Kalkaska Men Arraigned, Accused of Torturing Animals and Illegal Hunting

Nicholas Patnode, 19, and , 20, were arraigned Monday in Kalkaska County District Court in Kalkaska for multiple wildlife violations that took place throughout Kalkaska County during October-November 2022.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers began the complex investigation in 2022 after receiving a tip through the DNR Report All Poaching hotline.

Conservation officers discovered a group of individuals who had committed multiple wildlife crimes, including several counts of shooting deer from a motor vehicle, game-tagging violations and animal cruelty charges.

The Kalkaska men are believed to have illegally killed at least six deer, including a 9-point buck shot from the window of a truck. They are also accused of inhumanely killing a porcupine.

“When there’s this many violations, including torturing animals, education only goes so far. These crimes need to be addressed,” said Jason Haines, chief of the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “Prosecution of these acts will hopefully deter not only these individuals but others from committing similar crimes in the future.”

Haines praised the work of his investigators.

“Our officers conducted a very thorough investigation to piece together many pieces of evidence from throughout the county,” he said.

Patnode’s 11 charges, include:

  • Two counts of killing, torturing animals, a third-degree felony punishable by up to four years in jail and/or $5,000 in fines.
  • Six counts of wildlife conservation violation – general violations. Each is a misdemeanor punishable of up to 90 days in jail per count and/or $500 each.
  • One count of hunting and fishing license violation – using another’s license, a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $250 in fines.
  • One count of wildlife conservation violation – taking game from a vehicle; a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.
  • One count of wildlife conservation violation – possessing a bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads. The offense is a misdemeanor carrying a sentence of up to 90 days in jail and/or up to $500 in fines.

Garrett’s charges include:

  • One count of killing, torturing animals.
  • One count of wildlife conservation violation – taking game from a vehicle.
  • One count of wildlife conservation violation – possessing bow or crossbow in a vehicle operated on public land or roads.

Garrett and Patnode were arrested April 12 on felony charges; their bond was paid, and they were released the next day. They are due back in court on May 20. Read more

Poachers ,

All-New LPVO From C&H Precision Now Shipping

C&H Precision is now shipping its new Low-Power Variable Optic (LPVO), which debuted in January at the 2024 SHOT Show in Las Vegas. The LPVO is the first of C&H’s all-new rifle scopes and sights to become available for purchase in 2024.

“C&H is excited to be entering the world of rifle optics and continue to produce stellar products in the tactical arena,” said Buck Holly, owner of C&H Precision. “Our product engineers did an amazing job designing this new top-of-the-line rifle optic. As C&H continues to expand its product offerings the LPVO is yet another reminder of the excellence and attention to detail that goes into every one of our new products.”

Revolutionizing long-range rifle optics, the C&H Precision LPVO has a 2-12x magnification range with a 24mm objective diameter and a glass-etched first focal plane. This allows the shooter to sight in on a target both at close range and nearly 1500 yards away. Read more

Optics

Buck Knives Offers Take-a-Hike Tips

Buck Knives, Inc., a widely-recognized global leader in the outdoors, hunting, and everyday carry (EDC) knife markets, knows that warmer days across America means more outdoors enthusiasts are getting outside. At the top of the list for many adventurers is taking a hike.

Buck Knives offers these tips for everyone heading out on a hike:

*Research routes and trails you wish to travel on, then plan accordingly. Many trails are now rated in difficulty and some trails and routes also require permits before you can hike there. Online research and contacting the local, state or federal agency that oversees the lands where the trail is located could help you determine the necessary details. Make plans now.

*Select the right footwear and socks. While some hiking trails are paved and can be mostly completed in casual footwear, many hiking trails in America require the hiker to select and wear sturdy hiking boots with lugged or aggressive soles. If you have hiking boots that have not been worn recently, try those on and ensure a proper fit before beginning a hike. Select the right socks also, and avoid mostly cotton socks. Nothing ruins a hike faster than a blister.

*Pack along water, snacks, rain gear, emergency items–and a knife. Compact folding knives, like Buck’s iconic 110 Folding Hunter, have been the top choice for many hikers since 1963. The 110 Folding Hunter can be carried in a sheath on the belt or easily placed in a pants pocket or daypack side pocket. Other knives to consider packing–these also fold and take up less space–are Buck’s popular 112 Ranger, 055 The 55 Knife, and the 110 Slim Pro TRX knife. The 112 Ranger comes with a sheath and the 110 Slim Pro TRX has a cerakoted pocket clip to aid with easy access. Additional details such as knife blade length and steel used can be found at www.buckknives.com. Read more

Cutlery

Walther Arms Launches the PDP PRO-ACRO to Civilian Market

Upon significant demand from consumers, Walther Arms, Inc. is proud to announce the highly anticipated PDP Professional ACRO is now available in the civilian market.

Built upon the foundation of Walther’s renowned PDP platform, the Professional ACRO incorporates cutting-edge technology and precision engineering to deliver unmatched performance and confidence in any self-defense scenario. Featuring an integrated Aimpoint ACRO P-2 red dot sight, the PDP PRO-ACRO offers unmatched reliability and pinpoint accuracy.

“The PDP PRO-ACRO represents the pinnacle of self-defense firearms technology,” said Jens Krogh, vice president of marketing and product development at Walther Arms, Inc. “We are thrilled to bring this groundbreaking firearm to the civilian market now, thus empowering individuals to achieve unparalleled performance and confidence in any self-defense scenario.”

Key features and benefits include: Read more

Firearms

Traditions Firearms Launches Outfitter G3 in 360 Buckhammer

Old Saybrook, CT – Traditions® Performance Firearms is pleased to announce the release of their popular Outfitter G3 single shot rifle line in 360 Buckhammer. This caliber will be available in both the standard and all new Pro Series models.

The Outfitter G3 is the perfect choice with whitetail and large game hunting. With a 22” Chromoly Steel barrel, it is lightweight and accurate. Certain calibers, including 360 Buckhammer, come with a QD forend for quick takedown of your firearm and a muzzle brake for recoil reduction. The new Pro Series line also features an adjustable cheek piece and adjustable length of pull. Traditions® Outfitter G3 in 360 Buckhammer has an MSRP of $609.95-$749.95.

Remington Ammunitions’ 360 Buckhammer pushes the boundaries of what a straight wall cartridge can do. Featuring offerings from Remington as well as Federal Ammunition, 360 Buckhammer provides a flat trajectory and low recoil – perfect for deer, bear, or hog. 360 Buckhammer delivers proven performance with a higher velocity and more energy compared to other straight wall cartridge options on the market. Read more

Firearms

Fiocchi Announces the Hyperformance Hunt Handgun Ammo Line

Fiocchi, a global leader in defensive, target, and hunting ammunition, expands the company’s heralded line of Hyperformance centerfire cartridges with the introduction of a new series developed specifically for handgun hunting and wilderness defense.

The all-new Hyperformance Hunt Handgun ammunition begins with the same quality components that form the foundation of all Hyperformance precision hunting and defense cartridges. These include precision-formed brass cases, reliable and clean-burning primers, and carefully selected and measured powder charges that deliver the kind of accuracy and reliability discerning shooters have come to expect from Fiocchi’s premium centerfire ammunition line. Read more

Ammunition

Waypoint TV Teams Up with Tecovas for Boot Giveaway

The world’s leading entertainment destination for outdoor lifestyle, fishing, and hunting programming, Waypoint TV is excited to announce an exclusive giveaway in collaboration with Tecovas, the renowned western wear brand known for authentic, handcrafted cowboy boots, apparel, and accessories. From May 13 to May 31 at 5 PM ET, fans can enter for a chance to win a free pair of Tecovas Boots.

Tecovas is celebrated for its dedication to quality craftsmanship, offering timeless designs that combine authentic stylish Western designs with comfort and performance. The brand has built a strong following among those who value authenticity and superior footwear that can transition from the wilderness to city life seamlessly. Tecovas is proud to be the fastest-growing Western brand in the world.

“We’re excited to team up with Tecovas to offer our fans an exciting giveaway ahead of summer with such a quality product,” said Stevie Barefield, Waypoint TV’s Director of Marketing. “It’s an honor to be able to align with brands that share our mission of celebrating the outdoor lifestyle!”

Waypoint TV’s True Spirit of Western Giveaway presented by Tecovas

Enter to win: 1 Pair of Tecovas Boots (up to $400)

Start: May 13, 2024 at 9 AM ET

End: May 31, 2024 at 5 PM ET Read more

Contests

RMEF Files to Intervene in Northern Rockies Wolves Relisting Case

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation asked a federal court to join a lawsuit in opposition to environmentalists seeking to place gray wolves in the Northern Rockies back under Endangered Species Act protections.

RMEF supports the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which cited extensive peer-reviewed scientific assessments to deny two petitions by litigants earlier this year when it ruled, “Despite current levels of regulated harvest, lethal control, and episodic disease outbreaks, wolf abundance in the Western United States has generally continued to increase and occupied range has continued to expand.”

“Wolf populations in Idaho and Montana are respectively 800 and 600 percent above minimum federal recovery goals while Wyoming’s population met minimum federal recovery criteria the last 21 consecutive years. Plus, those in Oregon and Washington are at their highest modern-day levels ever,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “It is incumbent that these groups stick to proven science and not emotion for the sake of healthy predator and prey populations alike.”

Environmentalists claim monitoring techniques used by Northern Rockies’ states to estimate wolf population size are flawed and overestimate the number of wolves. They also claim that previously accepted population sizes required for healthy wolf genetics are now no longer valid and minimum wolf populations need to be larger.

“Again, their arguments are not grounded in the best available science. The Crabtree and Creel white paper, which they cite as science, are independent reports authored by wolf proponents and not scientific, peer-reviewed research subject to rigorous testing. Another cited study is funded by the Turner Endangered Species Fund, a well-known wolf proponent group, as pointed out in its own conflict of interest section,” added Weaver.

Sportsmen’s Alliance and Safari Club International also filed to intervene alongside RMEF, which has always maintained that state wildlife agencies should sustainably manage wolves just as they manage elk, mountain lions, deer, black bears and other wildlife in line with the North American Wildlife Conservation Model. Read more

Hunting, Wildlife

Leupold’s ‘Project Hunt’ Now Accepting Applications for 2024

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the return of its ‘Project Hunt’ contest, which offers hunters across the United States the chance to have their next hunt filmed and featured on Leupold’s digital media platforms. It’s your tag, your hunt, and your story.

Leupold’s ‘Project Hunt,’ presented by GOHUNT, will be accepting applications through June 18, 2024. The winning entrants will have a professional videographer sent along on their 2024 hunt to capture every moment–to be featured in a Leupold short film that will debut in 2025. Winners will also receive a complete Leupold Optics kit and a GOHUNT Insider Membership.

“Over the last three years, the submissions we’ve received have been incredible,” said Tim Lesser, Vice President of Product Development & Marketing at Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “What makes a hunt memorable isn’t necessarily its difficulty or the scarcity of the tag–it’s the richness of the story behind it. Our past ‘Project Hunt’ winners, and the countless others who have submitted their own fantastic entries, have proven that. We’re looking forward to seeing what our diehard Leupold Core members have in store this year.”

For 2024, Leupold has added an exciting new twist to the ‘Project Hunt’ campaign: Two entry categories, East and West. Applicants should enter in the region where their hunt will take place, and Leupold will choose a winner from each region. Whether you’re chasing bighorn sheep in the west or settling into your family’s age-old white-tailed deer camp, every hunt has a story, and Leupold wants to tell it.

Entries must be submitted at Leupold.com/ProjectHunt. Applicants will need to detail what they’re hunting, where they’re hunting, and why their story is unique. A 2-minute video explaining why your submission should be selected is also required to enter. Winners will be selected and announced in early August 2024. Read more

Hunting

Stacking the Deck Against Sportsment and Women

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

It didn’t take long for a contingent of Yoopers to react to Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission’s (NRC) ruling that closes coyote hunting for three months each year on state land.  State Representatives Greg Markkanen (R) Hancock and Dave Prestin (R) Cedar River have announced HB 5721 to reestablish hunters’ rights by allowing coyote hunting year-round.  It’s doubtful that their impassioned response will do any more than their recent proposal to create an Upper Peninsula NRC, which hasn’t received a hearing in the House Committee on Natural Resources controlled by Democrats.

As much as anyone may identify with their resolve, their methodology is exactly what Michigan voters were opposed to when they overwhelmingly passed the voter-initiated referendum of Proposal G in 1996, which aimed to take such decisions out of the hands of politicians.

“The commission has a responsibility and a legal charge to use the best available science,” remarked Michigan United Conservation Clubs Policy and Government Affairs Manager, Justin Tomei, in an article by Bridge Michigan. Tomei added, “We laid out a clear scientific argument for the use of lethal coyote management, via hunters, during the spring and summer months. Coyote management is most effective in the spring when you can actively control local predator populations, limit depredation, and increase deer densities.  No scientific evidence has been presented to justify the closure of the coyote hunting season, and the NRC had an obligation to oppose this part of the order per Proposal G and the authority it provides to them.”

According to the Sportsmen’s Alliance (www.sportsmensalliance.org), there is another questionable methodology being employed by anti-hunting groups nationwide and it appears Michigan has fallen victim to their scheme.  Paramount to their plan is the idea of “rewilding”, which removes hunters from the landscape altogether and instead allows predators to “control” populations of ungulates and other prey species.  It’s a hands-off, preservationist view of wildlife management that overlooks man’s undeniable impact upon the ecosystems of North America.  It’s a child-like fantasy that ignores science and history in favor of ideology and unproven promises.

They’ve expanded their reach beyond legislatures and now focus on fish and game commissions, which require minimal votes for a consensus.  Examples include the state of Washington, where its commission is heavily weighted 7-2 in favor of preservationists bent on destroying the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation envied worldwide.  Also, Colorado’s governor has appointed three espoused anti-hunters to its commission, while one of them withdrew his nomination.  Vermont has faced similar challenges, as well.

As seasons for predators such as bears, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats and wolves are regulated out of existence, so too is the critical funding from hunters’ licensing that provides genuine wildlife management.

Tennessee on the other hand has taken preemptive measures with HB 2263 requiring appointees to actually be involved in activities regulated by its commission, including hunting, fishing, trapping and boating.  Furthermore, the bill states that the commission and agency shall support and promote those endeavors, including the management of predators through hunting and trapping, as preferred methods of wildlife management and conservation.

In Michigan, where our Governor Whitmer has appointed all of the NRC members, we’ve heard not a peep about how Michigan’s sportsmen and women have been played.   We hear much today about threats to democracy and violating the people’s trust; this is what it looks like in our backyard.

Hunting, Wildlife , , ,
1 … 80 81 82 83 84 … 1,838