Bozeman, Montana. December 28, 2020. Today, wild sheep advocates are celebrating a successful trap and transfer and the establishment of a new bighorn population in Montana’s Little Belt Mountains, which occurred this past Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF), Montana WSF (its state chapter), domestic sheep producers, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have been working for the past several years to reintroduce bighorn sheep into new suitable habitats. Recently, fifty bighorn sheep we helicopter captured in HD482, south of the Missouri Breaks, and safely released into the Little Belts.
“In the year of Covid, wild sheep conservation doesn’t stop – nor does WSF, and now we all have something to celebrate,” said Gray N. Thornton, President, and CEO, Wild Sheep Foundation. “WSF is proud to work hand in hand with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, and many other partners to restore bighorn sheep to an area where they have been absent since the early 20th century.
This effort showcases WSF’s successes in partnering with agencies, industry, and chapter and affiliates to help restore and manage wild sheep and other wildlife throughout the world. It is how we put and keep wild sheep on the mountain.” Read more
Spring turkey hunting license applications for the 2021 season are available now through Feb. 1.
To find the hunt you want this spring, check out the new Q&A format of the Spring Turkey Digest. Applications can be purchased for $5 anywhere DNR licenses are sold. Read more
(Kaunakakai, Moloka‘i) – Surveys and investigations by the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) staff suggest that recent instances of deer dying on Moloka‘i are due to severe drought conditions. DOFAW began receiving reports earlier this month of deer being found both on roadways and on private lands in West Moloka‘i.
Staff have conducted surveys and investigations to determine the causes of death. At this time, the animals appear to be dying of starvation due to the extreme drought that the island experienced over the summer. On Dec. 28, a visit by a veterinarian from the Hawai‘i Dept. of Agriculture (DOA), Division of Animal Industry, confirmed DOFAW staff observations. Read more
Beyond the taste of pan-seared deer tenderloins and redfish on the halfshell, it is the pursuit of memories that is at the heart of why millions of people hunt and fish. And in an age when omnipresent wireless communication includes super-capable cameras, saving and replaying these memories afield has become quite commonplace.
Currently, however, mobile-phone cameras leave enthusiasts with critical gaps in the action.
For hands-free filming, crucial at moments of truth, Outdoor Products Innovations (OPI) LiDCAM+ is positioned as one of the lowest price, highest quality options in the marketplace. The wifi capable unit, with full audio, clips to the brim of your ballcap and films in full 1080p high definition using a wide-angle lens, ensuring the wearer captures everything within eyesight. Read more
Founded in 1871 by Civil War veterans, the National Rifle Association has led the way ever since to protect our Second Amendment freedom, teach marksmanship and gun safety and pass self-defense laws across the country. In 2021, the NRA celebrates a momentous 150 years of service as America’s oldest civil-rights organization.
“The NRA has diligently protected our right to keep and bear arms longer than any other organization,” NRA President Carolyn Meadows said. “We are humbled to serve our more than 5 million members and all law-abiding gun owners. We invite you to join our organization as we celebrate this historic milestone.”
Throughout its century and a half of existence, NRA has served firearm owners across the nation through training, legislative action and other initiatives aimed at promoting avenues for shooting, hunting and personal protection. Today, the organization encompasses a wide range of programs all aimed at bettering the experience of the American firearm owner, whether it’s through competitive programs, hunter education, political action and more. Read more
Washington —The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) is excited to announce the recent publication titled “Best Management Practices for Trapping Furbearers in the United States” in Wildlife Monographs. This new publication is a culmination of over two decades of scientific research – by far the largest trap testing study ever conducted. The article is a product of AFWA’s Furbearer Management and Best Management Practices (BMPs) for Trapping Program, a program created to improve animal welfare in U.S. trapping programs by identifying traps that achieve internationally acceptable injury thresholds while remaining efficient and safe, and promoting their use among trappers, researchers, and managers who use traps to capture wildlife.
“We are excited to see the largest trap research ever conducted published in this prestigious journal,” said Sara Parker Pauley, Director of the Missouri Department of Conservation and President of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. “The Association is also pleased to see the program’s continuing dedication to address societal concerns of modern regulated trapping and furbearer management.” Read more
HOUSTON, TEXAS – Primary Arms Optics has announced the release of a new budget-friendly micro red dot: the SLx MD-20 (MPN: 810023). The SLx MD-20 improves on previous micro dots with an enhanced emitter, which provides an ultra-bright reticle with a 50,000-hour runtime on medium settings. Priced at $149.99, the SLx MD-20 Microdot is now available and shipping to customers.
Primary Arms Optics was founded on building better budget-friendly red dots, and the SLx MD-20 represents the latest technologies and innovations. The MD-20 is part of Primary Arms’ SLx product line, which built their reputation for innovation, reliability, and value. All SLx optics undergo rigorous field-testing during development to best serve customers in any environment, and the MD-20 goes one step further by integrating all new technologies like AutoLive™, Primary Arms’ motion-controlled illumination system. Combined with a durable aluminum body, 50,000-hour battery life, a zero-parallax lens, and an ultra-bright emitter with night vision (NV) compatibility, the SLx MD-20 brings premium performance to a budget-friendly price point. Read more
Gemtech Integra 15-22 offers the ultimate suppressed Smith & Wesson® M&P®15-22 experience
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Gemtech Suppressors announced today that it has released the Gemtech Integra 15-22, a new integrally-suppressed upper receiver designed for .22 LR. Built for use exclusively with Smith & Wesson’s M&P15-22 rifle, the Gemtech Integra 15-22 ships as a complete upper receiver group that offers an unbelievably quiet shooting experience in a compact package.
Anthony Proto, Product Manager for Gemtech, said, “Gemtech has designed a suppressed upper receiver to offer Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 owners the ultimate suppressed rimfire experience. A rimfire rifle is a great way to introduce someone to the shooting sports and is a great way to practice marksmanship skills and enjoy time at the range. The new Gemtech Integra 15-22 integrally-suppressed upper receiver can be quickly and easily mounted onto the Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 lower receiver to deliver an incredibly quiet shooting experience in a rimfire package that’s enjoyable for all ages.”
The Gemtech Integra 15-22 features a 17-4 stainless-steel G-Core® monocore permanently attached to a short, nine-inch barrel, resulting in a compact 17.5” over all barrel length. Both the core and barrel are enclosed in a 6061-aluminum outer tube with a durable matte black Cerakote® finish. The Gemtech Integra 15-22 functions reliably with a wide variety of .22 LR ammunition and comes standard as a complete upper receiver group that includes the bolt and charging handle assemblies. The Gemtech Integra 15-22 should be used with subsonic ammunition for ultimate sound suppression. Read more
BEAVERTON, Ore. — Leupold & Stevens, Inc., provider of the world’s most rugged, lightweight, and clear sport optics, is pleased to announce the launch of the new DeltaPoint Micro, a fully enclosed, low-profile red dot sight designed specifically for concealed carry and personal defense firearms.
Featuring an incredibly compact and revolutionary new design that is easy to conceal, the DP-Micro mounts directly to the rear sight dovetail and sits at the same height as factory iron sights. The red dot aligns with the front sight, delivering rapid target acquisition and improved accuracy. Launch-day models will fit all non-MOS Glock® models and the Smith & Wesson® M&P® line of handguns. Read more
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The long, familiar walk to position myself for an opportunity at a whitetail deer was different this time. Typically, I’d wiggle my pack onto my shoulders followed with my loaded firearm over it. Also, a usually necessary part of the gear was a pair of hearing protectors that were wisely employed during the solitary march in the event my Ruger American rifle were to be employed on the way. The low-power variable scope would be dialed to 1.5 power to maximize its field of view. But, this time I needed no hearing protection, because the gun was unloaded for the short journey.
I had passed on numerous bucks during the archery, regular firearms, and most recently the muzzleloader seasons. All of the excitement and visions of taking an extraordinarily antlered deer were behind me now. It was our late antlerless season and there would be no quick, off-hand maneuvers to take one; I saw to it by carrying an unloaded gun to my hideout. I thought that I’d get one under more controlled circumstances and simply enjoyed the December trek.
No doubt that the combined seasons were special. In fact, I had seen more bucks – even a few good 8-point examples – than any previous hunting season. And, there with my pal, Joe, in a portable blind just weeks before, was a sizeable 8-point buck a mere 57 yards from the muzzle of my bolt gun. I’d guess probably 95 percent of Michigan deer hunters would have taken it, but I had seen this brute before and thought ahead to next year and its potential; I passed once again.
With no regrets I was now after some organic meat. In a matter-of-fact mindset, I waited for the inevitable. Several does entered the danger zone well before sunset. However, when a shot rang out nearby, I knew I was not alone and voices later confirmed why the deer scampered out of sight. When other deer appeared following a quiet spell, they never presented me with the perfect shot I wanted.
The west wind the following day found me in another blind set into a hill where I had a perfect rest for my firearm and the short, mounted bipod. A group of six bald whitetails materialized and I lined one up for a fatal blast. Off the group ran but the telltale rear-leg kick of my targeted animal told me I had done my job.
With about an hour of light remaining, I checked where the small group vanished and found fresh blood on the bare ground.
That’s all I needed to see and abruptly ended the search, because Joe’s blue tick hound, Junior, was ready and waiting with him. On the scene, the dog was leashed according to the regulations for tracking dogs and Joe led him to the trail. The roles became reversed, as the young hound roared by me and directly to the prize, tugging hard all the way.
It was a fitting end to what had become not only a most memorable year but what the prospects held for the future.
