Michigan: Western UP Moose Population “Essential Unchanged” since 2019

Contact: Chad Stewart 517-284-4745

DNR moose survey results show population in western UP statistically unchanged since 2019

Some survey indicators mark dynamics to watch going forward

In survey results reported to the Michigan Natural Resources Commission in Roscommon today, the moose population estimate for the western Upper Peninsula was not statistically different from the last moose survey conducted in 2019.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has been surveying the western U.P.’s core moose population since 1997, typically every other winter. The 2023 survey marks the first survey completed since 2019 due to scheduling conflicts associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The 2023 moose survey estimate was 426* individuals, which is not statistically different from the 2019 estimate of 509 individuals,” said Tyler Petroelje, northern Michigan wildlife research specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Marquette. “This continues the trend of plateauing abundance where population growth over the last 12 years is now less than 1%.”

Aerial moose surveys are conducted over core moose habitat areas during winter to identify and tally bulls, cows and calves. This past winter’s survey was conducted by the DNR during portions of January and February.

The western U.P. moose core range covers about 1,400 square miles in parts of Marquette, Baraga, and Iron counties. Moose were translocated there from Canada in two separate efforts in 1985 and 1987. Read more

Wildlife

NSSF Welcomes U.S. Sen.Graham’s FFL Protection Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — NSSF®, The Firearm Industry Trade Association, welcomes the introduction of the Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) Protection Act, introduced by U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), along with 22 co-sponsors. The bill would strengthen and enhance criminal penalties for thefts of firearms from federally licensed firearm retailers. This legislation sends a strong message to those violent criminals engaging in these illicit activities and helps provide for safer communities, assists law enforcement and protects the livelihoods of firearm retailers.

“This is what true gun safety legislation looks like. Senator Graham’s FFL Protection Act sends an unequivocal message to criminals intent on burglarizing and robbing firearm retailers that the safety of America’s communities is nonnegotiable,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “This legislation sends a strong message to violent criminals engaging in these illicit activities that there will be accountability and consequences for their crimes. This legislation assigns the responsibility for the crime where it belongs – with the criminal. Senator Graham has been a staunch advocate of holding criminals accountable and protecting firearm retailers. This legislation does both. This legislation is a real solution that will make our communities safer.” Read more

Gun Control

SAF Files Respondent’s Brief Challenging California Waiting Period Violation

BELLEVUE, WA – Attorneys representing the Second Amendment Foundation and fellow plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the California Department of Justice (DOJ) for arbitrarily delaying the state waiting period beyond 10 days during the COVID crisis have filed a respondent’s brief in the case, which is known as Campos v. Bonta.

The complaint was originally filed in August 2020. Joining SAF in the case are the California Gun Rights Foundation, San Diego Gun Owners PAC, Firearms Policy Foundation, Firearms Policy Coalition, Poway Weapons & Gear, Five Five Six, Inc., and three private citizens. They are represented by attorneys Bradley A. Benbrook and Stephen M. Duvernay, Benbrook Law Group in Sacramento.

The case centers around DOJ’s assertion during the COVID panic that it had the authority to extend the 10-day waiting period beyond what is allowed in state statute. In early April 2020, DOJ released a statement claiming that the statute gave it general authority to expand the statutory 10-day waiting period for all firearm transactions, up to 30 days. Citing reduced staffing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, DOJ “advised that background checks may no longer be performed during the initial 10-day waiting period.” DOJ allegedly delayed more than 220,000 transactions beyond the 10-day waiting period due to claimed administrative burden caused by pandemic staffing shortages. Read more

Gun Control

HatsanUSA’s SpeedFire Magnum 1250

Rogers, AR HatsanUSA®, the exclusive U.S. distributor of Hatsan airguns and Escort Shotguns, offers a more powerful version of its popular SpeedFire multi-shot break barrel air rifle to the U.S. market. The SpeedFire Magnum 1250 truly earns its magnum designation by having the power to launch .177 caliber lead pellets at 1250 FPS and .22 pellets at 1000 FPS from its 14-inch precision rifled steel barrel, yielding approximately 24 and 28 FPE, respectively. If using lead-free pellets, the SpeedFire Magnum 1250 will throw .177 calibers down range at an astonishing 1340 FPS and .22 calibers at 1250 FPS. This air rifle sets a new level for others to try and follow.

The SpeedFire line gets its name from the increased rate of fire not seen with regular break barrel air rifles. Typically, break barrels are single-shot, and the SpeedFires are fed by a rotary Rapid Performance Magazine (RPM), two of which are included with the air rifle. Once loaded with a full RPM (12 rounds in .177 and ten rounds in .22) and with the EZ Load Action System, each cocking stroke of the rifle automatically loads a pellet. This eliminates the tedious task of fiddling with individual pellets and makes follow-up shots extremely fast. A green fiber optic rear sight is also incorporated into the EZ Load Action System and is micro-adjustable for windage and elevation. A front red fiber optic sight flips down when not needed. Read more

Firearms

The Association Supports the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Decision to Reject CBD’s Petition

Washington D.C. – The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision to reject a Center for Biological Diversity’s petition to undertake a national rulemaking concerning lead ammunition and tackle on the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System).

Considering state fish and wildlife agencies exercise primary statutory authority for management of species within their borders across all types of land, including those within the Refuge System, we greatly appreciate Director Williams’ commitment to coordinate closely with AFWA and the States on a workable path forward that considers all available science, relies on broadly tested and utilized state approaches and programs, and supports participation in hunting and angling.

We acknowledge this is an important issue, and we firmly believe that continued expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities on America’s lands and waters is essential to our nation’s system of conservation and the wellbeing of people, fish, and wildlife. With more people relying on our natural resources for mental and physical health, subsistence harvest, and recreation, increasing the ability of state agencies and their partners to ensure the sustainable management of fish and wildlife and their habitats is more important than ever.

Ammunition

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages everyone to take advantage of “Three Free” Weekend – Saturday, June 10, and Sunday, June 11. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge.

“It’s that time of year when everyone gets to enjoy ‘Three Free’ Weekend and take part in some of Michigan’s best outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Acting DNR Director Shannon Lott. “Whether you’re an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ Weekend makes it easy to pursue a new passion, visit a new park or introduce friends and family to an outdoor experience or place you love.” Read more

Fishing, General, Wildlife

Summer Special on Fall Duck Hunts with Fishing Tom Guide Service

SULPHER, La. (June 8, 2023 ) — In Southwestern Louisiana duck season doesn’t open until September 15, but saving on that duck hunt starts now. Fishing Tom Guide Service is offering a June special on its fall duck hunts. Book within the month of June and you can receive $100 off your hunt.

Usually, $300 per gun with a two person minimum, Fishing Tom Guide Service is offering a special for the first 20 that book their duck hunt in June. Each of those lucky people will receive $100 off their early booking. This full day hunt includes meeting your guide and retriever at a designated location and being escorted to your blind that will be set up with decoys. Hunters can expect to see a variety of ducks including but not limited to gadwall, ring neck, scalp, wigeon, pintail and teal being the most common. The most common geese are snow, blue and whitefronts (speckled bellies.) Read more

Hunting

Michigan: Wilderness Trail Fire Contained, Roads Reopened

Fire crews continued putting out hot spots within the Wilderness Trail Fire burn area Tuesday as local roads reopened. The fire, estimated at 2,418 acres in size, is now 100% contained.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking people to stay away from the area in Crawford County’s Grayling Township to give fire crews space to finish their work.

“We know it is interesting to see and that people are curious, but we want to make sure we have the room to get our work done safely,” said Mike Janisse, commander of the DNR Incident Management Team that has been assisting with the fire. “Driving on the dry roads creates a great deal of dust, which makes for poor visibility.” Roads also are narrow and there is little room for passing. Read more

Wildlife

AG Composites’ Custom Rifle Stocks

OWENS CROSS ROADS, Ala. — In any athletic endeavor, equipment matters. You won’t find the best golfers, bowlers, or ballplayers using gear that has not been modified to meet their exact body size and type, as well as the specific requirements of their sport and their own personal quirks. This is also true with competition pistol and shotgun shooters, whose guns have been custom fitted to allow them to maximize their performance under the most difficult conditions imaginable.

Rifle shooters – whether hunters or competition shooters – are no different. The rifle must fit them exactly and the stock precisely inletted for the barreled action, , or consistent precision accuracy is not possible. That’s where a custom rifle stock is a foundational part of the rifle build.

“At AG Composites, we design and manufacture advanced composite rifle stocks for both hunters and the world’s top shooters,” said Matt Tandy, AG Composites owner. “As a veteran-owned company that employs dozens of U.S. military vets, we know how important it is to make that first shot count. Read more

Firearms

Sports South Offers the Limited Edition DBX Storm Trooper Battleworn

For over 180 years, Sports South has been the country’s leading family-owned distributor of firearms, ammunition, and accessories. Sports South is pleased to now offer the Diamondback Firearms Limited Edition Storm Trooper Battleworn Tactical Pistol.

The Diamondback DBX is one-of-a-kind and stands out with its striking appearance and unique design. This exceptional firearm features a limited edition Storm Trooper Battleworn White Cerakote finish, making it truly eye-catching. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, the DBX is a compact pistol with an 8-inch barrel and a 1:9 RH twist rate, making it ideal for close-quarters engagements Read more

Firearms
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