Turkey Time
Michigan Gobbler
The hunting season starts April 18th and prospects look good.
Angling to keep your distance outdoors
LITTLE ROCK — With many states issuing orders to “stay at home” or “shelter in place,” some anglers may worry that their favorite outdoor pursuits are in jeopardy. Although a couple of these states have ordered partial or complete halts to fishing within their borders, most are trying to keep the outdoors open for people to enjoy during this time of social distancing. Even in states with “stay at home” orders, outdoor exercise and recreation like fishing are listed as exceptions and healthy alternatives to sitting inside. People still need to be mindful of extending the same precautions they have in indoor settings when heading to their favorite fishing location. Here are a few things to keep in mind before loading the boat or car with the rods, reels and minnow bucket.
Keep it local
Spring is normally a time to get out and explore new places, and anglers are always looking for the “hot bite.” Traveling can promote the spread of coronavirus to new areas, so it’s best to keep your fishing trips within a manageable distance for a single day’s trip. Fill up your gas tank before leaving at your local gas station and pack all the food and drinks you’ll need for the trip at home to prevent unnecessary exposure to others. Preventing the spread of the virus to remote areas is just as important as preventing its spread within larger communities. Some rural areas do not have the medical resources to handle a large-scale outbreak.
Plan ahead
It’s also important to call ahead if the area you’re going is part of a park or other recreation area.
Spread out
It’s exciting to see so many people enjoying the outdoors as a way to enjoy their time of social distancing, but there’s plenty of room to spread out and not gather closely while enjoying what Arkansas has to offer. Try to keep at least 6 feet between you and the next person while fishing from the bank. The best way to do this is to hold your fishing pole out and make a circle. If someone is within that distance, they’re too close. “Fishing pole distance” is good practice even during normal times to prevent any accidental line tangles with your neighboring angler.
Avoid crowded access points
If you pull up to your favorite fishing location to find a full parking lot or dozens of people already there, consider going to another spot or visiting at another time. Not only can the crowds increase your chances of coming in contact with a germ, but they can also cause the fishing to go downhill quickly. Even the best hotspots will begin to cool when the fish have seen a nonstop parade of lures and hooks.
Keep it friendly, but keep it quick
Social distancing doesn’t mean being an anti-social jerk. We’re all in this together, and most of us are a bit cranky after being cooped up for so long. Arguing over fishing locations or fighting over who goes next putting your boat in at the ramp isn’t worth the added aggravation.
At the same time, it’s not a good idea to hang out at the ramp or boat dock after the day is done to swap stories. Instead of sharing a tailgate, sit on your own and keep that “fishing rod distance” in mind. Try not to linger or form a large group, and keep the conversations for your phone once you’re back home.
Michigan: Boating Remains Open Despite Stay-at-Home Order
The office of Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer announced last Friday that recreational boating is in fact allowed under the statewide stay-at-home order. Earlier that day, a state police lieutenant inaccurately said that launching watercraft was banded under the governor’s edict.
Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw told The Detroit News on Friday that the governor’s March 24 “Stay Home. Stay Safe. Save Lives” order prohibited recreational use of the state’s waterways. Hours later, John Pepin, a spokesman with the state department of natural resources, clarified that boating is allowed under the governor’s order.
Frequently Asked Question
On Friday, the governor’s office updated the State of Michigan website’s frequently asked questions associated with the executive order. “Boating falls within the outdoor activities permitted under the order,” the website says.
Killer Instinct® Crossbows Introduces BOSS 405
Windom, MN— Killer Instinct® Crossbows, a leading manufacturer of performance crossbows and crossbow accessories introduces the new BOSS 405 crossbow kit. A hard-hitting crossbow featuring a compact, adjustable frame designed for serious shooters or someone just getting started.
The BOSS 405 smashes target’s at over 400 feet per second! Adjustable to match a variety of hunter’s sizes, the 6-position buttstock shortens the crossbows overall length and extends for a comfortable, customized fit. The dependability and tack driving accuracy Killer Instinct is known for is produced by a new Micro-Lite aluminum barrel that eliminates excess weight while still producing dead-on accuracy. The new X-Lok adjustable foregrip and easy-to-handle narrow frame produces a compact shooting machine. Finished off with a noise reducing integrated Dead Silent Kit, the Boss 405 is sure to produce deadly results.
PRO PACKAGE INCLUDED
Illuminated LUMIX 4 x 32 IR-W Scope, (3) Premium HYPR Lite Bolts, Rope Cocker, String Suppressors, 3-Bolt Quiver and Stick of Rail Lube
Killer Instinct backs the BOSS 405 with an Industry leading limited lifetime warranty and customer support.
MSRP – $349 Read more
CCRKBA: Rising Crime During Pandemic = Increased Gun Sales
BELLEVUE, WA – Reports of increased crime as the coronavirus pandemic continues underscore the renewed public interest in gun ownership, and the necessity of gun shops and shooting ranges where genuine gun safety is practiced and taught, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said today.
“Fortunately,” said CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb, “most of the crime now being reported involves commercial burglary of unoccupied businesses, but how long before the people responsible ramp things up? People, many of whom have never before owned a gun, now want that means of personal safety, for themselves, their families and their homes.
“That’s why it makes no sense to close down gun shops and shooting ranges as ‘non-essential’ while the coronavirus emergency continues,” he explained. “Gun sales are in record territory, and ordering gun stores to shut down is simply wrong.
Published reports say burglaries are up in cities such as San Jose and Seattle, both in states where governors have arbitrarily decided gun stores are “non-essential,” Gottlieb noted. Reports from New Jersey and New York have revealed police are not immune to COVID-19 infection, and some experts are saying the country could be entering the worst phase of the pandemic in the next two weeks.
“Combine all of these circumstances,” Gottlieb observed, “and it is understandable why more people want to become gun owners. They are concerned about becoming crime victims, and about police agencies lacking the manpower to respond quickly, or even at all.
“Using the current emergency as an excuse to close gun shops amounts to giving the gun control agenda a higher priority than public safety,” he asserted. “Where else but a gun shop and local range can new gun owners learn about firearms safety, including safe storage? Where else can they purchase gun locks and gun safes, and receive competent instruction about responsible gun ownership?
“Saying gun stores are not essential in times of emergency isn’t common sense, it’s nonsense,” Gottlieb stated. “Such mandates don’t keep people safe, they keep people vulnerable. The irony is that state officials pushing this foolishness have their own armed security. Can you say hypocrite?”
With more than 650,000 members and supporters nationwide, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms (www.ccrkba.org) is one of the nation’s premier gun rights organizations. As a non-profit organization, the Citizens Committee is dedicated to preserving firearms freedoms through active lobbying of elected officials and facilitating grass-roots organization of gun rights activists in local communities throughout the United States.
Marlin Celebrates 150 Years of the American Hunter
Ilion, NY – In 1870, John M. Marlin set out to build firearms that matched America’s fierce independent spirit. Although rifles, pistols and shotguns of nearly every type would bear the Marlin brand, his singular accomplishment would be a lever action of exceptional strength, smoothness and accuracy – hallmarks of the legendary lever guns that outperform all others to this day.
Marlin proudly marks its 150th anniversary with the modern descendants of that same lever action – now built with the tightest manufacturing tolerances in our history and custom-grade performance enhancements rarely seen in a lever-gun platform. Long live the adventurous spirit of the woods and the right to pursue wild game. Long live American innovation and pride in craft.
LONG LIVE THE LEVER GUN
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY RIFLE – 444 MARLIN
- 24” half octagon, half round barrel
- Engraved receiver with gold inlay
- C- grade American black walnut stock and fore end
- Hand-fitted stock and fore end
- Historical checkering pattern
- Skinner ladder sights
- Special serial number
- Commemorative box
- Chambered in 444 Marlin150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY MODEL 60 – 22 LR
- 19” stainless steel barrel
- American black walnut stock
- Adjustable sights
- 150 Year Anniversary medallion in stock
- Special serial number
- 14 round tubular magazine
- Chambered in 22 LR
| SKU UPC | Description Chamber 2020 MSRP | |||
| 70550 | 0 26495 70550 3 | 150 Year Anniversary Rifle | 444 Marlin | $1899 |
| 70646 | 0 26495 70646 3 | Model 60 150 Year Anniversary | 22LR | $399 |
CZ Redhead Premier Target Over-and-Under 20GA
Kansas City, KS – Versatile, affordable and designed with clay shooters in mind, the CZ Redhead Premier Target line now features a 20-Gauge option, too!
With a stock design and weight intended for sport and competition rather than field use, the CZ Redhead Premier Target Over-and-Under 20GA features 30-inch barrels, auto ejectors, a mechanical selectable trigger and five extended choke tubes. Specifically designed to crush clay targets, the Redhead Premier Target 20GA comes fitted with a unique Monte Carlo stock that quickly and easily aligns the gun on your shoulder while keeping your head up to see the targets.
Add to that a healthy right-hand palm swell and a stepped rib designed for rising trap targets, the Redhead Premier Target 20 GA is the perfect choice for those who want to own a true target gun at an affordable price. Read more
SIG SAUER Subsonic 300BLK Tipped Hunting Ammunition
NEWINGTON, N.H. – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to add a 205gr subsonic 300BLK load to its Tipped Hunting line of ammunition.
The new subsonic 300BLK ammunition features a yellow-tipped, 205gr lead-core bullet designed for explosive expansion and exceptional accuracy. This load uses the same high-quality, single-base extruded powders as SIG Match Grade rounds, ensuring consistent muzzle velocity and insensitivity to temperature change.
Optimized for the AR-15 platform, the new subsonic 300BLK Tipped Hunting ammunition is engineered to allow hunters to load 30 rounds in a 30-round magazine and have the cartridges feed properly. This was achieved by SIG SAUER engineers after extensive research and development resulting in a stepped-down bullet design with a shouldered ogive that keeps the bullet from hitting the ridges of the magazine which would cause the rounds to shift and eventually fail to feed. Read more
Interior Secretary Proposes Historic Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities
New hunting and fishing opportunities across 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries
WASHINGTON – Continuing the Trump Administration’s significant efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced today a historic proposal for new and expanded hunting and fishing opportunities across more than 2.3 million acres at 97 national wildlife refuges and 9 national fish hatcheries. This proposed rule is the single largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in history.
“America’s hunters and anglers now have something significant to look forward to in the fall as we plan to open and expand hunting and fishing opportunities across more acreage nationwide than the entire state of Delaware,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Hunt Fish Chiefs have been instrumental in our effort over the past two years to streamline our regulations and identify new opportunities for sportsmen and women like no other previous administration.”
This proposed rule would create nearly 900 distinct new hunting and fishing opportunities (an opportunity is defined as one species on one field station in one state). On top of last year’s expansion of 1.4 million acres for new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities, this proposal would bring the Trump Administration’s total expansion to 4 million acres nationwide.
“Once the Trump Administration’s effort to eliminate the threat of COVID-19 has been successful, there will be no better way to celebrate than to get out and enjoy increased access for hunting and fishing on our public lands,” said Service Director Aurelia Skipwith. “I deeply appreciate everything sportswomen and men do for conservation and our economy, so I am delighted when we can do something to expand opportunities for them. I hope it will help encourage the next generation of hunters and anglers to continue on this rich American tradition.” Read more
Primary Arms April Rifle Giveaway
Custom-Built 7.62x39mm AK for Monthly Free Rifle Giveaway
Includes Full Loadout of Optics, Ammunition, and More!
Total Package Valued at Over $1,800
Giveaway Starts April 6th and Ends April 30th at 11:59PM CST
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms has announced its April Rifle Giveaway, which centers around a custom-built modernized AK-47. This rifle includes an array of top products from US Palm, Troy Industries, Precision Armament, CMC Triggers, Krebs Customs, UltiMAK, RS Regulate, Century Arms, and Primary Arms Optics. This giveaway is free to all interested entrants, requiring only a quick sign-up through Primary Arms’ Giveaway page. Read more
Crop and Livestock Prices Plunge Under Weight of COVID-19 Uncertainty
WASHINGTON – Updated analysis by the American Farm Bureau Federation shows crop and livestock prices falling to levels that threaten the livelihoods of many U.S. farmers and ranchers. Shuttered schools, universities, restaurants, bars and cafeterias are no longer buying milk, meat, fruits, vegetables and other food, causing a downward spiral in crop and livestock prices.
Nearby futures prices for nearly all the major crops have dropped by double-digit percentages. Pushed down by a 40% plunge in ethanol prices, corn prices have fallen 15%. Soybean prices are down 10%, while the price for cotton, which is heavily dependent on foreign manufacturing capacity, sank nearly 30%. Buoyed by demand in the U.S. and China, wheat prices have declined only 3%.
On the livestock front, since the beginning of the year, both beef and pork futures prices have declined more than 30%. Milk futures prices have also fallen sharply, with the price for milk used to make cheese down 28% and the price for milk used to make nonfat dry milk falling by 34%. Read more