Hunter Shoots Grizzly Bear in Self-Defense on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest

The hunter called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able to report the incident.

On the morning of Oct. 18, a big game hunter shot and killed a male grizzly bear in self-defense after it charged him from a short distance away while hunting in the North Antelope flats area of Island Park on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.

The hunter was hiking through thick timber when the grizzly came out of the brush, charging directly toward him. The man used the hunting rifle he was carrying to shoot the bear, killing it before contact was made.

The hunter called the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office as soon as he was able to report the incident. Idaho Fish and Game was notified and immediately responded to the report. After conducting a thorough investigation, it was determined that the hunter acted in self-defense as he was being charged by a bear from a close distance. Read more

Hunting

The Annual Finch Forecast

Crossbills are an interesting group of finches, as represented here by a male White-winged Crossbill. Will you have a chance to encounter White-wings and other finches this winter? (Photos by Paul Konrad.)
Grosbeaks are another of the specialized finches that may visit northern feeding stations this winter, such as these female and male Evening Grosbeaks.
More birders are likely to experience the appearance of Purple Finches at their feeders this fall through early spring.
Recently published, The Stokes Guide to Finches of the United States and Canada is the new standard for anyone interested in North American finches.

Northern finches make up a significant number of species that visit feeders during fall and winter, including Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, Redpolls, Red Crossbills, and other impressive finches along with unrelated Red-breasted Nuthatches, Blue Jays, and Bohemian Waxwings. For many of us, it’s a special thrill if such exciting birds as Evening Grosbeaks or White-winged Crossbills find our feeding station, and many birders will travel to have a chance to see Pine Grosbeaks or Bohemian Waxwings when the opportunity arises. Every year is different, dictated by seed and berry production by trees in the boreal forest, so each fall we look forward to referencing the Annual Winter Finch Forecast! Read more

Wildlife

Elk, deer will benefit from aspen clearcutting in northern Lower Peninsula

An aspen stand in late fall with trees of varying sizes. Visitors and residents in the northeastern Lower Peninsula may notice more clearcutting of aspen trees over the next year or two as the Michigan Department of Natural Resources speeds up harvests in a 30-square-mile area.

The change in the DNR’s forest management harvest planning will benefit both elk and deer and their fondness for young aspen.

Aspen is a resilient tree that regenerates naturally from underground shoots, or root suckers, without the need for replanting. Elk and deer browse on young aspen throughout the year, but primarily during the fall and winter when other food sources become scarce.

“We are finding that some of our aspen stands within this core elk range are not regenerating to meet our minimum standards,” said Matt Foster, manager of the DNR Forest Resources Division’s Atlanta Unit. Cutting will take place in that unit as well as the neighboring Pigeon River Country. “Regenerating aspen is nearly 100 percent successful in most cases, but browse pressure can have a negative impact on that.” Read more

Wildlife

Pheasant releases temporarily paused at Rose Lake State Game Area due to plane crash investigation

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is pausing scheduled pheasant hunting releases within the Rose Lake State Game Area following a fatal plane crash Oct. 16 near the area. The Rose Lake SGA is located in Clinton and Shiawassee counties.

A small aircraft went down around 5 p.m. Thursday near the intersection of Clark and Peacock roads in Bath Township, resulting in the deaths of all three people on board. The investigation, led by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board, is ongoing. Read more

Hunting

Custom Colt 1911 “El Orgullo de Mexico” Limited Series

Custom & Collectible Firearms is proud to present the Colt 1911 “El Orgullo de Mexico,” a limited-edition series of only 300 sequentially numbered pieces. Translated as “The Pride of Mexico,” this classic blued Colt 1911 features 24kt gold inlay and detailed engraving of the crested caracara, a symbol of strength, freedom, and Mexico’s rich cultural heritage. Each pistol is paired with classic walnut grips adorned with a Spanish diamond design and the gold rampant pony, combining timeless elegance with national pride. Every piece is packaged in a Custom & Collectible Firearms black presentation box, accompanied by a challenge coin, a series collector postcard, and a certificate of authenticity personally signed by the owner of Custom & Collectible Firearms. Contact your local dealer to treasure your piece of this exclusive collection. Read more

Firearms

SAF Submits Comment Letter in Support of Proposed Rights Restoration Rule

The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) has submitted a comment letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in support of a proposed rights restoration rule.

SAF’s letter supports the proposed rule as a significant step toward restoring the Second Amendment rights of millions of Americans who have been unfairly denied their constitutional protections due to nonviolent convictions. However, SAF urges the DOJ to refine the rule to ensure that individuals convicted of other non-dangerous offenses are also eligible for rights restoration on a case-by-case basis.

“The proposed rule is a commendable effort to provide a pathway for law-abiding citizens to regain their Second Amendment rights, but it should go even further to align with Supreme Court precedents like Heller, Bruen, and Rahimi,” said SAF Executive Director Adam Kraut. “The right to keep and bear arms cannot be stripped based on nonviolent or non-dangerous conduct. We urge the DOJ to revise the rule to ensure fairness and reduce unnecessary litigation.” Read more

Gun Control

Pheasants to be Released on Southern Michigan State Game Areas

Rooster pheasants will be released on 13 state game/wildlife areas throughout southern Michigan this fall. Releases will take place today-Nov. 14 and Dec. 1-31, coinciding with pheasant hunting seasons.

Adam Bump, Department of Natural Resources upland game bird specialist, said, “For seasoned hunters and newcomers alike, this is a great opportunity to connect or reconnect with upland bird hunting in Michigan.”

Directions to parking lots at release sites are provided online.

Parking Lot Directions

Releases will take place during the regular pheasant season at locations below. Locations include: Read more

Hunting

German Precision Optics Upgrades RANGEGUIDE 10×40 Rangefinding Binoculars

Richmond, VA. – German Precision Optics (GPO) RANGEGUIDE 10×40 Rangefinding Binoculars are a testament to GPO’s commitment to pioneering high-performance optics. In their continued effort to provide customers with cutting-edge products, GPO has, once again, set the standard in precision rangefinding binoculars with the upgrade of their popular RANGEGUIDE lineup.

“This is a truly remarkable product,” said Mike Jensen, GPO USA’s owner and CEO. “We upgraded the display functions and modes and added a new state-of-the-art photo sensor for automatic reticle light setting. Now, the smallest 40mm rangefinding binocular in its class is loaded with features and technology second-to-none.”

The heart of these rangefinding binoculars lies in the 40mm objective lens, meticulously crafted and enhanced with GPObright™ high-transmission lens coatings. This symbiotic fusion of advanced coatings and optimal lens size ensures exceptional brightness, even in challenging low-light conditions. GPO RANGEGUIDE’s are crafted with a magnesium body and fortified by a rubber armor coating, guaranteeing the binoculars’ resilience against harsh environments and conditions. The ranging capabilities will reach out to 3500 yards or as close as 6 yards. The 10×40 RANGEGUIDE provides a lightning-fast response time of .25 seconds. Read more

Optics

SDS Arms Announces Return of Tisas 1911 A1 Stakeout 45

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –– SDS Arms is proud to announce the return of the Tisas 1911 A1 Stakeout, inspired by blending modern features of the Duty lineup with the 1911 U.S. Army model. Chambered in .45 ACP, the Stakeout offers the classic 1911 experience with refinements for today’s shooters.

Set apart by its traditional GI profile, the Tisas Stakeout features subtle military-style markings and checkered walnut grips. Blending this classic styling with versatility, the Stakeout performs for range use, carry or within a collection. While honoring the heritage of the platform, the Stakeout boasts modern upgrades for reliable performance and everyday practicality.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Tisas 1911 A1 Stakeout in .45 ACP,” said SDS Arms Digital Marketing Manager Jahred Gamez. “After taking a brief break from our lineup, it quickly became clear that this model has been missed, and its return is highly anticipated. From its durable QPQ finish to the extended beavertail grip safety and brass bead front sight, it offers shooters a well-rounded pistol that honors tradition while performing for today’s shooters.” Read more

Firearms

EOTECH Launches DCBL Line of Suppressors

Plymouth, MI – EOTECH is diversifying its portfolio with the introduction of the DCBL line of firearm suppressors. The DCBL suppressor series embodies the pinnacle of modern suppressor design, integrating advanced materials, user-centric features, and a perfect balance of weight and suppression. The 3D-printed, Grade 5 Titanium, flow-through design, makes it a cleaner shot process with reduced recoil.

DCBL suppressors are precision-engineered and designed for exceptional sound suppression, recoil mitigation, and operational reliability. Featuring a proprietary Breathable Technology, DCBL suppressors actively stabilize internal pressure while reducing blowback and minimizing back pressure to the weapon system. This translates to smoother cycling, reduced carbon buildup, and enhanced shooter control.

Its monolithic, corrosion-resistant construction is built to withstand harsh operational environments, including salt air, extreme temperatures, and prolonged courses of fire. A Cerakote finish in either Matte Black or Tan provides added durability. Read more

Firearms
1 … 81 82 83 84 85 … 2,052