ZH50 Variable Powered Thermal Imager

Fort Worth, TX – iRayUSA, a Texas-based designer, manufacturer, and distributor of premium thermal night vision devices, is proud to announce a line extension of the popular ZOOM Series with the addition of the ZH50. InfiRay Outdoor’s latest offering, the ZOOM ZH50, brings exciting innovation to the commercial thermal market; 4X variable optical zoom lens, an algorithm based shutterless non-uniformity correction feature and a 20X magnification eyepiece with full HD 1440×1080 resolution AMOLED display.

The ZH50 features InfiRay’s patented dual-field-of-view design allowing users to seamlessly switch between a wide field of view (FOV) for detection, and a narrow FOV for target identification. The ZH50 transitions optically from a base 2X magnification to 4X with an intuitive twist of the objective focus ring and maintains 100 percent of the sensor’s native 640×512 resolution.

The ZOOM Series offers a software based non-uniformity correction (NUC) feature. Unlike standard non-uniformity correction, which uses a shutter or lens cap, the ZOOM Series features InfiRay’s shutterless NUC algorithm, which is completely silent, requires no user input and allows for unmatched battery life.

The ZOOM Series also features an AMOLED viewing display in full HD 1440×1080 resolution to provide the most clarity possible. Additionally, images and live video can be transferred wirelessly via the ultra-fast InfiRay Outdoor app or can be recorded onboard with the ZOOM’s 32gb of internal storage. Read more

Optics

Bushnell Announces New BackTrack Mini GPS

New Handheld GPS is Ideal for Backcountry Hunters

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced the BackTrack Mini GPS, a purpose-built and portable navigation tool that’s ideal for hunters and long-range shooters. The BackTrack Mini is loaded with features to give outdoorsmen and women critical intel while in the field, all conveniently accessible in a lightweight, easy to carry design.

Using GPS satellite technology, the BackTrack Mini tells outdoorsmen and women where they are and where they’re going without the need for cellular network service or downloaded map data. Also critical, the BackTrack Mini has a 34+ hour (GPS run time) rechargeable battery life, ensuring users can navigate without relying on a typical smartphone’s short-lived battery in harsh conditions.

The BackTrack Mini also features a built-in compass with temperature, time, barometric pressure and elevation. This can be critical information for backcountry hunters navigating the mountains as well as for long-range precision rifle shooters dialing in their rifles. The unit also uses this environmental data to calculate a forecast of best times of the day to hunt and fish. Read more

Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

FPC Brief: Foster Parents, Home-Based Daycare Operators Can’t be Denied 2A Rights

Foster parents, home-based daycare operators cannot be denied their Second Amendment rights, FPC brief argues

CHICAGO – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) and FPC Action Foundation (FPCAF) have filed an important brief with the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in the case of Miller v. Smith, urging the Court to reverse a misguided decision of the trial court that upheld Illinois law and regulations that bans firearm possession in child care facilities, including home day care facilities and foster family homes, and prevents an Illinois couple from exercising their fundamental right to keep and bear arms in their home. The brief, authored by FPCAF director of constitutional studies and Second Amendment scholar Joseph Greenlee, can be found at FPCLaw.org.

The brief makes clear that by prohibiting Jennifer and Darren Miller from possessing operable firearms within the home where they live and work, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is in clear violation of the Constitution. The brief argues that the Supreme Court’s 2008 Heller decision requires that courts place Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms in defense of hearth and home above all governmental interests, that Heller’s “sensitive places” dictum is limited to carrying arms in public locations, that there is no historical justification for classifying a private home as a “sensitive place,” and that the law is poorly tailored because substantially less burdensome alternatives exist. Read more

Self Defense

NSSF Issues Statement on Buffalo Attack

“NSSF absolutely condemns the horrific attack on innocent victims in Buffalo, New York. These senseless murders were committed by a deranged individual who had expressed threatening behavior and comments. He was previously evaluated by authorities for concerns about his mental health but was subsequently released. NSSF is and will remain steadfastly committed to Real Solutions® to keep our communities safe, and we fully support greater resources to address mental health challenges.”

General

NSSF Real Solutions Launches #ThanksLEO Campaign

NEWTOWN, Conn. — NSSF®, the firearm industry trade association, launched a social media campaign, called #ThanksLEO, to show support of the law enforcement community during Police Week 2022.

“The firearm and ammunition industry is extremely grateful to the law enforcement community and the work they do every day to keep our communities safe,” said Joe Bartozzi, NSSF’s President and CEO. “We are proud to partner with law enforcement in our ‘Real Solutions. Safer Communities’ efforts to work together to make a positive difference in communities across this great country. That’s why NSSF kicked off our #ThanksLEO social media campaign and encourages everyone to participate in thanking our law enforcement community for the work they do each and every day to protect and serve our communities.” Read more

General

Hand Engraved, Silver Plated New Original Henry Rifle Heads to Auction

All Proceeds to Benefit Cody Firearms Museum

RICE LAKE, Wis. –– There are few places in the country more impressive than The Cody Firearms Museum for history buffs and firearms enthusiasts. Located at The Buffalo Bill Center of the West, about 50 miles outside Yellowstone National Park, the world-class exhibits boast over 4,000 guns and 10,000 artifacts. To enhance and ensure the longevity of its collection with financial support that directly benefits the museum, The Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series offers the opportunity to purchase limited-edition firearms inspired by the most prized pieces at the museum.

Together with Baron Engraving and Davidson’s Inc., Henry Repeating Arms is proud to announce the auction of the first gun in the third edition of the Cody Firearms Museum Collectors Series, a one-of-a-kind New Original Henry Rifle inspired by 19th-century master firearms engraver Louis D. Nimschke. Read more

Firearms

Best-Selling Gunnison Merino Wool Hoodie Goes Beluga

Stonewall, TX (May 2022) – Customers asked, and Pnuma Outdoors delivered! The best-selling, mid-weight Gunnison Merino Wool Hoodie is now offered in Beluga (solid) for even more versatility in the mountains, plains, or out on the town.

Crafted from 300gsm merino wool for superior warmth, and fibers wrapped with a nylon core, the Gunnison Merino Wool Hoodie is an essential piece of gear for serious hunters.

As a mid-layer, the Gunnison Merino Wool Hoodie offers two zippered storage pockets, on the chest and on the left arm for small items. A large kangaroo pocket provides both warmth and concealment when not wearing gloves, and thumbholes keep sleeves firmly in place and reduce cold air from entering through unwanted gaps.

The head and neck are protected from the elements using a form-fitting hood for desired fit and comfort. A soft zipper pull garage, extending from the protective collar is specifically designed to prevent irritation during use.

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Fabric Weight: 300 gsm
  • Fabric Blend: 87% 18.5 micron Merino Wool, 13% core-spun nylon
  • Left chest zippered pocket
  • Left upper arm zippered pocket
  • Hand-warming kangaroo pocket
  • Thumbholes
  • Comfortable, terry-knit fabric
  • Flatlock seams for comfort
  • Merino wool fibers wrapped around a nylon core for added durability
  • Zipper Pull Garage to prevent chin and neck irritation
  • Protected neck seam to prevent irritation
  • Form-fitting scuba hood for warmth, concealment, and mobility
  • Care: Machine wash cold, dry flat
  • Weight: 17.6 oz (based on size large)

Gunnison Merino Wool Hoodie – MSRP $175.00
Read more

General

How the Pandemic Drove Up the Cost of Wood Products

Insight from the Forest Service answering the question “what caused last year’s crazy increase in lumber prices?”

resulted in large price changes for softwood lumber and other wood products like plywood and oriented strand board (Sam Beebe photo with permission)

May 16, 2022 – During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, prices of processed wood products, such as softwood lumber and plywood, nearly quadrupled.  Wholesale prices for plywood increased from $400 to $1500 per thousand square feet (roughly equivalent to retail prices of plywood increasing from about $12.80 to $48.00 per sheet).

Forest Service Senior Research Forester and Project Leader Jeffrey Prestemon studies the market factors behind increased prices in these important consumer products.

“As researchers, we investigate the reasons for a problem, quantify its impacts and look into solutions,” says Prestemon. “The knowledge we develop in the Forest Service can lead to more mutually beneficial solutions and decision-making in both government and the private industry.”

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply and demand of forest products and labor, including trucking and transport (USDA photo by Lance Cheung).

The pandemic triggered a worker shortage in many sectors, including the forest products industry, which led tolimited availability of wood products, such as softwood lumber and structural panels (softwood plywood and oriented strand board). The domino effect continued with supply chains further disrupted by a lack of truckers to move materials. At the end of the line were those of us who were homebound under travel restrictions, wanting to spend more money on home improvements.

“Mills wanted to increase output, but they couldn’t find workers,” says Jeff Prestemon. “This is basic economics: when the supply curve shifts backwards and demand increases, prices will go up.”

Another outcome of worker absences and departures was an increase in average industry wages. Higher pay, however, did not result in enough extra workers to make up for increased demand and limited supply. High-level skills are increasingly needed to work with advanced machines in wood processing facilities.

“Because work in the wood products industry is becoming more mechanized, the workforce now needs to be more technically competent and highly trained,” says Prestemon. “It takes time to develop these skills, so ramping up production in a short period of time is not as easy as it was in the past.”

Overall, the supply of wood from Canada and other countries was not enough to lower U.S. prices. Canada, historically the primary source of wood imports to the U.S., increased shipments of wood products to the U.S. during 2020 and 2021. However, imports were slow to arrive due to shipping constraints. Read more

General

Utah: Family-Friendly Fishing Opportunities

SALT LAKE CITY — Memorial Day weekend is coming up, and many Utahns may be making plans for a long weekend adventure. If you want a fun outdoor option for your holiday activities, there are several potential destinations. Utah offers lots of different fishing opportunities and experiences for those who want to fish with their families or those who want to target large fish — and conditions are particularly good around Memorial Day.

Family-friendly fishing options

If you want somewhere to take your kids fishing, targeting waterbodies with good rainbow trout populations is recommended since they are an easier fish to catch. The following waterbodies were all recently stocked by the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources with rainbow trout and will be good places to fish throughout this month:

  • Panguitch Lake (Garfield County)
  • Scofield Reservoir (Carbon County)
  • Strawberry Reservoir (Wasatch County)
  • Big Sand Wash Reservoir (Duchesne County)
  • Community ponds (located across Utah)

Rainbow trout can be caught with a wide variety of baits and lures and are easy to catch from shore, making them a good option for anyone without a boat. Since some of these waterbodies were recently stocked with rainbow trout, the fish won’t be very large, but there is the potential to catch a lot of them. You can have good success fishing for rainbow trout at any of the listed locations using PowerBait about 18-24 inches below a bobber.

Another good option for family-friendly fishing is to visit waterbodies with bluegill. Here are some good options for catching bluegill this spring: Read more

Fishing

Michigan: New EV Charging Station Options at State Parks

A beautiful orange sunset behind the lighthouse and breakwater at Grand Haven State Park is shown.
Lake Michigan’s scenic coastline and other areas throughout northern Lower Michigan will become more accessible for electric vehicle users this summer with the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at select Michigan state parks.Starting from Warren Dunes State Park in the southwest corner of the Lower Peninsula, north toward beautiful state park destinations at Holland and Grand Haven, Ludington, Orchard Beach, Leelanau and Petoskey on the Lake Michigan shoreline and additional points inland, an estimated total of 30 charging stations are scheduled to be installed beginning in June and continuing throughout the summer.

“This ability to link some of our state parks with electric vehicle travelers will provide a win-win situation for both parties,” said Ron Olson, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division. “The enhancement will no doubt increase the number of visitors at these parks, while providing convenience and significantly increasing the range for EV motorists.”

The rollout of the accessible stations across the state is being done in phases. State parks in the Upper Peninsula are scheduled to be part of the second phase, ideally to take place next year.

The installation will be the latest EV development after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration announced in 2021 the development of a Lake Michigan EV circuit, amid ongoing efforts to employ green technologies throughout the state, including solar-powered amenities, carbon sequestration and numerous efficiencies. Read more

General
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