Presque Isle County man arraigned after DNR discovered 85 abused, abandoned animals

Aug. 2, 2024

Scott Allen Thompson, 56, of Hawks, was arraigned  by a judge in Montmorency County 88th District Court, following an animal cruelty investigation conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Thompson pleaded not guilty to four charges, including:

  • One felony of failing to provide animals with adequate care, punishable of up to seven years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines and community service.
  • One misdemeanor of animal cruelty, punishable of up to 93 days in jail with up to $1,000 in fines and up to 200 hours of community service.
  • Two misdemeanors for improper burial of dead animals, each punishable by up to 90 days in jail and up to $500 in fines.

“This is a rare situation for the DNR to get involved in, as domestic animal complaints and investigations are not our primary responsibility or focus. However, there were no other resources available,” said Chief Jason Haines, DNR Law Enforcement Division. “This is a very large-scale animal abuse case, and something had to be done.”

In June, DNR conservation officers initially responded to the more than 50-acre Thompson family property, located in Atlanta, with a search warrant regarding a dead horse. They located a total of 10 deceased animals, including: four geese, two chickens and a horse, pig, quail and rabbit.

The owners were ordered to properly bury the horse. The other nine animals were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory in East Lansing, where lab personal determined starvation and dehydration were the causes of death.

On , conservation officers returned to the property with a second search warrant. They were shocked to find numerous animals starving, with no water and poor living conditions. Read more

Wildlife

Montana Releases 2023 Wolf Report; Population Strong After Increased Harvest

The wolf population in Montana remains healthy, according to the 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Wolf Report. Increased harvest during the 2023 wolf season has not yet resulted in an estimated decline to the statewide total. However, FWP biologists expect to see a moderate decline in wolf numbers next year resulting from the increased harvest in early 2024.

“We are committed to following the law to reduce wolf numbers to a sustainable level, which means ensuring Montana has a healthy state managed population,” said Quentin Kujala, FWP Chief of Conservation Policy. “The statewide wolf population estimate for calendar year 2023 is approximately 1,100 wolves, similar to 2022. However, we are seeing declines in the estimated number of wolves and wolf packs in Regions 3 and 4, which suggests the combination of hunting, trapping, and conflict management removals can effectively reduce wolf numbers.”

An example of this moderate decline is in FWP Region 3, where wolf population estimates have gradually declined from 214 in 2020, to 178 in 2023. Statewide, wolf harvest from Jan. 1 through March 15 was 176 wolves in 2024, compared to 144 over the same period in 2023. Both trends indicate a moderate decline in wolf numbers FWP biologists expect to be illustrated in the 2024 wolf report that will come out during the summer of 2025.

The estimated statewide wolf population for 2023 was 1,096, just one less than the 2022 estimated population and slightly below the 10-year average of 1,140 wolves but well above recovery thresholds. The number of wolf packs was 181, spread over 66,000 square miles. Total wolf harvest for the 2023-2024 wolf season was 286 wolves, which was an increase from 258 taken during the 2022-23 season.

Livestock conflicts, confirmed livestock losses and wolf removals were all down considerably in 2023, according to the report. Wildlife Services confirmed the loss of 32 livestock to wolves, including 23 cattle and eight sheep; one livestock guard dog was also killed by wolves. This total was lower than numbers from 2012 to 2022. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Springfield Armory Announces Hellcat and Hellcat® Pro Gear Up Promotion

Beginning August 1st, customers who purchase any new Springfield Armory® Hellcat® or Hellcat® Pro 9mm pistol will qualify to receive a “Gear Up” package featuring a Viridian® RFX11 green dot optic, three extra magazines and a Springfield Armory dual pistol bag with the Crossed Cannon™ logo. This entire package totals up to more than $300 in added value.

The Hellcat series of 9mm pistols offers CCW enthusiasts a pistol that combines impressive capacity with proven performance. Featuring a best-in-class capacity of 11+1 and 13+1 with the included extended magazine, the pistol is available in 3” models as well as the RDP (Rapid Defense Package) variant that adds in a high-performance Self Indexing Compensator and threaded barrel. The slightly larger Hellcat Pro extends the barrel to 3.7” and lengthens the grip to offer an astounding 15+1 capacity in the included flush-fit magazine, and 17+1 in the included extended magazine.

The Viridian RFX11 green dot included in this Gear Up package is a compact reflex optic that direct-mounts to Hellcat OSP and Hellcat Pro OSP pistol slides, allowing for co-witnessing with the pistol’s excellent U-Dot iron sights. The optic weighs just 4 oz. and feature a 3 MOA green dot, “instant on” and auto shut-off operation, an ambient light sensor, and more than 30,000 hours of run time on a single CR2032 battery. Read more

Firearms, Promotions

Franklin Armory Launches Three New Binary AR Pistols with Braces

Franklin Armory, Inc., one of America’s most innovative manufacturers of firearms and accessories, announced today three new AR-style pistol models, each equipped with the patented Binary Firing System® and Franklin Armory’s linear compensating and flash suppressing Triumvir® muzzle device. All three pistols offer high-end furniture combinations and are built with 100 percent American-made parts and materials.

The C12 Pistol features a 12.5-inch barrel, mid-length gas system, forged receiver set, B5 grip, and the new SBA5 pistol brace from SB Tactical. The C12 Pistol’s combination of a mid-length gas system, Binary® trigger, and Triumvir muzzle device makes it a smooth-shooting, entry-level AR pistol for optimal close quarter applications. MSRP for the C12 Pistol is $1,289.99.

The Salus® Pistol features a 12-inch barrel, carbine-length gas system, premium billet receiver set, Franklin Armory’s FSR handguard, Ergo grip, Triumvir muzzle device, and SBA3 pistol brace. The Salus Pistol is a premium option for anyone seeking an in-vehicle or home-defense tool with the Binary trigger’s pull-and-release firing capabilities. MSRP for the Salus Pistol is $1,699.99.

The PDW-C7 features a 7.5-inch barrel, pistol-length gas system, forged receiver set, Franklin Armory’s FST handguard with Magpul M-LOK hand stop, Magpul K2 grip, Triumvir muzzle device, and SBPDW pistol brace. The PDW-C7 is a superior compact personal defense weapon that provides a genuine Binary pull-and-release firing option for ultimate flexibility in defensive situations. MSRP for the PDW-C7 is $1,559.99. Read more

Firearms

Kimber Releases New Carbon Compact

Kimber Mfg. has released the New Carbon Compact chambered in 9mm.

Kimber continues to develop compelling handguns with the latest addition to its striker fired line of pistols. The new Kimber Carbon Compact is a larger, more feature rich striker fired gun than its competitors. Built around a true Carbon Fiber Matrix filled grip housing, the new Carbon Compact has been sculpted to deliver the most efficient ergonomics of any polymer handgun available today. This new Carbon Fiber matrix delivers a superior strength ratio that withstands over double the impact force of standard firearms. Plus, the Carbon Fiber frame features a forward “Gas Pedal” or thumb rest for a thumb forward shooting grip style prevalent in today’s shooters. Also, the R7 has a high undercut and flared magwell that is normally found as aftermarket accessories from custom shops.

The pistol is also fully ambidextrous, and these attributes combined with the industry leading Kimber performance carry trigger deliver the best polymer striker fired handgun available in its class. This new model also features a longer 3.9-inch barrel, 4 interchangeable backstraps and comes with two magazines. A TFS model featuring a threaded barrel and direct mount Holosun 407K optic will also be available. The new Carbon Compact is built to exact tolerances found in the current highly reliable striker fired pistols from Kimber. This latest addition highlights the continuing shift toward optic and light bearing firearms demanded by today’s concealed carry owner.

“Mountie Mizer – Vice President of Sales for Kimber stated: This new Carbon Compact delivers on all the attributes that our consumers have been asking for and will make more people familiar with where Kimber is headed with our deeper offering of polymer striker variants which feature the best triggers on the market.”

The new Carbon Compact is shipping now and is the third product line extension from Kimber in 2024 with more new introductions on deck in the coming months! For more information on the Carbon Compact, or other premium firearms, please visit kimberamerica.com. Read more

Firearms

Apply for Michigan reserved waterfowl hunts Aug. 1-28

Toss your name in the hat for an opportunity to kick off your waterfowl season with a reserved hunt!

Applications are $5, and hunters may apply only once. Apply online at eLicense, on the DNR Hunt Fish app or anywhere DNR licenses are sold. Drawing results will be available Sept. 16.

Reserved hunts will be held in the morning and afternoon on:

  • Oct. 5 and 6 at Fish Point (Tuscola County) and Nayanquing Point (Bay County) state wildlife areas.
  • Oct. 12 and 13 at the Harsens Island Unit of the St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area (St. Clair County) and Pointe Mouillee (Monroe and Wayne counties) and Shiawassee River (Saginaw County) state game areas.

To learn more about dates, locations and bag limits, see the 2024 Reserved hunt drawing information.

Questions about applying or hunting waterfowl? Contact the DNR Wildlife Division at 517-284-9453.

Hunting

Be Heard on Expanding Hunting and Fishing Opportunities on Wildlife Refuges

Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) issued the latest Hunt-Fish Rule in a decades-long process of expanding hunting and fishing opportunities on wildlife refuges and a few fish hatchery lands. The 2024 Hunt–Fish Rule proposes 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The final rule will be published in the Federal Register soon and be available at http://www.regulations.gov, Docket Number: FWS-HQ-NWRS-2024-0034

“National Wildlife Refuges are central to the successful U.S. strategy of restoring and maintaining wildlife,” said Gray N. Thornton, President and CEO of the Wild Sheep Foundation. “What makes the strategy successful is the opportunity to harvest wildlife under scientifically determined limits and practices. By promoting this connection between people and wildlife, hunting sustains public support for conservation and pays for the necessary work of maintaining and improving habitat.”

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities contributed more than $394 billion in economic expenditures in communities across the United States in 2022, with hunters and anglers accounting for over $144 billion in expenditures, according to the Service’s National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey also found that, in 2021, an estimated 39.9 million Americans over the age of 16 fished and 14.4 million hunted. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Wildfire Forest Rehabilitation Relief Tops $10 Million

Thanks to a recent allocation from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners, the cumulative amount of funding for 2021-2024 forest restoration work exceeds $10 million across the West.

As of August 1, approximately 28,000 wildfires scorched more than 4.2 million acres since the beginning of 2024, with nearly 100 large fires actively burning. RMEF is a long-standing proponent of active forest management for the benefit of wildlife and riparian habitat, wildfire mitigation and overall forest health.

“Wildfires not only threaten human lives and property, but they have devastating consequences for our forests and the elk, mule deer, moose, turkey, upland birds and a myriad of other fish and wildlife species that live there,” said RMEF President/CEO Kyle Weaver. “We thank our partners, members, volunteers and others for this funding that helps restore and enhance wildlife habitat on landscapes impacted by wildfires.”

The 2024 treatments (see list below) span work in Arizona, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. RMEF allotted $381,371 to help leverage more funding from the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and other participating organizations.

Since 2021, RMEF and its partners set aside $10,697,215 for 50 wildfire rehabilitation efforts in the previously mentioned six western states as well as Colorado, Idaho, New Mexico and Washington. RMEF volunteers assisted in several of the projects.

2024 projects as of August 1, 2024: Read more

Wildlife

Washington AG Ferguson On Losing Side in Gun Case, Again

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson was on the losing side in a significant Second Amendment case in Minnesota when a three-judge panel ruled unanimously in favor of the plaintiffs, including the Second Amendment Foundation, in a case affirming that Minnesota’s ban on concealed carry by young adults is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.

Ferguson has boasted he has never lost a Second Amendment case, but he was among 20 attorneys general submitting an amicus brief supporting the state prohibition, which the appeals court panel unanimously ruled was unconstitutional. The case is known as Worth v. Jacobson. SAF is joined by the Firearms Policy Coalition, Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus and four citizens, Austin Dye, Alex Anderson, Joe Knudsen and Kristin Worth, for whom the case is known.

“This isn’t the first time Ferguson has been on the losing side in a SAF case challenging a gun prohibition for young adults,” SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb recalled. “His team also lost back in March in the case of Lara v. Evanchick, which challenges Pennsylvania’s prohibition against young adults in the 18- to 20-year-old category from carrying firearms for personal protection.

“Indeed,” Gottlieb continued, “Ferguson seems to be on the wrong side consistently when it comes to gun control, and specifically when it involves the rights of young adults. When he could be on the right side, as in our lawsuit challenging outright violations of Washington State’s firearms preemption statute by the City of Edmonds, he didn’t even take action to defend the 40-year-old law. Instead, we had to do his job and we won a unanimous ruling from the State Supreme Court in April 2022 while Ferguson and the Attorney General’s office were AWOL.” Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

ATN Corp Announces Major Sale on ThOR 5, ThOR XD, and ThOR LTV: Up to $1,000 Off

ATN Corp, the foremost authority in advanced Smart Digital, Night Vision, and Thermal Vision Optics is thrilled to announce a major sale event on three of their most popular products: the ThOR 5, ThOR XD, and ThOR LTV. For a limited time, customers can now enjoy up to $1,000 off the ThOR 5 and ThOR XD and up to $500 off select models of the ThOR LTV.

The ThOR 5 and ThOR XD, renowned for its cutting-edge thermal imaging capabilities, offers unparalleled precision and clarity, making it a favorite among hunters, security professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts. With discounts reaching $1,000, this is a prime opportunity for both new and experienced users to upgrade their gear and experience the most advanced thermal imaging technology.

The ThOR LTV, another standout in ATN Corp’s product lineup, combines durability with advanced features, providing excellent performance in a variety of conditions. The sale includes discounts of up to $500, making this high-quality scope more accessible to those looking to enhance their outdoor adventures or professional equipment. Read more

Optics
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