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 They also claim that previously accepted population sizes required for healthy wolf genetics are now no longer valid and minimum wolf populations need to be larger.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 , , ,

Kalkaska men arraigned, accused of torturing animals and illegal hunting

Nicholas Patnode, 19, and Zander Garrett, 20, were arraigned in Kalkaska County District Court in Kalkaska for multiple wildlife violations that took place throughout Kalkaska County during October–.

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  on felony charges; their bond was paid, and they were released the next day. They are due back in court on .

A third man, who the DNR is not naming because of his age at the time the crime was committed, processed a plea agreement through the county’s juvenile court.

Anyone who witnesses a natural resource violation should immediately call or text the Report All Poaching Hotline at 800-292-7800. Information can be left anonymously. Monetary rewards may be offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of violators.

Contact: Lt. Mark DePew, (989) 275-5151

Poachers ,

Three Black Bears Euthanized After Repeated Conflicts in Missoula Neighborhoods

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks trapped and euthanized three black bears in Missoula that were responsible for repeated conflicts in Missoula neighborhoods. The conflicts began last fall and picked up again first thing this spring.

FWP wildlife specialists reported that the female and two subadults began getting into garbage, bird feeders, garages, and other attractants last fall in Missoula’s Rattlesnake neighborhood, as well as in some temporary camps and tents along the Clark Fork River in Missoula.

FWP and local residents worked to secure attractants last fall, but even after the winter, the family group of bears remained in neighborhoods and around homes and local businesses in the middle of town, exhibiting bold behavior that indicates they were conditioned to these food sources.

Once bears become conditioned to garbage and other attractants, it is a habit that is very hard to break and causes human safety concerns. Unfortunately, when bears start showing extreme food conditioned behavior, the only way to prevent further conflict is through euthanization. Read more

Wildlife

EAA Shipping Girsan MC1911 Influencer and Liberador Series in .38 Super

EAACorp Announces Shipping of the Girsan MC1911 Influencer™ & Liberador Series in .38 Super they import. The .38 Super caliber offers enhanced impact velocity compared to the standard 9mm while maintaining reduced recoil next to the 45ACP, an ideal caliber choice for both competition enthusiasts and discerning shooters seeking an edge in performance.

The Influencer™ models are offered in three striking Cerakote® finishes—Black, Tungsten, and Black Camo—across the 5” Government barrel size platform. The full-featured MC1911 Influencer™ excels in recoil management. With a 9+1 round capacity, it comes standard with an optic-ready slide compatible with RMS/RMSc footprints, a flared magazine well, accessory rail, and an enhanced trigger system, ensuring both versatility and precision.

The Liberador model elevates the aesthetic appeal of the MC1911 series with its chrome-polished slide and gold small parts. This is further complemented by custom-engraved grips designs, all while delivering the performance benefits of the .38 Super Caliber. Read more

Firearms

Silencer Central Now Carrying FN Suppressors

Silencer Central, the nation’s leader in silencer sales and accessories, announces the addition of FN silencer sales. FN’s two models of silencers, the FN Catch 22Ti and the Rush 9Ti will now be available to Silencer Central customers with an introductory bonus.

“Our goal is to be the ultimate one-stop source for silencers in the U.S.,” said Brandon Maddox, Silencer Central CEO. “We have a great relationship with FN and know the quality of the products they produce. It made it an easy decision to add FN’s silencers to the brands we offer our customers.”

“We are excited to have our line of FN suppressors now available through Silencer Central,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC Chris Cole. “Purchasing a suppressor, whether it’s the first or third time, can be cumbersome and we are confident that our customers will appreciate the efficient and easy process, including the direct-to-your-door shipping, that Silencer Central offers.”

The FN Catch 22Ti is a lightweight, tough and quiet rimfire suppressor, reducing muzzle blast from all .22 LR firearms. It uses a direct thread ½” x 28 mount and has a user-serviceable blast baffle and baffle stack. The Catch 22Ti is rated for .22 LR, .22 MAG, .22 WMR and .17 HMR. It has a 1.1-in. diameter, and the titanium tube keeps the weight at 5 oz. The Catch 22Ti clears suppressor-height sights and comes with a limited lifetime warranty from FN. For a limited time, you can buy an FN Catch 22Ti silencer from Silencer Central and save an extra $100. Read more

Firearms

JK Armament Announces the G.O.A.T. High Flow Suppressor

JK Armament is proud to announce its most advanced, quietest suppressor ever – one of the very quietest in the industry! – the JK 155 G.O.A.T. HF. This hard-use silencer is rated for full auto use on 5.56 NATO with barrels as short as 7.5 inches. As you’d expect from JK, the G.O.A.T. is fully Mission Configurable and impressively lightweight.

JK Armament outperformed at the 2023 Silencer Summit, where our .30 caliber JK 155 SBRX brought home a 2nd place finish among stiff competition from all of the top suppressor brands. Not content to sit on our laurels, the new G.O.A.T. is a whopping 5 dB quieter on .223/5.56 platforms!

The JK 155 G.O.A.T. HF is: Read more

Firearms

Registration Open for Burris Optics Team Challenge

Burris Optics, a leading manufacturer of premium optics, is excited to announce the Burris Optics Team Challenge, a two-day shooting competition that will take place on June 20-23, 2024, at a private 17,000+ acre ranch in Douglas, Wyoming.

The Burris Optics Team Challenge is a unique event that allows two-person teams to compete against each other in a variety of shooting disciplines, including long-range rifle shooting, pistol shooting, and shotgun shooting. The competition is designed to test participants’ marksmanship skills, as well as their ability to work together as a team. In partnership with Competition Dynamics, this match offers athletes a world-class, cutting-edge competitive practical shooting experience with an unmatched level of professionalism and operational excellence.

Participants in the Burris Optics Team Challenge will have the chance to win a variety of prizes, including Burris Optics products, cash, and other shooting-related gear. In addition, the top-performing team will be crowned the Burris Optics Team Challenge Champions and awarded a grand prize. Watch this video to see this event in action. Read more

Firearms

‘Game Changer’ Plug & Play Trolling Motor Rigging System

Connect-Ease® RCE24VBCHK & RCE24VSCK Kit Systems Offer Anglers Plug & Play Solutions For Rigging 24V Trolling Motors and Batteries

One of the hassles of fishing is dealing with boat batteries, whether you use lead acid, AGM, gel, or lithium. Ultimately, we all want our electronics and trolling motor to work flawlessly on the water, providing enough power to see us through a long day filling the live well—or a couple days—without the need for recharging.

And anglers’ boats come in all sizes, shapes, and species-specific styles. From fishing kayaks to 14- and 16-foot all-purpose fishing boats, to dual “cast & blast” jon boats, to walleye and bass boats, center consoles, and big water rigs, anglers use all kinds of vessels to chase gamefish.

And here’s a fact: Most anglers in the U.S. do not run big, fancy boats requiring the latest in 36V trolling motors. Reality is, the majority of anglers fish from rigs with 12 or 24V trolling motors, which supply more than enough power, whether used on the bow or transom. Read more

Fishing
1 … 83 84 85 86 87 … 1,840