By Courtney Nicolson – Associate Director Marketing & Communications, Sportsmen’s Alliance
You’ve got a big game animal on the ground, congratulations! Now what? You’ve got some work on your hands, or perhaps instead, to hand off to a local wild game processor. Here’s some tips for deciding when and where to DIY and when to utilize a butcher.
“It was the heat of the moment…”, I don’t remember the next line of that not so famous classic rock song but that was the relevant message here. While eastern and northern hunters might not begin their big game hunting season until well into fall or winter, out west and down south, hunters start their season closer and closer to summer. Get a big bull elk down with your bow on and you will be battling not only the sweltering temperatures, but insects as well. You need to get that animal gutted and cooled down as soon as possible. Rushing to a wild game butcher’s hanging cooler might be the best course of action. In the winter, a deer can be hung in a home garage and slowly processed quarter by quarter over a few days while staying cool. It can be a challenge to keep meat at a proper temperature with ice for long periods of time. Read more
It’s almost turkey time! Check your fall turkey drawing results online at eLicense or in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or call 517-284-9453 (WILD) to see if you were successful and to buy your license.
Leftover turkey licenses will go on sale to those who applied but were unsuccessful in the drawing on, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m. All remaining leftover licenses will go on sale Aug. 28 at 10 a.m. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tampa, FL – B&T USA is excited to announce that due to continual requests by those familiar with the project, we have been persuaded to produce a limited number of integrally suppressed APC9K SD2 models complete with its scalable suppressor system. This variant was submitted for consideration during the United States Army Sub Compact Weapon (SCW) trials, with said branch ultimately selecting B&T USA’s APC9K and awarding it the SCW Contract.
“To win a US Government contract, you must submit a product that as closely meets their defined specifications as possible — not necessarily what you think the end user needs or even a product that is scalable to best suit its future needs — as was the case with the SD2; the advanced platform was not what the Army required in 2019, but one we anticipate it may in the future” said Chris Mudgett, Vice President of Marketing, B&T USA. “At less than 15-inches in overall length, the APC9K SD2 is the shortest integrally suppressed submachine gun currently available. It is optimized for low visibility carriage and discreet deployment; while delivering unsurpassed accuracy, controllability, and ergonomics. With its advanced scalable suppressor system, the SD2 is a solution for your future mission.” Read more
Gunnison, Utah – Christensen Arms, manufacturer of state-of-the-art precision firearms and carbon fiber barrels, is pleased to announce that now through October they are offering up to $750 worth of premium gear with the purchase of a qualifying rifle.
Purchasers of eligible firearms will be provided with a unique gift card code for premium gear selections via the Christensen Arms online store. In addition to items such as bipods, rings, and carbon fiber barrels already available through their web store, Christensen Arms has joined forces with esteemed partners such as Leupold Optics, Mystery Ranch, Half Face Blades, Uncharted Supply, and others to provide customers with an even greater selection of top tier products.
“We’ve tailor-made this promotion for our passionate Christensen Arms customer base,” said Willie Vernon, Executive Vice President of Marketing, Christensen Arms. “By partnering up with other premium brands, we’re able to offer our customers an incredible opportunity to help make this season one for the books.” Read more
RAPID CITY, SD – National Bowhunter Education Foundation (NBEF) continues to sponsor the National Archery In The Schools Program (NASP®) as a way to introduce young archers to bowhunting.
NBEF is a 2023 sponsor of the 1st Place High School Team Scholarship at the NASP® National Tournament in Louisville. The NBEF contributed a total of $12,000 toward scholarships. NBEF also donated two Genesis bows proudly adorned with the NBEF logo to the winning school for use in future archery instruction.
By exhibiting at the NASP Eastern Nationals, NBEF shares information about its safety and success-focused bowhunter ed classes and informational materials with the thousands of NASP® participants, their coaches and families.
“These NASP® events and scholarship sponsorships are a wonderful way for us to engage with young archery enthusiasts and invite them to learn about bowhunting,” explained Marilyn Bentz, NBEF Executive Director. “For many it’s a natural extension of their interest in archery and conservation. NBEF solidly supports the NASP® organization and will continue to help move the program forward.”
NASP®’s mission is to promote instruction in international-style target archery as part of in-school curriculum, to improve educational performance and participation in the shooting sports among students in grades 4-12. Read more
BELLEVUE, WA –Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation and its partners in a federal challenge of Maryland’s expanded “sensitive places” law, have filed a reply brief, supporting their earlier motion for summary judgment and opposing the state’s summary judgment request.
The case, known as Novotny v. Moore, was filed earlier this year against the law, which places broad restrictions on where a legally-licensed private citizen may carry a firearm for personal protection. SAF is joined in the case by Maryland Shall Issue, the Firearms Policy Coalition and three private citizens, all of whom possess “wear and carry permits,” including Susan Burke of Reisterstown, Esther Rossberg of Baltimore, and Katherine Novotny of Aberdeen, for whom the lawsuit is named. They are represented by attorneys David H. Thompson and Peter A. Patterson at Cooper & Kirk in Washington, D.C., Mark W. Pennak at Maryland Shall Issue in Baltimore, and Matthew Larosiere from Lake Worth, Fla.
The lawsuit, filed in May, focuses on SB1, a bill signed by Gov. Wesley Moore, which added new restrictions on where legally-licensed citizens may carry firearms for personal protection. SAF and its partners maintain that Maryland is attempting to wildly expand so-called “sensitive places” in an attempt to prohibit lawful, licensed concealed carry in almost every venue in the state outside of someone’s home or business.
“Maryland is desperately clinging to its belief it can continue to impair the rights of law-abiding citizens who are legally licensed to carry in public for their personal protection,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “Maryland lawmakers are trying hard to not comply with either the spirit or the letter of the Supreme Court ruling last year in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen and instead are almost literally fighting tooth-and-nail to perpetuate restrictions they know are no longer permissible under the Constitution.”
SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut, who is also an attorney in neighboring Pennsylvania, concurred: “Maryland’s thumb-in-the-eye reaction to the Supreme Court’s Bruen ruling is simply not compatible with this nation’s history and tradition of firearms regulation nor the rule of law. We are hopeful that the court will correct the legislature’s misstep.” Read more
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
I was stunned to learn the news that Jim Price, former Detroit Tigers catcher and World Series champion had passed away on at the age of 81. Some 29 years ago this month, I was given the opportunity to play baseball at historic Tiger Stadium on the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, where Jim orchestrated the first-ever Field of Dreams at the ol’ ballpark. I not only rubbed elbows with Tigers greats such as Willie Horton, Jim Northrup, and Jim Price, but had lunch with Radio Hall of Fame member and Tigers’ longtime announcer, Ernie Harwell. But, the biggest thrill of all was getting the nod as starting pitcher.
L-R Jim Price, me and our starting catcher meet before the first pitch
Imagine that! With 46 wild-eyed wannabees from across the nation checked in for the event – more than enough for two teams – my dream was to play outfield. In fact, during the Tigers phenomenal season and World Series triumph in 1984, I attended many games and often day-dreamed of playing just one inning in that lush, green manicured outfield. The thrill of a lifetime was upon me, however, and easily surpassed any dreams I had had.
At the age of 44 years, I had not pitched or even played hardball since I was a teen in an Oak Park city league. When Jim began counting hands of those wishing to play outfield, so many hands went up, I instantly realized that my time afield would be quite limited, if I joined them. Lots of hands went up for infield positions, as well. One player volunteered to be catcher and all that was left was to come up with three pitchers. With only two volunteers for the mound, I had run out of options and my hand went up. I was there to play and play I did.
Jim took everyone on a tour of the training room and a view into manager Sparky Anderson’s office, when a weather forecast had us dreamers onto the field under threat of rain. I had already warmed up with a teammate and headed to the mound with Willie Horton, our team’s coach, when Willie positioned himself behind the plate to catch my warm-up tosses, while the catcher got geared up. Jim came to the mound and I had to ask, “Am I supposed to let them hit it?” He barked back with an emphatic “No!”
I still possessed that speedball from my past but it was all over the place during warm-ups and the thought crossed my mind that I was going to hurt someone with a wild pitch. However, when the game began, my focus became sharp and in the two-inning stint, I had walked nobody, struck out three on the way to a one-hit shutout of Northrup’s team.
Then it happened. Our only volunteer for the catcher’s role – a big man who hadn’t played in 18 years – pulled a hamstring muscle running to first base; his dream was dashed and he was done for the weekend. As mentioned, I was there to play, and since not a single other teammate would volunteer for the catcher’s job, I grabbed it in a heartbeat; I played catcher as a teen, so it was a good fit.
Little did I know that I would reside behind the plate for the next 7 innings and for another 18 innings during the following day’s double header. Of the 46 players, I was the only one who played every minute of each game.
When Jim organized a practice session before the second day’s competition, he pitched batting practice but first made a peculiar format announcement: Catchers bat first and take as many swings as they want; all others got 5 swings. He finally had to chase me from the batters’ box, or I’d still be swinging away. Since each of our 23 players would be in the batting order during games, I made only 6 plate appearances going 3 for 5 plus a walk in the 3 games played. I had lived my dream, while gaining MVP honors from Willie Horton and teammates! It didn’t hurt to win all three games, either, under Willie’s winning attitude.
We talked baseball on the dugout steps throughout the weekend. (And, oh the stories!)
Willie Horton, Jim Price, Jim Northrup and even Ernie Harwell signed a baseball, a bat, and a hat for me and I cherish the memories of my dream weekend at the famed ballpark, whenever I look at the one-off gems.
Jim Price will always hold a special place in my heart, as I’m sure so many other dreamers feel, as well.
I’ve uploaded four videos, here, here, here and here of the Field of Dreams experience on my YouTube channel. Go ahead and turn up the volume.
Leica Sport Optics, the world-renowned pioneer in premium sports optics, is thrilled to unveil an exclusive limited-time promotion on their exceptional CRF Rangemaster models. Discerning customers seeking the ultimate in precision and performance will have the opportunity to secure remarkable discounts on these cutting-edge rangefinders, available exclusively through participating Leica Sport Optics dealers.
From August 15 to September 30, both enthusiasts and professionals have the opportunity to explore the exceptional features of Leica’s CRF Rangemaster models and save significantly. Don’t miss out on these amazing offers during this special promotion period.
Rangemaster CRF 2400-R – MSRP $599, now $549, saving $50.
Rangemaster CRF 2800.COM – MSRP $799, now $699, saving $100.
Rangemaster CRF 3500.COM – MSRP $1,299, now £1,099, saving $200. Read more
OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. — With hunting seasons getting ready to open around the country, AG Composites is pleased to announce its Summer Blow Out Sale. This Sizzling Summer Sale offers the popular Adjustable Hunter stock with the new AG M5 Bottom Metal for only $595. This is a 55 percent savings off suggested retail pricing.
Three colors are in stock and ready to ship for the Adjustable Hunter: carbon steel, carbon black & tan and Kodiak Roque. Other colors will take an additional 2-3 weeks to send the stock through the finishing and quality control processes. The AG Composites Adjustable Hunter stock offers an excellent platform for almost any application. It comes standard with a myriad of features including the following:
Short Action
Rem Clone Inlet
Right Hand
AG M5 Bottom Metal
Modified Sendero Barrel (this barrel channel is close to the Proof Sendero)
Bolt Release Notch
Extended ejection port (Port s 2.977” wide, approx. ¼” longer toward the bolt notch)
Average weight: 40 ounces
Studs in the forend installed, one swivel stud in the buttstock installed.
SnapSafe® now offers a state-of-the-art wall safe that enables users to keep their valuables safe no matter what. This innovative product, available in standard and “tall” versions, has been purposefully engineered to fit seamlessly between two wall studs on traditional 16″ on-center framing. The state-of-the-art design, coupled with unique features, aims to meet users’ needs in a way that no other product on the market can.
One of the key highlights of the in-wall storage solution is its ability to maximize usable interior space. An ingenious latch mechanism ensures every inch of the storage area remains fully optimized regardless of the shape or size of its contents. Users can now make the most of available space, storing belongings efficiently and conveniently.
The In-wall storage solution boasts a robust construction, crafted with durability and security in mind. A 16-gauge steel body ensures longevity, while an 8-gauge steel door adds an extra layer of protection. The electronic lock system, featuring a key backup, provides peace of mind, knowing that valuables are securely stored. Read more
