Due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases throughout the world, NSSF, the firearm industry trade association, today makes the difficult announcement that the 2021 SHOT Show has been cancelled.
NSSF has remained in constant communication with Nevada officials throughout the year in our planning for the 2021 show. While there has been a concerted effort to expand the allowable levels for large gatherings by the county and state, with positivity rates peaking during our key planning period we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2021 show. Sadly, these spikes are currently transpiring worldwide. Given the sheer complexities, diminishing timeline and immense logistical planning required to conduct a trade show as large as SHOT, NSSF simply could not move forward at this point with so many unknowns and variables. We truly appreciate the guidance of Nevada and Las Vegas officials in allowing us to communicate this news to our exhibitors and attendees well in advance of the show. We would also like to thank the Sands directly for their help and efforts to navigate this unprecedented situation. Read more
Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association
Joe has been my friend since the mid-‘80s and we’ve shared many outdoor adventures together. After checking with him earlier this past week, I learned that he had been down with “the” flu all week but was already getting over the related ill effects. Then, on Friday he called to say he felt 100 percent and was ready to get in on some whitetail rut activity.
Along with Joe came his new bride, Diane, and his yet-untested blue tick hound, Junior. I’m always happy to play games with the dog in our garage in an attempt to take his mind off of his owner’s departure to parts unknown. It’s a very important job, because I certainly don’t want Junior to perform his sniffing duties too early or he could spoil the whole hunting session.
Junior
Here’s a recent case in point. Joe had brought Junior over last week for potential tracking duties. Typically, when Joe leaves for the long walk, we close the doors and dog sit. But, Junior has become quite attached to his owner and tends to sulk at the door – an insurmountable obstacle to finding his master.
Junior has learned to retrieve almost anything and I have a supply of Kong balls that I bat downrange for him. To get him in the mood this afternoon, I took him to the stash of balls and pulled one off the storage rod. However, before I could smack one into the outfield, Junior put his nose to the ground and followed it furiously out of sight; he refused to mind my commands to stop. Sure enough, Junior was at the base of Joe’s tree before he could pull his bow up! The happy hound knew how to follow his nose and was unceremoniously returned to my care.
On this eve of Halloween, I now kept a close eye on Junior and had him retrieving pieces of cheese I was hiding in the garage. It was big fun for both of us. And, then over the two-way radio came Joe’s shaky voice: “I got one down.”
This was to be Junior’s first deer tracking adventure. We planned to leash him for sniffing responsibilities, even if we knew where a fallen deer had succumbed and that’s what was about to happen under Joe’s control. Loaded with our field-dressing kit and one unsuspecting hound, we drove to the hunt area where Junior would cut the blood trail.
I did my best to back pedal ahead of the frantic canine with my camera in movie mode and a flashlight in the other hand. Junior was on a mission and the tug of war commenced at a fast, unyielding pace. The blood drove him crazy, as he dragged Joe along for the ride and passed me in short order on a direct course to the prize.
The long-awaited challenge had been answered. Heck, this seemed easier than finding morsels of hidden cheese.
Back at the garage, we hung the massive 7-point adult buck under the close supervision of our successful tracking dog. There remains no question about Junior’s eagerness or ability and I’m looking forward to the next exciting adventure.
BLOOMINGTON, MN– More than 45 years after gray wolves were first listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the Trump Administration and its many conservation partners are announcing the successful recovery of the gray wolf and its delisting from the ESA. U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt was at the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge to announce that state and tribal wildlife management agency professionals will resume responsibility for sustainable management and protection of delisted gray wolves in states with gray wolf populations, while the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) monitors the species for five years to ensure the continued success of the species.
The Service based its final determination solely on the best scientific and commercial data available, a thorough analysis of threats and how they have been alleviated and the ongoing commitment and proven track record of states and tribes to continue managing for healthy wolf populations once delisted. This analysis includes the latest information about the wolf’s current and historical distribution in the contiguous United States
“Today’s action reflects the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to species conservation based on the parameters of the law and the best scientific and commercial data available,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “After more than 45 years as a listed species, the gray wolf has exceeded all conservation goals for recovery. Today’s announcement simply reflects the determination that this species is neither a threatened nor endangered species based on the specific factors Congress has laid out in the law.”
In total, the gray wolf population in the lower 48 states is more than 6,000 wolves, greatly exceeding the combined recovery goals for the Northern Rocky Mountains and Western Great Lakes populations.
The gray wolf is the latest in a strong list of ESA recoveries that includes the bald eagle, peregrine falcon, American alligator, brown pelican and 48 other species of animals and plants in U.S. states, territories and waters. Countless more have improved or stabilized. Collectively, these successes demonstrate that the ESA can make a difference for imperiled species. Read more
(Oct. 25, 2020 – DALLAS) — What happens when there is no hunting in Africa due to travel restrictions? Poaching goes on the rise. With no incoming revenue, safari operators cannot pay for the anti-poaching scouts and patrols that protect wildlife. These patrols remove snare lines, apprehend perpetrators and create a deterrent presence. But without hunting revenue, there was no way to continue this important work.
DSC and the DSC Foundation stepped up quickly to fill the void, creating the Hunters CARE (COVID Anti-poaching Relief Effort). This program provides relief in the form of grants that will keep boots on the ground in the struggle to prevent poaching.
By the end of October 2020, 26 grants by DSC and 21 grants from DSCF have gone to 10 countries in order to protect an impressive 24 million acres of habitat and wildlife.
In their own words, safari operators speak about the loss of revenue due to the pandemic, and the immediate impact of grants from DSC and DSC Foundation.
Danene van der Westhuyzen, Aru Game Lodge, Namibia, said, “It’s been really a tough year. We all are struggling to survive, but luckily, we all have incredible amounts of passion to keep our businesses going. Thank you, DSC and DSC Foundation, for what you have done for all of us.”
Arthur Baisly, HHK Safaris, Zimbabwe, said, “The area that we look after is 800,000 acres. at the moment. With this COVID and no clients, we have had to reduce our running costs and we sent half of the staff off with no pay. And now with the finances from the DSC, and the DSC Foundation, we are able to reinstate those scouts and get our operation up and running back to normal.” Read more
Organization Supports Coast Guard Members Displaced and Injured in North Carolina Housing Fire and Family of a Pilot Lost in Alabama Training Accident
Stonington, Conn. — The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to strengthening the Coast Guard community and service by supporting members and families, announced today it is responding to two tragedies affecting Coast Guard members and their families over the past several days. A Coast Guard Ensign died in a training accident in Alabama, and four families living in a housing complex in North Carolina saw their homes destroyed by a fire. A servicemember lost his wife and two daughters as a result of the blaze.
The Coast Guard has moved the families impacted by the fire to temporary housing, and The Foundation has rushed emergency support to them to provide supplies and necessary comfort items. Once the families have a chance to assess their property losses and determine additional needs, the organization will provide them support to help begin the long road to recovery. Read more
MISSOULA, Mont. – The Boone and Crockett Club welcomes Thursday’s announcement by Department of the Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Director Aurelia Skipwith to return gray wolf management to state conservation authority. Wolves are a wildlife restoration success story, akin to the recovery and delisting of bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and numerous other species. The ultimate goal of the Endangered Species Act is to bring species back from the brink of extinction and stabilize populations so that management can move back to the states. The Boone and Crockett Club appreciates the FWS and state wildlife agencies for their success in recovering wolves and looks forward to the future collaborative management of this species.
“As a leader in the first successful delisting of the gray wolf 10 years ago, we welcome this decision and hope it brings closure and celebration to the restoration of the wolf in the lower 48 states,” commented Boone and Crockett Club President Tim Brady in response to the announcement. “The goal of the Endangered Species Act is to recover imperiled species so they no longer require the protections offered by the Act, and the gray wolf is a good example of how a species can be recovered.”
In 1995 and 1996, 66 wolves from southwestern Canada were reintroduced into Yellowstone National Park and to central Idaho and by 2002, the states of Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming had exceeded their recovery goals. In addition, existing populations in the western Great Lakes states had met their population goals by the early 2000’s and within a decade the populations were two to three times their recovery goals.
The Boone and Crockett Club has worked to ensure that recovered wolf populations could be moved off the endangered species list in order to be managed by state fish and wildlife agencies. However, legal challenges to FWS delisting decisions had put wolf management in a constant state of limbo. The Club worked closely with Idaho Representative Mike Simpson and Montana Senator Jon Tester on legislation to ensure that wolves in those two states would be delisted and to prohibit future litigation. After it was enacted in 2011, Idaho and Montana assumed full management authority and proved that their state management plan could maintain stable wolf populations. Wolves in the contiguous U.S. are now estimated at 6,000 individuals and the Club has continued to work with states and the FWS to move to delist gray wolves throughout their range in the lower 48 states.
“Wolves are fully recovered and are naturally expanding and reestablishing well beyond their identified recovery area,” Brady concluded. “Continued lawsuits and delaying of state management of this recovered species is unnecessary, as are proposals to reintroduce wolves in states like Colorado. It is time to celebrate wildlife restoration when we have been successful; it is time to close the book on gray wolves as a federal endangered species.” Read more
Lapua, world-renowned for producing the finest cartridge cases and ammunition products, announces the addition of 6.5 PRC, 284 Winchester, 300 Winchester Magnum, and 300 PRC cartridge cases to their 2021 product offering.
The new Lapua 6.5 and 300 PRC cartridge cases provide competitive shooters, hunters and accuracy enthusiasts a premium selection for precision hand loads, an option that’s been missing from the market since the PRC’s inception.
The 284 Winchester cartridge has experienced a recent resurgence in F-Class competition, where shooters compete to distances out to 1,000 yards. Members of the US Rifle Team, which Lapua sponsors, will enjoy having cases readily available in this classic cartridge.
The 300 Winchester Magnum has been a staple within the firearms industry since its development in the early 60’s. It is still used for competitive target shooting, hunting, and Mil/LE platforms to-date. Despite being outperformed by several other 30’s, it remains the top choice in North America for hunting. Read more
Phoenix, AZ – McMillan® Fiberglass Stocks, the industry leader in custom stocks for competition, hunting, and tactical applications, expands its line of premium hunting stocks with the introduction of the new Game Stalker model.
The Game Stalker was developed for hunters who appreciate the familiar profile of traditional hunting rifle stocks but who desire the precision performance of a true custom fiberglass stock. Based on McMillan’s popular Game Hunter model, the Game Stalker distinguishes itself with a more conventional grip slope (versus the Game Hunter’s vertical grip configuration). The grip angle combines with a high Monte Carlo-style cheek piece to provide optimal fit and alignment for use with high-mount rings and scopes with large objective lenses. For hunters who favor a lighter weight setup, the Game Stalker forend is designed to accommodate carbon fiber-wrapped barrels.
A broad range of barreled actions will fit the Game Stalker, and the stock is offered in several hand-applied custom colors and finishes.
For more information on the new Game Stalker hunting rifle stock or to view the complete McMillan product line, visit McMillanUSA.com. Read more
TALLADEGA, Ala. – If you’re looking for a destination to host team building, corporate meetings or other company-based events with a fun twist, look to the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s (CMP) Talladega Marksmanship Park, “The Home of Marksmanship,” located near the famous Talladega Superspeedway in Alabama.
The CMP has implemented the Alabama CMP Marksmanship Getaway Package, a way of combining work and entertainment by inviting guests to discover more about marksmanship through the rifle, pistol and shotgun opportunities within Talladega’s 500 acres while also establishing your company’s operation goals.
Packages can be individually tailored for each company’s needs. Hold meetings within the beautifully decorated 14,000-square-foot Club House at CMP Talladega, which includes rooms capable of accommodating groups of up to 200 people. Equipped with audio and visual equipment for corporate training and other events, companies such as Glock, Georgia Pacific, ERA King and many others have hosted meetings and team building exercises, with CMP’s certified employees leading the way through live fire group activities on the range.Read more
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has taken its professional-grade Elite Tactical compact spotting scope to an even higher level with the new 8-40x 60mm LMSS2.
The Elite Tactical LMSS2 combines compact elite-quality HD glass with a military-grade riflescope optical design. It builds on the original Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope (LMSS) with features including upgraded exterior lens coatings, updated HORUS reticle options and a power-change throw lever as well as other user control enhancements. Military personnel, law enforcement officers, competitive shooters and hunters can employ the LMSS2 to complement their Elite Tactical optics or other MIL-based riflescopes.
Ideal for training and competitive shooting that requires long-range target acquisition, the LMSS2’s key features include:
ED Prime (HD) glass and fully multi-coated optics paired with ultra-wide-band coatings to allow for more light transmission in low-light situations, providing superior image brightness and color resolution
Compact and lightweight HDOS system enables low-profile, lightweight construction without sacrificing resolution or contrast
Aluminum alloy chassis construction is rugged and meets IXP7 waterproof standards; heavy-duty rubber overmold ensures that the glass and mechanical components are both secured and protected to maintain optical performance for years of use
Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to exterior lens surfaces and repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris so the user can see the target in any condition
Throw Hammer PCR lever speeds up magnification changes and target engagements
The LMSS2 Elite Tactical is available with the H322 or the TREMOR4 spotting scope reticle. The H322 is designed as a companion to the H59 and H58 riflescope reticles, and is ideal for spotting with any MRAD-based riflescope reticle or where real-time measured targeting information is required. Its 0.2 milliradian (MRAD) Horus Grid and patented Rapid Range Bars make it well suited for those looking for robust wind and drop compensation, target range estimation and follow-up shot spotter communication capabilities. The TREMOR4 builds on the H322 and is designed as a companion to the TREMOR2, TREMOR3 or TREMOR5 riflescope reticles. It is also an exceptional reticle for spotting with any MRAD-based riflescope reticle. With its 0.2 mil Horus Grid and patented time of flight wind dots, it can be used with any ballistics and in any environmental conditions for excellent follow-up shot spotter communication capabilities. Read more
