Outdoor commentary and legislative issues.
July 18, 2023
This FREE event also offers fun for the whole family and a chance to win prizes.
BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex® invites hunters to register today for one of two free, family-friendly “Hunter Sight-In” events held at the company’s state-of-the-art shooting facility in Barneveld, WI. Read more
Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
For those of us fortunate enough to have lived in Alabama a number of years, one of the benefits the vast majority of residents cherish is interaction with the abundant wildlife that inhabits the state.
Becoming familiar with the different animal species and their preferred habitat comes with experience and education. Most of those animals are harmless, but a few species need to be given distance and avoided. A case in point is the American alligator, which can grow up to 15 feet in length.
An American alligator was recently sighted in the Huntsville area, which many people consider to be beyond the home range of the animal. However, alligators have lived in north Alabama for at least 60 years, according to Chuck Sykes, Director of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) Division. Read more
Colona, IL – Rock River Arms, one of the industry’s most respected names in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, proudly introduces the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine. Engineered with precision and tailored for law enforcement applications, this rifle exemplifies Rock River Arms’ unwavering commitment to building the finest MSR platforms on the market.
The RRA BT3 Operator ETR Carbine stands as a testament to Rock River Arms’ dedication to providing law enforcement professionals with the utmost accuracy and reliability in their firearms. The new .308 rifle is equipped with a 16-inch chrome-lined barrel featuring a 1:10 twist rate, allowing shooters to consistently achieve tight groupings and superior performance. The chrome lining enhances durability and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for demanding law enforcement applications. With its optimized twist rate, the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine barrel can stabilize a wide range of bullet weights, providing versatility and effectiveness in various shooting scenarios.
The RRA BT3 Operator ETR Carbine incorporates several components that enhance its performance and user experience. The RRA Two Stage Ultra Match Trigger provides shooters with a smooth and precise trigger pull for optimal control and accuracy. The RRA 6-Position NSP-2 Car Stock offers adjustable length of pull and a comfortable and customized fit for each operator and the Hogue®Beavertail Grip enhances ergonomics for a secure and comfortable grip. Additionally, the RRA 13-Inch Lightweight Free Float Rail is M-LOK® Compatible, offers ample space for accessories and attachments for customization and adaptability to specific mission requirements. Together, these components contribute to the BT3 Operator ETR Carbine’s overall professional-grade performance, making it a reliable and versatile firearm for law enforcement professionals. Read more
Up to $100 Cash Back Rebate PLUS Free Virtual Pistol Training Valued at $120 on Qualifying Purchases of FN 509 Pistols
(McLean, VA – July 17, 2023) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the launch of its Summer Sizzle rebate program for 50 skus of new FN 509 pistols. Available through September 30, 2023, the two-tiered program has a total value of up to $220.00 and features a consumer rebate along with free virtual pistol training classes through Sheepdog Response.
All qualifying purchases of FN 509 pistols are eligible to receive three virtual pistol training classes valued at $120.00 along with a consumer rebate of up to $100.00 depending on the model purchased. FN 509 Standard, optics-ready MRD model or MRD-LE qualify for a $75.00 consumer rebate while a purchase of an FN 509 Edge Series or Tactical model qualifies for $100.00 consumer rebate. Read more
ATLANTA, GA – The American Suppressor Association (ASA) has partnered with some of the top brands in the gun industry to raffle over $12,000 in prizes. This raffle will run from July 14th through July 31st, 2023, participate and help protect your rights.
Owning a suppressor is your constitutionally protected right. However, anti-gun legislators and activists are fighting to deny your rights! Eight states and the District of Columbia still don’t allow law-abiding citizens to possess suppressors. Nine U.S. Senators and fifteen members of the House openly support legislation to ban and confiscate every legally obtained suppressor in the United States. Noncompliance to their tyranny would turn you into a felon!
This year, state legislators in Virginia, New Mexico, Colorado, and Washington all tried to ban or restrict your ability to use these hearing safety devices. This year it happened in four states. Next year it will happen more.
Help ASA protect your right to own and use suppressors by buying a raffle ticket today. Your donations are the lifeblood that gives us the resources to fight for your rights! Visit asaraffle.com
The Freedom Raffle Prize Packages: Read more
Initial configurations offer reduced weight, extreme consistency and rugged reliability
GARLAND, Texas – Texas-based ammunition manufacturer TV Ammo, Inc. (“True Velocity”) announced today the launch of its composite-cased 5.56x45mm cartridge, making the company’s advanced, lightweight ammunition available in the most widely consumed caliber in the U.S. commercial market.
Beginning in July 2023, True Velocity’s 5.56 round will be available for purchase at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s retail locations nationwide, as well as online at basspro.com and cabelas.com.
True Velocity will initially offer the 5.56 cartridge in the following three configurations, with additional options forthcoming: Read more
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s 2024 budget includes a 300% boat registration fee increase, and BoatUS and the nonprofit Recreational Boaters of California are asking boat owners in the state to voice their concerns about the rate hike.
“Most citizens can understand, over time, the need for modest increases in government fee structures,” David Kennedy, BoatUS manager of government relations, said in a statement. “However, BoatUS and RBOC do not believe such a significant increase is justified by the administration. We are asking the state’s boat owners to reach out to their state legislators to request they reject this proposal and engage with boating stakeholders to develop realistic boat registration fees that are dedicated to boating programs.” Read more
RACINE, Wis. – Fishing’s most trusted trolling motor has been reimagined to help anglers get out earlier, stay out later and fish in places others can’t. The new QUEST series of dual 24 or 36 volt brushless trolling motors was designed for anglers who demand the best from their equipment – even in the harshest environments. With a programmable foot pedal, re-engineered motor and mount, more advanced GPS functionality than ever and even an eco mode to extend battery life, the new Ultrex was specifically designed for bass anglers and the areas they fish.
The Ultrex line features both traditional brushed options as well as the upgraded QUEST variations. Every new Ultrex model features an updated and integrated GPS-enabled navigation system which is fully compatible with Humminbird fish finders without the need for additional steps or cables. The change simplifies the product line and allows for Humminbird connectivity right out of the box. Anglers who opt for a QUEST model will benefit from the added torque and runtime of the new brushless technology platform as well.
New Features for All Ultrex Models:
The first time Mark Del Cotto of Lexington, Kentucky, stepped onto the grounds of Camp Perry, he was just a kid tagging along while his father competed in the National Matches. From 1971 to 1983, Del Cotto joined the ranks of competitors at Camp Perry, but then he graduated college and life got in the way. In 2008, Del Cotto decided it was time to return to his early passion for competing at the National Matches, and on July 8, he came in third in the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) Smallbore Prone Iron Sight Championship.
“I was an early shooter, and I love it,” he said.
Del Cotto is a two-time NRA Smallbore Prone Champion. When he first returned to the sport, he competed in CMP Service Rifle Matches and NRA Highpower Championships, but he found he couldn’t devote space in his busy life to everything. He chose to focus on Smallbore.
“I didn’t have time to do Highpower and Smallbore, so I picked Smallbore Prone,” he said. “Smallbore is a better experience for me. You get to shoot more shots in a day.”
The CMP Smallbore Prone Iron Sight Championship is part of a four-day competition that includes two days of Iron Sight Championship Matches and two days of Any Sight Matches.
“Each day, competitors shoot 160 record shots, all fired from prone position,” said CMP Smallbore Program Manager Brad Donoho. “They do a 40-shot match at 50 meters, a 60-shot match at 50 yards, and a 60-shot match at 100 yards.”
The competitors are vying for the top score of 6,400 possible points. Due to a USCG search, the last day of the Smallbore Prone Matches was cut short and the match was condensed to a 5,200 points aggregate. Read more
Significant improvements to Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park are underway this summer, temporarily closing a section of the multicounty pathway and marking the final push toward completing what will become 92 miles of paved trail stretching from Comstock Park in Kent County to Cadillac in Wexford County.
The closure is expected to last until November.
“While we understand the inconvenience this temporary closure may cause, we believe that the long-term benefits will far outweigh any short-term disruptions,” said Scott Slavin, northwestern Lower Peninsula trails specialist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “The construction project will not only enhance the park’s amenities, but also contribute to the user’s experience – cyclists, walkers and runners will notice a smoother surface as they explore the trail.” Read more