Turning in tagged fish could be rewarding

Clipped adipose finNext time you catch a trout or salmon, remember to check for a clip on the adipose fin – that small, fleshy fin behind the dorsal fin. It could be worth $100.

Through mass marking assistance by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Great Lakes states, including Michigan, mark popular game fish like steelhead, Chinook salmon, Atlantic salmon, brown trout and lake trout.

Most trout and salmon with an adipose fin clip also have a coded-wire tag in their snout. The tag is small, like the tip of a lead pencil, so it must be removed by lab technicians. Anyone catching and wanting to keep an adipose fin clipped fish should turn the head into a local drop-off station in Michigan.

Randy Claramunt, Lake Huron Basin coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said the DNR relies on the help of anglers to supplement the marked and tagged fish program.

“We have creel clerks at some ports, but there are several areas that we don’t have staff, including on river systems with unique fisheries, such as Atlantic salmon or steelhead,” he said. “To get enough tag returns to learn about these species, we need the help of our anglers to voluntarily turn in heads.” Read more

Fishing

Escort Revolutionizes Shotgun Operation System

Bentonville, AR – Escort’s Dynamax Semi-Auto Shotgun is a marvel of modern engineering. Designed to be the perfect combination of speed and comfort, the Dynamax is loaded with features that maximize both performance and value.

The Dynamax is outfitted with Escort’s ultramodern, patented Hybrid Cycling System (HCS). It combines the best features from each of the two traditional cycling operating systems, gas and kinetic. The Dynamax will cycle light loads like a traditional gas system but uses much less gas. As a result, recoil is reduced, and the cycle rate is faster and more efficient. With less felt recoil, a shooter acquires targets faster, making follow up shots more effective. Using less gas to cycle the gun also means the Dynamax does not have to be cleaned as frequently. The HCS is easy to break down, making maintenance easier than ever.

The entire barrel/receiver module is oxidation-proof for ultimate weather resistance. The precision-tooled barrel is made from Ni-Cr-Mo steel, and is hard chrome lined. The bolt of the Dynamax is also fabricated from Ni-Cr-Mo steel and is hard chrome plated for long life, reduced friction, and maximum resistance against corrosion. This unrivaled process makes for maximum durability and provides the utmost resistance against rust and corrosion. In addition, all Escort barrels are rigorously proof tested to ensure both strength and longevity. Read more

Firearms

NRA Responds to Rejection of Texas Bankruptcy

Court Finds That NRA’s Move to Texas Could Still Be Accomplished Outside Bankruptcy

Fairfax, Va. – In response to today’s dismissal of a prior bankruptcy filing, the National Rifle Association of America (“NRA”) announced that it will continue to fight on all fronts in the interests of its mission and its members.

The New York Attorney General and others had aligned against the NRA in opposition to the NRA’s reorganization plan announced on January 15, 2021. They sought to dismiss the NRA’s bankruptcy filing with prejudice or, in the alternative, appointment of a court-appointed trustee, to take control of the Association’s business and financial affairs. Importantly, a United States Bankruptcy Court in Dallas did not appoint a Trustee or examiner, even as it ruled the Association may not proceed with the chapter 11 case. The court dismissed the bankruptcy filing without prejudice, meaning the NRA does have the option to file a new bankruptcy case.

During a 12-day hearing that occurred over approximately four weeks, the NRA established that it had adopted new policies and accounting controls, displaced many “insiders” who had allegedly abused the Association, and accepted reparations for costs voluntarily determined to be excess benefits. The hearing proceedings focused on the NRA’s compliance efforts, and the organization’s renewed commitment to good governance.

In an opinion, dated May 11, 2021, the Hon. Harlin D. Hale, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge, Northern District of Texas, wrote, “In short, the testimony…suggests that the NRA now understands the importance of compliance. Outside of bankruptcy, the NRA can pay its creditors, continue to fulfill its mission, continue to improve its governance and internal controls, contest dissolution in the NYAG Enforcement Action, and pursue the legal steps necessary to leave New York.” Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

The Science of Fawn Survival: Leave them Alone

So, you found an abandoned fawn and you’re wondering what to do with it. You may have even rescued it, and now that you brought it home you are wondering who to call. Is there anyone who will take it to raise? What does it eat? Can you house-train it? I know you mean well and want to help the fawn, so follow the best advice from science: leave the fawn where you found it. If you already removed it from the woods, take it back immediately to its hiding spot, or place it in good forested cover as close as you can get to the place you found it.

Let’s look at the science that explains why the fawn is well adapted to survive just fine without your intervention.

It’s Likely Not Abandoned At All

Every spring, people who stumble across fawns expect to see a watchful mother nearby, and when they don’t, they immediately assume the fawn is “abandoned.” This is understandable, but remember that the needs and survival behaviors of newborn deer are completely different than those of newborn humans.

Until a fawn is old enough to be fully mobile and able to outrun danger, the doe spends most of each day separate from the fawn to avoid attracting predators by her own presence and scent. Research at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia found that in the first three to four weeks after a fawn’s birth, does visited fawns primarily around sunrise and sunset, and visits were only long enough to nurse. Read more

Wildlife

IHEA, Boone and Crockett Club Partner for Exclusive Giveaway Hunt

In support of Hunter’s Connect, The IHEA-USA’s suite of educational videos served to hundreds of thousands of Hunter Education students each year, The Boone & Crockett Club has partnered with the IHEA offering one lucky hunter access to the exclusive Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch near Dupuyer, Montana.

Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of the IHEA-USA, this giveaway offers hunters a number of ways to enter. The easiest way to enter is to complete the IHEA-USA Hunter’s Connect Survey, and help the IHEA-USA better understand their awareness level in the United States. Hunters can also enter by becoming an associate member of the Boone & Crockett Club.

The hunt itself is valued at $4,500.00 and offers 3 days of self-guided hunting access to the Ranch in the window of October 24-30, 2022. Meals and Lodging are included. Read more

Hunting

Umarex Airguns Gauntlet 2 PCP Air Rifle

Fort Smith, Arkansas — Umarex USA, innovator, manufacturer, and marketer of airguns, optics, and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts is pleased to announce it is running the Gauntlet again! The Gauntlet 2 pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) is all new for 2021. Umarex Airguns is bringing substantial improvements over the first generation Gauntlet and its direct competitors. The new Gauntlet 2 will be available in both .22 and .25 calibers and bring a refined look and a new performance potential to shooters looking for an alternative to rimfire rifles or the discerning air gun shooter in aim of the 10-ring.

Ergonomics mean everything when it comes to handling any tool and air rifles are no different. The new Umarex Gauntlet 2 stock has been optimized with esthetic design changes as well as functional improvements that captivate the eyes and meld with the body. Its new high-strength polymer stock is molded in Flat Dark Earth with the adjustable cheek rest accented in black. The stock has been slimmed down and trimmed in conspicuous places while still offering superb interaction, reduced weight, and synonymous feel for the shooter. This new approach accommodates M-LOK® accessories via the attachment points on three sides of the reinforced and lengthened forearm. Additionally, the new Gauntlet 2 is fitted with an easy-to-grip knurled cylindrical bolt handle that treats the shooter to a much more positive interface, especially in inclement weather. Read more

Firearms

ATF Proposed Rule to Redefine “Frame or Receiver,” Identification of Firearms

Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms

On May 7, 2021, the Attorney General signed ATF proposed rule 2021R-05, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms. The goal of the proposed rule is to ensure the proper marking, recordkeeping, and traceability of all firearms manufactured, imported, acquired and disposed by federal firearms licensees.

This proposed rule would among others, provide new or amend previous definitions of terms related to or about “firearm frame or receivers” and “frame or receivers.” For more details on these definitions, please visit our website at: https://www.atf.gov/rules-and-regulations/definition-frame-or-receiver.

What Can You Do

ATF requests comments on the proposed rule, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, from all interested persons. Read more

Firearms

NWTF Applauds Introduction of America the Beautiful Initiative

EDGEFIELD, S.C.—The National Wild Turkey Federation praises the Biden Administration’s recent announcement of a collaborative plan to expand conservation across the nation with a target of conserving a third of all lands and waters by 2030.

In a report released by the administration, the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful Initiative will be a “locally led campaign to conserve and restore the lands and waters upon which we all depend, and that bind us together as Americans.”

The report identifies multiple priority areas that the NWTF provided early feedback on, including:

  • Expanding collaborative conservation of fish and wildlife habitats and corridors.
  • Increasing access for outdoor recreation.
  • Incentivizing and rewarding the voluntary conservation efforts of sportsmen and women, ranchers, farmers and forest owners.
  • Creating jobs by investing in restoration and resilience projects and initiatives. Read more
Fishing, Hunting, Wildlife

Wandering Dog Lost and Found

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Last week I came upon a wandering little dog, as I rode my ATV along a well-traveled trail on my Shiawassee County property.  At first glance it resembled the appearance of a neighbor’s dog, and since it was so close to his property, I motored past it under the assumption that it was heading home.  However, something seemed wrong.

I watched over my shoulder to make sure the animal wasn’t following me, as I lowered my speed.  It would take a few steps in one direction and then a few more in another direction.  This aimless wandering wasn’t normal, I thought, so I made a U-turn and idled next to it for a closer look.  At this moment, I figured it was deaf or very near so, because it didn’t pay any attention to my running motor, which was now only a few feet away.  Then, I noticed the malfunction:  It was obviously blind from the apparent milky colored eyes afflicted by cataracts.  I knew I had to do something.

Stepping off the 4-wheeler, I made a quick grab with both hands under the belly and felt wetness.  Either, the confused animal had gone into the adjoining creek willingly or otherwise and had me thinking it was possibly thirsty or just unwittingly fell in.  Regardless, it was going home with me.

The old dog never resisted, as I set it in a carry box in front of the handle bars.  When I began to motor on, it became frightened and attempted to jump out.  With one finger hooked around its tiny collar, it was easily restrained and seemed to settle down as I picked up speed along the side of the road.

Although it had a collar, no identification was attached.  I recalled that one of my neighbors, Marcella, had been involved in various physical searches for lost dogs through some internet sites.  My wife got the ball rolling and it wasn’t long before Marcella and her husband arrived to help – and, I was sure glad to see them.

Cell phones were used for photos, which were promptly uploaded to a Facebook site under the title of lost dogs of Shiawassee County.  In the meantime, the women took over care of the animal by giving it a bath in warm water, which it didn’t appreciate one bit.  Marcella even cleaned the ear canals, which seemed to need attention.  And, then the calls started to come in.

Some would send pictures of their own lost dogs, hoping we’d have the answer to their prayers.  One after another, hope was shot down.

I remembered my pal, Joe, leaves some dry dog food at my place for his dog when it visits, so I grabbed a handful and put it in a bowl in front of the dog.  It walked through it and scattered the feed on the floor.  Hmmm.  Into the house for some meat – any meat.  Nothing.  So, I took a small can of cat food and dumped the entire contents in another bowl.  (Yes, I know cat food is not good for dogs; neither is starving.)  It gobbled it up in a few bites and drank some clean water.  Now, we all felt better.

We had already begun to talk of temporarily caring for the critter, when someone from East Lansing had seen the online photos and contacted us.  Apparently, they were relatives of the owner, Chris, who lives about a mile down the road.  Everyone was excited to learn he was on the way for his pet!

In minutes, he arrived and was reunited with his ol’ pal and explained what had happened.  The day before, the animal apparently had gone through an open door unnoticed.  A frantic search was to no avail.  I can only imagine his thoughts.

The moral of the story is to make sure that proper identification is attached to dogs that have a propensity to wander.  A computer chip is also a common means to ID lost dogs – given the owners have had the foresight to have one implanted for a nominal fee.

With the mystery solved, the little pooch gave his owner a few licks on his cheek and they were on their way home at long last.

General, Wildlife

Firearms Safety Function and Check

Recently, I posted a consumer safety bulletin on a popular sidearm, the Ruger-57 pistol. As part of the notification, the release said “Ruger is asking owners of Ruger-57 pistols to perform a routine function check of the safety lever to ensure its proper operation …”

I had an interesting conversation with a Ruger executive who noted that it might be helpful to explain to folks how to do a safety and function check of a firearm. That’s true and it begins with some notions that should be obvious.

Even with mechanical safety devices and ‘no ammo,’ a safe direction – like the berm behind this “fiddle table” is handy.

First, mechanical safety features of guns – and other machinery – do not obviate the need for caution and good sense. A recall of THE RULES never hurts and it applies when running diagnostics on small arms.

All guns are always loaded. In the Ruger-57 example, the recommendation was “magazine out, lock the slide open – look inside then feel for an unextracted round.” If you didn’t find anything, take a breath, lock the gun open and check again. Having loaded ammo around that fits the gun under examination at this point is not required. In fact, it’s a bad idea. You don’t have to unload the Ruger LCR in your pocket, but the ammo for it won’t fit the Ruger-57 anyway.

This pistol bag has an armor insert — and an aiming point at which to direct the muzzle — making it a “portable safe direction.”

When checking the gun for ammunition, do not allow the muzzle to cover anything you don’t want to destroy. You aren’t at the range where we have the neat “NO ammo!” safety table and convenient backstop? There are portable “Safe Directions” to be had, plus you may have a bookshelf full of books – use the length of the bookshelf to direct the muzzle; don’t aim in at one book on its spine. You may be in a basement surrounded by concrete walls or have a convenient fireplace. Read more

Firearms
1 … 779 780 781 782 783 … 2,056