Bullseye’s Spotting Scope Camera

Irving, TX – A spotting scope is essential hardware for quickly zeroing a rifle or for locating and identifying game animals at extreme distances. But looking through a spotting scope for long durations can be a terrible strain on your eyes and neck. Now, Bullseye Camera Systems by SME solves these problems with the all-new Bullseye Spotting Scope Camera.

The Spotting Scope Camera is designed to be a universal fit for standard spotting scopes courtesy of a simple and adjustable universal mount. Suitable for straight or angled spotting scope configurations, the Spotting Scope Camera secures easily to the eyepiece and in perfect alignment with the exit pupil. This system eliminates the hassle of camera alignment, such as when using complicated cell phone adapters.

Once installed onto the optic, the Spotting Scope Camera sends a live view direct to your mobile device by way of the Bullseye Target Manager App. Boasting a 150-foot Wi-Fi range, the 1080p @15 fps live view can also be used to capture images and video. This makes it easy to monitor and record point-of-impact at distant targets and to capture the excitement of the hunt for social media content, inventory game during pre-season scouting, or simply recording events for posterity — all without suffering from “spotting scope fatigue.” Read more

Optics

Taurus Judge Executive Grade

Bainbridge GA – In 2022 Taurus raised the revolver game with their first launch in the Executive Grade line. Taking their best-selling 38 Special 856 revolver, Taurus added custom touches that include a presentation grade grips, a hand fitted action, and practical enhancements for everyday carry.

Now the legendary Judge is next to receive the Executive Grade upgrades. The new Taurus Judge Executive Grade features the same hand fitted action as the previous 856 but is capable of firing the potent .410 bore shotgun shell as well as the beloved .45 Colt round. Accuracy with .45 Colt rounds is enhanced, as well. During testing, the new Judge Executive Grade successfully engaged targets out to 100 yards. This means that the Judge is now the perfect close in defense gun…that can also reach out and touch dangerous game at long range. Read more

Firearms

Traditions Firearms Introduces New ShedHorn Muzzleloader

Old Saybrook, CT – For 2023, Traditions® is proud to introduce the ShedHorn™ rifle. With the addition of this model, Traditions® adds to its’ robust line of sidelock muzzleloaders. The ShedHorn™ is a great option for all sidelock enthusiasts who are looking for modern innovation while still being primitive.

The ShedHorn™ is available in .50 caliber, has a musket cap ignition, and fires loose powder or Pyrodex. A chromoly steel barrel keeps this muzzleloader light weight and easy to carry. With the 1:28” twist, the ShedHorn™ can fire saboted and more modern projectiles. The Accelerator Breech Plug™ removes by hand and makes cleaning easy. Additional features include a double set trigger, Premium CeraKote Finish, and fiber optic sights.

The ShedHorn™ is available for 2023 in configurations of synthetic black, Veil Wideland camo, or wood stocks and a Premium CeraKote Finish on the outside of the barrel in various colors. MSRP ranges from $468-$559. Read more

Firearms

Baschieri & Pellagri USA Expands Upland Game Shotshell Line

Baschieri & Pellagri USA, manufacturer of the world’s premiere shotshells for sporting clays and hunting, adds three new options to its popular Upland Game line. Engineered to give hunters consistent patterns and reduced recoil, Upland Game is crafted from quality components to deliver maximum success in the field.

Many hunters prefer a 20-gauge shotgun for their upland pursuits, and Upland Game’s #5, #6, and #7 ½ offerings will help make each trip to the field easier on the shoulder while quickly filling the game pouch. The nickel-plated shot is not only lethal on game, it holds tight patterns at extended distances.

Whether you’re walking a weeded ditch row in search of rooster pheasants or flushing quail, Upland Game is your dependable partner in the field.

The new 2023 Upland Game additions in 20-gauge have a muzzle velocity of 1225 fps, a payload of 7/8 ounces, and come in boxes of 25 with 10 boxes per case. Read more

Ammunition

Florida: Multi-Year Investigation Leads to Venomous Snake Traffickers

Media contact: Ashlee Sklute, Ashlee.Sklute@MyFWC.com

Multi-year FWC investigation “Operation Viper” leads to numerous charges for venomous and prohibited snake traffickers

On January 12, 2023, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement (DLE) filed charges against eight individuals, ranging from second degree misdemeanors to third-degree felonies related to the illegal trafficking of venomous and prohibited snakes.

The FWC has been receiving intelligence reports and complaints indicating that a black market exists for the sale and purchase of illegal and highly dangerous venomous reptiles in Florida. In 2020, the FWC initiated a long-term investigation with undercover investigators to determine the extent of this illegal activity and hold violators accountable.

The illegal sale, purchase, transport and caging of these regulated animals pose a significant public safety threat, undermines legitimate captive wildlife dealers operating legally and threatens the long-term well-being of state wildlife populations. If these illegal and dangerous nonnative species were to escape, they could easily live and breed in Florida’s subtropical climate.

Over the course of the investigation, nearly 200 snakes, consisting of 24 species from seven different regions of the globe, were purchased or sold by FWC undercover investigators to or from wildlife traffickers. Some of those species include the inland taipan, bushmaster, rhinoceros viper, African bush viper, Gaboon viper, green mamba, eyelash viper, multiple species of spitting cobra, forest cobra, puff adder and saw-scaled vipers. Trafficking activity was unpermitted, and the subjects involved showed a complete disregard for the regulatory framework designed to keep Floridians safe.

“Some of these snakes are among the most dangerous in the world,” said Maj. Randy Bowlin, FWC DLE Investigations and Intelligence Section Leader. “Florida’s rules and laws are in place to protect the public and prevent tragedies from occurring.”

Much of the illegal activity was initiated on specialized websites or closed social media pages. Once these black-market deals were arranged, violators quickly transitioned to in-person meetings where they arranged to buy or sell potentially deadly species to undercover officers with full knowledge that they were unlicensed and could not purchase these snakes legally. Some of these individuals included wholesale dealers who imported large shipments of nonnative venomous snakes from multiple countries around the world. The FWC secured search warrants for many of the social media accounts to prove the illegal activity was occurring and identify additional subjects. Georgia DNR and the FWC also worked in conjunction on this investigation to target other suspects illegally transporting carloads of venomous snakes around the country in violation of multiple state laws. Covert meetings with officers from Georgia and Florida revealed that the suspects showed a complete disregard for this highly regulated activity.

The actions of individuals such as the ones charged today make our jobs at VENOM 1 and 2 only that much harder,” said Dr. Benjamin Abo, Primary investigator and Medical Director of Venom 1 and 2 Venom Response Units. “We fight every day to keep people alive and minimize permanent complications after a tragic bite occurs. The rules for the transportation, caging and handling of these animals are in place for important reasons.”

As often happens with long term investigations, non-wildlife crimes were documented by FWC investigators. “We’ve seen time and again that individuals who will break one law do not limit themselves to only one area of illegal activity,” said FWC DLE Director Colonel Roger Young. “Documented violations range from conservation second-degree misdemeanors to third-degree felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.”

This lengthy investigation developed additional suspects both in and out of Florida. FWC investigators realized early into the investigation that the black market for venomous reptiles in Florida was robust, and subjects identified in the operation were dealing reptiles frequently and in high numbers, often to or from unpermitted individuals. Caging, labeling, transport and handling rules were also often ignored by subjects and cited accordingly in today’s action.

“Some of the individuals apprehended by this operation are established dealers of snakes,” said FWC Commission Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Our law enforcement officers will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the rules which protect our natural resources of the state.”

Over the course of the investigation, FWC Investigations leadership made the determination to allow some violations to sunset due to statutes of limitations, in order to cast a wider net for additional violators. Hundreds of additional misdemeanor level violations were observed during the operation which were not charged in today’s activities.

Violations charged during this operation do not take into account that many of these snakes were probably sourced illegally from their home country of origin. A well established tactic for black market dealers is to launder illegally procured snakes through a properly permitted facility, so they may be sold without divulging their true origin.

“During this investigation, officers saw and heard disturbing evidence of widespread illegal activity, not the least of which were individuals who indicated that they were releasing or planning to release prohibited reptiles into nearby native habitat to establish a readily accessible wild breeding population,” said Investigations Section Captain Van Barrow.

Wildlife trafficking ranks fourth behind, drugs, weapons and humans in global activity, and is often a nexus for other illegal activity. There are many different estimates of the value of illicit wildlife trafficking worldwide. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, illicit wildlife trafficking is estimated to be between $7.8 billion and $10 billion per year.

Actions taken by the FWC DLE Investigations Section on January 12 include:

Delvin Eugene Sasnett (11/21/1990) of Eagle Lake, FL – arrested and issued Notice to Appear

During the investigation, FWC investigators found evidence to charge Sasnett with a number of serious violations. In addition to illegal purchase or sale of venomous reptiles, he is also involved in the sale of other types of wildlife.

Polk County violations include:

  • Possession of American Alligator (third-degree felony)
  • Child Neglect (third-degree felony)
  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (first-degree misdemeanor)1
  • Possession of captive wildlife without a permit (ESB) (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of threatened species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe conditions (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal harvest of freshwater turtles (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Caging and biosecurity (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No critical incident plan (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No or incomplete records for wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper primary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary enclosure for venomous reptile (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of Class 2 wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting turtle eggs (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Feeding alligators (second-degree misdemeanor)

William Chase Agee (08/01/1990) of Holly Hill, FL – arrested and executed search warrant

Agee is an unpermitted individual who has been involved in multiple illegal sales and purchases of venomous reptiles. A convicted felon, Agee was well aware of the regulations concerning these snakes. In addition to violations concerning venomous reptiles, Agee was also illegally in possession of a firearm, a third-degree felony.

Volusia County violations include:

  • Possession of firearm by convicted felon (third-degree felony)
  • Transportation/sale/possession of cannabis (third-degree felony)
  • Illegal possession of ammunition (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile by unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Illegal transportation of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of prohibited species from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Dylan Isaac Levin (02/15/1992) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL – arrested

Levin was documented making multiple illegal purchases and sales of venomous reptiles. He falsified required records regarding venomous reptiles and was involved in the sale of a controlled substance.

Palm Beach County violations include:

  • Sale of controlled substance (third-degree felony)
  • Sale of venomous reptile to unpermitted individual (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper venomous reptile records (second-degree misdemeanor)

Edward Daniel Bays (07/31/1997) of Southwest Ranches, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Broward County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Release of nonnative wildlife (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transportation of prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transporting wildlife in unsafe manner (second-degree misdemeanor)

Jorge Javier Gonzalez (10/29/1999) of Miami, FL – executed search warrant, issued Notice to Appear

Gonzalez is charged with the illegal trafficking of prohibited species, specifically Burmese pythons. On multiple occasions, FWC investigators documented the illegal sale and transport of these invasive prohibited species.

Broward County, Collier County, Hendry County, Miami-Dade County violations include:

  • Possession of prohibited species (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of wildlife from unlicensed person (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Transfer of prohibited species to/from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No safety entrance for prohibited species (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No escape proof room (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (prohibited species) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (name/PIT #) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Solicitation/Attempted Solicitation (second-degree misdemeanor)

Paul Edward Miller (07/21/1974) of Cape Coral, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Miller is a large importer of snakes, a well-established wildlife wholesaler and the owner of Calusa Animal Company. In addition to multiple violations regarding caging, labeling and husbandry, FWC investigators also documented instances where Miller aided in the falsification of required experience hours documentation.

Lee County violations include:

  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Unsafe or unsanitary conditions for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Cage or secondary containment (second-degree misdemeanor)

Joseph David Switalski, Jr. (05/26/1985) of Plantation, FL – issued Notice to Appear

Switalski is a well-established reptile dealer and is the owner of JDS Holdings and Trading, LLC. Multiple illegal sales and purchases occurred involving Switalski during the investigation, with more than 60 snakes. Switalski is charged with multiple violations.

Broward County violations include:

  • Sale of venomous reptile to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging of venomous reptiles (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper cage identification (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper secondary containment for captive wildlife (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No enclosure label (venomous) (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptiles at unlicensed location (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Purchase of venomous reptiles from unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)

Timothy James Gould (05/12/1984) of Central City, PA – arrested by Geogia Department of Natural Resources in Georgia, issued Notice to Appear

Gould is a well-established wildlife transporter and is unpermitted in the state of Florida for any captive wildlife, let alone venomous reptiles. He advertises his illegal transport services on a popular online marketplace for wildlife dealers. Working with Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the FWC identified Gould and documented his illegal activity in Florida. When arrested, Gould had 27 snakes in his possession illegally.

Levy County violations include:

  • No import permit (first-degree misdemeanor)
  • Sale or transfer to unlicensed person (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper labeling (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Improper caging (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • Possession of venomous reptile without a permit (second-degree misdemeanor)
  • No bite protocol (second-degree misdemeanor)

Charges have been filed with the appropriate State Attorney Offices, and judicial proceedings are pending.

Poachers , , , , , , , ,

Nebraska Adds New Wildlife Crime Reporting Tool

Helping law enforcement eliminate poaching in Nebraska just got a little easier, thanks to a new program by Nebraska Game and Parks.

The new online reporting tool allows people to anonymously report suspected wildlife violations through a form at OutdoorNebraska.gov/WildlifeCrimestoppers. People can submit photos and even indicate if they are interested in a reward if charges are filed because of their tip.

Once submitted, the report goes directly to the conservation officer in the county where the incident is suspected. Read more

Poachers

CMP Announces “Significant” Schedule Changes to 2023 Camp Perry National Matches

Those already planning to attend the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) 2023 National Matches should take note of considerable changes to the event calendar.

The annual National Matches has been a staple at Camp Perry, Ohio, since 1907. Over the years, the schedule of events has evolved to fit contemporary needs, with the addition of several competitive, educational and other enlightening experiences. The new 2023 lineup has been modified to the benefit of both competitors and guests, with overlapping disciplines allowing further competitive opportunities while on Camp Perry’s celebrated grounds.

The most significant changes to the 2023 schedule involve the National Rimfire Sporter and Smallbore events, which will now be held at the beginning of the National Matches.

“Traditions are strong here at Camp Perry,” said Brad Donoho, CMP smallbore manager. “For as long as I can remember, the Smallbore National Matches have always been between Pistol and Highpower weeks. But as the CMP continues to grow and expand on its competitions in air rifle, we feel this move gives more athletes, especially our juniors, the chance to compete at historic Camp Perry.” Read more

Firearms

After ATF Drops ‘Final Rule’ On Arm Braces, SAF Says “Lawsuit Will Move Forward”

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation today accused the Biden administration of “once again trying to trample the rights of gun owners” by allowing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to adopt a “final rule” on arm braces for modern semiautomatic pistols.

While the definition of a rifle in federal law should be clear, noted attorney Chad Flores, who is representing SAF in a federal lawsuit filed two years ago that was stayed by the court in anticipation of this new rule, it is clear the Biden administration’s new definition of a rifle ignores tradition. SAF sued ATF and the U.S. Attorney General in 2021 in a case known as SAF et. al. v. BATFE, et. al.

SAF is joined in that case by Rainier Arms, LLC and two private citizens, Samuel Walley and William Green. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

According to Flores’ analysis of the 291-page Final Rule, the definition of a “rifle” now turns on a bewildering six-factor test. This new definition can be controlled not by the firearm’s objective characteristics, but instead by what ATF agents in D.C. think of a manufacturer’s marketing materials or the firearm’s “likely use.” The new rule itself is forced to admit its dramatic result: Under this new definitional regime, “a majority of the existing firearms equipped with a ‘stabilizing brace’ are likely to be classified as ‘rifles.’”

“The Biden administration’s new rifle definition overrides the true wish of Congress, to upend the reasonable expectations of stabilizing brace users and makers nationwide,” Flores said.

SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb noted the foundation’s 2021 lawsuit raised critical points about what has now been adopted by ATF.

“When we started this process,” Gottlieb said, “we anticipated where the agency’s efforts would lead. With our co-plaintiffs, we will continue to challenge this new arm brace rule.” Read more

Gun Control

Birds of Prey at Your Feeders

Perched on a shepherd’s crook hanger at a feeding station, this Sharp-shinned Hawk is hunting for smaller birds than a larger Cooper’s Hawk might prefer (photo by Ian Routley).

A new Project FeederWatch study looked into the effects of two similar species of hawks that occasionally visit feeding stations, potentially preying on a bird. Periodically a Cooper’s Hawk or a Sharp-shinned Hawk might fly in and flush feeder birds into a panic. These raptors specialize in hunting smaller birds and while they are found throughout much of North America, they sometimes inhabit the same location, especially when winter food sources are concentrated in an area. Given these hawks’ similarities, the question emerges: How do they co-exist?

A central tenet in ecology suggests that when two ecologically similar species occupy the same area, competition should drive one or both to take advantage of different niches – by hunting different prey, for example. New research published in the Journal of Avian Biology reveals that a study of these similar raptor species focused on whether they evolved to select different prey, and to compare how the availability of prey might shape their choices.

With colleagues, Eliot Miller, collections manager with the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, took advantage of data collected for Project FeederWatch by citizen scientists – birders – to study these questions. “A few years ago, we created an option for FeederWatchers to tell us not only what birds were at their feeders,” Miller explained, “but how those birds were interacting with one another. That meant we could figure out the preferred prey of Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks, because we had data on who was eating who, and we had data on prey availability.”

From October 2015 to April 2022 (7 seasons), FeederWatcher participants observed 1,186 incidences of Cooper’s Hawks eating birds at their feeders and 677 incidences of Sharp-shinned Hawks eating birds. Prey available for these raptors consisted of greater numbers of small birds, such as Pine Siskins, with fewer medium-sized birds, such as jays, and still fewer larger birds like quail.

Miller and colleagues found that Sharp-shinned Hawks hunted small birds, such as juncos and siskins most often. Cooper’s Hawks also hunted small birds, but they mainly hunted medium- and larger-sized birds, such as starlings and pigeons. Miller explained that a focus on different sizes of prey may be one component that allows these closely related hawks to co-exist.

“Cooper’s Hawks are increasingly common in urban areas and they are bigger, so their focus on larger prey isn’t necessarily surprising. Still, no one has studied predator preferences at this spatial scale before, so to see such a strong result speaks to the power of citizen scientists to document these patterns,” said Miller.

It’s also interesting that Miller and colleagues found that the birds that each hawk preys on is reflected in their habitat preferences. “Although Sharp-shins certainly can be found in urban areas, particularly during winter, they are more often found in forests,” noted Miller. “And the cool thing is that we were able to see that in their preferences for prey, prey species also frequently occur in forests, such as Evening Grosbeaks and Purple Finches.”

Miller said this study brought even more questions to mind and he hopes other researchers might also want to take serious looks into Project FeederWatch data. For example, Miller said the team’s results suggest that ground-foraging species might be at greater predation risk, but noted, “we didn’t directly test that question, although it would be an interesting question to examine.” FeederWatch data are freely available and Miller hopes “other researchers will dig in and investigate this and other fascinating questions.”

To read the full research publication, you can refer to: Miller, E., O. Aodha, E. Greig, D. Bonter, and W. Hochachka (2022). Congeneric predators fill niches created by the relative abundance of their prey species. Journal of Avian Biology: e02934 doi/full/10.1111/jav.02934

This article was based on the Project FeederWatch article found at What’s For Dinner? Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s Hawks Pick Different Foods – FeederWatch

Share your backyard birding experiences and photos with The Birding Wire at editorstbw2@gmail.com

Wildlife

Michigan Democrat Monopoly Begins 1A Rights Infringement

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

I haven’t heard much about our State’s end run around the Second Amendment, but the entire House Bill 6544 is included below.  I’ve been surprised that some outdoors people I’ve talked to didn’t have a clue this was in the works.  The secret is out.

House Bill 6544

A bill to ban the manufacture, possession, purchase, and sale of assault weapons; to provide certain powers and duties for certain state and local officials and agencies; to provide for the promulgation of rules; and to provide penalties.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:

Sec. 1. As used in this act, “assault weapon” means a semiautomatic rifle that has an ability to accept a detachable magazine and has 1 or more of the following characteristics:

(i) A pistol grip or thumbhole stock.

(ii) Any feature capable of functioning as a protruding grip that can be held by the non-trigger hand.

(iii) A folding or telescoping stock.

(iv) A shroud that is attached to, or partially or completely encircles, the barrel and that permits the shooter to hold the firearm with the nontrigger hand without being burned, but excluding a slide that encloses the barrel.

Sec. 2. (1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, beginning January 1, 2024, a person shall not manufacture, possess, purchase, or sell an assault weapon in this state.

(2) A person may continue to possess an assault weapon that the person legally possessed before the effective date of this act if both of the following apply:

(a) The person registers the assault weapon with the department of state police in compliance with rules adopted for that purpose by the department of state police.

(b) The person renews the registration of the assault weapon every 5 years.

(3) A person who violates subsection (1) is guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years.

Sec. 3. The department of state police shall promulgate rules pursuant to the administrative procedures act of 1969, 1969 PA 306, MCL 24.201 to 24.328, to implement this act.

Gun Control
1 … 383 384 385 386 387 … 1,911