It’s time to check trees for invasive Asian longhorned beetle

August is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, and it’s also the best time to spot the invasive Asian longhorned beetle as adults emerge from trees. That’s why the U.S. Department of Agriculture is declaring August as “Tree Check Month.” Checking trees for the beetle and the damage it causes is one way you can protect trees and help the USDA’s efforts to eliminate this beetle from the United States.

The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources are joining the USDA in asking people to take just 10 minutes this month to check trees around homes for the beetle or any signs of damage.

The Asian longhorned beetle, or ALB for short, is a non-native wood-boring beetle considered invasive in North America because it attacks 12 types of hardwood trees, including maples, elms, horse chestnuts, birches and willows. Here, there are no predators or diseases to keep ALB populations in check. In its larval stage, the insect feeds inside tree trunks and branches during the colder months. The beetle creates tunnels as it feeds, and then it chews its way out as an adult in the warmer months.

Infested trees do not recover and eventually die. They also can become safety hazards since branches can drop and trees can fall, especially during storms.

You can help

Although this invasive beetle has not yet been discovered in Michigan, it is crucial we keep an eye out for it. Discovering early signs of infestation can prevent widespread damage to the state’s forest resources, urban landscapes and maple syrup production. Read more
Wildlife

Gardening for Late Summer Birds

It’s berry season for birds; does your yard offer native foods for a variety of species, such as this California Scrub Jay? (photo by Paul Konrad)
This manicured yard provides a beautiful space for the homeowners, while providing attractive cover and foraging space for birds.
A bird bath is an essential element in this garden area and in any birder’s landscaped yard.

Our gardens and landscaping add color and a wealth of natural elements to our yards, and these areas attract birds that infuse action, color, songs, and behavior into our yards. As another change in seasons approaches, it’s an opportunity make a few easily improvements for local and migrant songbirds and hummingbirds that will be the first wave of fall migration. With a little thought, planning, and effort, you can attract and benefit birds on their way south, including species you haven’t seen before in your yard.

At this time our gardening activities can also benefit recent fledglings as they disperse, along with dispersing yearlings, adults, and family groups. Some migrants are already making their way south, and many more will follow. Bird populations are at an annual high now after the nesting season, so if we can increase the resources they find in our yards, we can improve the potential for survival among birds during this important time of the year.

First of all, consider the way you provide water. A dependable fresh water source will draw birds like a magnet while providing all important drinking and bathing water. One or more bird baths will do, as simple or as ornate as you please. Some people like to have one as part of their feeding station, plus one in a garden area or as a centerpiece in their backyard or front. The motion and sound of the dripping water is irresistible to many birds too, and it helps birds locate a water source, bringing birds to your yard that might otherwise pass by. And a mister will attract some enjoyable hummingbird action as they fly through the mist. Read more

Wildlife

HAYMARKET, Va. (August 8, 2022)—SK Customs® gives back to honor those who have sacrificed and served for our great nation by launching the 240th Anniversary Purple Heart Commemorative firearm on their behalf. This limited-edition design of the Government Model Colt 1911 Series 70 chambered in .45ACP has been created in honor of the Military Badge of Merit, the modern-day Purple Heart Medal and those who have received it.

The origins of the Purple Heart Medal trace back to August 1782 (240 years ago) when General George Washington issued the Badge of Military Merit. This medal was bestowed whenever any singular meritorious action was performed. In 1932, the award was reintroduced as the Purple Heart Medal to commemorate bravery and wounded soldiers. Today, the Purple Heart is awarded for a wide variety of injuries; this includes combat injuries and deaths, those wounded in acts of terrorism and other reasonings. Read more

Firearms

Pope and Young Introduces Kevin Hisey Youth Program

New Program Honors Former Executive Director Kevin Hisey

August 9th, 2022 – Pope and Young, America’s leading bowhunting conservation organization is excited to announce the development of the Kevin Hisey Youth Program. These programs are designed to increase opportunities for youth within Pope and Young and their conservation efforts focused on preserving, promoting, and protecting the sport of bowhunting.

Pope & Young is dedicated to promoting the sport of bowhunting with today’s youth through outreach programs, the Junior Outdoors Program, and the Youth Bowhunting Awards. The goal of all these initiatives is to expose young hunters to the joys of fair chase bowhunting, with the hope of creating bowhunters for life.

The Kevin Hisey Youth Program is named in honor of Kevin Hisey a highly respected employee of Pope & Young since 1992, and former Executive Director for 15 years, the longest tenure in that role in Pope & Young’s history. Kevin who had an unapparelled passion for bowhunting and youth participation passed away in 2015.

“Kevin was a passionate bowhunter and conservationist, dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of bowhunting, and promoting the ethics of fair chase,” stated Kurt Ebers, President of Pope & Young. “He was an Official Measurer, Senior Member of the Pope & Young Club, and was always involved in the organization’s youth activities, and we couldn’t be prouder to name the Youth Program in his honor.”

The newly developed Junior Outdoors Program is possible through partnerships with private donors, and awards big game hunts, and other prize packages to Pope & Young Youth members on an annual basis.

Like their adult counterparts, Pope & Young Youth members are eligible for their own awards program via the Youth Bowhunting Awards. Three bowhunting awards were created specifically for Youth members, First Harvest, Youth Big 3 and Small Game Slam.

“There are tons of reasons why a youth hunter should join the Pope & Young, and be active,” said Ricky Krueger, Pope & Young Youth Director. “They’ll be in great company to advance their bowhunting skills and interact with other youth bowhunters from all over North America.”

For more information about the Pope & Young Youth Programs, please visit the below pages: Membership information or sign up, Junior Outdoors Program, or Youth Bowhunting Awards. Read more

Archery, Hunting

Leica Sport Optics Marks 30 Years of Pioneering Rangefinding with Remastered Geovid R Series

Leading German optics brand Leica Sport Optics has relaunched its renowned Geovid R series, 30 years after this pioneering combination of optical performance and precision laser rangefinder technology was first unveiled to the public. The perfect premium entry-level rangefinding binoculars with a value driven price point and all new look and feel, the Geovid R series has been updated with a new ergonomic design which puts the controls perfectly at the fingertips of the user. The low weight and compact design, combined with Leica’s best-in-class optics and precise laser technology means the relaunched Geovid R series is a reliable companion for hunters and shooters in any landscape and environment.

There are four models of rangefinding binoculars in the remastered Geovid R series, 8×42, 10×42, 8×56 and 15×56, to deliver accuracy over close, mid and long-range distances and in low light. The precision and quality at this value will ensure everyone from bowhunters to long range shooters can replace guesswork with accuracy in the field. With a measurement range of 2,000+ yds/1,800+ m and the Equivalent Horizontal Range (EHR) ballistics function giving the user significantly greater certainty of a well-placed shot, at any angle, these are the ideal rangefinding binoculars for anyone entering the Leica Geovid world. Users can now easily switch between distance measurement readings of yards and meters. Read more

Optics

Four Peaks Tactical Introduces 11.3” Pistol and SBR in 300 HAM’R

Scottsdale, Arizona August 8, 2022– Four Peaks Tactical, a firearms manufacturer and retail gun store located in Scottsdale, Arizona, is proud to announce a new pistol or short barreled rifle variant of the company’s popular 300 HAM’R AR-15 16” Carbine. The new 11.3” barreled firearm was designed at the request of a law enforcement agency that was looking for a harder-hitting “breacher” caliber but one that retained the light weight and compactness of an AR-15 entry carbine.

The SAAMI approved 300 HAM’R cartridge, designed by the legendary Bill Wilson of Wilson Combat, borrows its DNA from the 300 Blackout concept but is maximized to shoot 30 caliber bullets from 95 to 150 grains at supersonic velocities only…nothing subsonic. A slightly longer case and shorter bullets result in a hard-hitting combo that can launch 130-grain bullets at 2500 fps from an 18” barrel and still fit in standard AR-15 magazines. Four Peaks Tactical is an authorized distributor of Wilson Combat products and is proud to use many of the company’s excellent barrels, receivers and other accessories when building firearms for sporting, home defense or law enforcement purposes.

“Our new 11.3 inch carbine in 300 HAM’R provides excellent terminal performance, delivering more than twice the bullet weight of standard M193 or M855 5.56mm projectiles and launched with a muzzle velocity of approximately 2300 feet per second” said Ted Malone, co-founder of Four Peaks. “It is 100% American-made and meticulously crafted by our veteran-owned family enterprise here in Arizona” he added. Read more

Firearms

Tisas “Tank Commander” Model 1911

Knoxville based Tisas, a premium supplier of 1911-style pistols, introduces the latest version of their popular Tanker model called the Tank Commander. Built using the forged frame and slide their pistols are known for, the Tank Commander is a perfect blend of nostalgic military aesthetics with some subtle modern enhancements that will satisfy both service pistol fans and concealed carry enthusiasts. Read more

Firearms

SAF Files Summary Judgment Motion in Minn. Carry Ban Lawsuit

The Second Amendment Foundation filed a motion for summary judgment in a federal lawsuit in Minnesota, challenging that state’s ban on concealed carry by young adults between the ages of 18 and 21, alleging the ban violates the Second and 14th Amendment rights of those citizens.

The lawsuit was filed in U.S District Court for the District of Minnesota. The case is known as Worth v. Harrington.

Joining SAF are the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, Firearms Policy Coalition and three private citizens in the affected age group. Defendants are John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, plus three county sheriffs, Mille Lac County Sheriff Don Lorge, Douglas County Sheriff Troy Wolbersen and Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry, in their individual and official capacities.

The Second Amendment Foundation in this case is represented by COOPER & KIRK, PLLC. a national recognized constitutional and civil rights law firm based in Washington, D.C.

“We recognize the rights of law-abiding young adults to vote, join the military, sign contracts, start businesses, get married and do other things,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb, “but when it comes to exercising one of the most basic fundamental rights protected by the Constitution, suddenly we treat them like children. You shouldn’t be able to have it both ways. Read more

Gun Control

Kalashnikov-USA, CMC Triggers Launch New AK 2.0 Trigger

Pompano Beach, Florida August 8, 2022 – Kalashnikov-USA (KUSA), the premier manufacturer of AK-pattern firearms in the United States, has joined forces with CMC Triggers, the Texas-based pioneer of drop-in triggers, to offer a new, single-stage, nonadjustable precision trigger offered with either a 3.5- or 2.5-pound pull weight. As with other CMC triggers, the internal components are made from 8620 alloy steel and S-7 tool steel. The chassis is made from 7075-T6 aircraft grade anodized aluminum. CMC’s superb machining, polishing and fitting results in a crisp trigger with a clean break and positive reset. Tested extensively in KUSA rifles, the new AK 2.0 trigger provides positive ignition with a wide variety of ammunition. Offered with a flat trigger bow, it is designed to be a drop-in fit with other AK pattern rifles having correctly aligned and dimensioned trigger and hammer pins. Available for purchase on KUSA’s website, the MSRP is $189.99. Read more

Firearms

ZeroTech Introduces TRACE Advanced 3-18x50mm Illuminated Riflescope

ZeroTech Optics is pleased to announce our new Trace Advanced riflescope, born from the success of the globally popular 4.5-27x50mm, the Trace ADV 3-18×50 FFP illuminated Long Range Hunter (LRH) was designed with long range hunters and shooters in mind. Each feature is specifically designed to meet and exceed the expectations of demanding shooters to give them the ability to put rounds on target with speed, and most importantly, precision

The ZeroTech Optics Trace Advanced 3-18x50mm FFP LRH utilizes our super robust one-piece main tube, crisp Precision Turret System with zero stop and a precise parallax adjustment that will be sure to keep you on target in even the harshest of conditions. New to the ZeroTech Trace Advanced range is the capped lower profile windage turret and is also mag ring throw lever compatible. Heavy Duty (HD) aluminum flip up covers will protect lenses from dirt and debris that can be folded flat and rotated to open in any desired orientation. Read more

Optics
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