Iowa’s 2024 Pheasant Nesting Outlook

Iowa’s pheasant population typically shows increases following mild winters with springs that are dryer and warmer than normal. While last winter was average to below average snowfall, spring was wetter than normal, with May coming in as the eighth wettest in 152 years of records.

Given the statewide information, the weather model is predicting pheasant populations will likely be lower for the 2024 hunting season.

“I expect there to be regional differences in the population this fall,” said Todd Bogenschutz, upland wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR. “Our best counts will still likely be in the northern and central regions, but likely lower counts in the southeast and south-central regions. With the severe cold and snow in south central and southeast regions, quail numbers will likely be the same or lower than last year, but perhaps higher in the southwest region.”

This prediction is based on weather data, Bogenschutz said, and it can be wrong. The DNR’s August roadside survey is the best gauge of what upland populations will be this fall. The survey is conducted between Aug. 1 – 15, and the results will be posted on the DNR webpage www.iowadnr.gov/pheasantsurvey around Sept. 15.

Hunting, Wildlife

Rock River Arms Announces Rebate Program

Rock River Arms, the industry’s most respected name in Modern Sporting Rifles and pistols, has launched a new consumer rebate program effective now through September 2, 2024.

The RRA Webstore Special rebate program is open to all consumers who purchase a new RRA AR rifle or AR pistol (excluding RRAGE and 22LR models) from July 22 through September 2, 2024. All qualified consumers are eligible to receive a $50 RRA gift card redeemable on purchases made through the RRA webstore.

To claim the $50 rebate, qualified purchasers will be required to upload a copy of the dated sales receipt showing the serial number of the new AR firearm purchased via the program’s QR code. This rebate is not redeemable for cash, and all rebates must be submitted no later than the October 2, 2024, deadline. The rebate cannot be applied to existing orders or combined with any other offer. Read more

Firearms, Promotions

Springfield Armory Announces Release of 1911 DS Prodigy 9mm in Coyote Brown

Springfield Armory® is proud to announce the launch of the Prodigy™ AOS 9mm pistol in a Cerakote® Coyote Brown finish. This new Prodigy variant is available in both 5” and 4.25” variants, in both standard-capacity and 10-round versions.

The 1911 DS Prodigy represents a modern take on the proven 1911 platform, providing shooters with double-stack capacity and a performance-driven feature set. The Cerakote Coyote Brown coating not only enhances the durability and performance of the firearm, but also offers significant benefits in terms of longevity and ease of care.

Featuring an expertly engineered double-stack magazine, the pistol is optics-ready with raised fiber-optic front/u-notch rear sights. It also features an ambidextrous safety and Picatinny rail. Mounted to the pistol’s forged steel receiver is a polymer grip module that offers capacities of 17+1 in a flush-fit magazine and 20+1 in an extended magazine, both included with the Prodigy. An optional 26-round magazine is also available. Read more

Firearms

Commission Action on Part of Wolf Trapping Regulations to Be Postponed

Furbearer and wolf hunting and trapping regulations for the 2024-2025 season are on the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda for Aug. 16. To give Fish, Wildlife & Parks additional opportunity to assess wolf trapping dates and where those dates would apply, agenda discussion and decision on those specific aspects of the wolf trapping regulations will be postponed until the commission meeting on Oct. 10.

All other elements of the 2024 wolf harvest regulations including hunting dates, harvest quotas, bag limits, trap setbacks, harvest reporting and proposed amendments will remain on the Aug. 16 meeting agenda. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Christensen Arms to Host Film World Premiere with Jim Shockey and Bass Pro Shops

GUNNISON, Utah – Christensen Arms invites the public to attend the premiere screenings of its new film, “LEGACY,” featuring Jim Shockey and directed by Jim’s son, Branlin Shockey, which will be shown at the Bass Pro Shops locations in Independence, Missouri, and Garner, North Carolina.

“LEGACY” will premiere at the Bass Pro Shops location in Independence at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 17, and at the Garner location at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 24.

In the film, Shockey — Christensen Arms ambassador and hunting industry legend — shares insights into his storied past and what “legacy” means to him. This poignant piece celebrates Shockey’s distinct impact on the hunting community and the lasting effect of his dedication to exploration and stewardship.

“LEGACY” also features Christensen Arms’ groundbreaking new rifle, Evoke. The Evoke line embodies Jim’s desire to make premium hunting rifles more accessible regardless of where, what and how users hunt as the feature-rich and performance-proven Evoke line, the first sub-$1,000 centerfire rifle from Christensen Arms, delivers the ideal onramp for hunters and shooters seeking premium quality without a premium price.

These events, in partnership with Bass Pro Shops, Leupold, Hornady, and YETI, represent a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a world premiere film in an intimate setting with hunt legend Jim Shockey. Attendees will be among the first to view “LEGACY,” receive limited-edition event memorabilia and have the opportunity to win premium prizes from all sponsoring brands, including a complete rifle package with premium optics and ammunition.

For more information about the events and to purchase tickets, visit https://christensenarms.com/jim-shockey-world-premiere-event-legacy/.

Hunting

NRA Files Lawsuit Challenging ATF’s “Engaged in the Business” Rule

The National Rifle Association of America (NRA) has filed a lawsuit challenging the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) “Engaged in the Business” Final Rule. The ATF’s Final Rule unlawfully redefines when a person is “engaged in the business” of dealing in firearms and therefore required to be federally licensed. This new lawsuit is being filed on the heels of recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have reined in executive branch agencies from acting outside of statutory authority.

“The ATF’s Final Rule stands to turn countless upstanding and well-intending citizens into criminals for exercising their constitutional rights,” said Randy Kozuch, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). “When ATF released this Final Rule, NRA promised to use every means necessary to stop this egregious interpretation of the law. Now that the Supreme Court’s recent decisions in Loper Bright, Cargill, and Rahimi make clear that the ATF does not have unfettered authority to arbitrarily restrict NRA Members’ rights to buy and sell firearms, the NRA is fighting back.”

NRA, along with two individuals, Don Butler and David Glidewell, filed the lawsuit challenging the ATF’s Final Rule in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. The complaint alleges that the Final Rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act because it exceeds the ATF’s statutory and jurisdictional authority and is arbitrary and capricious; violates the Fifth Amendment because it is unconstitutionally vague; violates the Second Amendment by infringing the rights to keep, bear, buy, and sell arms; and violates the Separation of Powers, non-delegation doctrine, and Take Care Clause by usurping legislative powers and prohibiting lawful conduct by executive fiat. Read more

Gun Control

Federal Ammunition Awarded United States Special Operations Contract for Mk316

ANOKA, Minnesota –– The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has awarded Federal Ammunition a one-year, $3.6M contract to supply SOCOM with 7.62x51mm rifle ammunition.

“This contract award for long-range rifle ammunition for SOCOM continues our long-standing support of the U.S. military,” said Federal’s President and CEO, Jason Vanderbrink. “This proven load is currently being produced for the U.S. Navy in a separate contract, validating our American manufacturing expertise and commitment to supplying the U.S. warfighter with the best products to protect and defend.”

The cartridge selected during the one-year contract is for the 7.62x51mm, 175-grain precision match rifle load. The ordering period is 12 months. Federal will produce the ammunition at its facility in Anoka, Minnesota. Read more

Ammunition

MUCC Recaps Michigan Deer Hunting Changes

July 2024 NRC Recap
By Justin Tomei | July 11, 2024 | 
GW:  Changes always spark conversation and we sure got it now.  There are no perfect solutions but it’s still healthy to put our cards on the table.
The following is from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC)

Commissioners adopted changes to deer regulations for 2024 at the July 11th Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting. 

After over 20 amendments to Wildlife Conservation Order #6 of 2024 were debated, commissioners landed on an order with most changes taking effect in the 2024 season.  

Among other changes for 2024, the commission adopted several amendments. Of the most notable changes, there are new expanded opportunities in January. The use of any legal firearm in zone 2 during muzzleloader season, and beginning in 2025 the youth and liberty hunt will be antlerless only. 

No statewide antler point restrictions, hunters’ choice, or lower peninsula baiting legalizations were approved. 

A more expansive summary of the 2024 regulation changes will come once a complete and accurate summation of the changes can be made. 

After the flurry of amendments, the final order passed on a 5-1 vote.  

Chair Baird assured Michigan hunters that this is not the closing chapter of deer regulations, and work on deer management will continue. 

Michigan Deer and Elk specialist Chad Stewart presented department responses to the proposed deer regulations, and amendments.  

Before the deer debate, there was a presentation on updates to the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project, and a pair of awards from the DNR.  

The commission approved Wildlife Conservation Order #5 of 2024, which sets up a framework for voluntary use of electronic kill tags for the 2024 fall turkey season.  

Wildlife Conservation Order #7 of 2024 was up for information and if adopted, changes the duck stamp regulations to follow modernized federal rules. This order will be up for action at the August meeting.  

The August meeting is Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the Cadillac Place in Detroit.  

Posted in Policy and tagged , , , , , 
Hunting, Wildlife

Man Hospitalized in Bear Encounter North of Columbia Falls

A man was hospitalized after an encounter with a grizzly bear on Thursday evening approximately 2 miles north of Columbia Falls in Flathead County.

A 72-year-old man was alone picking huckleberries on Flathead National Forest lands off the North Fork Road when he reported encountering a bear that charged and attacked him. The individual shot and killed the bear with a handgun.

FWP wardens and bear specialists responded to the incident and confirmed that an adult female grizzly bear was killed. FWP is working to verify if any cubs are present. FWP determined it to be a surprise defensive encounter. Read more

Wildlife

Mossy Oak Nativ Living Edition Now Available Exclusively from The Original Log Cabin Homes

The Original Log Cabin Homes is excited to introduce the Mossy Oak Nativ Living Editions of their cabins. homes, and structures. This collaboration blends Mossy Oak’s rich heritage with The Original Log Cabin Homes’ deep roots in tradition and expertise in log cabin construction, promising unmatched quality and design. The Original Log Cabin Homes takes pride in their title as ‘The Official Log Home of Mossy Oak’ and in their exclusive offering of the Mossy Oak Nativ Living Edition.

This exclusive partnership showcases a diverse range of structures including traditional log cabin homes, farmhouses, barndominiums, A-frames, and companion structures such as garages, barns, and stables. Crafted from premium wood species like eastern white pine, bald cypress, and western red cedar, each structure is milled at The Original Log Cabin Home’s state-of-the-art facility in North Carolina, reflecting their commitment to American craftsmanship. To display the special edition, every Mossy Oak Nativ Living Edition structure will come with a distinctive wall-mounting, metal plaque. Read more

General
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