Cicada killer wasps are nothing to fear

The soundtrack of the hot, hazy days of late summer – times of lazy summer vacations and cookouts with friends and family – for many Michiganders sounds like the drone of a cicada. But for one animal, the sound of a cicada means something very different: survival.

As cicadas emerge from the ground to call in the trees, another insect comes out as well – the cicada killer wasp. Measuring over an inch in length, these wasps are built to capture and subdue large adult cicadas. Only female wasps have stingers, which they use to inject venom into their prey and carry it back to their burrow.

Cicada killer wasps are solitary, and female wasps use their short time as adults to dig burrows where they stash the cicadas they catch and lay their eggs. While male wasps may be territorial or act aggressively, they lack a stinger and pose no danger to people; females sting only in self-defense. Just like the cicadas, cicada killer wasps die as summer wanes. Read more

Wildlife

CZ Summer Event Sale

  • Save up to $100 cash back on select CZ firearms
  • Scorpion 3+, 600 Alpha, and CZ Shotguns are all part of the rebate
  • Good for select guns bought July 1, through September 30, 2023

Kansas City, KS – CZ, a world-renowned leader in premium firearms manufacturing, is pleased to announce a limited-time rebate event showcasing an extensive selection of hunting and defensive firearms. From July 1 to September 30, 2023, customers can take advantage of significant savings when purchasing eligible CZ firearms. This exclusive opportunity allows you to acquire top-of-the-line firearms at exceptional prices.

Eligible firearms include: Read more

Firearms

CCRKBA: “Washington Law Enforcement Group Report Proves Gun Control Failure”

BELLEVUE, WA – A new report released Monday by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC) offers ample evidence that two extremist gun control initiatives, along with additional legislation pushed by Democrat lawmakers has failed miserably, and should be repealed, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.

“WASPC data released Monday showing a 96 percent increase in homicides since 2019 is damning proof that billionaire-backed gun control measures were, as we predicted, false pie-in-the-sky promises,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb. “Passage of Initiative 594 in 2014 and I-1639 in 2018 have accomplished nothing other than to create massive impairments, which we believe are unconstitutional, for law-abiding Washington citizens.

“While the billionaires who bankrolled both initiatives were saying these measures would reduce crime,” he recalled, “we were telling people the truth, and the WASPC report vindicates our arguments. WASPC says last year’s 394 murders is the highest number of homicides recorded by the group since 1980. Read more

Gun Control

Smith & Wesson Releases New M&P 22 Magnum with TEMPO Barrel System

SPRINGFIELD, MA., (7/11/2023) – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announces the release of the new M&P22 MAGNUM pistol, chambered in 22 WMR.

This latest addition to the M&P series is all about bringing more. More capacity, more reliability, and more features. Its internal hammer-fired design, paired with the TEMPO gas-operated barrel system, keeps components locked in place until the bullet passes the gas port, increasing performance. With a staggering 30-round capacity, the full-size polymer frame M&P22 MAGNUM ships with two magazines so you can spend less time reloading and more time training. It comes with a fiber optic front sight, black notched rear sight, and is optics-ready, allowing you to direct-mount most of the popular micro red dots available today.

“The M&P22 MAGNUM combines the best features of our internal hammer fire control system with the patented TEMPO barrel design, creating a smooth operating experience for the shooter. The 22 WMR is a versatile and field-savvy cartridge that has been a legacy among American shooters, hunters, and trappers for decades. Smith & Wesson is proud to offer a new pistol that further supports the use of this cartridge outdoors or on the range,” said John Myles, Senior Manager of New Products.

The M&P22 MAGNUM is fully ambidextrous, has a 4.35-inch stainless steel barrel with Armornite® finish, includes a flat-face trigger, and Picatinny-style rail for mounting accessories. This pistol is proudly made in the U.S.A. and has an MSRP of $649.00. Read more

Firearms

ALPS OutdoorZ New DEADQUIET® Ember Handwarmer in Stock and Ready to Ship

NEW HAVEN, Mo. – ALPS OutdoorZ, premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, has the solution for those cold hours on the hunting stand called the DEADQUIET® Ember Handwarmer. This handwarmer works in conjunction with the equally new DEADQUIET® Shield Bino Harness or as a standalone product to help keep your hands warm and ready when the temperatures take a dive.

ALPS OutdoorZ developed the new DEADQUIET® Ember Handwarmer with two key objectives in mind: maximum warmth and comfort in frigid conditions and zero noise to prevent alerting game animals to the hunter’s presence. Both goals were achieved thanks to the ALPS OutdoorZ proprietary DEADQUIET® technology.

This revolutionary performance comes courtesy of the handwarmer’s three-layer construction. The fleece outer layer absorbs friction sound to allow silent movement on the stand or when still hunting. Next is a waterproof inner membrane that keeps hands dry in rainy or snowy conditions. Finally, there is an internal suede fabric that adds another layer of weather protection and further minimizes noise, such as when inserting or removing your hands. To keep cold air out and warm air in, the DEADQUIET® Ember Handwarmer features a hidden cuff design that effectively closes around the wrists. Read more

Hunting

Red Arrow Weapons Debuts 350 Legend

Red Arrow Weapons is adding to its lineup of high-quality yet affordable firearms with its new 350 Legend.

Built on the AR-15 platform, the 350 Legend features a pistol-length black nitride barrel and Magpul CTR stock with a 7075 T-6 aluminum upper and lower.

Tipping the scales at just over 6.4 pounds, it comes equipped with a 2.5-pound drop-in trigger and RAW 15-inch M-lok hand rail. Read more

Firearms

Benelli Assists Upland Bird Organization’s Fundraising Initiative

For more than 60 years, the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society (RGS & AWS) has worked diligently to promote forest stewardship and habitat management for the benefit of these two upland species and all forest wildlife and songbirds. As part of the company’s dedication to helping proactive conservation groups ensure our hunting heritage survives through future generations, Benelli USA recently teamed with RGS & AWS to raise needed funds these organizations leverage to foster vibrant upland habitat.

In late 2022, Benelli donated 20 Super Black Eagle 3 shotguns to RGS & AWS for a major fundraising initiative. Each donor who gifted $10,000 or more to the organizations received one of the Benelli SBE 3 shotguns. This program proved wildly successful, with $200,000 raised to support the society’s mission “to create landscapes of diverse, functioning forest ecosystems that provide homes for wildlife and opportunities for people to experience them.” Read more

Hunting

Tule Elk Announced as New World Record

July 11th, 2023 – Pope and Young, America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization, is excited to announce a new world record tule elk in the hard horned category. Pope and Young announced thirteen new world records at their 33rd Biennial Convention in April of this year.

Eric Bethune’s tule elk takes the title of new world record with an incredible score of 336 1/8”, breaking the past world record of 334 ¼”. Eric’s score was confirmed at the February 2023 Pope and Young Panel Verification in Reno, Nevada. Eric shot this incredible bull on August 24, 2022, in Mendocino County, California.

“While researching outfitters for Tule Elk hunts only two names came up,” stated Eric Bethune. “I made the decision to go with Richard Eriksen based off his years of experience as an archer and his understanding of what an archer needs in a hunt. After a quick walk around the property, we put a plan together for the next day when this brute came in for a drink, the rest is history!” Read more

Hunting

The FWC celebrates Florida waterbodies listed in Bassmaster’s “Top 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2023”

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is thrilled to announce and celebrate the inclusion of three remarkable Florida waterbodies in Bassmaster’s prestigious “Top 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2023.” Fellsmere Reservoir/Stick Marsh, Orange Lake and Lake Okeechobee have captured the attention of anglers and fishing enthusiasts across the nation, solidifying Florida’s reputation as a premier bass fishing destination. Additionally, Florida lakes made a good showing in the Best Bass Lakes 2023: Southeastern as Fellsmere Reservoir, Orange Lake, Lake Okeechobee, Lake Toho, Lake Seminole (Jackson/Gadsden counties), Lake Placid, Lake Panasoffkee, Lake Istokpoga and Lake Rousseau are all featured on the list.

Bassmaster’s annual rankings are highly regarded within the angling community and serve as a testament to the incredible fishing opportunities available in the Sunshine State. Read more

Fishing

Maximize Drawlength with the TrueFire Edge FT

Introducing the TruFire Edge FT — a new forward trigger archery release aid engineered to maximize draw length, increase accuracy and enhance comfort.

By moving the index finger actuated trigger further up the barrel of the release the Edge FT (Forward Trigger) expands upon one of the most popular release designs ever offered from TruFire. This, enhanced profile, maximizes draw length by nearly one inch yet allows users to still find their optimal anchor point, without sacrifices to trigger pull or hand positioning. The result is less “floating” at full draw, a more solid anchor point, and increased accuracy. Adding to accuracy, the auto closing trigger is powered by a closed-bias, dual-caliper dime-sized head that leverages an ultra-smooth linear motion bearing for a consistently crisp, and clean trigger break. Users will appreciate the enhanced performance delivered by customizable trigger tension and travel adjustments — all easily set through the simple rotation of a set screw. Release length is also customizable to the user’s preference by simply loosening a set screw and rotating the release barrel to the desired length, and angle for a truly personal fit.

Not to be outdone by tactical attributes, the fit and finish of the Edge FT is second-to-none starting with hard-wearing anodized components on the trigger, jaws, and barrel of the release. The precision machined internal components are engineered and custom-coated to offer a durable and smooth trigger that functions flawlessly at the moment of truth. The ultra-comfortable leather buckle strap is available in olive green or black and features TruFire’s patented FoldBack™ design that allows users to fold the release out of the way, while not in use. TruFire’s TrapTab™ with its hallmark TruFire arrowhead triangle design pulls through the buckle easier making light work of putting the release on and eliminating the need for a “third hand” during application. The TruFire Edge FT for an MSRP of $89.99 at the finest retailers nationwide or online at https://www.feradyne.com/trufire/. Read more

Archery
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