Boat Launching Made Easy

— Frank Sargeant

I spend a lot of time these days on Lake Guntersville in northern Alabama, which has to have some of the busiest boat ramps in America during the spring, summer and fall bass tournament seasons. It’s routine for some ramps to have 50 to 75 boats launched in the first hour of daylight as anglers from all over the country come to the big lake for tournaments and for fun fishing.

The amazing thing about it is that the vast majority of this action goes off very smoothly and with minimal backup, because most of the guys who come here are hard-core veterans of hundreds of previous launches and they do what works best to keep the line moving.

It also helps that most of these guys are on the water for serious fishing, and there’s no alcohol aboard most boats. The ramp arguments and occasional fisticuffs that are becoming pretty common in coastal south Florida and many other places are rarely seen here.

Given that, as we approach the peak of the boating season across most of the nation, it might be a good idea to take a look at how it’s done right, with minimal damage to equipment or egos, and with no need for EMS assistance.

Launching and loading a boat is simple if you follow a few tried and true procedures. (Frank Sargeant photo).

First, of course, is to be sure your boat is ready to launch when your turn in line comes—drain plug in, tie downs released, motor trimmed up, bow line in place, key in the boat’s ignition, and all the stuff from the truck already moved to the boat.

Second, when your turn comes, back in just far enough to float the transom, again make sure you’re got a bow line on the bow eye, and then unhook the winch strap. Read more

Fishing

Michigan: Blue Lakes Fire 98% Contained

The Blue Lakes Fire in the northeastern Lower Peninsula is now 98% contained. As a result, all road closures in the fire area have been lifted. The stretch of the Black River that was previously closed has also been opened.

However, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources still is working to connect remaining gaps in the containment line and mop up within the fire area, which is northwest of Atlanta and spans Montmorency and Cheboygan counties. People who enter the area are urged to be cautious.

“If you are in the area, stay on roads,” said Kerry Heckman, DNR fire public information officer. “There may be hot spots or snags, which are trees that can fall over without warning. There may be smoke, and fire crews will still be working in the area.” Seeing smoke within the fire area is not necessarily cause for alarm and is to be expected.

The final estimate of the fire’s size is 2,516 acres. Estimates can change throughout the course of the fire based on input from fire crews on the ground and high-tech tools such as drones, which were used Monday. Read more

Wildlife

CCRKBA: ‘Buffalo Shooting Shows Need for CCW Reform in New York’

BELLEVUE, WA – While anti-gun politicians exploit the mass shooting at a Buffalo, New York supermarket to demand stricter gun laws, the Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms said such tragedies might be averted or stopped if New York state law allowed more people to exercise their right to carry.

“New York politicians want tougher gun laws in a state that already has some of the toughest laws in the country,” CCRKBA Chairman Alan Gottlieb observed. “Yet those laws did not prevent what happened Saturday, and never will. New York’s current gun control laws make it difficult to impossible for law-abiding citizens of all races to obtain carry permits. Apparently the shooter staked out this particular market, because he knew there would be no resistance to what is a despicable hate crime.

“To suggest stricter anti-gun-rights laws are the answer to such an evil act is absurd,” he continued. “Instead of making it possible and affordable for average citizens to obtain carry permits for personal protection, New York authorities have stubbornly maintained a permit system that reeks of political favoritism, demagoguery and elitism. It is no wonder this system is now facing a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that we hope will overturn the current law.

“Every citizen, regardless of ethnicity or economic condition, deserves better than they’ve gotten from lawmakers in Albany for generations,” Gottlieb stated. “The victims in Buffalo had no chance at all. It is deplorable that the only idea from Gov. Kathy Hochul is to ask for even more restrictions on New York gun owners, and to suggest more gun control on a national scale. That’s not a plan, it’s the perpetuation of an already failed strategy disguised as a plan, and anyone with an ounce of common sense knows it. Read more

Gun Control

Ruger Reintroduces the Marlin Model 1895 Trapper Lever-Action Rifle

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) is pleased to announce its reintroduction of the Marlin® Model 1895 Trapper.

The receiver-mounted Skinner Sight™ system is as accurate and rugged as the rifle itself. Machined from solid stainless steel bar stock, this durable, no snag, fully adjustable sight system promotes rapid target acquisition while adding to the aesthetics of the rifle.

The black laminate stock and forend feature a crisp checkering pattern

The Marlin 1895 Trapper was conceived by hunting and fishing guides in Alaska who needed a big-bore rifle that was short, quick-handling and optimized for hunting or protection from dangerous animals. Chambered in .45-70 Govt., this latest Marlin offering from Ruger features a 16.17”, cold hammer-forged barrel with a 1:20” twist. The threaded barrel (11/16”-24), comes with a match-polished thread protector and will accommodate common muzzle devices.

The stainless steel receiver, lever, magazine tube and barrel feature an attractive non-glare, satin finish – as do all of the small, nickel-plated parts. The bolt is spiral-fluted and nickel-plated for an attractive appearance and very smooth cycling.

The receiver-mounted Skinner Sight™ system is as accurate and rugged as the rifle itself. Machined from solid stainless steel bar stock, this durable, no snag, fully adjustable sight system promotes rapid target acquisition while adding to the aesthetics of the rifle. Read more

Firearms

Meopta MeoStar S2 82 HD Spotting Scope Takes Award

TAMPA, FL – Meopta Sport Optics is pleased to announce the MeoStar S2 82 HD spotting scope has been named ‘Best Value’ by Outdoor Life in its April 2022 spotting scope test. Outdoor Life’s Andrew McKean tested a variety of spotting scopes from premium glass to budget options to help guide readers on important aspects to consider before buying a spotting scope. He notes that spotting scopes are “indispensable for many purposes like assessing distant animals during a hunt, determining whether you hit or missed a steel target at a mile, and whether the bird you’re glassing is a rare specimen or a common species.”

The MeoStar S2 82 HD tested was the straight-body model. It also comes in an angled body. Eyepieces are interchangeable and available in 20-70x or 30-60x WA (wide angle). The S2 82 features extra-low-dispersion fluoride glass that eliminates chromatic aberration and delivers sharp resolution, outstanding contrast and color fidelity.

The following excerpts are from Outdoor Life’s ‘The Best Spotting Scopes of 2022’ article.

“A product-line extension following Meopta’s successful angled MeoStar S2, this 82mm spotter has the optical horsepower for just about any hunting situation, and the straight-barrel design makes it easy to slide into a backpack sleeve. Read more

Optics

SDS Imports VP-12 AK Pattern Shotgun with Magwell

Knoxville, TN

SDS Imports LLC is proud to announce the VP-12 Shotgun to their line of quality imported firearms. The VP-12 combines elements from the classic Kalashnikov® design with many modern enhancements shooters demand. The VP-12 utilizes the standard 12-Gauge VEPR pattern magazine, which allows a direct insert into the integrated magazine well, allowing for faster reloads. Ergonomics are improved with the left-side charging handle with an oversized knurled knob and enhanced AK style safety, allowing the shooter to maintain a firing grip while manipulating the weapon. Optics are easily attached to the dust cover using the integrated M1913 style picatinny rail. The VP-12 is supported with a variety of after-market parts and accessories including furniture, muzzle devices and magazines.

For additional information about SDS Imports products and distribution opportunities, visit the SDS website.

Firearms

Florida FWC to Allow Arrow Shooting Airguns for Harvest of Alligators

HELENA, MT (May 17, 2022) – The Airgun Sporting Association, the trade organization of the airgun industry, today announced that beginning with the 2022 alligator season, Florida will allow the use of arrow shooting airguns for alligator hunting.

During their May 3-4 meeting in Gainesville, the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission approved the use of arrow shooting airguns for alligator harvest. The only requirement is that the airgun be a pre-charge pneumatic (PCP) and that the arrow be tethered to a restraining line to allow recovery of the alligator.

Commission staff will be working on incorporating this new opportunity into their 2022 alligator season regulations. You can read more about alligators and the new regulations at MyFWC.com/alligators.

“Florida has been a long-time supporter of airgun hunting and this is another step forward for the Commission” stated Mitch King, ASA President. “Allowing the use of arrow shooting airguns will provide another great recreational harvest opportunity for Florida hunters.” Read more

Firearms, Hunting

West Virginia to Allow Airgun Hunting for Big Game

HELENA, MT (May 18, 2022) – The Airgun Sporting Association, the trade organization of the airgun industry, today announced that West Virginia will soon be allowing air rifle hunting for both small and big game.

On May 3, Governor Justice signed legislation that modified Article 2 (Wildlife Resources) of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section (Section 20-2-5k). This new section legalized airguns for hunting both small game and big game during regular firearms seasons provided that county specific regulations do not prohibit firearms for deer hunting. The change prohibits the use of air rifles during muzzleloader seasons and the Mountaineer Heritage Season. Also, arrow shooting air rifles are prohibited for both small and big game hunting. Read more

Firearms, Hunting

Trijicon Dual Defense Kit: RMR Plus Night Sights

Wixom, MI – Trijicon® Inc., the global provider of innovative aiming solutions for the hunting, shooting, military, and law enforcement markets, introduces the Trijicon Dual Defense™ Kit. The Dual Defense Kit combines the legendary RMR® Type 2 Adjustable LED optic with the industry leading Bright & Tough™ Night Sight set into one, easy-to-use kit. Once installed, the two units work in conjunction to enhance shooting speed and precision for self-defense, law enforcement, military, competition, or target pistol shooters.

The Dual Defense Kit is now shipping exclusively to independent local Trijicon dealers for the most popular GLOCK® and SIG Sauer® optics-ready handguns, providing users with a one-stop solution for fully outfitting their pistol with the best aiming solutions available.

Bright & Tough Suppressor Height night sights are engineered to the optimal height so the iron sight can be seen through the RMR’s lens. Having co-witnessed iron sights helps shooters to quickly acquire the red dot, and, if necessary, provides a quick and intuitive back-up aiming solution. Tritium phosphor lamps instantly provide a visible sight picture in no-light and low-light situations. The Bright & Tough Night Sights with white-painted rings around the lamps enhance a user’s ability to obtain a sight picture in bright-light shooting situations, while the black-painted rings option offers a minimalist view for enhanced red dot focus. Read more

Optics

Luth-AR Repair Kits for AR-15 Firearms

Luth-AR® announces new Repair Kits for AR15. Each kit contains a selection of essential pins, springs and other parts that commonly require replacement. Keep them in your range bag or on your workbench.

Available in four kits:

Visit www.Luth-AR.com for details of each kit.

MSRP Kits Starting at $8.99 – $29.99, Dealer, Quantity and OEM pricing is available upon request. Read more

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