Michigan: DNR 2022 Elk Population Estimate Shows Healthy Herd

Results of the 2022 Michigan elk survey show the herd is healthy and growing.

During an aerial survey of the elk herd conducted over eight days in January, Department of Natural Resources staff flew over 1,080 square miles of predetermined sample plots across the northern Lower Peninsula to locate, count and photograph elk. Results from the survey estimate the population is between 870 and 1,684 animals.

A total of 793 animals in 92 groups were observed during the survey. A population estimate model was used to account for the animals that may not have been observed during the flight survey. Additionally, the photos taken during the survey were used to calculate the sex and age ratio of the herd. The 2022 survey estimates the population has increased 5% since 2019.

The elk population reflects the objectives and actions written in the Michigan Elk Management Plan. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

SCI Supports Congress’ Decision to Remove Section 436 from 2022 Appropriations Package

Washington, D.C. (March 11, 2022) – Thanks to strong and consistent opposition from Safari Club International (SCI), members of Congress, and African wildlife officials, the 2022 appropriations package has successfully passed through the legislative process without Section 436 included, which would have banned the importation into the U.S of sport-hunted elephants or lions from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Now, this finalized legislation is headed to President Biden’s desk for signature. Until today, the bill was still pending before the Senate, so its final language was not assured. SCI refrained from reporting this victory until all steps of the process played out since every step represented a possibility that the bill would see more changes or be derailed entirely.

Had the Section 436 language remained in the bill as the anti-hunting activists wanted, this provision would have kneecapped hunting incentives in southern Africa. That in turn would have significantly reduced funding for conservation projects, biodiversity enhancement initiatives, and habitat protection in the region. Some of the world’s largest populations of lions and elephants that inhabit that part of the continent would have been more vulnerable to poachers, unemployment, and deadly human-wildlife conflicts as a result. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

CZ Announces New and Upgraded CZ Scorpion 3+ Pistol

Kansas City, KS – The CZ Scorpion EVO 3 set the standard for large format 9mm pistols. The new CZ Scorpion 3+ builds on those proven features, adding customer-requested upgrades. The fully redesigned pistol not only improves the Scorpion’s ergonomics and user-friendly operation, but it incorporates advanced materials that are tougher and lighter than before.

Ambidextrous controls are the gold standard in modern firearm design. In addition to the ambi safety found on the EVO 3, the Scorpion 3+ includes an ambidextrous bolt catch allowing for the user to operate it left or right-handed. The new AR-style mag release is accessible on both sides. The operation of the 3+ is now super intuitive – essential in high-stress situations!

The new ergonomic grip design makes it a more comfortable shooting experience for the user. The M-LOK® handguard is now upgraded from aluminum to polymer to reduce heat transfer. Read more

Firearms

EOTECH’s “Back the Blue” Initiative Hits the Mark

Plymouth, MI (March 14, 2022) EOTECH® is proud to stand with our law enforcement as they continue to put their lives on the line during these very challenging times. With the detrimental “Defund the Police” sentiment in our country, EOTECH was compelled to launch its yearlong “Back the Blue Initiative” donating twenty-five percent of the gross sales to various charities that support law enforcement.

Through the Back the Blue initiative, EOTECH made a large impact on deserving charities donating over $75k to Tunnel to Towers, Spirit of Blue, Officer Down Memorial Page and Mission 22. Not only did this program provide financial assistance but allowed these charities to expand their reach and promote their very important mission.

“For over a decade EOTECH has been a strategic partner in our work to keep police officers safe across the country,” shared Ryan T. Smith, Executive Director of the Spirit of Blue Foundation. “Through their Back the Blue campaign they did a tremendous job of involving their customers in raising awareness for the cause and then sharing the proceeds to fuel our safety grant program to deliver on the promise of protecting our nation’s law enforcement. We are very grateful for all they do to support us.” Read more

Optics

Hunting Dedicated Thermal Optic- Rico Alpha- Now Available Through iRayUSA

Fort Worth, TX (March 14, 2022) – iRayUSA, a Texas-based designer, manufacturer and distributor of premium thermal night vision devices is proud to announce the availability of the new pack-leader in the thermal riflescope market, the RICO ALPHA. The ALPHA is the culmination of decades of user feedback, research and development, and American engineering all embedded in a hunting dedicated thermal weapons sight. From the initial concept, design, and assembly, every step of the process was completed by hunters and engineers in Texas.

RICO ALPHA can be paired with any commonly used hunting firearm platform but was specifically designed to accommodate the large majority of American night hunters who utilize the AR platform. The ALPHA’s ideally located and recessed 6-pin Autoloading Guarded Connector was specifically designed to prevent damage when using a slung weapon. Additionally, the magnetic properties of the charging port and design of the mating cables allow for an automatic connection when ALPHA is installed on a rifle. Read more

Optics

Don’t Miss A Shot This Spring or Summer with the LiDCAM Action Camera

Elyria, Ohio – March 14, 2022 – 1080p HD video, image stabilizer, and a 120 degree wide angle attached to the bill of a cap is what the LiDCAM Action Camera offers hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to record every shot, every fish, and every hike.

“Year-in-year-out, the LiDCAM proves to be one of the best action cameras in the industry and on the market,” said Danny Reaser, Vice President of Outdoor Product Innovations. “Each time I go out for a hunt, you can find the LiDCAM attached to my hat because I can depend on it each and every time I hit record.”

The LiDCAM+ with Wifi is the perfect tool for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to record their own experiences. Printed in Mossy Oak camouflage or black, the LiDCAM+ features several improvements to make sure you get the shot, every time; 1080p HD video, auto focus, image stabilizer, 120 degree wide angle lens , Wifi connectivity, 12mp photo mode (Camo LiDCAM+), 1x-4x Zoom Feature (Black LiDCAM+), built-in wind noise reducing microphone. Read more

Wildlife

Florida: Officers Intercept Commercial Vessel With More than 11,000 Pounds of Illegally Harvested Shrimp

On Thursday, March 3, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation (FWC) officers onboard the FWC’s Gulf Sentry, an offshore patrol vessel, conducted a resource inspection on a commercial shrimping vessel that was determined to be operating illegally just south of MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa Bay. The vessel, named the Dona Lupa, and its crew were from Port Isabel, Texas.

During their inspection, officers discovered more than 11,000 pounds of shrimp, valued at more than $30,000, and several pounds of cobia fillets in the vessel’s freezer. Upon further inspection, officers also discovered turtle-excluder device (TED) violations.

“Our officers remain committed to stopping these illegal commercial shrimping trips,” said Major Rob Rowe, FWC Southwest Regional Commander. “Florida’s resources must be protected from illegal harvest, and our specially trained officers are dedicated to ensuring that these illegal commercial vessel operators are cited accordingly.” Read more

Fishing

CMP 2022 Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition Now Open

Back by popular demand after the enormous success of last year’s inaugural event, the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) has created a second round of Smallbore Rifle Postal Competition, running from February to May 2022. The event features Three-Position and Prone matches, fired from distances of 50 feet. The Smallbore Postal Competition is open to both adult and junior athletes.

Cost to participate in the Smallbore Postals is $5 per competitor, per event. Both individuals and clubs are welcome to join. To compete, official customized targets will be mailed to participants to be fired upon, then mailed back to the CMP to be verified. Targets may also be scored electronically using the Orion Scoring System. Read more

Firearms

Idaho Governor Brad Little Petitions to Have Grizzly Bears Removed from Endangered Species Act

Idaho Governor Brad Little submitted a petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove grizzly bears in the “Lower 48” United States from the Endangered Species Act and recognize states’ successful efforts to recover and manage grizzly populations.

“Bureaucratic gridlock is keeping healthy grizzly populations on the threatened species list unnecessarily. When there’s no exit for healthy grizzly populations from the Endangered Species Act, it’s time to demand a reset,” Governor Brad Little said. “For decades, Idaho, our sister states, tribes, local governments – and especially our rural communities – have invested considerable resources in this effort, and they have shouldered much of the burden of rebuilding grizzly bear populations.” Read more

Wildlife

Coyotes and what you can do to prevent conflicts

Coyotes can be found everywhere – forests, fields, farmlands, backyards, neighborhoods and cities. Coyotes may be more visible from January until March, as this is their breeding season. They are also more visible when they are caring for their pups during the spring and summer months.

Coyotes may become comfortable living near people, particularly if there are food sources available. Smaller mammals, like mice and rabbits, are a coyote’s main source of food.

Prevent conflicts by removing food sources and use hazing techniques

Read more

Wildlife
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