Young Turkeys and Fast Food

By Glen Wunderlich

I had put in a long workday without any breaks other than a bowl of soup for lunch. With just enough light remaining and a relatively warm-weather day, I thought I’d finish just one more project outdoors. An old playhouse/turned shed inherited from the previous property owner at the homestead was in need of a final coat of paint to finish the renovation. The first two sides were complete, when I went inside the garage for more paint. As I looked out the back window, where I feed the perching birds in the pine straw, here they came: three jake turkeys for some fast food.

These year-old birds have been around the property since last spring, when there were nine of them in the family group including the mother hen. During our severe cold weather with a substantial layer of ice on the ground, I knew it was going to be rough on the birds and was happy to see them come in routinely for some chow. Now the gang has been pared to seven birds including four hens but I hadn’t seen much of them recently.

The adolescent big-game birds were now scratching and pecking through the pine needles mere feet from the garage, where I had become voluntarily captive; there was no way out of the building without being seen and frightening my guests. I laughed to myself and headed over to the refrigerator for a cool drink ready to watch the antics of the three brothers. The paint job was going to wait.

For some 20 minutes they remained until one of them began walking away; the other two followed. They got about 20 yards from the feeding area but not far enough yet for me to escape the confines of my lookout, so I stayed right there watching. One bird that apparently is the boss brother started jumping and with a stretched out neck, began circling one of the other birds. Obviously a show of dominance, the antics continued in my midst for another 15 minutes, as the group slowly moved away.

When the visitors got to about 50 yards from the garage, it was time to make a move with my paint bucket. I peered from the passage door and could still see them interacting but I stepped outdoors thinking enough is enough. One bird soon picked me off and all of them halted with heads high and eyes tuned to me. I took a few non-threatening steps toward the shed and big brother gobbled for all he was worth. It was as if to say, “Watch it, buddy. You’re invading our space!” Another step by me and another short gobble hurled at me.

Jakes don’t gobble quite the same as the adult males; it’s more of an abbreviated rendition of their effort. However, to see them and to hear them confirms that such gobbling emanates from young birds. This local group was not entirely committed to leaving and was content to take a few painting lessons from me, albeit from a comfortable distance.

I won’t be hunting these youngsters this season and am hoping they’ll survive another year and become mature. In the meantime, I’m glad to have watched the show.

Wildlife

SCI President Babaz Responds To Anti-Hunting, Anti-Science Bill Introduced In U.S. House Of Representatives

Contact: SComus

Email:scomus@safariclub.org

Safari Club International President Paul Babaz today issued a statement that points out the lunacy of a bill that has been introduced into the U.S. House of Representatives that, if passed into law, would harm the very wildlife it purports to want to help – all in the name of vilifying hunters and hunting. President Babaz’ statement notes:

“As expected, Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ) has reintroduced an unserious wildlife bill designed to restrict importations from Africa in the highly mistaken belief that Washington, D.C. politicians and bureaucrats know best how to manage wildlife in range countries. The truth of the matter is they do not. It is African range countries that best know how to manage their wildlife populations.

“Rep. Grijalva’s legislation will no more protect wildlife in Africa than pigs will fly. In fact, targeting hunting or hunters will have the opposite effect and will lead to more species loss and more poaching. Sadly, this bill specifically targets the importation of species that have seen the greatest benefit from well-regulated hunting programs.

“Regulated trophy hunting helps wildlife and local economies, while attacks on hunting result in harm to the very animals that we all want to save. The evidence of this is clear and it is why many African and Asian countries use hunting to conserve wildlife and some African countries are considering lifting their restrictions on hunting. Read more

Animal Rights

Fix It Sticks Introduces New Cleaning Rod Kit

Chicago, IL- Fix It Sticks, the industry innovator of modular firearms maintenance tools and torque limiters has introduced a Cleaning Rod Kit for the Fix It Stick System. This new kit greatly expands the functionality of Fix It Sticks by integrating a six-piece cleaning rod and bore obstruction removal tools into their modular system of handles, tools and torque limiters. With the addition of the Cleaning Rod Kit, the Fix It Sticks system is perfect for maintenance in the field, at the range or on the bench.

The Cleaning Rod Kit features six threaded cleaning rod sections precision machined from stainless steel. This cleaning rod accepts common 8-32TPI cleaning rod implements such as bore brushes, jags, bore mops, etc. The included interchangeable brass adapters protect the rifle’s bore. The Cleaning Rod Kit also comes with both 22 and 30 caliber bore obstruction removal tips. These can be critical to keep a firearm in service when out in the field if a bullet is stuck in the lands and grooves or debris from a fall clogs the barrel. The handle attachment has features found on premium cleaning rods like dual ball bearing rotation and stainless steel construction. This allows the cleaning rod and attachments to smoothly follow the bore’s rifling. The cleaning rod handle attachment works with either the original Fix It Sticks two piece handle system, or the new Modular T-Handle. Read more

Firearms

SAF: Court Victory Ends Gun Ban

BELLEVUE, WA – A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction against the East St. Louis Housing Authority’s (ESLHA) ban on firearms possession by residents of government subsidized public housing and thus granting a victory to the Second Amendment Foundation, which sued the town in 2018 over the ban.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of an “N. Doe” resident who wished to protect her identity, because she is, according to the lawsuit, “hiding from a violent domestic abuser. SAF was joined by the Illinois State Rifle Association. They were represented by Glen Ellyn, Illinois attorney David Sigale.

“We are delighted with the judge’s decision, which we hope sends a message to other municipal governments that they can’t try to sneak around the two United States Supreme Court victories that SAF and its attorneys were involved in to further their efforts to ban legal firearms ownership,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. Read more

Gun Control

Firearms Industry Economic Impact Rises 171% Since 2008

The total economic impact of the firearms and ammunition industry in the United States increased from $19.1 billion in 2008 to $52.1 billion in 2018, a 171 percent increase, while the total number of full-time equivalent jobs rose from approximately 166,000 to almost 312,000, an 88 percent increase in that period, according to a report released by the National Shooting Sports Foundation®, the industry’s trade association.

On a year-over-year basis, the industry’s economic impact rose from $51.4 billion in 2017 to $52.1 in 2018, ticking higher even while the industry came off-peak production years. Total jobs increased from nearly 311,000 to almost 312,000, in the same period.

“Our industry is proud to be one of the steady and reliable producers and manufacturers in our economy as Americans continue to exercise their fundamental right to keep and bear arms and to safely enjoy the shooting sports,” said Stephen L. Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “Our workforce is steadily adding good jobs to our local economies averaging $50,000 in wages and benefits. In addition, since 2008 we increased federal tax payments by 164 percent, Pittman-Robertson excise taxes that support wildlife conservation by 100 percent and state business taxes by 120 percent.” Read more

Firearms

GLOCK, Inc. Awarded Contract for U.S. CBP

SMYRNA, Ga. – GLOCK, Inc., a global leader in firearm manufacturing, was awarded a contract to supply U.S. Customs and Border Protection with the newest generation of GLOCK pistols after an extensive solicitation process.

With more than 45,000 sworn agents and officers, U.S. Customs and Border Protection controls and protects the nation’s borders and has operations at over 330 ports of entry.

The contract calls for the replacement of existing .40 caliber duty handguns with 9X19 GLOCK pistols by 2021. Duty weapons will be replaced for CBP law enforcement personnel and additional Department of Homeland Security units which have chosen to purchase through the contract. Read more

Firearms

Birchwood Casey’s New Rimfire Steel Target

The Back Drop™ Precision Rimfire Target Enhances Accuracy and Target Transition

New Hope, Minnesota –– Birchwood Casey, the industry leader in hunting, shooting and gun care products is pleased to introduce the Back Drop™ Precision Rimfire target, an excellent addition to their expansive line of steel targets.

The Back Drop Precision Rimfire target stresses accuracy by offering three shooting ports that will flip steel paddles to an upright position when the target is hit. As you move from left to right on the target, the three shooting ports become smaller and smaller, giving the shooter varied difficulty and an increased need for accuracy as you move across the target. Read more

Firearms

Savage Recon LRP MSR 15

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – – Savage has added an adjustable gas block and longer barrel to stretch the out-of-the-box performance of its MSR 15 Recon platform even further. This popular long-range model was introduced to dealers in 2018, additional shipments continue to feed the marketplace.

The Recon LRP features an 18-inch barrel to optimize velocities and accuracy, and its gas block can be customized to specific ammunition for the best possible cycling. Like the original MSR 15 Recon, it comes standard with upgrades such as a two-stage trigger, free-float handguard and Savage barrel.

Its Melonite QPQ finish ensure the most consistent, accurate performance in any conditions, while the custom-forged lower receiver and Hogue pistol grip impart a look that stands out from the crowd.

Features

  • Melonite QPQ 18-inch barrel
  • Adjustable gas block (22 Nosler and .224 Valkyrie only)
  • Custom-forged lower receiver
  • Chambered in the hottest MSR 15 calibers, including 224 Valkyrie
  • Magpul CTR buttstock
  • Tunable muzzlebrake
  • Two-stage trigger
  • Mid-length gas system
  • Free-float M-LOK handguard
  • Hogue pistol grip

Part No. / Description / MSRP
22931 / 224 Valkyrie, 18-inch barrel / $1,249
22922 / 22 Nosler, 18-inch barrel / $1,249
22932 / 6.8 SPC, 18-inch barrel / $1,249 Read more

Firearms

Got Bird Nests? Report to NestWatch

Citizen-science data vital for breeding-bird studies

Ithaca, NY—Around the world, birds are building nests and raising families—even near homes, offices, or in local parks. Anyone who finds a bird’s nest can help scientists by reporting to the free NestWatch project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. NestWatch collects, analyzes, and distributes data, serving as a warehouse of nesting bird information. NestWatchers, in turn, get to witness the start of new life and help to preserve it with their valuable information.

NestWatch participant
A NestWatcher reports a nest from a birdhouse in upstate New York. Photo by Chelsea Benson.

“Every year, scientists use data collected by NestWatchers in published studies,” says Robyn Bailey, NestWatch project leader. “For example, in 2018, two studies examined the effects of spring temperatures on the timing of nesting activities, and showed that birds nest earlier when spring temperatures are warmer. Such studies help add to our understanding of how climate change can affect the lives of birds.”

Those who find a nest can report its location, the species using it, number of eggs laid, and other important milestones as the adult birds incubate, raise, and fledge their young. The NestWatch website and mobile app now accept reports submitted from anywhere in the world, enabling scientists to compare birds across their global breeding range. Read more

Wildlife

New Syntech Defense Loads

From the No. 1 Brand in Handgun Ammunition, Federal is proud to introduce new Syntech Defense. These loads produce dynamic terminal performance with a hollow-point bullet that separates into three segments and a deep-penetrating core on impact. Shipments of Syntech Defense ammunition have been delivered to dealers.

The original Syntech changed the range forever. Now, the technology is also revolutionizing protection. The bullet in Syntech Defense has a core that penetrates 12 to 18 inches through bare ballistics gel and heavy clothing — a critical benchmark in self-defense situations and the best terminal performance of any round in its class. The segments create three secondary wound channels, each more than 6 inches deep, adding to the terminal effect.

Like all Syntech loads, an advanced polymer jacket eliminates lead and copper fouling and drastically reduces damaging heat and friction in the barrel. Its Federal exclusive Catalyst primer provides hot, extremely reliable ignition without the use of lead. Read more

Ammunition
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