Governor Ron DeSantis Announces 2022 Florida Python Challenge®

MIAMI — Thursday, Governor Ron DeSantis announced that registration for the 2022 Florida Python Challenge® has opened and the annual 10-day event will be held August 5-14, 2022. Members of the public are now able to take the required online training and register to compete to win thousands of dollars in prizes while removing invasive Burmese pythons from the wild. The competition is open to both professional and novice participants.

“The Everglades is one of the world’s most prized natural resources, and we have invested record funding for Everglades restoration projects, including record funding for removal of invasive Burmese pythons which wreak havoc on the ecosystem,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Because of this focus, we have removed record numbers of invasive pythons from the Everglades. I am proud of the progress we’ve made, and I look forward to seeing the results of this year’s Python Challenge.”

“The Florida Everglades is an iconic habitat in Florida and removing Burmese pythons from this ecosystem is critical to the survival of the species that live in this vast wild area,” said FWC Chairman Rodney Barreto. “Under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, the FWC and our dedicated partners continue to have great success conserving our native wildlife and managing this invasive predator.” Read more

ZeroTech Optics Launches Vengeance 1-6×24 LPVO

Nashville, TN. – The versatility of an AR platform makes it a standout “Go-to” rifle for all applications, and to compliment this rifle topping it off with a ZeroTech 1-6×24 RAR LPVO will make it the most adaptable rifle to any shooting scenario.

Featuring ZeroTech’s very own illuminated RAR reticle system, you will have the confidence to place shot after shot on target in all lighting situations with precision.

Our locking diopter system allows you to secure your diopter setting with a lock ring and achieve a perfect 1 X image every time. The removable magnification throw lever makes power changes a breeze, coupled with our RAR illuminated reticle makes for the ultimate speed shooting combination. Low profile, large diameter capped turrets provide precise and audible indexing and are guaranteed to return to zero every time. A 30mm main tube will ensure excellent mounting versatility and high strength.

Features Read more

SK Customs/Nighthawk Custom Produce Upgraded Springfield Garrison IOS Pistols

HAYMARKET, VA –– SK Customs and Nighthawk Custom have collaborated to offer an exclusive run of 21 custom shop upgraded Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison firearms. Chambered in 45ACP, this 1911 is designed to commemorate the U.S. Mint’s debut of the 2021 Type 2 American Eagle Silver Dollar.

The 1911 Garrison is constructed of raw materials from Springfield Armory and is heirloom-quality stainless steel. It features high-polished slide and frame flats and selective small parts. Engraved with an American Scroll and plated in silver, the artwork features the U.S. Mint’s American Eagle Silver Dollar Type 2 inspiration and the engraved grip features Lady Liberty in full stride with the quote “In God We Trust.”

Highlights of the Custom Springfield Armory 1911 Garrison include: Read more

Bushnell Broadhead Laser Rangefinder Now Shipping

Industry’s Most Accurate Rangefinder Designed Specifically for Bowhunters

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, is excited to announce the availability of the most precise laser rangefinder of its era – the new Broadhead Laser Rangefinder. Meticulously engineered for industry-leading precision and +/- 0.3-yard accuracy out to 150 yards on any target, the Broadhead Laser Rangefinder is the perfect options for archers and bowhunters as they set their sights on the upcoming season.

Now available for purchase online or at your local archery supply store, the Broadhead builds on Bushnell’s legacy of developing the most advanced rangefinders for today’s outdoor enthusiast. At its core, the Broadhead is tailored around short-range accuracy for archers who need to know exact distances. The Broadhead’s 0.3-yard accuracy has been tested to deliver consistent ranges on any target, such as 3D targets and animal hides, regardless lighting or reflectivity. And combined with +/- one-degree angle accuracy, it leaves no doubt about a bowhunter’s precise range to target. Read more

Increase Your Shot With Hawke® Optics Frontier 34 Long Range Riflescope

Hawke® Optics, a world leader in quality sporting optics that perform outstanding in the field while maintaining optimum value

for the consumer, is proud to announce that its premium First Focal Plane Frontier riflescope line with 34mm main tubes is now shipping to customers and dealers everywhere. Shooters gearing up for extreme long-distance shots, whether in competition or hunting, can now get their hands on a scope with top of the line glass clarity and features.

The Frontier 34 FFP scopes are part of the System H7 series, which use index matched lenses with outstanding clarity throughout the entire field of view. Like the rest of the Frontier line, the glass surfaces in System H7 have an amazing 21 layers of advanced coatings producing extremely high light transmission and a clearer field of view. These First Focal Plane scopes help you hit your target out to ranges most shooters wouldn’t even consider possible, all while being what may be the best value in premium long-range shooting equipment that you’ll find anywhere. Read more

Davidson’s Exclusive SCCY DVG with Cheetah Print Finish

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Davidson’s, one of the nation’s leading firearms, optics, ammunition, and accessories distributors, has partnered once again with SCCY Industries to bring to market a new exclusive.

This exclusive Davidson’s SCCY DVG, chambered in 9mm, has a striking cheetah dip print finish on the entire frame.

Unlike the majority of SCCY’s line, the DVG is a striker-fired pistol. It comes equipped with a flat-faced trigger that has an average 5 ½ pound trigger pull, and offers the user a consistent, clean and crisp break on each shot.

The DVG series incorporates the Roebuck Quad-Lock system, invented and patented by SCCY owner Joe Roebuck. The Quad-Lock system is a technology that locks the barrel to the slide in four distinct areas (rear of the chamber, front of the chamber and two adjacent points at the front of the barrel). The Quad-Locking of the barrel and slide joins the two components into one solid piece to improve accuracy by ensuring that the barrel returns to the exact same location every time. While locked in battery the pistol will not allow any side to side movement of the barrel, allowing for repeatable accuracy shot after shot. Read more

New Poll: Lowest-Ever Support for Semi-Auto Ban

Amid the renewed clamor by anti-gunners for a ban on so-called “assault weapons,” the Second Amendment Foundation today pointed to a new Quinnipiac University poll showing public support for such a ban to be at an all-time low.

Support for a ban has fallen to 50 percent, while 45 percent oppose it, and according to the survey, “This is the lowest level of support among registered voters for a nationwide ban on the sale of assault weapons since February 2013 when the question was first asked by the Quinnipiac University Poll.” Four years ago, 67 percent supported a ban and 29 percent opposed the idea.

SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb said this is clear evidence the public is waking up to the reality that gun bans are not the answer to violent crime.

“Semiautomatic rifles have been around for more than a century,” Gottlieb noted, “and the popular AR-type rifles have been owned by private citizens for at least 60 years. Their use in crime is statistically minimal, so to blame their availability and demonize their technology is a false flag that borders on fraud.

“Increasing numbers of people realize there is far more to this dilemma than firearms,” he added. “For example, the same Quinnipiac poll shows a 40 percent plurality of voters think the real problem is rooted in mental health issues, more than twice the 19 percent who think the availability of firearms is at the core of the current crime spike. Read more

Parkwest Arms Custom Bolt Action Rifles

(Sturgis, South Dakota) Parkwest Arms, the leader in expertly crafted bolt action rifles and highly accurate hunting and tactical rifles is proud to introduce their complete line to the United States. Operating out of the former Dakota Arms workshop, the newly named Parkwest Arms is proud to keep the tradition and quality alive that has been so loved and celebrated by millions for decades.

Much has changed, but what is most important remains the same. From the vision, to the dedicated employees who have remained committed to their craft, Parkwest Arms continues to be the pinnacle of craftsmanship, accuracy, and performance. Never faltering in their most careful attention to detail on the outside of the rifle, you’ll find impeccable hand-checkering and inletting that is without flaw. The internal components of the firearm are crafted with the same precision and always from the finest materials. Every final product that comes out of the Sturgis workshop is a breathtaking, high performace work of art.

Parkwest Arms’ custom series is focused on the highest quality sporting firearms made in the USA. Nothing is ever mass produced; rather, they use only the highest grade certified steel to manufacture in their machine shop using modern CNC equipment. No plastic, no castings, but only the best quality parts made to precise tolerances. The difference is not just what you see, but also what you feel when handling these rifles. And the secret to the this level of quality is in the experienced hands of the Parkwest craftsman. Decades of talent and a passion for the final product is clearly shown in what they do. Read more

Fledging Time

Everyone enjoys seeing new fledglings, such as an Eastern Bluebird, and observing interactions with an adult (Wild Birds Unlimited photo).
During the post-fledging period, fledgling birds like these robins are fed and protected by the adults while they learn to fly and find food on their own (photo by Paul Konrad).

It’s an exciting time as the nesting season becomes more obvious with each passing day, and you may already be seeing some new fledglings that are leaving their nests. As fledglings appear, witnessing the successes of the nesting season is a wonderful experience and a fulfilling part of of providing nesting habitat in our yard, along with foods and fresh water for adults and fledglings. It’s a time we can all learn more about the behavior of birds when they venture beyond their nest, which is a time that’s not often described.

This week we’ve been watching the progress of a particular fledgling American Robin, that on first encounter looked like it was so young that it had fallen out of the nest. But it could fly short spurts to collect food from an attending adult. By the next day, it left its ground-based hangouts for low branches in nearby trees – obviously moving around and flying better. By day 3, it was beginning to stand in a more upright posture, which made it look larger and more adult-like in stature; and by day 4 the fledgling was flying especially strong and reacting immediately to human movements in the area.

And that’s what’s really fun about this time of the year: Everyone enjoys seeing new fledglings such as bluebirds, robins, cardinals, chickadees, screech owls, and others. Part of the learning process for birders is that by observing young birds when they leave the nest, we find out that fledglings are not on their own. The next step is really just a continuation of birds’ development known as the “post-fledging period,” which takes place after new fledglings leave the nest and continue to be protected and fed by adults.

The Post-fledging Period

During this interesting period, Read more

Growing network of radio stations provide important data on small animal migration

Iowa joined other Midwestern states, and researchers in Canada and Central and South America to create a network of radio receiver stations to learn more about the long-distance migration patterns of birds, bats and insects.

The Motus Wildlife Tracking System, motus being the Latin word for movement, began in 2013 by Birds Canada near Toronto. Motus is a system of coordinated automated radio telemetry station used to track long-distance movements of small animals.

Automated antenna array connected to radio receivers are being installed throughout the Western hemisphere and birds, bats and insects are netted and trapped then outfitted with small tags that emit a radio signal every few seconds. When the tagged animal passes near a receiver station, it records the tag and identifies the animal to which it was attached. So multiple detections over time can build a map of migration for a tagged individual. Read more

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