populations were estimated at 32.3 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, a 7% drop from 2022’s estimate of 34.7 million and 9% below the long-term average (since 1955).
DU Chief Scientist Dr. Steve Adair said the overall numbers reflect a complex relationship between waterfowl, weather and habitat availability.
“These results are somewhat disappointing, as we had hoped for better production from the eastern prairies following improved moisture conditions in spring of 2022,” Adair said. “Last year’s nesting season was delayed with April snowstorms and May rains which likely impacted overall production. In the past, we have seen population growth lag moisture conditions as small, shallow wetlands recover from the lingering impacts of severe drought.”
CAMP PERRY, Ohio – Those searching for unique activities during the fall months should look to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP), headquartered on the grounds of Camp Perry near Port Clinton. Dedicated to firearm safety and training for all, the CMP has designed a variety of competitive and learning opportunities available to the public that aren’t just for practical purposes – they’re also fun!
Indoor Air Gun Range and Olympic Displays:
The Gary Anderson CMP Competition Center, located on Camp Perry, is the perfect location for visitors of any age to explore. Open to the public each week, the facility houses an indoor 80-point electronic air gun range formatted for the use of both air rifles and air pistols. The air guns are propelled by compressed air, expelling virtually no kick back and little sound, making them ideal for young and old participants alike. Guests may bring their own air guns (as long as they are .177 cal. with muzzle velocities of 600 fps or less) or rent from the CMP. Outside of the range, the building offers several displays of Olympic memorabilia from the career of two-time gold medalist, Gary Anderson, as well as other amenities. The facility may also be rented for parties, group building sessions and more! Visit https://thecmp.org/ranges/cmp-competition-centers/ for more information. Read more
TALLADEGA, Ala. – Reserve your spot now at the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Premier Shooting Expo! The tradeshow event, open to the public as well as to retailers, is set for Oct. 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the CMP Talladega Marksmanship Park in Alabama.
The Premier Shooting Expo will feature an assortment of vendor booths, food trucks and more extended throughout the rifle, pistol, shotgun and archery areas of the 500-acre Talladega facility. Consumers will have the chance to walk the grounds and engage in various interactive displays – free to test out products in a hands-on environment.
If you’re thinking of stopping out, don’t miss CMP’s discounted tickets and giveaways! Those who purchase a ticket before Sept. 1 ($75) and after Sept. 1 ($100) will receive a free range pass ($90 value) as well as a certificate for $200 off a pair of Hunters HD Gold glasses!
On the other side of the booth, participating vendors will not only have the opportunity to personally showcase their products to guests but will also be able to broaden their outreach through the numerous media outlets in attendance throughout the day!
Both marksmanship and non-marksmanship vendors are welcome and encouraged to attend the Expo. Vendor setup will be held Oct. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Businesses currently on the attendance list include GLOCK, Creedmoor, Crosman Corp, Volquartsen Firearms, SDS Imports and many more. Read more
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Back in the ‘70s, I became familiar with an expert in the art of handgun hunting, Bob Milek. His skills intrigued me to the point that I purchased the ultimate handgun designed for hunting or target shooting: the Thompson/Center Contender single-shot pistol. Its interchangeable barrel configuration allows the firearm to be converted from the most diminutive rimfire cartridges to dangerous game calibers typically found only in big-game rifles. Although the pistol is no longer produced, they are still widely available.
Below: I shoot the Custom Contender with 500-grain Hornady round nose.
Although the Contender was designed for the hunter, Michigan initially excluded single-shot pistols from use afield in Zone III – the Southern zone. Imagine the thinking, or lack thereof, behind the ban. I couldn’t understand our lawmakers’ logic, but a year later they came to their senses and made them legal with straight-wall cartridges similar to today’s laws for long guns in Zone III. Over the years, I’ve used pistols to take everything from small game to whitetail deer with various calibers from .22 long rifle to sledgehammer-like .45/70 caliber custom loads.
T/C Contender in .45/70 Custom JDJ Barrel and EOTech Optic
Here is the law relative to hunting with pistols in Michigan: A conventional (smokeless powder) handgun must be .35-caliber or larger and loaded with straight-walled cartridges and may be single- or multiple-shot but cannot exceed a maximum capacity of nine rounds in the barrel and magazine combined. Note that this rule differs from that of rifles in Zone III in that there are no cartridge case length restrictions.
If you decide to test your skills afield with a pistol, here are some tips to get the job done.
* Eye and ear protection is highly recommended. Electronic ear muffs are a good option.
* Hunting from a tree stand or raised platform is legal with pistols. To steady shots, treestand safety rails make for good shooting rests. Make sure there is padding on the rail; any hard surface rest is to be avoided.
* If hunting from an enclosed shooting blind, use of sandbags or a bipod is recommended.
* If still hunting, look for trees as rests when pausing, using your off hand for support. Another option is to employ commercial shooting sticks, but some folks fashion their own to save money.
* Unless one hunts in confined areas where shots are within 50 yards or less, having a scoped handgun will increase accuracy. Typically, long-eye relief scopes are used, but limit the magnification to a maximum of 6 power or less. Anything greater can cause a hunter to fumble with locating targets in the heat of the moment.
* Consider red dot optics without any magnifying lens for quick target acquisition. Aimpoint and EOTech optics are some of the finest on the market and are worth a look, although pricey.
T/C Contender with EOTech Optic
* Holsters are a must to keep both hands free to climb or otherwise traverse the landscape.
In summary, handgun hunting can be rewarding for those seeking a challenge. However, the 9 out of 10 rule always applies: You must be able to keep shots within a conservative bull’s eye of 6 inches in diameter 9 out of 10 shots. If you can’t, get closer to the target until you meet the critical, self-imposed ethical standards.
LITTLE ROCK – Nearly three-quarters of a million dollars is available for Arkansas schools this year, thanks to a partnership between the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission’s Division of Rural Services to turn poaching violations into education opportunities.
All wildlife and fishing fine money collected in each Arkansas county last year has been set aside by the AGFC specifically for education grants teachers may use to increase conservation education efforts in their school. The money is available through grants administered by AEDC.
Teachers and administrators have until Oct. 25 to apply for a conservation education grant at www.arkansasedc.com/rural-services/division/grants/wildlife-education-grant. The amount of money available in each county is based upon the fines collected in that county and any unused funds from previous years. Any school or conservation district in Arkansas may apply for these grants regardless of size or population. Read more
Now on A1F.com: Johnny Joey Jones, a retired U.S. Marine, FOX Nation host and recent author, has some poignant and penetrating things to say about gun control in the military, about our freedom and more in this video interview at A1F.com.
Find this and other stories related to your right to keep and bear arms at A1F.com.
Two days after filing a federal lawsuit challenging a so-called “Red Flag” law in Maryland, the Second Amendment Foundation is announcing the launch of a new project to take subsequent legal actions against similar laws in several states.
This new initiative is called “Capture the Flag,” and it will focus on abuses and mis-application of “Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO)” statutes which have been adopted by 21 states and the District of Columbia.
“SAF’s ‘Capture the Flag’ initiative looks to challenge these laws that deprive individuals of their right to keep and bear arms, where appropriate, based on evidentiary standards that are constitutionally impermissible,” explained SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut, who is a practicing civil rights attorney.
Kraut said the project will initially focus on “Red Flag” laws in six states: California, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Washington.
“SAF has been concerned about these statutes since they first started showing up,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “We have already taken legal action against officials in Maryland for an egregious abuse of the law against a citizen in Dorchester County. But all of these laws should raise alarms because they prioritize citizen disarmament ahead of due process, and that can easily lead to deprivation of rights under color of law.” Read more
The innovative SnapSafe® Trunk Safe II offers the ultimate storage solution for a variety of tools, firearms, equipment, documents, and more. The SnapSafe Trunk Safe II remains the unrivaled solution for theft protection in any car trunk, RV, or home. This exceptional safe ensures the utmost security for valuable possessions.
The SnapSafe Trunk Safe II boasts a heavy-duty 13-gauge steel exterior, reinforced by a rugged six-gauge door equipped with eight interior locking lugs. This formidable construction guarantees unparalleled strength and resilience, creating a fortified barrier against unauthorized access and potential theft.
This remarkable safe ensures seamless operation without compromising performance and is engineered with internal hinges and premium gas shocks. Users can effortlessly access stored items with smooth precision as the door glides open with ease, reflecting the superior craftsmanship of the SnapSafe Trunk Safe II. Read more
BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in a challenge of the “Final Rule” issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives redefining frames and receivers as firearms, have filed an appellee’s brief in the case, known as VanDerStok v. Garland.
Joining SAF are Defense Distributed, and JSD Supply. They are represented by Houston, Texas attorney Chad Flores.
The brief explains how ATF redefined the term “firearm” without any Congressional action. Last year, the agency announced a Rule expanding the definition of firearm to include unfinished firearm components and kits used in the process of manufacturing a firearm. SAF and its partners are asserting ATF violated the Administrative Procedures Act (APA). A federal district court judge agreed and concluded that ATF had acted in excess of its statutory authority, and granted summary judgment.
SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb recently promised the organization will pursue this case “vigorously” as it winds through the court system.
“This case challenges the authority of the ATF to change rules and definitions of firearms without Congressional authority,” Gottlieb said. “We simply cannot allow any federal agency to make up its own rules as it goes along, without Congressional approval.” Read more
