Hardcore Waterfowl’s New Rugged Series Full Body Mallard

Any waterfowler who has experienced a fluttering wall of mallards descend into a field set will immediately be hooked. There is something about a big flock of ducks swooping in over the decoys that stir the soul – the image is enduring and the stuff of dreams.

Mallards may be the most common duck species on Earth, but don’t expect all of them to be unsophisticated. In recent decades, hunting pressure has increased commensurate with season length and generous bag limits – not to mention better decoy options. It’s likely the old hen out in front of the flock has seen lots of shabby decoys before, and she’s more than willing to sound the alarm for another “go around” – or four – before fading over the horizon.

While field hunting ducks is often a collateral benefit of goose hunting, expecting mallards to center up and finish perfectly in the “hole” over nothing but goose decoys – which was standard operating procedure for decades – isn’t a certainty. While full-body mallard decoys have become a standard item in many goose trailers, there remained plenty of room for improvement, and that’s just what Hardcore Waterfowl has pulled-off with their new Rugged Series Full Body Mallard. Read more

Hunting

ALPS OutdoorZ Waterproof Rifle Case In Stock and Ready to Ship

ALPS OutdoorZ, the premiere manufacturer of extreme-duty hunting packs and outdoor gear, takes gear protection and transportation to the next level with the all-new Waterproof Rifle Case. Developed for backcountry hunters yet ideally suited for anyone who demands maximum protection and portability for their firearm, the Waterproof Rifle Case is a must-have addition to any serious hunter’s gear portfolio.

Constructed of a waterproof 500D welded PVC outer shell, the case integrates high-density closed-cell flotation foam that not only protects your rifle from the inevitable bumps and dings when horse packing or transporting in a vehicle or ATV, but also ensures your rifle stays dry during inclement weather. The dry bag-style roll-top closure system provides a tight seal to keep water out and offers an adjustable fit for rifles up to 53 inches long and up to 10.5 inches in height.

The case’s rugged construction includes three external compression straps on the side that allow you to further secure the rifle in the case for a snug, protective fit. These straps can also be used to secure a tripod or other shooting support system, so you have everything you need when it is time to make the shot. To assist in field transport, the case comes with an integrated top carry handle and a padded and adjustable removable shoulder strap. A D-ring is also added to the end of the case so it can be conveniently hung to dry or for storage when not in use.

The Waterproof Rifle Case measures 57″ L x 11″ W with a roll length of 49″ to 53″ and weighs 2lbs. 9 oz. MSRP is $99.99. Read more

Firearms

Fourth Circuit Upholds Maryland’s AWB, SAF Says It Will File Petition for Cert

BELLEVUE, Wash. — Aug. 6, 2024 — The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has announced they will seek Supreme Court review in Bianchi v. Wilkinson, SAF’s challenge to Maryland’s assault weapons ban, after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law.

“Today’s decision from the 4th Circuit is unsurprising given their prior decision in Kolbe,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “We believe, much like in Kolbe, the court’s analysis is flawed and that the challenged law is unconstitutional. We will be filing a petition for certiorari at the Supreme Court, as this case presents an excellent vehicle for the Court to settle this debate once and for all.”

In the 65-page opinion, judges for the majority wrote: “The assault weapons at issue fall outside the ambit of protection offered by the Second Amendment because, in essence, they are military-style weapons designed for sustained combat operations that are ill-suited and disproportionate to the need for self-defense.” Chief Judge Diaz drafted a concurring opinion, with five other judges joining.

Judge Richardson drafted a dissenting opinion, with four other judges joining stating: “The Second Amendment is not a second-class right subject to the whimsical discretion of federal judges. Its mandate is absolute and, applied here, unequivocal…In holding otherwise, the majority grants states historically unprecedented leeway to trammel the constitutional liberties of their citizens.” Read more

Firearms

It’s Hummingbird Migration Time Again!

Western birders can try to attract such beautiful hummingbirds as this male Rufous Hummingbird as species disperse southward (photo by Nathan Wall).
A variety of hummingbird feeders are available; this one features a high perch for open viewing of the birds. Simply keep your feeder filled with fresh sugar-water nectar and cleaned regularly (Ruby-throated Hummingbird photos by Paul Konrad).
Photographing hummingbirds that visit your feeders can add another dimension to the fun of attracting hummingbirds. (Remember to keep the sun at your back when photographing.)
A second hummingbird feeder can be helpful if you have many hummingbirds visiting during late summer, and when one or more hummers become overly territorial.

Judging by the number and locations of hummingbird festivals alone – 6 festivals in 5 states – the hummingbird action is heating up. More important, each day it seems there are more hummingbirds coming to our feeder and flower gardens – males, females, and young hummers – with a couple species to watch for daily. Providing the best feeder and flowers scenario for hummingbirds can make the late summer hummingbird migration period one to remember for you and your family. And hummingbird numbers now include a new cohort of fledglings joining the populations that migrated north this spring.

Hummingbirds certainly enliven our feeders and yards, providing exciting observations throughout August and September in most states and provinces. Hummingbird visits will also continue through the winter months in some portions of southern states from California and Arizona to New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana.

Overall, we are talking 13-ish species of hummingbirds north of Mexico, but attracting any species of hummingbird is pretty standard – it only takes a feeder with fresh sugar-water nectar, and adjacent flowering plants add to the attraction (the more tubular flowers the better). So it’s easy to provide hummingbird basics, but there are some other options that can enhance your hummingbird experiences during coming weeks.

– First, you may want to consider adding another nectar feeder, perhaps providing one in a sunny area and one in the shade, or one in the front yard and one in the backyard at favorite viewing locations. Read more

Wildlife

Dorsey Discusses Dangerous Repercussions of Proposed Ban on Mountain Lion Hunting in Forbes

“According to a 2023 Colorado Outdoors report, there have been 25 known mountain lion attacks in the state since 1990—the last fatal attack occurring in 1997 when a 10- year-old boy was killed in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The topic of mountain lion attacks and the status of the big cats is now top of mind in Colorado as initiative 91 (a proposed ban on mountain lion and bobcat hunting in the state) will soon be assigned a proposition number and will appear on the November ballot.

The effort to ban the hunt has largely been funded by a Washington D.C.-based animal rights groups, however, not from grassroots proponents within Colorado. Animal Wellness Action (AWA) and its affiliate organization, the Center for a Humane Economy (CHE) have provided most of the financial backing for Initiative 91. The organizations were founded by former Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) chief Wayne Pacelle who was ousted from his HSUS role under a cloud of sexual harassment allegations in 2018.”

To read the rest of the column click here

Wildlife

Hatsan’s Highly Customizable Competition PCP Rifle – Factor RC

The Factor RC, offered by HatsanUSA, is a remarkably versatile PCP air rifle designed for competitive shooting. It comes in three different calibers (.177, .22, and .25) and offers extensive customization options, allowing shooters to precisely adjust and personalize it to suit their specific competition requirements and shooting preferences.

One of its notable features is its ability to accept commercially available pistol grips and buttstocks made for modern sporting rifles. The Factor RC boasts an ergonomic pistol grip covered in soft, durable rubber and textured to provide maximum grip and control. The 5-position telescoping buttstock also features an elevation adjustable cheek rest that can be moved in 5mm increments up to 40mm tall or removed for low-profile optics. Hatsan’s fully adjustable Quattro Trigger includes a trigger pad that can be moved vertically and rotated left or right for maximum precision and comfort.

The Factor RC’s power output is also highly adjustable, featuring an externally adjustable pressure regulator with an output pressure gauge. A power level knob on one side of the receiver controls the amount of air transferred into the barrel, while a hammer preload adjuster on the other side helps fine-tune the power output and cocking effort. The Factor RC features a removable 580cc carbon fiber air tank with a Foster-style quick-disconnect fill inlet. An integrated color-coded manometer allows the system pressure to be easily monitored at a glance. Read more

Firearms

Introducing GunTag’s GT-7

(Atlanta, Georgia) GunTag, a newly launched company dedicated to protecting firearms from theft, is proud to present their latest innovation the GT-7® aimed at empowering gun owners to keep tabs on their firearms at all times. This cutting-edge accessory combines an advanced green laser sight with a concealed Bluetooth case designed to hold an AirTag or Tile Sticker. The GT-7 supports both handguns and rifles.

The GT-7® is a versatile and high-performance accessory featuring:

All-Conditions Green Laser Sight: Equipped with a powerful green laser, the GT-7® ensures precision and clarity in various lighting conditions, making it an essential tool for both professional and recreational use.
Hidden Anti-Theft Bluetooth-enabled Case: The GT-7® includes a discreetly integrated case that enhances firearm security by offering owners peace of mind. This feature is designed to be compatible with popular tracking technologies, including AirTag and Tile Stickers.
Tamper-Proof Custom Security Screw: The GT-7® is equipped with a unique security screw, providing an additional layer of protection and preventing unauthorized access.
USB-C Rechargeable Battery: The device boasts a USB-C rechargeable battery with a 45-minute run time, ensuring that it remains ready for use when needed.
Universal Fit for Railed Guns: The GT-7® is designed to be compatible with a wide range of firearms, featuring a universal fit for railed guns. Prospective users can consult the size guide available on the company’s website to ensure compatibility. Read more

Firearms

Lipsey’s Launches New Ruger Mark IV Exclusive Benefiting Youth Shooting Sports

Lipsey’s, a nationally renowned firearms distributor, has launched a modern version of their classic exclusive, the Ruger Mark IV Limited Edition 22LR pistol.

This project, in partnership with the Council To Advance Hunting And The Shooting Sports (CAHSS), will donate $50 per unit sold to help the advancement of competitive youth shooting sports. The primary goal of the CAHSS is to focus on Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3), by strategically increasing and diversifying participation in and support for shooting sports, hunting, and angling. Lipsey’s is eager to support this cause, which is vital to the evolution of shooting sports.

The new Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger Mark IV Limited Edition pays tribute to one of Lipsey’s all-time best sellers with classic features on the newer Mark IV body. At first glance, the Rosewood grips inlaid with red Ruger medallions jump off the blued frame along with the newly added gold bead front sight. Lipsey’s kept with tradition with the non-threaded 4” bull barrel and rear adjustable sights. The top is drilled and tapped for optics and each pistol will have a specialized “CAHSS-” serial number.

Jason Cloessner, Lipsey’s Senior Vice President and Product Development Manager, on the new exclusive collaboration: “The MK4BL model Ruger is one of our all-time classic exclusives. Using this platform to create awareness for the great work CAHSS is doing for hunting and shooting sports makes it even better.”

“I am thrilled to tell you that a portion of the proceeds from every sale will be dedicated to promoting participation in and support for competitive youth shooting sports,” said Dr. Steve Leath, Executive Director, CAHSS. “This exclusive firearm bolsters the Council’s ability to provide crucial support to state and federal agencies, organizations, and industry initiatives that safeguard our esteemed shooting heritage. I hope you will join us in championing this pivotal work and elevate your shooting experience with the Ruger Mark IV Limited Edition.”

Lipsey’s Exclusive Ruger Mark IV Limited is available immediately to Lipsey’s dealers. For more information on the Council To Advance Hunting And The Shooting Sports, please visit: www.cahss.org Read more

Firearms

Introducing the Barnett Hyper Raptor BCX

New for 2024, Buck Commander and Barnett® have combined forces to bring a one-of-a-kind crossbow for hunters looking to tag their next trophy! The Hyper Raptor BCX™ sets the industry standard in crossbow technology, blending premium features, cutting-edge innovation, and top-tier technology to deliver the smoothest, fastest, and most user-friendly shooting experience available! Rooted in over 60 years of unwavering commitment to quality, dependability, precision, and safety, Barnett stands as the original pioneer in the modern-day crossbow, earning the trust of hunters worldwide. Buck Commander and Barnett combine everything hunters need in the hard-hitting, lightweight Hyper Raptor BCX.

Lightning-fast speed is one of the many stand-out features of the Hyper Raptor BCX. With a 14-in. power stroke and draw weight of 215 lbs., the crossbow launches a 380-grain HyperFlite™ arrow at 425 FPS. The arrow’s 21% increased FOC (front of center) and .204 small-diameter shaft reduces wind drift, making for a deadly combination of blistering speed, downrange accuracy, and deeper penetration. The BCX delivers an impressive 152 ft./lbs. of kinetic energy, this setup leaves nothing to chance. Read more

Archery

NSSF-Adjusted NICS Background Checks for July 2024

The July 2024 NSSF-adjusted National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) figure of 1,064,790 is an increase of 4.0 percent compared to the July 2023 NSSF-adjusted NICS figure of 1,023,903.

For comparison, the unadjusted July 2024 FBI NICS figure of 2,021,235 reflects a 1.7 percent increase from the unadjusted FBI NICS figure of 1,987,650 in July 2023.

July 2024 marks the 60th consecutive month, 5 years, that has exceeded 1 million adjusted background checks in a single month.

Please note: Twenty-four states currently have at least one qualified alternative permit, which under the Brady Act allows the permit-holder, who has undergone a background check to obtain the permit, to purchase a firearm from a licensed dealer without a separate additional background check for that transfer. The number of NICS checks in these states does not include these legal transfers based on qualifying permits and NSSF does not adjust for these transfers.

The adjusted NICS data were derived by subtracting out NICS purpose code permit checks and permit rechecks used by states for CCW permit application checks as well as checks on active CCW permit databases. NSSF started subtracting permit rechecks in February 2016. Read more

Firearms
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