USFWS Moves to Strengthen MBTA Applauded

Announcement is a positive step forward for maintaining the integrity of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act

(Washington, D.C.) — The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership applauds Interior Secretary Haaland and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for actions announced today to restore the integrity of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Since 1918, the MBTA has been the foundation to conserving the nation’s migratory birds, from warblers to waterfowl. It has provided clarity to industry, including the oil and gas and wind sectors, about allowable activities and provided reasonable exceptions for “incidental take”—the accidental death of birds.

Yet the previous administration severely weakened the law, eliminating any incentive for the regulated community to take prudent actions to avoid killing birds. Moving forward, sportsmen and sportswomen look forward to working with the administration and industry to continue America’s remarkable track record of migratory bird conservation.

“At a time when migratory birds are in serious decline, we see this as a positive step forward for not only maintaining the integrity of this bedrock conservation law, but also removing additional threats to species facing the impacts of climate change and other habitat stressors,” says Whit Fosburgh, president and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “To effectively halt and reverse declines of migratory birds and reduce the risk of future endangered species act listings, we believe it is critical that the Migratory Bird Treaty Act remain an effective tool for addressing foreseeable and avoidable threats to birds.” Read more

Wildlife

Michigan: Governor Signs Trust Fund Bill for Outdoor Recreation Development and Acquisition Grants

Contact: Jon Mayes (DNR), mayesj@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Signs Bipartisan Bill Investing in Outdoor Recreation in 76 Communities Across Michigan

LANSING, MI — Yesterday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed HB 4469 which appropriates $37.8 million in Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund grants that will support 76 recreation projects and land purchases throughout Michigan recommended by the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in December.

“The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund supports quality outdoor recreation, giving Michiganders the ability to safely enjoy the outdoors and boosting local economies,” said Governor Whitmer. “This funding is crucial to helping communities utilize their natural resources and make Michigan’s public spaces more accessible and attractive to residents and visitors. I am proud to sign this piece of bipartisan legislation into law and support Michigan’s recreational resources and economy.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund that was established in 1976 to provide funding for public acquisition of lands for resource conservation and outdoor recreation, as well as for public outdoor recreation development projects. It is funded through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals. Over the past 45 years, the Trust Fund has granted more than $1.2 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve recreation opportunities in Michigan. Read more

Wildlife

FN Expands Pistol Offerings With All-FDE Models

Catering to the requests of shooting enthusiasts and FN brand fans alike, FN America, LLC is pleased to announce the release of new flat dark earth (FDE) offerings in both its FN Five-seveN® and FN 503® line-ups, available at authorized retailers soon.

“Today’s gun buyer is looking for variety and options, not just with accessories but with color variants that stand out in unique and noticeable ways,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “FN’s all-FDE models certainly stand out and we feel that these new releases in our signature color give consumers greater options to further customize, and personalize, their gun and gear setups.”

FN Five-seveN FDE

The original FN Five-seveN®, often imitated but hardly duplicated, has two decades of trusted service with allied armies, global law enforcement and civilians.

Extending its groundbreaking design is a new, all flat dark earth frame and slide. With improved range and accuracy over common pistol cartridges, the NATO-standardized 5.7x28mm, developed by FN, is fired from the chrome-lined cold hammer-forged barrel. Read more

General

Delta Waterfowl Reports: 2021 Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey Cancelled

BISMARCK, NORTH DAKOTA — For the second straight year, safety concerns over Covid-19 have forced cancellation of the annual Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey.

The spring survey, which has been conducted annually every year from 1955 to 2019, is used to monitor the status of duck and goose populations in North America, as well as to set waterfowl hunting season frameworks and bag limits.

A question and answer document posted today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (www.fws.gov/migratorybirds/pdf/surveys-and-data/Population-status/2021WaterfowlBreedingPopulationandHabitatSurveyCancellationQA.pdf) explains the reasons behind the cancellation. Read more

General

Michigan: apply for a bear license now through June 1

New this year for bear hunting: license quotas, archery-only seasons in the northern Lower Peninsula and a ban on bait barrels on public lands. Find the 2021 bear season dates, license quotas and hunting regulations in the Bear Hunting Digest.

Curious how the preference point system works? Check out this video: MI Bear Draw Preference Point System Explained.

There are 7,001 bear licenses available to hunters this year.

Apply for a bear license at Michigan.gov/Bear. The application period is open through June 1. Drawing results will be posted online July 6.

Hunting

Meprolight — Upgrade Your Handgun Sights

Chances are, if you’re reading this, you are one of the millions who purchased a new handgun in the past year or so. Should you upgrade your sights? A better question might be, do you want to increase your capabilities? Tiger McKee, Director, Shootrite Firearms Academy recently penned the following, “Shooting accurately is all about sight alignment and a smooth press or stroke on the trigger. In self-defense applications, this has to be done under any and all conditions….The sights on your weapon have to be up to the task and may be one of the first modifications you need to consider.” (The Shooting Wire.com, 4/19/21)

The engineers at Meprolight®, having served in the Israeli Defense Forces, understand the complexities of sight alignment, sight picture, and rapid target acquisition. From their experience, they have made Meprolight® into the world leader in handgun sights. Their multiple aiming solutions enable you to select the sight that best matches your shooting style. Three of the most popular are:

· Mepro Hyper-Bright™ —self-illuminated day/night sight with visually enhanced contrasting front sight

·Mepro Tru-Dot® — family of self-illuminated day/night sights

· Mepro MicroRDS™ —micro red dot optic. Make every pistol an optic ready pistol

McKee went on to say, “The majority of pistols offered today come with ‘good’ sights. However, to cut costs some factory sights are insufficient for defensive work. You can expect to install upgraded sights.“ Read more

Optics

Michigan DNR eliminates poison as cause of death in Oakland County swans

Wildlife biologists with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources have confirmed that a disease caused by a parasitic flatworm killed three mute swans found dead earlier this year, near Maceday Lake.

Since January, DNR conservation officers have retrieved eight dead mute swans from the lake, located in a residential area of Waterford Township. Concerned residents initially questioned whether the swans were ingesting antifreeze or another form of poison. Read more

Wildlife

MDARD, DNR stress biosecurity to help protect Michigan’s rabbits and hares from fatal disease

The Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development and Natural Resources advise Michiganders to be aware of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus type 2 (RHDV2), which is a fatal disease for domestic and wild rabbits and hares.

While it has not yet been found in Michigan, the high mortality rates seen with this disease could have serious impacts on the state’s wild and domestic rabbits and hares. It is vital for those who handle, hunt and/or care for rabbits to be aware of this disease and to take precautions to keep the virus away from these animals.

Even though the disease does not affect people or other species of animals, RHDV2 is highly contagious and fatal to rabbits, and virtually all rabbits that contract the disease will die. RHDV2 is caused by a virus that can survive for a long time in the environment. A rabbit can develop the disease by having contact with an ill rabbit or its excretions or with an item that has touched an ill rabbit or its excretions.

In addition, people can inadvertently spread the virus into new areas by moving infected live rabbits, carcasses or parts from infected animals, as well as on clothing and shoes.

Disease onset is rapid. Often the only sign of RHDV2 is the sudden death of a rabbit. However, other signs can include fever, reduced appetite, lack of coordination, respiratory problems, diarrhea or constipation, and a bloody, foamy discharge from the nose. Read more

Wildlife

Bushnell Expands Rimfire Riflescope Lineup

Image

New Scopes Offer DZ22 Reticles and Peak Performance for Rimfire Shooters

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. –– Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has announced the addition of two new models to its dedicated lineup of rimfire riflescopes. Specifically designed for .22LR rifles, these scopes are ideal for varmint and small game hunting, as well as for plinking and recreational shooting.

The two new riflescopes are available in a 3-9x40mm configuration with DZ22 reticles, with one model featuring an illuminated reticle option. The DZ22 reticle was specifically designed for .22LR rimfire ballistics, with drop points out to 125 yards. On the illuminated reticle model, the riflescope is standard with an “off” position between each intensity setting, so users do not have to return to zero and lose their preferred intensity. The illuminated reticle also provides shooters with improved visibility in low light environments.

Rimfire shooters will appreciate that both models come equipped with glass enhancements for improved performance. Standard features on both riflescopes include multi-coated surfaces, one-piece tube design and a large 40mm objective for more clarity, improved resolution and a larger exit pupil. Both riflescopes can also be used with the Bushnell Ballistic App. These enhancements allow for faster target acquisition and more accurate shooting. Read more

Optics
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