SK Customs Raises More Than $20,000 at the NWTF Convention

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Guns®, the Nation’s only limited-edition, series-driven production manufacturer, is honored to announce its contribution of more than $20,000 in support of the National Wild Turkey Federation’s conservation research mission.

On Feb. 18, 2023, at the NWTF’s Annual Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, SK Customs donated two sets of custom designed and engraved firearms, including a Henry® Golden Boy Silver in .22LR and a new model Smith & Wesson® 1911 chambered in 45ACP to help raise funds for conservation in celebration of the NWTF’s 50th Anniversary.

“At SK Customs, we find it vital to support the outdoor community and devote resources and funding to organizations such as the NWTF,” said Simon Khiabani, owner and founder of SK Guns. “Thanks to the convention’s Grand National Live Auction, we were able to help raise more than $20,000 to fund research and conservation efforts and enhance development opportunities in the overall firearm and outdoor industry through our SK Gives Back initiative.” Read more

Firearms, Wildlife

CBD Threatens Lawsuit on Wolves

On Wednesday, the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) sent a notice of intent to sue to the U.S. Forest Service for alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to the hunting of gray wolves in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. This National Forest straddles the border with Colorado.

This is yet another salvo of the dozens from CBD where the animal extremist organization is seeking restrictions on federal public land to end all hunting, everywhere, of all species. Under the guise of ESA protections for wolves, the CBD has grown in recent years to become a “sue-and-settle” juggernaut that has aggressively pushed its agenda across the landscape.

CBD argues that the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has failed to consult with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) on management of wolves, which they allege is required under the ESA. In this case, CBD claims that because wolves are protected in Colorado but migrate across the border to Wyoming, such wolves must be protected at all times, including when they’ve reached an area where wolves are delisted.

In short, argues CBD, a wolf that is protected in Colorado must be protected everywhere that wolf might travel. Because wolves are a highly migratory species at the individual level, this is a convenient argument for the anti-hunting group to make in its crusade to destroy America’s hunting heritage and effective wildlife management under the North American Model.

“This is another example where CBD and others will claim that wolf recovery in a given state or area is irrelevant so long as there is a population of wolves listed as threatened or endangered somewhere else,” said Todd Adkins, vice president of government affairs at the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Their goal is to cancel hunters and hunting everywhere, so this bizarre legal argument they continue to peddle is extremely dangerous and goes well beyond wolves and wolf hunting.” Read more

Animal Rights

Tree Trimming Tips

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

The recent ice storm has left many in Mid-Michigan with damage to trees and shrubs.  For do-it-yourselfers, it’s time to break out some tools that have been stashed out of sight for just such an occasion.  What follows are some tips to give your trees and landscape specimens a good chance of survival.

Safety has to be first when dealing with limbs that can fall onto one’s head, and tools that are sharp.  Hard hats, leather gloves, and eye protection can prevent trips to emergency centers.  Also, ladders can be downright dangerous, because falling limbs won’t give tree surgeons a place to run when they’re above ground.  If you’d like to be amused by others’ bad choices involving falling tree work, YouTube can demonstrate the many ways stupidity is rewarded.  If large limbs are broken or hanging, or if climbing or overhead chainsaw work is needed, hire a professional.

“Your life is more important than your trees or your property,” said Kevin Sayers, who leads the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program. “Be aware of downed power lines or trees touching power lines and stay at least 25 feet away. Immediately report any downed lines to your local utility company. Never attempt to prune or remove trees near power lines.”

Manual pole pruners are often the best choice for pruning smaller or higher branches.  Don’t go cheap here, because operating one of these rigs can be strenuous when sawing high-up limbs.  A cheap saw will only make the work more difficult.  I like to lube the blade before the work begins and when it is completed, clean it and lube it again.  The pruning function is also handy with a pull of the rope for branches approximately one-inch in diameter or less.

For work closer to the ground hand pruners are a must.  Lots of options exist in design and quality but I’ve found one that’s as good as its lifetime guarantee:  EZ Kut.  These one-hand wonders are all metal with replaceable carbon steel blades with built-in knuckle protectors.  They are of ratchet design meaning more leverage for tough jobs.

Although the pruners are tough, I found a way to break them by over-doing it with a dead limb on hardwood that took both hands to put me out of business.  When I contacted EZ Kut to test its lifetime warranty, I was pleasantly surprised when replacement parts arrived in the mail along with a brand new pruner!  Plus, the pink colored handles are easy to find when they are among the camouflaged surroundings.

Fruit trees can be particularly susceptible to damage and the general idea when pruning is to leave the center of the tree open.  That means eliminate any dead or damaged branches or those growing toward the center.  Also, take out branches that touch each other or ones that will eventually rub on other branches.  For bonus points, save those fruit tree branches for the rabbit population, because they find the tender bark irresistible.

General

Tips for dealing with tree damage from winter storms and ice

Many homeowners in southern Michigan will be looking at ice-covered trees and broken branches this week. Wind and ice have swept through lower parts of the state with the potential for significant tree damage.

Taking proactive steps after a storm has damaged trees can make the difference between losing them or giving them a good chance of survival.

Keep it safe.

“Your life is more important than your trees or your property,” said Kevin Sayers, who leads the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Urban and Community Forestry program. “Be aware of downed power lines or trees touching power lines and stay at least 25 feet away. Immediately report any downed lines to your local utility company. Never attempt to prune or remove trees near power lines.”

When trees are coated in ice, safety is the top priority. If you choose to work on your trees, always use proper tools. Don’t overestimate your abilities or use equipment inappropriately. Read more

Wildlife

PARD Optics Dual Spectra Imaging Scope

Reno, NV – PARD is excited to announce the release of its Dual Spectra Imaging TD5 Thermal/Night Vision scope, available in May 2023.

The TD5 is the latest technological innovation from PARD. The Dual Spectra Imaging technology combines long distance Thermal detection, high definition Night Vision, a ballistics calculator AND a Laser Rangefinder into a single unit.

Featuring a 384×288 resolution IR thermal sensor, 35mm lens (providing 7.5°x5.6° FOV), 2.4x optical magnification, 2x digital magnification, 12µm pixel pitch and ?25mK Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), users will enjoy rich contrast and bold resolution when acquiring (and accurately ranging) targets with the 1200 yard integrated laser range finder that seamlessly feeds the data into the on-board ballistics’ calculator.

The integrated CMOS 1920*1080 visible light sensor combines a 50mm lens, 4.5-9x magnification, 6.4°x3.6° FOV and visibility down to .001 lux. Available in either 850nm or 940nm versions, the VCSEL IR illuminator has 3 levels of intensity, and directional focus out to 350m. Read more

Optics

Fifth Circuit Tosses Back NMFS Rule Trying to Track Charter Boats without a Warrant

In NCLA Win, Fifth Circuit Tosses Back NMFS Rule Trying to Track Charter Boats Without a Warrant

Mexican Gulf Fishing Company, et al. v. U.S. Department of Commerce, et al.

Washington, DC – In a landmark win for charter boat fishermen across the Gulf of Mexico, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has set aside a controversial Final Rule issued by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which required 24-hour GPS tracking of recreational charter boat fishing vessels and reporting of confidential economic data. As Judge Jennifer Walker Elrod wrote, “in promulgating this regulation, the Government committed multiple independent Administrative Procedure Act violations, and very likely violated the Fourth Amendment.” The ruling is major for many reasons, including that the government tried to claim that charter boat fishing is a “closely-regulated industry” to which the Fourth Amendment does not apply.

NCLA represents more than 1,300 federally permitted charter boat owners in the class-action lawsuit, Mexican Gulf Fishing Company v. U.S. Department of Commerce. The Final Rule required each charter boat to be “equipped with NMFS-approved hardware and software with a minimum capability of archiving GPS locations.” The Rule would have required charter boats to install onboard an NMFS-approved Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) tracking device—an “anchor bracelet”—that continuously transmits the boat’s GPS location to NMFS, whether the boat is being used for a charter-fishing trip or for something else. Charter boat operators “are responsible for purchasing the VMS units,” which the Final Rule estimated would cost upwards of $3000 plus a monthly service fee of $40 to $75. NCLA argued this 24-hour GPS surveillance was not only unnecessary and unduly burdensome, but also that this requirement violated the Fourth Amendment by searching without probable cause or a warrant, exceeded the authority granted by the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA), and was arbitrary and capricious in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). NCLA also complained that the rule required reporting economic data that had nowhere been specified by the agencies in proposing the rule for comment. Read more

Fishing

Hawke® Expands LPVO Offerings With New 1-8 Riflescopes

Hawke® Optics, a worldwide leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value for the consumer, boasts their range of LPVO offerings with three new 1-8×24 riflescope models.

All Hawke Vantage riflescopes feature our H2 optics. The new for 2023 1-8×24 models come with three reticle choices; L4A, Circle Dot, or Tactical BDC 5.56. Featuring precision glass etched reticles with multi-stage illumination in both red and green, these models are built on a 30mm monotube chassis with a Wide Angle FOV for maximum light transmission. The ½ MOA capped, resettable, fingertip turrets make for easy adjustments, while the 11 layers of Fully Multi Coated lenses provide a crisp, clear, bright viewing picture. Read more

Optics

MTM CASE-GARD Ruger 10/22 Mag Storage Solution

Keeping track of, storing, and transporting Ruger 10/22 mags can be frustrating. They are small, tend to roll around, and can easily load up with dirt and debris that can impact operation. Now MTM Case-Gard, the first name in innovative polymer-based solutions for shooting and hunting enthusiasts, helps you take control of 10/22 rotary mag management with their new 10/22 Rotary Mag Case.

Made from a high-impact polymer, these hinged mag cases feature a clear lid for easy identification with a snap-closure to keep contents secure. Inside, the case is divided into six compartments to accept standard-size 10-round Ruger 10/22 rotary magazines. The case also fits .17 HMR and .22 WMR magazines.

The Rotary Mag Case is sized to fit in most range bags and boxes for safe transportation to the field or the shooting bench. At home, the cases easily stack for compact and organized storage.

To learn more about this and other innovative hunting and shooting equipment solutions, visit MTMCase-Gard.com.

Ammunition

ZeroTech ED Binoculars

ZeroTech Optics’ latest offering, the Thrive HD series, has raised the bar for performance in the binocular industry. These binoculars were designed to compete against the top-performing models at a fraction of the cost. At the core of the Thrive HD series is the latest generation of Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass, which provides a generous depth of field and superior low-light performance thanks to the Dielectrically Coated Bak 4 Prisms.

These cutting-edge features result in brilliant image quality and an unparalleled user experience. Additionally, this series boasts smoother and faster focus wheels and attractive textured grip panels covering a strong but lightweight full magnesium alloy construction that provides excellent control in all conditions. The optics remain protected from dust and debris with integrated rubber lens covers. For bird watchers and photographers, the Thrive HD series is the ideal companion on outdoor adventures. The inclusion of a flip-top bino caddy harness system ensures hands-free carry and storage of essential items. The series comes in four optical configurations: 8x25mm (compact), 10x25mm (compact), 8x42mm, and 10x42mm. Read more

Optics
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