New Jersey Gov. Ends Public Land Bear Hunting

Fulfilling a campaign promise to the best of his ability, newly elected Gov. Philip Murphy has ended black bear hunting by executive order on all state-controlled public lands in New Jersey.

The order stops short of an outright ban on bear hunting in the Garden State only because, as stated in the order, the governor doesn’t possess the power to do so. That power resides with the New Jersey Fish and Game Council, which has authorized black bear hunting for the last eight years and through 2021.

“This is pure political pandering at its finest. Gov. Murphy knows that the wildlife experts in his own agencies use the best available science and practices when evaluating wildlife populations and setting hunting regulations,” said Evan Heusinkveld, president and CEO of the Sportsmen’s Alliance. “This backdoor attempt to undermine scientific wildlife management is a slap in the face to those biologists, presents a clear and present danger to New Jersey’s citizens and, ultimately, hurts the entire population of bears.”

Dense is the best way to describe New Jersey. It is the most densely populated state in the country with approximately 9 million citizens, and is estimated to have the densest population of black bears with surveys topping 3,500 bears in just the northern portion of the state.

With a robust population of black bears and such a large population of people, sightings, conflicts and attacks have taken place regularly in New Jersey – including the death of a student in 2014.

In his executive order, Gov. Murphy admits that neither his office nor the Commissioner of Environmental Protection have the power to unilaterally alter or cancel a hunt, something that has been upheld several times in court.

Instead, Gov. Murphy invokes safety on public lands as the motivation to end the hunt, even though all research affirms that hunting remains one of the safest activities millions of people engage in every year. Read more

Animal Rights, Hunting

Century Arms WASR Underfolder AK Rifle

Delray Beach, Fla. –   – Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, has announced the release of the underfolding variant of the highly popular WASR AK rifle. The new underfolder version provides a more compact option while still maintaining all of the  features that lead to the original model  being nicknamed “The Mighty WASR.”

“The WASR has always been a popular model for Century. We are constantly receiving requests for additional configurations and the underfolder allows us to provide a fun, compact option for AK and WASR enthusiasts,” said Jason Karvois, Century’s Director of Sales. Made in Romania like its predecessor, the WASR Underfolder (or WASR UF for short) is exclusively imported by Century Arms with the first batch being offered by Atlantic Firearms. Read more

Firearms

Auto-Ordnance Custom Case Hardened 1911

Auto-Ordnance Offers Custom Case Hardened 1911

(Greeley, PA) – Auto-Ordnance, maker of the famous “Tommy Gun” and other classic firearms throughout history, is proud to offer the Custom Case Hardened 1911 pistol.

Taking a classic 1911 to the next level without diminishing its history is no easy feat, but adding an even more classic finish formally raises the bar. Auto-Ordnance has done just that with the new GI Series 1911 with “case hardened” finish. This time honored tradition of working steel produces distinct and unique patterns of color long sought after by firearms aficionados. The Auto-Ordnance Case Hardened 1911s are each a work of art, covered in a beautiful, swirling finish. Beneath the colorful surface is an all-steel, 5 inch, “GI” pattern 1911 pistol, chambered in powerful .45 ACP. The grips are checkered wood with the “US” military logo.

While every Auto-Ordnance GI 1911 is made to replicate the look of the original guns, they are also equipped with a precisely machined barrel. This guarantees that they may look like a GI pistol, but they will shoot with a level of accuracy the originals could not match. The Auto-Ordnance Case Hardened 1911 gives today’s shooter a chance to own a beautifully finished piece of American military history, and experience legendary shooting performance with every trip to the range!

The Case Hardened 1911, model 1911GCH, is chambered in .45 ACP and features checkered wood grips with the U.S. logo. It comes shipped with a 7-round magazine and has an MSRP of $1,327. Contact your local firearms dealer to purchase. Read more

Firearms

Federal Premium Adds to Hi-Bird Upland Shotshells

ANOKA, Minnesota –– Federal Premium has added new shot sizes to its popular Hi-Bird line of upland shotshells. The loads combine speed, hard-hitting pellets and a specialized wad to fold the highest doves, crows and pigeons, as well as pheasants and the most challenging upland birds. This includes various new 12-gauge loadings of shot sizes No. 4, 5 and 8. Shipments of this ammunition are being delivered to dealers now.

The powerful Hi-Bird loads’ two-piece wad features SoftCell technology to decrease perceived recoil and produce more consistent long-range patterns. Plus, its lead shot is engineered for the optimum blend of hardness and density. The result is dense long-range patterns with more downrange energy.

Features & Benefits

  • New shot sizes available
  • High-power 12-gauge loads maximize long-range lethality on pigeons, doves and upland game
  • Two-piece wad features SoftCell technology to decrease perceived recoil and produce better, more consistent long-range patterns
  • Lead shot is engineered for the optimum blend of hardness and density for even patterns and more downrange energy
  • Perfect for the field or competition

Part No. / Description / MSRP
HVF12H 4 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 4 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95
HVF12H 5 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 5 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95
HVF12H 8 / 12 gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1 1/4-ounce, 8 shot, 1,330 fps / $12.95 Read more

Ammunition

A No-Nonsense Look at Climate Change

Editor’s Note: Today’s feature is part one of a three part series authored by Fishing Wire editor, Frank Sargeant.

By Frank Sargeant, Fishing Wire Editor

(This is the first of a three-part series on climate change, a controversial issue that puts anglers, hunters  and other outdoors advocates on the front lines in what has become a political hot-button not only across America but around the world. It’s also rapidly becoming a business issue for those of us in the fishing, hunting and boating industries. Today, we look at what it is, if it is, and why it has become a political issue rather than a practical problem that requires solving.)

Earth has no thermostat.

Good thing, too, or my wife would constantly be turning it up.

Ta-da-Boom

But global warming, AKA climate change, is no joke. In fact, the terms have become such memes they get initial capital letters and exclamation points:

Global Warming!

Climate Change!

When it comes to truths that have to be held self-evident, there’s no question there are getting to be more hot times in the old towns most nights. In the new ones, too. Amazingly, 17 of the 18 warmest years since modern record-keeping began have occurred since 2001. Read more

Wildlife

Boone and Crockett Club Approves Second Year of Funding for CWD Research

MISSOULA, Mont.– The Boone and Crockett Club Board of Directors recently approved a second year of research funding targeted at finding answers to combat Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).

The Club and other organizations have been concerned about CWD for quite some time. Together with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Mule Deer Foundation, the Club founded the CWD Alliance more than 15 years ago.

“When our current Club president took office in January of 2017, he made CWD one of the primary focuses of his administration,” explained Dr. Josh Millspaugh, Boone and Crockett Professor of Wildlife Conservation at the University of Montana and subcommittee chair of the grants program. “With the help of our professionals on the ground, we expanded the Club’s role in addressing CWD by providing support, leadership, organization, and bringing experts together to set a path, which will have a meaningful impact on policy, research and education, and help coordinate stakeholders’ activities.”

“Denying we have a problem and just kicking at the dirt isn’t going to cut it,” added Ben B. Hollingsworth Jr., president of the Boone and Crockett Club. “I’ve committed my time as Club president to getting answers we can use. More research will pay huge dividends in our ability to manage this disease.”

The Club’s focus on CWD was reinforced by a recent unanimous decision by its Board to provide additional funding for research. This focus includes working with U.S. Congress on the Research Title of the pending Farm Bill to make CWD a high-priority research focus for our nation’s land-grant universities. Read more

Wildlife

2A Armament XLR Rifle Overview

Boise, Idaho – 2A Armament has set a new bar for lightweight, high powered rifles with the finely machined XLR rifle series. Available in the extremely accurate 6.5mm Creedmoor and a .308, these AR10’s are built for serious hunters and shooting enthusiasts.

When it comes to weight, you won’t find many models that compare. The XLR20 is a 6.5mm Creedmoor weighing 6.85-pounds and the XLR18 is a .308 weighing 6.75-pounds. Both models are available in black and the XLR20 has the option for a KUIU Camo finish.

The reason 2A can shave extra weight off the rifles without sacrificing an ounce of accuracy or performance lies in their extraordinary machining abilities. The CNC machined 7075-T6 billet on the upper and lower receivers combined with the QPQ process on the bolt and carrier makes this a rock solid yet lightweight rifle. Every piece of metal is machined with precision guided processes. Perfection is the game and 2A goes the extra mile to make each element of the XLR rifles. Read more

Firearms

Wilson Combat: Introducing the 300 HAM’R

[ Berryville, Arkansas ] Wilson Combat is pleased to announce the availability of the all new 300 HAM’R® cartridge, rifles, loaded ammunition, barrels, components and accessories.

The 300 HAM’R® cartridge was developed by Bill Wilson for optimal terminal performance and offers near .308 Winchester effectiveness, amazing accuracy and low recoil in the lightweight and compact AR-15 platform with no reduction in magazine capacity. Terminal performance testing on over 200 Texas feral hogs has proven it to kill much more effectively than the 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 7.62×39 or 300 Blackout.

Due to the optimization of bullet weight to barrel twist, accuracy has proven to be outstanding. Sub one-inch groups are the norm with multiple bullet choices for varying applications such as hunting, target shooting and tactical use. Undoubtedly the 300 HAM’R will be compared to the popular 300 BLACKOUT or 7.62×39 and ballistics of the 300 HAM’R far exceeds the 300 BLACKOUT and 7.62×39 in both velocity and energy when utilizing 110-150gr bullets.

300 HAM’R® ballistics even meet or exceed the ballistics of the famed 30-30 rifle cartridge with bullets in the 110-130 grain range.

A FEW OTHER FACTS ABOUT THE 300 HAM’R

      • The 300 HAM’R has 18% more retained velocity, 40% more energy and a 56% flatter trajectory than the 300 BLACKOUT at 200 yards.
      • Enhanced reliability due to the longer gas systems, 16.25” is mid-gas and the 18”/20” are intermediate gas system.
      • Any AR15 platform rifle can be converted to 300 HAM’R with a simple barrel change and the use of 300 Blackout magazines.
      • The 300 HAM’R with its 1-15 twist match grade barrel is optimized for accuracy with 110gr to 135gr bullets.
      • Factory Starline produced 300 HAM’R cases are available, but cases can be made from common and available 5.56/.223 cases.
      • The 300 HAM’R has a 300 FPS velocity and 400 FP energy advantage over the 300 BLACKOUT at the muzzle.
      • 300 HAM’R rifles and barrels are available in 16.25”, 18” and 20” lengths with different profiles.

    Read more

Firearms

Michigan: Enjoy a tour of Black River sturgeon hatchery

Curious to learn more about one of Michigan’s most interesting fish species? Drop by the Black River sturgeon hatchery Saturday, Aug. 25, for a tour and the opportunity to hear from fish research experts.

The tours, coordinated by the DNR, Michigan State University, Tower-Kleber Limited Partnership and Sturgeon For Tomorrow, are free of charge. They’ll run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the hatchery facility, northwest of Onaway in Cheboygan County on the Upper Black River adjacent to the Kleber Dam. (From M-68 2 miles west of Onaway, take Black River Road (F-05) north to Twin School Road, then west a little over 3 miles to the hatchery, which is on the north side of the road just before the dam.)

Researchers from the DNR and MSU will be on hand to talk about lake sturgeon biology, reproductive ecology and the current year’s research. Sturgeon for Tomorrow representatives will discuss work being done to restore sturgeon spawning habitat, sturgeon conservation and outreach programming. Read more

Fishing

Win Big: Become a “Huntervationist” with Sportsmen’s Alliance

To promote the role hunters, anglers and trappers play in conservation, and the need to protect those passions, the Sportsmen’s Alliance has launched their “Huntervationist” campaign with the support of industry-leading companies that have backed the movement.

“Hunters and conservation are inextricably linked. We are North America’s greatest conservationists. We believe that should be promoted, and that it’s up to hunters to educate people on the role we play,” said Sean Curran, vice president of membership and development for Sportsmen’s Alliance. “Our ‘Huntervationist’ messaging and apparel sparks dialogue with non-hunters, and even some hunters, who might not understand that relationship, and anytime you can do that, it’s a step forward.”

From Aug. 20 through Oct. 11, all new members and current members who renew or upgrade their membership will receive entries into the Huntervationist promotion, which includes great prizes from Mathews, ALPS OutdoorZ, onX Hunt, Vortex Optics, Benelli and Girls with Guns. Special member benefits apply, including Huntervationist-specific gear.

For every $10 spent on a new, renewed or upgraded membership, the member will earn one entry into the promotion (up to 25 entries).

To enter, just visit the Huntervationist campaign page and select the level of desired membership. For every $10, an automatic entry will be created and entered into all subsequent drawings until Oct. 11. For complete rules, click here. Read more

Hunting
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