Utah Company and Its Owner Plead Guilty to Wildlife Trafficking Charges

A Utah man and his company Natur Inc. pleaded guilty yesterday in federal court in Salt Lake City to violating the Lacey and Endangered Species Acts.

On Nov. 18, 2020, a grand jury issued an indictment charging Jean-Michel Arrigona, 58, of Midvale, with unlawfully importing wildlife into the United States and reselling it from the Natur store in Midvale, which he owns. In a plea agreement with the government, Arrigona admitted that he imported approximately 1,500 wildlife items from 2015 to 2020. He only declared three of the packages, as required, to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or customs authorities. Arrigona resold the wildlife online and at Natur. The wildlife, primarily from Indonesia, consisted of taxidermy mounts and bones of bats, flying foxes, frogs, starfish, insects, rodents, and lizards. Some of the wildlife, such as the flying fox (Pteropus sp.) and monitor lizard (Varanus sp.) are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which regulates trade in endangered or threatened species through permit requirements. The United States, Indonesia, and 181 other countries are signatories to the CITES treaty. Read more

Poachers, Wildlife

Vortex Venom 5-25×56 FFP Riflescope

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Vortex Optics is launching the all-new Venom® 5-25×56 FFP, the first in a new series of optics aimed at giving shooters all the tools they need to get into the game at an affordable price without compromising optical quality, or giving up the features they need to be competitive.

The Venom® 5-25×56 FFP is a perfect example of what shooters should expect from the Venom® lineup, providing new shooters an entry-level price with next-level tools. There are some obvious features that showoff the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP’s long-range pedigree. There’s the 34mm tube, maximizing turret travel. There’s the RevStop™ Zero System, a fast, easy, rock-solid return to zero. And, an included throw lever means rapid, smooth magnification adjustments are a snap.

But take a look inside the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP and you start to see how this riflescope makes it easier for new shooters to learn, all while keeping them in the game. The First Focal Plane reticle ensures subtensions are accurate throughout the mag range, which shooters will love because the EBR-7C reticle makes it easy to measure and range targets in scope. The 5x zoom range takes shooters farther, letting them punch out to 1,000 yards and beyond.

Just because a shooter is new to the game doesn’t mean they should be limited by inferior optics, and the Venom® 5-25×56 FFP is a perfect example of how the Venom® line makes it easier to not just get started, but to have the tools shooters need to be competitive right away. Read more

Optics

EOTECH® Vudu® 1-8×24 SFP Riflescope

Ann Arbor, MI – Competition shooters and hunters demand speed and precision from their riflescopes for close quarters to mid-range shooting applications. Vudu’s 1-8×24 SFP riflescope offers a versatile 8x zoom range so that shooters can quickly dial in the optimal magnification for any target presentation. Ideal for any MSR, bolt action, lever action or single-shot rifle, the Vudu 1-8×24 SFP provides tactical precision when every shot counts.

The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP features a wide field-of-view and a daylight-visible, illuminated aiming dot for fast target acquisition in all lighting conditions. The scope’s field of view at 100 yards is 105.8 ft. at 1x and 13.2 ft. at 8x. The reticle features a 0.5-MOA illuminated center dot with quad-level BDC suspensions. The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP’s HC3 reticle has four hold-over points providing the fastest compensating method for bullet drop on targets at different distances.

The Vudu 1-8×24 SFP features a rugged 30mm T6 aircraft-aluminum tube with a matte-black hard-anodized finish. This virtually indestructible housing protects the scope’s internal components. Bright and ultra-clear multi-coated HD lenses enhance light transmission, which is critical to shooting in low light. Like all Vudu scopes, the 1-8×24 SFP is waterproof, fog-proof and shockproof—essential for real-world shooting conditions. Read more

Optics

Vero Vellini Realtree Camo Gun Slings

Vero Vellini Realtree Camo Gun Slings are not only super comfortable, but they will absolutely stay put on your shoulder in all climates and temperatures. At the same time, they offer superior durability and an exceptionally clean design with beautifully detailed styling.

Available in the most popular Realtree camo patterns, the slings use an extremely durable thorn-proof nylon camo surface for maximum wear and durability. All edges are piped to prevent fraying and the camo surface is laminated to the neoprene surface for a smooth and even finish. The three-layer Air-Cushion® system sandwiches neoprene and other natural and synthetic materials to create an almost weightless feeling when you’re carrying a firearm and will also prevent your rifle from bobbing or bouncing excessively. Read more

Firearms

Pope & Young Convention is On

Pope and Young, America’s leading bowhunting organization is excited to announce that events for their 32nd Biennial Convention have officially been committed to and locked in. The convention will take place in Reno, NV July 14th to the 17th.

This year’s convention will be celebrating Pope & Young’s 60th Anniversary and bowhunters across the country will be joining in the celebration. The 4-day event will feature great appearances by some of the best speakers and personalities in the industry, amazing live and silent auction items, informative seminars, immersive big game display with new world records, fabulous dinners, PYnt nights, and displays and product offerings from some of the top vendors in the industry.

A star-studded line up of speakers will be delivering a wealth of knowledge and hunting stories for those in attendance to indulge in. The keynote speaker is none other than Michael Waddell from The Bone Collector. Joining him for the convention will be Remi Warren, Nick Hoffman, Andrew McKean and a panel ‘60 IN 6 Speakers’ including Harv Ebers, MR James, Marv Clyncke, Dave Samuel and Jim Willems. Read more

Archery

Michigan DNR urges boating safety this holiday weekend and all summer long

Michigan’s unofficial start to summer – the Memorial Day holiday weekend – is days away. As many Michiganders and visitors prepare for boating fun on state lakes, rivers and streams, the Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone to put safety first.

It’s also National Safe Boating Week (May 22-28), a week devoted to elevating the campaign for responsible boating and encouraging boaters to always wear life jackets while on the water.

Lt. Tom Wanless, state boating law administrator and recreational safety, education and enforcement supervisor with the DNR, encouraged everyone, before ever leaving shore, to get up to date on boating laws and regulations and ensure that boats and personal watercrafts (such as Jet Skis) – and life jackets and other safety gear – are shipshape.

“Taking time now can prevent potential problems later, because accidents can happen at any time and weather can quickly affect water conditions on inland waters and the Great Lakes,” Wanless said. “Familiarizing yourself and your fellow boaters with valuable safety tips and equipment can mean the difference between a great day on the water and a needlessly tragic outcome.”

Accident reports submitted to the DNR show that in 2020 there were 181 boating accidents reported in Michigan, including 33 fatalities. Additionally, the U.S. Coast Guard reports that, nationally, drowning is the cause of death in 79% of all boating-related fatalities. Read more

Fishing

Boating Safety Suggestions

Here are five safety suggestions from the BoatUS Foundation for Safety and Clean Water. They appropriately enough were entitled “5 Things You Can Do to Take ‘Search’ Out of Search and Rescue”

  1. File a float plan. Tell family members where you’re going, how long you expect to be out, and when you plan to return. If you’re leaving a vehicle/trailer at the boat ramp, you might want to leave a note on your vehicle’s dash with the same information. Either -or both – let people start looking for you if you fail to return by your appointed time.
  2. Have a VHF radio aboard – but not just any VHF radio. Have a radio with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) – it does all the things a “regular” VHF radio does, plus it has a one-button “Mayday” feature that gives rescuers your boat’s location. The handheld DSC VHF units are great for small boats. And I know from experience they can save a lot of time when you have a problem.
  3. Label your SUP, canoe or kayak…might sound like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised. Adding your contact information with a waterproof marker could help the Coast Guard or first responders spend less time chasing false alarms. Marking your paddle craft, FYI, might also mean you get it back when it blows down the lake. If/when that happens, you also need to let authorities know your paddlcraft has gone missing.
  4. Do not leave shore without a fully-charged phone. Smartphones are integral parts of our lives. But they’re not much use to a boater if the battery’s dead or there’s no cell signal. And for most phones, water is not a friend. If you are using a personal watercraft, put your phone in a waterproof pouch or case. That’s also not a bad idea for larger craft. And here’s a bit of insight for both -if you have a lanyard, attach it to something on your craft. Otherwise, it will be the last thing you see as your phone- safe in its waterproof case- descends into the inky depths.
  5. Register your EPRIB or PLB. Having either an Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon (EPRIB) or Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is a great idea, but the Coast Guard receives hundreds of false alerts from them each year. You need to register your device and if you haven’t the highlighted link will take you where you can.
General

Enjoy free fishing, ORV and state park and boating access entry during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’ Weekend

June 12-13, residents and out-of-state visitors can fish, ride Michigan’s off-road trails or visit state parks and state-managed boating access sites – all for free.
Grab your fishing rod and cast a line! Twice a year, you can enjoy two days of fishing without a license. All other regulations still apply.

Ride 3,800 miles of designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit.

Make state parks and boating access sites the background for your fishing trip. The Recreation Passport requirement is waived.

DNR COVID-19 RESPONSE: For details on affected DNR facilities and services, visit this webpage. Follow state actions and guidelines at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

General

The Armory Life Celebrates Its Second Year

GENESEO, ILL. – With hundreds of thousands of members and millions of visitors and counting, The Armory Life™ is the go-to source for daily firearms-focused content, delivering fresh and engaging entertainment and education.

Featuring dedicated categories ranging from firearms, CCW, survival, tactics, training and much more, The Armory Life delivers exciting and in-depth daily content. And with video and written content created by some of the most respected experts in the firearms community, The Armory Life is a terrific resource for top firearms-related content. Read more

Firearms

Fierce Firearms’ Twisted Rival

Fierce Firearms | Redmond, UT.

The NEW Twisted Rival from Fierce Firearms is the ideal entry level rifle in our bolt action lineup. This rifle features the deadly combination of affordability and high level performance. We have loaded this rifle with high-end components and features at a price point that is unmatched.

Twisted Rival Features:

  • Custom Fierce 2-lug action with our unique 70 degree bolt throw. The shortened bolt throw will allow unobstructed bolt cycle when shooting with an oversized scope. The bolt raceways are wire EDM cut to ensure the tightest machined tolerances for accuracy and lock up. There are no corners cut in the production of the Rival action.
  • Spiral fluted, match grade stainless steel barrel. The “twisted” contoured barrel is cryo-treated and hand lapped to ensure barrel integrity and our industry leading 1/2 MOA accuracy guarantee.
  • C3 Carbon stock with integral bi-pod rail. The vertical pistol grip was designed to be the perfect crossover stock for both hunting and long range shooting. The palm swell pistol grip and high negative comb cheekpiece make this one of the most comfortable stocks you will ever shoulder.
  • Custom adjustable trigger (1-3 lbs.). Trigger is set standard at 2.5 lbs. Cleanest trigger break available.

With all the high-end features and performance packed into this rifle platform you will hit the hills or the bench with the confidence you need to make any shot. At Fierce there is no compromise and that is why all of our rifles have a limited lifetime warranty. It is time to get Fierce and experience the difference. Read more

Firearms
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