USDA Forest Service Report Highlights Threats to Forest, Rangeland Health

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service has published a report that provides a snapshot of current U.S. forest and rangeland conditions and projects conditions 50 years into the future. The Resources Planning Act Assessment report uses a mixture of scientific, climate and economic projections to identify drivers of change, resources and trends across all land ownerships, as well as summarize probable outcomes for nature-based economies.

The Resources Planning Act Assessment is published every decade with mid-decade updates and can be used to inform policies, management decisions and research efforts. Resources covered include forests, rangelands, urban forests, forest products, carbon, fish and wildlife, biodiversity, outdoor recreation, water, and the effects of socioeconomic and climate change. The Forest Service uses the assessment and other tools, to help inform efforts like land management plans, which set the long-term management direction and guidance for each national forest and grassland.

“This assessment provides a critical window into the risks facing our forests, rangelands, and communities across the U.S. now and into the future. Socioeconomic changes and the effects of a changing climate are leading to shifts in disturbances, including wildfires, that strain our natural resources and leads to increasing challenges for land managers and owners,” said Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. “Projections made years ago are now proving accurate, with forests in many states, particularly in the Intermountain West, slowly becoming net emitters of carbon. The Forest Service, boosted by extraordinary investments and grounded in the type of sound science this assessment provides, is working to tackle these issues through such efforts as implementing the wildfire crisis strategy, increasing reforestation, and working across ownership boundaries. This requires a national all-in effort today to mitigate the projected issues of tomorrow and in the future.” Read more

Wildlife

Gearing Up For Dove: onX Marks The Spot

From – Paul Erhardt, Managing Editor, the Outdoor Wire Digital Network

One of the most valuable hunting tools available today is the GPS.

The ability to identify exactly where you are out in the wild, where your best hunting spots are, where your game cameras are, and where your hunting buddies are, is critical both for a successful hunt, but also from a safety standpoint.

Long gone are the days of carrying a compass and having to master land navigation – though that’s a helluva skill to have, so don’t dismiss the old school approach.

Today’s hunters have gone high-tech. And with the nearly universal acceptance and use of smartphones, with their built-in GPS capability, the phone is replacing the handheld GPS in locales where cell service is available.

Why carry a specific piece of additional gear whose tech is already replicated on your phone? Especially if it’s on your phone in the form of an app that is designed for hunting.

For hunters of all skill and experience levels the onX Hunt app is an ideal solution for searching and mapping your hunts. And because it sits right on your phone it adds exactly zero extra pounds, or even ounces, to your hunting load out.

I have the onX app, and I use it. I am far from a super-user because my needs are fairly limited in scope. As a dove hunter I need to confirm my distance from the nearest structures and roads. I also need to mark my hunting spots, though none are what I would call a ‘prime spot.’

And since I live in Arizona, and I need to be out there and ready to hunt 30 minutes before sunrise, it’s kind of important I have my route mapped out. I am not hunting in a sunflower field – or any kind of field for that matter – but in the desert. A rocky terrain pockmarked with areas of uneven footing due to monsoon season erosion.

I prepped specifically for dove season the first year I used the onX app by walking the best, least restricted route to my spot and marking key points along the way so I’d know I was on the right path and not about to stumble down a four-foot drop in the dark to take a face full of rocks, or worse, cactus.

Knowing exactly where I was going in the early morning darkness is arguably a trivial thing, but after several seasons of high school basketball I have become a big fan of no spraining my ankle…particularly if it happens to be on Opening Day.

onX has two tiers for their Hunt app. The Premium level is what I used in the past and is limited to a single state for a $29.99 annual fee. This gave me access to Arizona’s land ownership maps, 3D, satellite, topo, and hybrid basemaps.

It also allowed for offline maps, customizable waypoints with optimal wind and is accessible on iOS and Android phones, as well as a desktop.

However, for this upcoming dove season I will be using the Elite membership version of the app which has several more features starting with access to nationwide land ownership maps, and Canada hunting maps…not that I plan on hunting in Canada, but one never knows.

The Elite membership has other advanced tools such as their Terrain X 3D Viewer, recent imagery, and Route Builder.

The Elite membership is $99.99 annually, and while it is far more than I need it does give me some cool features to test. The route builder is top of my list of features to try since with the Premium version I just dropped waypoints, which certainly worked but this will be better.

onX has recently announced a host of new features available in the app, and while they may be a bit of overkill for my purposes, they will be a welcome addition for hunters who are far more serious about hunting season than I am.

The new features available in the onX Hunt app are a veritable smorgasbord for hunters looking to maximize their time in the field. Read more

Hunting

Montana Surplus Elk Permits Available to Sign Up

Hunters interested in signing up for elk permits left over from the permit drawing can do so between today, July 21, and Aug. 4. This new process for the sale of surplus licenses began in 2020 in response to issues in years past. The old process was vulnerable to long lag times, confusion, and a perception of inequity for those unable to use the first-come, first-served online option starting at 5 a.m.

There is no prerequisite required to sign up for these permits, but if you are selected to purchase one you MUST hold a general elk license. Read more

Hunting

Trijicon Brings Back Thermal Riflescope Optics Promotion

Trijicon Inc., global provider of innovative aiming solutions to military, law enforcement and individual consumers, is excited to announce that now through October 31, 2023, consumers who purchase any new REAP-IR® or IR-HUNTER® through a Trijicon Electro Optics retailer, will be eligible to receive a free Trijicon Tenmile® riflescope (select models valued up to $2,310).

The promotion will be managed online at TrijiconEOpromo.com, where consumers can find terms and conditions along with the required proof of purchase information. Upon purchase of a new REAP-IR 3 or IR-HUNTER 2 model, consumers can visit the website to select their preferred Trijicon Tenmile long-range rifle scope from three options:

  • Tenmile 5-25×50 SFP MRAD – MSRP: $2,100
  • Tenmile HX 5-25×50 SFP MOA – MSRP: $2,100
  • Tenmile HX 3-18×44 FFP MOA – MSRP: $2,310

Eligible consumers should allow 8–10 weeks for receipt of their Trijicon Tenmile riflescope after submitting all required information. Read more

Optics

Primary Weapons Systems Releases Limited Edition MK113 ALPHA Rifle

A limited run of the MK113 Alpha Rifle is now available for purchase from PWS.

Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) has recently released the limited edition MK113 Alpha Rifle. This is welcome news for those who have been fans of PWS for many years, as the Alpha is an exclusive recreation of the PWS original Mark I Alpha, originally released in 2018. Only 250 of these rifles have been made, and each ships with a certificate of authenticity and a unique challenge coin. This rifle is a must-have for collectors and PWS enthusiasts alike.

The Alpha is unique compared to the rest of the PWS lineup due to a combination of fine-tuned enhancements. With a 1:7 twist rate, the Alpha offers exceptional stability for heavy bullets, ensuring unparalleled accuracy and performance. The construction of this rifle is of the highest quality, featuring robust steel plates and screws for a rock-solid rail assembly. Additionally, the gas adjustment knob takes a strategic shift, now positioned in front of the rail, providing convenient access and no need for an adjustment tool. These many carefully engineered modifications make the Alpha completely embody the PWS commitment to innovation, delivering a truly exceptional firearm. Read more

Firearms

Davidson’s Offers Upgraded Pietta Single-Action Exclusives

Davidson’s, one of the nation’s top firearms, ammunition, optics, and accessories wholesalers, has teamed once again with Pietta, Italy, to create eight new exclusive offerings.

Pietta is known worldwide for their authentic historical firearms reproductions. Davidson’s is pleased to partner with an Italian firearms company that has such a rich history and continues to develop exclusive firearms with them.

Following on the success of earlier Davidson’s Exclusive single-action 1873 Western single-action revolvers, these upgraded exclusives feature color case hardened frames and either brass trigger guard, front and backstraps, or steel. The sights are the open fixed type with a notch at rear and a bladed front. These 1873 models feature the traditional four-click hammer.

In contrast to earlier exclusive 1873 Western revolvers, these new exclusives additionally feature fluted cylinders and two-piece walnut grips. Read more

Firearms

Springfield Armory Announces Release of Model 2020 Rimfire

Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the release of the Model 2020 Rimfire family. Offered in both wood-stocked and synthetic-stocked versions, the blued Model 2020 Rimfire in .22 LR offers shooters a refined bolt-action rifle with all the quality and performance you’ve come to expect from Springfield Armory.

The Model 2020 Rimfire bolt-action rifle is offered in two primary versions — the wood-stocked Classic Model and the synthetic-stocked Target Model. The Classic is offered in four grades of Turkish walnut with a satin finish, while the Target features a reinforced polymer stock modeled after the popular Model 2020 Waypoint.

Featuring premium Turkish Walnut, the Classic Model is offered in four grades of wood: Select Satin, Grade A, Grade AA, and Grade AAA. Each grade of wood offers classic style and craftsmanship, allowing you to choose the degree of figure and grain to suit your style. The Target Model’s synthetic stock is offered in either black or sage with black webbing finishes and has a target-style configuration.

Dual standard sling swivels on the Model 2020 Rimfire give shooters twin interface points for the sling of their choice. The rifle’s rubber recoil pad, artfully shaped and contoured with the lines of the rifle, shoulders intuitively and comfortably. In addition, a length of pull of 13.45” ensures the maximum in handling and performance.

Outperforming other rifles in its class, the bolt-action Model 2020 Rimfire action features dual cocking cams and a hard chrome bolt for smooth cycling and flawless operation. The 60-degree bolt throw enhances speed and ease of use while the interrupted picatinny rail delivers a solid foundation for the optic of your choice. A threaded bolt handle also allows for customization by the shooter. Read more

Firearms

Dept. of the Interior Announces Nearly $300 Million to Support and Expand Local Outdoor Recreation

Policy updates expand opportunities for Tribes, underrepresented communities

The Department of the Interior announced the distribution of $295,582,830 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) today to all 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia. Recent changes to the LWCF Manual guide states to work more closely with Tribal Nations and clarify eligibility to ensure all federally recognized Tribes can take part in and support future public outdoor recreation and conservation projects. The funds from this year’s distribution will be available until fiscal year 2025.

“The Land and Water Conservation Fund helps further President Biden’s commitment to investing in America’s lands and waters, expanding access to the outdoors, and safeguarding the environment,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “These grants, matched primarily by state and local governments, will inspire collaborative conservation and improves equitable access to the outdoors for all.” Read more

Wildlife

ALPS Mountaineering Announces Customizable First Aid Kit Solutions

ALPS Mountaineering, manufacturer of performance gear for wilderness adventures, exploration, and family camping, moves into the First Aid solutions category with the release of two new products designed for backcountry and day hikers—the First Aid Kit and the Personal First Aid Kit.

When you need medical attention in the wilderness, you need it NOW! This is why ALPS Mountaineering developed their First Aid kits to secure neatly to backpacks and daypacks. Both kits utilize elastic cords and toggles, which permit secure attachment to the outside of your pack, ensuring your medical supplies are always easily accessible.

Each kit is made of durable 200D double-ripstop nylon fabric and comes in a bright red color for rapid identification. They also feature reflective accents for enhanced visibility during low-light conditions. Read more

General

FirstSpear Gun Belts

FirstSpear Belt Systems available now.

Whether you are law enforcement, military or a squared away civilian, you need reliable equipment that you can count on. FirstSpear belts offer durability and performance for when it counts most — on the X.

Discover FirstSpear’s flagship tactical belt, the Assaulter’s Gun Belt (AGB). This versatile belt is designed to handle tough situations and provide users with the best possible comfort and security. The AGB utilizes a two-point, high strength metallic buckle that facilitates combat-equipped buddy drags. It can integrate with the AGB Padded Sleeve for enhanced comfort and provide you with additional 6/12 attachment points.

Upgrade to the classic AGB, the Modular AGB was developed to be as close to an overt tactical load carriage belt as possible without compromising strength. The Modular AGB allows you to mount small 6/9 or MOLLE pockets directly to the belt, making it ideal for those who need a more secure way of carrying their gear. Read more

Firearms
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