Mantis announces all-new Blackbeard

Oswego, IL – Mantis Tech is stoked to announce the launch of the Mantis Blackbeard. Like all Mantis products, the Blackbeard helps every shooter improve.

Using electromechanical wizardry, Blackbeard allows you to take up to 10 dry fire shots per second, quickly resetting the hammer between each shot. A laser is also momentarily emitted from the barrel on every shot to give point of impact feedback, and can be adjusted and zeroed for any desired training scenario.

Installation takes less than a minute. Break open your AR-15 upper, remove the bolt carrier group, drop in Blackbeard, replace the pin, and put the Blackbeard magazine in place to provide the power. Nothing is modified in the trigger group, and it behaves exactly the same with an identical weight, break, and reset. Nothing else is modified on the AR-15, allowing shooters to train with their own gear.

“This incredible product has been the culmination of over two years of countless prototypes and creative engineering,” says Engineering Manager Christopher Glabrous. “Dealing with additional challenges with chip shortages and supply chain delays, the team has pulled off a remarkable feat.” Read more

Firearms

SAF in Federal Court Challenge of Calif. Gun Show Prohibition

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation and two California gun rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the state’s restrictive regulatory scheme covering the sale of firearms and ammunition as it applies to gun show operations in the state.

Joining SAF are the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc., South Bay Rod and Gun Club, Inc., B&L Productions, Inc./Crossroads of the West, Captain Jon’s Lockers, LLC; L.A.X. Firing Range, Inc./LAX Ammo and six private citizens. The case is known as B&L Productions v. Newsom.

SAF is represented by noted civil rights attorney Donald Kilmer, who successfully represented SAF in overturning the ban on gun shows at the Del Mar Fairgrounds in San Diego County, where the defendants were ordered to pay plaintiffs over a half-million dollars.

Named as defendants in this case are California Gov. Gavin Newsom in his official and personal capacity, Attorney General Robert Bonta, California Department of Food & Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross, San Diego County District Attorney Stephan Summer, San Diego County Counsel Thomas Montgomery, the 22nd District Agricultural Association and Does 1-50. The 57-page federal complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

“Boiled down to the basics,” explained SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “the state has been regulating gun show operations almost out of existence, and more restrictive than brick-and-mortar retail gun shops or even internet sales. This amounts to deprivation of rights under color of local law, including the First Amendment rights of free speech and freedom of assembly, and the 14th Amendment’s equal protection under the law. Read more

Gun Control

Michigan: make safe firewood choices to protect the places you love

This October, support Firewood Month by choosing to buy firewood where you burn it to prevent the spread of tree pests and diseases. As natural resource managers across the state work to limit tree loss from oak wilt, hemlock woolly adelgid and other destructive invaders, you can do your part by making safe firewood choices.

Invasive species, those that are not native and cause harm to the environment, economy or human health, are often transported to new locations through human means. Most tree pests and diseases get to new destinations in contaminated plant material or infested wood products, including firewood.

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are 140 pests and diseases that can be moved with firewood. Some are already present in Michigan, while others, including Asian longhorned beetle, beech leaf disease and spotted lanternfly, are infesting nearby states.

Recreational lands in Michigan are showing the effects of invasive tree pests and diseases. For example, P.J. Hoffmaster State Park has lost over 1,000 trees from oak wilt, transforming once-shady campsites and healthy wildlife areas into barren, open space. Read more
Wildlife

Michigan: drop boxes available 24/7 to submit deer heads for bovine TB testing

Successful hunters who want to get their deer checked for bovine tuberculosis have a convenient option if their nearest Michigan Department of Natural Resources deer check station is not yet open. Twelve drop boxes across the northeast Lower Peninsula are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for hunters to submit deer heads for bovine TB testing. Locations include Alanson, Alpena, Atlanta, Cheboygan, Gaylord, Grayling, Hillman, Indian River, Mio, Rogers City, Roscommon and Vienna Corners. Several sites are possible thanks to the cooperation of local businesses.

When heading to a drop box, hunters need to bring along two things: a smartphone and the head of their deer. Hunters should remove the head from their deer before arriving at the drop box, taking care to make the cut at least 3 inches behind the deer’s jaw to ensure a proper sample for the lab. To reduce potential exposure to disease, the DNR recommends always wearing latex or rubber gloves when field-dressing your deer, especially when removing the head.

Once at the drop box, hunters can follow the posted instructions for using their smartphone to enter contact and harvest information through an online form.

Detailed drop box location information is available at Michigan.gov/DeerCheck. Successful hunter patches are not available at drop boxes.

Contact DNR Wildlife Health Specialist Emily Sewell at 231-340-1821 with any questions.

Hunting, Wildlife

Michigan Pumpout Grant applications due Nov. 5

Public and private marinas open to the public are encouraged to apply for Michigan Pumpout Grant Program funds this fall. Approximately $200,000 is available annually, though individual award amounts will vary based on project scope.

Applications with all required materials are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5.

Apply for the grant ?

Funds applied for during this round should be available for projects beginning in spring 2022. Marinas can use these grant dollars to fund up to 75% of eligible project costs, with the marina providing the remainder.

This grant program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Michigan Sea Grant, helps reduce pollution from vessel sewage discharges by encouraging safe disposal of recreational boater sewage. Applicants can use the funding to build new pumpout and dump stations or upgrade existing facilities.

No more than a $5 fee can be charged to the public for use of these grant-funded facilities.

Questions? Please email MichiganPumpouts@umich.edu.

Fishing, General

TenPoint’s Fall Tag Out Sweepstakes

Mogadore, OH. TenPoint Crossbows recently announced that customers who fill their tag and submit their photo using an American-Built TenPoint or Wicked Ridge crossbow will be entered to win a Titan M1 crossbow and an EVO-X Marksman Elite scope in their 2021 Fall Tag Out Sweepstakes.

Here’s How it Works:

  • Tag Out with your TenPoint or Wicked Ridge crossbow between 9/1/2021 – 12/15/2021
  • Submit your photo and email address at https://www.tenpointcrossbows.com/tenpoint-tag-out/ using the “Upload a Photo” button
  • (5) winners will be randomly selected (bi-weekly) between 10/1/2021 – 12/15/2021 to receive an EVO-X Marksman Elite Scope valued at $449.99
  • (1) winner will be randomly selected on 12/16/2021 to receive a Titan M1 crossbow with ACUdraw valued at $899.99 Read more
Archery

Six deer in southern Michigan test positive for epizootic hemorrhagic disease

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Disease Laboratory and the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Tuesday announced they have confirmed that six free-ranging, white-tailed deer from four counties have died from epizootic hemorrhagic disease. EHD is a viral disease, sometimes fatal, found in wild ruminants such as white-tailed deer, mule deer and elk.

EHD cases were identified in Oakland County (3), Macomb County (1), St. Clair County (1) and Shiawassee County (1). Over the last 15 days, the DNR has received reports of 150 likely cases of EHD, primarily from counties where officials have confirmed the disease.

The disease is transmitted by a type of biting fly called a midge. Infection does not always result in the disease. Signs of illness within infected animals are highly variable, ranging from none at all to extensive internal bleeding and fluid accumulation. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus. Read more

Wildlife

International Case Features Duck Ruckus Cases in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass

WEST POINT, MS – No one demands more protection for their gear than that of a waterfowl hunter. Hunters spend their hard-earned money on the utmost quality shotguns available, which means they want them to last and continue to look good, even down to the case that holds the gun. Die-hard hunters are in luck with the release of the NEW Duck Ruckus Case from International Case.

International Case Company and Mossy Oak are proud to present the newest lineup of cases designed specifically for the duck hunter that features Mossy Oak Shadow Grass on the exterior and the interior of the case, assuring that their gear looks good inside and out for years to come.

Duck Ruckus cases are the latest in a patented double-walled A.B.S. construction that provides the ultimate safety and security for traveling needs and also for times when it is not in use, such as sitting around the lodge.

International Case is proud to introduce two different stylish models. The Duck Ruckus Compact QR and Duck Ruckus Double Duck. Both models accommodate all shotgun types from OU/SXS or Semi-Auto with up to 36-inch barrels. The Duck Ruckus Compact QR securely holds one shotgun. It has a Q.R. shoulder strap for easy transportation. As a bonus and to let everyone know you’re a proud hunter, the exterior of The Compact is trimmed in Mossy Oak Shadow Grass. It has a Mossy Oak Neoprene liner on the interior, making it stylish yet functional for every hunter. Read more

Firearms, Hunting

Smith & Wesson Optics-Ready M&P9 Shield Plus

Smith & Wesson® M&P9 Shield Plus now available with a 3.1” optics-ready slide

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Smith & Wesson Inc. announced today that it has expanded its line of M&P Shield® Plus pistols to include a new optics-ready variant, the M&P9 Shield Plus 3.1” OR. Building on the popular M&P Shield Plus series, this new model features a 3.1” slide cut for optics, and front and rear night sights.

Vince Perreault, Senior Brand Manager, said, “The use of optics on concealed carry handguns has become increasingly popular as owners look for ways to enhance their accuracy and shooting experience. Responding to consumer feedback, we’re now proud to offer a highly sought-after combination – our M&P9 Shield Plus pistol complete with a 3.1” slide cut of optics as well as night sights. These popular aftermarket modifications are now available in the M&P Shield Plus, straight from the factory.”

The new M&P9 Shield Plus 3.1” OR features a variety of enhancements including a flat-face trigger, an optimized grip texture designed for concealed carry, and two-magazines: an extended 13+1 round magazine and a flush fit 10+1 round magazine. It features the hallmark 18-degree grip angle of the M&P pistol series for a natural point of aim, helping to better manage recoil, and get back on target quickly.

The MSRP on the M&P9 Shield Plus 3.1” OR pistols is $595.00. Read more

Firearms

SAF Federal Lawsuit Challenges NY Stun Gun, “Taser” Ban

BELLEVUE, WA – The Second Amendment Foundation has filed a federal lawsuit challenging New York state and municipal laws prohibiting private citizens from possessing and using stun guns and tasers, noting in its complaint, “Most courts have found that bans on stun guns and tasers violate the Second Amendment and are unconstitutional.”

Joining SAF are the Firearms Policy Coalition, Inc., and three private citizens, Nunzio Calce, Shaya Greenfield and Raymond Pezzoli. The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. Plaintiffs are represented by attorney David Jensen of Beacon, N.Y. The case is known as Calce, et.al. v. City of New York, et. al.

Named as defendants are the City of New York and Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.

“As we explain in our complaint, states and localities have some ability to regulate the keeping and bearing of arms,” noted SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “However, the Second Amendment prevents states and localities from flatly prohibiting law-abiding citizens from keeping bearable arms, and particularly arms that are in common use for the purpose of self-defense.” Read more

Gun Control
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