New Duck Stamps Soar in Debuts by USFWS

Hunters, birders and stamp collectors celebrated as the 2021-2022 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp – commonly known as the Duck Stamp – went on sale. The new Federal Duck Stamp and its younger sibling, the Junior Duck Stamp, debuted today and are now available for purchase.

“As one of the most well-known and revered conservation programs in the country, I am excited to buy my very own Federal and Junior Duck Stamps to help contribute to waterfowl and wetland conservation,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “I am so encouraged by the enthusiasm this program and the annual design competitions continue to elicit. I feel proud to both support this artwork and invest in the protection of wetlands and outdoor spaces for future generations.”

The Federal Duck Stamp plays a critically important role in wildlife conservation. Since 1934, sales of this stamp have raised more than $1.1 billion to protect over 6 million acres of wetlands habitat on national wildlife refuges around the nation.

“Purchasing Federal Duck Stamps is a great way to support bird habitat conservation and is one of the most successful conservation tools in our toolbox. Of every dollar spent on a duck stamp, 98 cents of the purchase goes directly to acquiring and protecting waterfowl habitat, said Martha Williams, Service Principal Deputy Director. “First Day of Sale is also our opportunity to celebrate and congratulate the youth artists who lend their talents to the Junior Duck Stamp.

Waterfowl are not the only species that benefit from wetland habitat preservation. Thousands upon thousands of shorebirds, herons, raptors and songbirds, as well as mammals, fish, native plants, reptiles and amphibians rely on these landscapes as well. An estimated one-third of the nation’s endangered and threatened species take advantage of these habitats.

The lesser scaup drake painted by artist Richard Clifton of Milton, Delaware, adorns the new Federal Duck Stamp and will raise millions of dollars for habitat conservation to benefit wildlife and the American people.

The Junior Duck Stamp, which also went on sale today, raises funds to support youth conservation education. This year’s stamp features hooded mergansers painted by Margaret McMullen, of Kansas.

The new duck stamps are available for purchase online, at many sporting goods and retail stores, and some post offices and national wildlife refuges. Find all buying options at http://www.fws.gov/birds/get-involved/duck-stamp/buy-duck-stamp.php. Read more

General

Michigan: Share Your Thoughts With the DNR

The Department of Natural Resources is committed to providing Michigan residents the opportunity to share input and ideas on policy decisions, programs and other aspects of natural resource management and outdoor recreation opportunities.

One important avenue for this input is at meetings of the public bodies that advise the DNR and, in some cases, also set policies for natural resource management. Frequently check the DNR boards, commissions, committees and councils webpage for updates.

The links below will take you to the webpage for each group, where you will find specific location or virtual and teleconference meeting information. When finalized, meeting agendas will also be available here. Please check these pages frequently, as meeting details (such as locations and agendas) may change and sometimes meetings are canceled. Read more

Wildlife

Taurus to Give Away Four GX4 Micro-Compact Pistols

Bainbridge, GA – Taurus, manufacturer of premium handguns for defense, hunting, and sport shooting, is giving away four (yes, FOUR!) of its new Taurus GX4 micro-compact personal defense 9mm pistols. Enter the Shoot On 4X Taurus GX4 Giveaway today and you may be one of four lucky winners to get the newest model in the growing Taurus G-series family of EDC polymer-frame striker-fired pistols.

The Taurus GX4 pistol sets a new standard in the micro-pistol category. The Taurus GX4 is built on a stainless frame with a polymer grip that earns high marks in shooter comfort and strength. This thin, one-inch-wide frame provides negligible printing when worn inside the waistband and features a grip dimension sized to fit any hand. To ensure structural rigidity and reliable cycling in such a scaled-down foundation, the polymer receiver bolsters an integral stainless-steel framework that eliminates flex or deformation when firing. The GX4 delivers all the expected performance and capacity (11 rounds) of larger semi-auto 9mm handguns but in a size and weight that conceals easily, wears “light,” and is dead-on accurate.

To enter for your chance to win, go to the Shoot On 4X Taurus GX4 Giveaway page and click “enter.” From there, you can choose one of seven ways to enter and even improve your odds of winning by revisiting the page each day for a Daily Bonus Entry. Successful winners are subject to the posted Terms & Conditions. While you’re there, be sure to check out Shoot On’s field test of the GX4.

The chance to enter the Shoot On 4X Taurus GX4 Giveaway ends July 4, 2021, so sign up today. Who knows? You may be changing your EDC handgun to the exciting new Taurus GX4!

Firearms

Henry Raises $30,000 for 8-Year-Old Texas Boy’s Treatment

RICE LAKE, WI – Henry Repeating Arms, America’s leading lever-action firearms manufacturer, raised a total of $30,000 with a ‘Guns For Great Causes’ campaign to benefit 8-year-old Kalel Hamilton of Leesburg, Texas. Kalel was diagnosed at the age of 5 with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and terminal genetic muscle-wasting disease with no known cure. Henry created and donated a total of 50 custom engraved “Flex For Kalel” Edition Golden Boy rifles, which sold out within a matter of hours.

The Hamilton family is working with a 501(c)(3) organization to put together a customized gene therapy treatment for Kalel with the hopes of fighting back against the disease or ultimately finding a cure. To begin production, the family needed to raise $25,000, which prompted a response from Henry Repeating Arms to assist.

“We like to think that Kalel has a lot of toughness to draw from between mountain living, the gritty streets of New York, and 5 Marines in the family. Not to mention that he is named after Superman,” says Rick Hamilton, Kalel’s father. Rick is originally from Ahwahnee, California, located in the Sierra Nevada mountains, and his wife Nancy is originally from Queens, New York. Both are veterans of the United States Marine Corps and recently moved to Texas to make the doctor visits more convenient. Rick continues, “It was crazy watching how fast the rifles sold out, and we can’t thank Henry Repeating Arms and their audience enough for all of the support they have given us as complete strangers.” Read more

Firearms

Ohio: 28-Year-Old Banded Eagle Released in Marion County After Injuries

COLUMBUS, Ohio – A 28-year-old female bald eagle that suffered injuries to her foot and eye received medical care from wildlife professionals and was released back to the wild in Marion County on Friday, June 18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The female bald eagle was released after more than seven weeks of rehabilitation.

On April 28, Ohio Wildlife Officer Chad Grote, assigned to Marion County, and Ohio Wildlife Officer Maurice Irish, assigned to Delaware County, responded to a landowner’s call about an injured bald eagle. After safely capturing the bird, the officers decided her toe and eye injuries required rehabilitation and transferred the eagle to Crows Hollow Wildlife Care in Richwood.

While rehabilitation professionals assessed the bird’s injuries, they discovered it was banded as a hatchling on June 10, 1993 at Reno Beach in Lucas County, making her an astounding 28 years old. On average, eagles live about 20 years in the wild.

Banding efforts during the early 1990s were one way to help monitor and increase bald eagle populations. Staff collected a blood sample, attached radio telemetry gear, patagial wing markers, a state leg band, and a federal leg band. Current Division of Wildlife Assistant Chief Todd Haines and Mark Shieldcastle, a retired wetland research biologist, were on the banding team for this eagle.

“This bald eagle is on an amazing journey that brought it from Lucas County to central Ohio,” Haines said. “This bird has no doubt played a vital part of the bald eagle’s comeback in Ohio. I’m happy to see this eagle has made a complete recovery from its injuries, and also glad I had the chance to interact with it again after so many years.” Read more

Wildlife

Mepro Foresight- Zero Your Rifle With Three Shots

Ammo is expensive. Why expend excess rounds needlessly trying to zero your rifle when all you need are three shots and a photo. The digitally augmented Mepro Foresight includes free access to download the Double Shoot — Automatic Digital Zeroing — App allowing the shooter to zero the weapon without touching the optic. Simply download and print the target. Take a picture of that target using the Double Shoot app. Next shoot a three-shot group. Take a photo of your group and upload it to the app. The system analyzes your mean point of impact and zeroes the weapon automatically. Another extreme cost-saving feature is the ability to zero and store the ballistic data to 10 different rifles or shotguns, or 10 different zeroing configurations on the same weapon platform. Follow the same procedure and store the data to the assigned weapon.

The state-of-the-art Mepro Foresight™ includes the Meprolight® App which is unique in that its web-based-smart-phone Bluetooth connectivity allows the shooter to select and store five reticles from a large database. Scroll through the menu and select from over 26 reticles the one that fits your need. Reticle options include 1 MOA dot and 1 MOA dot with circle as well as a large number of different configurations to fit most shooting needs. The built-in Picatinny rail attachment allows you to simply move the optic from one gun to another. More importantly, it gives you confidence knowing you have already zeroed that weapon and stored the ballistic data which is vital when changing between calibers or if you use supersonic and subsonic ammo in the same caliber or between suppressed and unsuppressed operations. The integrated light sensor automatically determines reticle brightness. The Meprolight® App features include internal compass, level/cant indicator, battery strength monitor and Bluetooth connectivity. Read more

Optics

EOTECH Vudu 8-32×50 SFP Long-Range Riflescope

Winning the long-range game requires an outstanding optic – one that’s powerful, bright and robust. Say hello to the EOTECH Vudu 8-32×50 SFP riflescope. Its formidable 32x magnification builds confidence, providing a large, bright target image. Its competition-grade turrets with easy-to-read MOA adjustments and zero stop are perfect for rapid, repeatable adjustments. The Vudu 8-32×50 SFP riflescope delivers features F-Class, benchrest and varmint shooters love. And like all EOTECH optics, the Vudu 8-32×50 SFP will endure the rigors of everyday professional use.

High-magnification optics like the Vudu 8-32x require the best glass and a large objective lens for optimal light transmission. Vudu uses multi-coated XC™ High-Density (HD) glass delivering edge-to-edge clarity and unparalleled light transmission and color reproduction. The combination provides vivid views at any power.

The 8-32x features the HC2, MOA-based, hashmark reticle that was designed for the
precision long-range shooter. The non-illuminated crosshairs allow for elevation and
windage correction, while the ultra-small center aiming dot (0.15MOA at 32X) provides
the utmost accuracy.

EZ-Clik™ competition height turrets, calibrated in .125 MOA (1/8” per click @ 100 yards), add exact dialing for dead-on holds; easy-to-read scales provide repeatable and surgically precise adjustments while its EZ Chek (zero stop) enables rapid turret resets. A large, 34mm main tube allows up to 100 MOA elevation and 80 MOA windage adjustment, necessary for dialing drop and wind at extreme distances. A side-mounted parallax adjustment dial fine-tunes the reticle focus while observing the target. Its one-piece eyepiece and included throw-lever offers fast and fluid transitions from low to high magnification.

Vudu Scopes feature an aircraft-grade aluminum main tube with a hard-anodized, durable finish, creating a lightweight riflescope in a tough-as-nails, waterproof package. Each riflescope passes substantial environmental testing, ensuring unsurpassed durability in all conditions.

Building confidence, this lightweight powerhouse packs match-winning long-range features into a mission-ready package. Competitors trust the Vudu 8-32×50 SFP for accuracy and consistency in matches won by thousandths of an inch.

Vudu® 8-32×50 SFP Scope Features:

  • 32x magnification for pinpoint holds; 4x magnification range (8-32x)
  • Generous eye-relief
  • 50 mm objective for increased light transmission
  • One-piece eyepiece for easy magnification adjustments
  • Competition-grade turrets with easy-to-read MOA adjustments and EZ Chek (zero-stop)
  • Side-mount parallax adjustment
  • Ultra-small aiming dot (0.15MOA @ 32X)
  • Includes: sunshade, throw lever, lens cloth, Allen wrench, product user and reticle manuals

Vudu® 8-32×50 SFP Scope Specifications:

  • Magnification: 8x – 32x
  • Objective Lens: 50mm
  • Focal Plane – Second Focal Plane
  • Eye Relief 8x: 86-98 mm; (3.39-3.86 in.); 32x: 89-98 mm (3.50-3.86 in.)
  • Exit Pupil 8x: 5.3 mm (.21 in.); 32x: 1.6 mm (.06 in.)
  • Field-Of-View (Degrees) 8x: 2.53 degrees; 32x: 0.63 degree
  • Field-Of-View (@100 Yards) 8x: 4.0 m (13.2 ft.); 32x: 1.0 m (3.3 ft.)
  • Elevation Travel: 100 MOA
  • Windage Travel: 80 MOA
  • Exterior Finish: Flat Black; Type III anodized
  • Overall Length 392mm (15.4 in)
  • Weight 930 g (32.8 oz)
  • Tube Diameter 34mm

For more information, please visit WWW.EOTECHINC.COM.

Optics

Bushnell Unveils New Fusion X Rangefinding Binoculars

Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, is excited to announce the release of its new Fusion X Rangefinding binoculars. The new rangefinding binoculars continue Bushnell’s 25-year legacy of laser rangefinder development while featuring 1 mile ranging capability plus an all-new ACTIVSYNC™ display system that fluidly morphs from black to red readouts based on lighting conditions. These full-size 10×42 binoculars not only feature the high-quality glass users have come to expect from Bushnell, but also boast the capabilities of a laser rangefinder into a single, intuitive optic.

At the core of the Fusion X is a sophisticated ACTIVSYNC display that allows users to maintain visibility in low-light and day-bright lighting conditions. The ACTIVSYNC display automatically changes color readings, meaning hunters can range targets just as well 30 minutes before sunrise as they can at midday. The display can even show red and black simultaneously if the environment requires it.

“As we continue to celebrate our 25th anniversary of the advent of the laser rangefinder, the new Fusion X maintains our commitment to bringing new technologies to the marketplace,” said Derek Osburn, Director of Optics for Vista Outdoor. “The Fusion X offers hunters the best of both worlds with a familiar 10×42 size that offers fantastic light transmission while providing them with all-day viewing thanks to the ground-breaking ActivSync display. These new ranging binos are simply amazing and arrive at a special time in our company’s history as we honor our 25 years of continuing innovation.”

The Fusion X binoculars boast one mile ranging capability with a +/- one-yard accuracy. To activate the binoculars, simply push the ranging button to power on the rangefinder, as well as to activate single range and scan mode. For quick application setup, a second button on the bridge of the binocular offers users to select from multiple modes. Read more

Optics

Beretta USA Launches New A300 Ultima Semi-Auto Shotgun

Accokeek, MD – Beretta USA is excited to announce the launch of a brand-new semi-automatic shotgun series, the A300 Ultima. The Beretta A300 Ultima features the classic mechanisms of the reliable A300 platform with new enlarged controls, an improved receiver, and the proprietary Beretta Kick-Off recoil reduction system.

“The new A300 Ultima offers a unique opportunity for shooters to experience Beretta quality with unparalleled features set at an incomparable price. Joining the venerable A300 series, we are excited to bring this new line to market in both 12 and 20-gauge configurations for the first time in our history – offering consumers a wide variety of options both in terms of aesthetics and function as well as expanding our offerings to the 20-gauge segment,” Erik Stern, Tactical and Pro-Shop Product Manager, said.

Made in the USA, the Beretta A300 Ultima is built tough to withstand adverse conditions out on the hunt and perform when you need it most. With a 7x7mm stepped rib with included mid bead, this new shotgun features a standard Beretta thread pitch, fiber optic housing with a large 4mm fiber optic front sight ideal for high visibility in low light during dawn or dusk shooting.

Included as standard configuration, the A300 Ultima utilizes the Beretta Kick-Off recoil reduction system, which provides enhanced stability, comfort, and control for faster target acquisition. This line also features an oversized loading port and low-profile receiver designed to enhance shooter experience and ease of use and a larger bolt handle and bolt release for easy manipulation in adverse conditions.

The traditional Beretta MobilChoke pattern barrel is designed to fit a wide variety of choke options that suit any shooter’s needs.

The Beretta A300 Ultima is now available for purchase in 12 and 20 gauge configurations and Black Synthetic, Realtree MAX-5®, and Mossy Oak® Bottomland finishes.

The A300 Ultima will be on display and available for demo by consumers at the 2021 Ducks Unlimited Expo starting today at the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, TX. Read more

Firearms

NDA Launches “How to Hunt Deer” Podcast With Sportsmen’s Nation Podcast Network

The National Deer Association (NDA) in partnership with the Sportsmen’s Nation Podcast Network have launched Episode 1 of the “How to Hunt Deer” series, a 16-part podcast released weekly through October that provides new hunters with the confidence they need to have a successful deer hunt now. Based on NDA’s award-winning e-book for new deer hunters, “How to Hunt Deer” is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Pandora, Spotify, Stitcher and wherever you listen to podcasts.

Dan Johnson, CEO of Sportsmen’s Nation, is joined by Hank Forester, NDA’s Director of Hunting, and Matt Ross, NDA’s Director of Conservation, to share comprehensive advice on where and when to hunt deer, selecting a firearm or bow, scouting deer sign, predicting deer behavior, understanding deer biology, choosing stand sites, processing your own venison, preparing meals, and much more. The 16 episodes of “How to Hunt Deer” follow the guidance outlined in NDA’s e-book, written by NDA’s staff of deer hunters who combined the science of deer biology with their own deer-hunting experiences to provide new hunters with answers to every question.

“My goal with this project was to help continue NDA’s excellent outreach to new deer hunters in an audio format to help them reach an even wider audience,” said Dan Johnson. “All of us in the hunting industry need to do everything we can to help interested adults learn to become deer hunters.”

NDA has made it a top strategic priority to assist new hunters through in-person training programs like Field to Fork, online training like NDA’s Deer Hunting 101 course, video instruction, and written media like the Guide to Successful Deer Hunting e-book, but the “How to Hunt Deer” series is the first venture into podcasting. Read more

Hunting
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