Remove All Doubt with GutCheck® Arrow Wipes

There’s no denying that modern archery equipment is making hunters more capable with each new technological development. Having faith in your archery equipment may be the single most important factor in determining a hunter’s success. When that pivotal moment finally comes together, when all of your practice and preparation are combined with being in the right place at the right time and you’re able to take that one shot at your next trophy, GutCheck® Indicators will be there with you to ensure your shot hits exactly where you want it.

There’s an indescribable feeling we experience immediately after shooting a big game animal. That remains true regardless of how much time you’ve spent in the woods or how many big game animals you’ve harvested. However, it’s never truer than when hunting with archery equipment. In those moments immediately after a shot an overwhelming rush of feelings and emotions can consume a hunter. Archery hunters all over the world have experienced this feeling. In those moments after seeing your game run off, it’s not uncommon to experience some level of question and concern about shot placement. “Is he down or should I wait?” “Did I hit it a little far back?” “Was it a lung shot or a gut shot?” “Should I back out until morning?” Now, thanks to technology from GutCheck® Indicators, your arrow can hold the answer for you as to where the animal was hit and offer some insight into appropriate next action.

Whether you’re hunting to add food to your family table or mounts to your wall, or a combination of the two, taking an ethical clean shot is always the goal. With arrow wipes from GutCheck® Indicators you can instantly confirm whether your shot placement made a clean pass through the vitals or through the digestive tract of the animal. With that important piece of information, hunters can determine whether it’s safe to pursue the animal or best to back out and wait for the animal to safely expire before beginning to track the blood trail. Take arrow wipes from GutCheck® Indicators with you on your next hunt and take away the guesswork. Read more

Archery

RMEF Bolsters Movement to Defeat Colorado Proposition 114

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation furthered its financial commitment to defeat a Colorado ballot proposal (formally known as Initiative 107) driven by environmentalists ignoring what is going on around them.

“We have said this from the beginning and nothing has changed. Using the ballot box to circumvent professional wildlife managers and create wildlife management policy is reckless. On top of that, now more than ever, it’s fiscally irresponsible,” said Kyle Weaver, RMEF president and CEO. “Proponents continue to push for millions in new public spending for a forced and totally unnecessary wolf introduction even though wolves are already confirmed on the ground and taxpayer money to fund it simply is not available.”

The Colorado legislature recently made a series of drastic spending cuts to deal with a $3 billion budget shortfall triggered by the coronavirus. Those cuts included $448 million from K-12 education and $493 million from higher education. It also made other significant cuts and cancelled four planned tax breaks even as legislators say the outlook for the state’s 2021 budget looks bleak.

“Dollars aside, a lot of people don’t realize the impact this measure would have on wildlife. Of the state’s 64 statewide elk and deer units that are already under population objective, 54 of those are west of the Continental Divide, ground zero for the proposed wolf introduction. Colorado’s outdoor industry would absolutely see a significant negative financial impact. It currently generates $1.85 billion annually,” added Weaver. Read more

Wildlife

Bond Arms® Best Seller: The Backup™

Granbury, TX – As Bond Arms® custom-made quality handguns grew in popularity, they drew the attention of former law enforcement and former soldiers who loved the guns, but they wanted to see one basic change. At the time, most of Bond Arms’ models came in a polished stainless finish that was both attractive and durable. For these old pros, many wanted to see a model with less shine to improve its conceal-ability and allow it to better blend in and not catch unwanted attention. Bond Arms responded to these requests, and the Backup™ was born, quickly becoming one of their best-selling models of all time.

The Bond Arms® Backup™ boasts the ultimate blend of compact conceal-ability with threat-stopping firepower. Chambered for the powerful .45 ACP, the entire break-action handgun is only 4.5 inches long with 2.5-inch double barrels for a two-round capacity. All the parts that would normally be shiny on the Backup™ are bead blasted for a grayish, matte finish, while the frame features a dark crinkled powder coat finish. Read more

Firearms

Biden Chooses Senator Kamala Harris for Gun Control Partner

By Larry Keane of the National Shooting Sports Foundation

Americans’ Second Amendment rights will be front and center in the November election as 2020 presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden made it official, announcing U.S. Senator Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as his running mate. The pick means Democrats will nominate one of the most antigun presidential tickets in modern history, placing Sen. Harris a heartbeat from the presidency.

She will also swing a heavy hammer to forge a platform that will punish the firearm industry and quash gun rights.

Sen. Harris tried her best to knock Biden out of the Democratic primary, but she dropped early after failing to gain voter acceptance and running out of campaign cash. More recently, she’s warmed up to her former rival and crows Biden’s praises on Everytown’s Veepstakes town hall appearances.

Golden State Gun Gaffes

Prior to her election to the U.S. Senate, Harris served as a prosecutor and then as California’s Attorney General. Despite these prominent law and order positions, she lacked basic understanding of the Second Amendment in a state with some of the strictest gun control in the country. She proclaimed she’d close by executive order the “online gun loophole” to stop “domestic terrorists with a laptop” from being “a click away” from purchasing a gun. There is, of course, no online gun sales loophole, as all firearm purchases must be completed with a face-to-face transfer and completed background check from a federally licensed firearm retailer.

As Senator from the Golden State, Sen. Harris also focused her online antigun efforts on the gun control bogeyman “ghost guns.” These are actually unfinished and unassembled parts hobbyists and gunsmiths have used since the founding of America. Sen. Harris joined with fellow gun control advocate Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) to introduce S. 3473, the Untraceable Firearms Act, despite the Department of Justice confirming they are “very rarely” used by criminals.

Eliminate the Firearm Industry

Sen. Harris shares several gun control goals with Biden that make her a perfect fit on the ticket – perhaps none more consequential than her desire to go after “gun manufacturers and dealers that break the law,” matching Biden’s goal of eliminating the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). The law protects firearm manufacturers and retailers from frivolous lawsuits that are actually designed to harass and punish manufacturers for the consequences of crimes committed by individuals. It’s much like holding Ford accountable for the damages caused by drunk driving incidents. Biden wants the same thing, calling the firearm industry “the enemy”from the debate stage, and making sure the elimination of the PLCAA was included in the Democratic National Committee platform as he heads the ticket.

Sen. Harris is also in lockstep with Biden on other platform pillars. She’s for reinstating the failed 1994 Assault Weapons Ban that Biden supports, even though it was shown not to reduce crime. She declared she would deem anyone selling more than five firearms in a year to be a firearm dealer and require them to run background checks and would punish those who don’t comply with her edict.

Dismissive of Voters Concerns

Sen. Harris doesn’t seem concerned about gun voters. She dismissed American voters and their legitimate concerns about personal and community safety. While speaking with Moms Demand Action’s Shannon Watts on her Everytown Veepstakes audition, Sen. Harris nodded along and agreed as Watts demagogued and belittled the millions of Americans who have purchased firearms in 2020, including more than 2.5 million who have done so for the first time. Responding to Watts, she stated “It’s not grassroots. It’s a façade. It’s a front for some other agenda. It’s not real.”

#GUNVOTE® in November

With less than 90 days to go until the election, voters know they can’t risk their rights and the consequences a Biden-Harris ticket would bring to Second Amendment rights. NSSF launched the #GUNVOTE online resource to make sure voters are educated before they cast their vote and don’t risk their rights.

Gun Control

Montana Wild Sheep Restoration Progressing

Bozeman, MT — The Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) today announced a historic day for wild sheep in Montana. Two new trap and transplant projects were approved by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MTFWP), as well as a conservation easement agreement in prime bighorn sheep habitat.

“This was a big day for us and all our partners and supporters who work tirelessly for wild sheep,” said Kurt Alt, Conservation Director for Montana and International Sheep and Goat Programs for WSF. “We thank MTFWP and the Fish and Wildlife Commission for moving forward with these reintroduction efforts that will begin this fall in Montana’s Little Belt Mountains, and wild sheep restoration in the Tendoy Mountains.

The Commission also approved the Lone Tree Conservation easement in bighorn sheep Hunting District 680. With this 11,285-acre conservation easement, the land will remain in private ownership and agricultural management, while preserving critical habitat for wild sheep and other species and ensuring public hunting access for future generations. Read more

Wildlife

Colorado Receives $2.57 Million to Benefit Elk, Other Wildlife

MISSOULA, Mont. — Colorado’s wildlife is receiving a $2,571,838 boost thanks to funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its partners. RMEF directly granted $611,000 and leveraged an additional $1,960,838 in partner dollars.

“These funds assist three research projects including one that helps biologists learn more about why elk recruitment is ailing and another focusing on how elk are impacted by human recreational activity,” said Blake Henning, RMEF chief conservation officer. “Habitat enhancement projects include forest thinning, prescribed burning and repairing water developments, all to help elk, deer and many other species of wildlife.”

Fourteen projects will benefit 18,911 acres across Archuleta, Costilla, Custer, Delta, Eagle, El Paso, Fremont, Garfield, Grand, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Jackson, Las Animas, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Ouray, Pitkin, Pueblo, Rio Blanco, Routt, Saguache and San Miguel Counties. There are two additional projects of statewide benefit. Read more

Wildlife

Customize Your Ugly Gunstock

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association

When it comes to gun stocks, nothing’s more attractive than black walnut.  Some enthusiasts call it furniture and fine firearms are still being manufactured with the old time look and feel of the select hardwood that’s more stable than lesser quality wood.  However, to keep costs down, synthetic stocks are in common use today, but they’re just as ugly as they’ve always been.

As I pondered what to do with just such a crude example of modern technology, I kicked around the idea of upgrading with either walnut or a wood laminated stock made by a CNC machine.  The walnut option was too expensive and I’ve never got excited about the appearance of wood laminated furniture.  Then I discovered hydro dipping.

Also known as hydrograpics, water transfer, cubic printing, aqua printing, etc., it can be as unique as one’s fingerprints without the excessive cost of replacement upgrades.  What I’ve discovered is that the process is as easy as it appears to be on the various YouTube videos.

Printed, ready-made designs are available, but require some added techniques to properly apply them.  Instead, a few spray cans of paint can be used to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that’ll dazzle onlookers with a unique look.

To start, remove the stock and anything attached to it.

Browning A-Bolt Stock Before Hydro Dip

Masking tape is used to keep paint off anything that may negatively alter the fit or function of the firearm.  It’s good the wear some disposable gloves, too.  This is a process that should be done outdoors for safety reasons!

You’ll also need some type of tub large enough to completely submerge the stock.  I used a wheel barrow and lined it with painter’s plastic.

Stock Immersed in Water

The stock should be thoroughly cleaned and degreased with alcohol or paint thinner or mineral spirits, which is the thinner for clean-up, as well.

Select desired colors and purchase Rust-Oleum Painter’s Touch 2X paint and primer in spray cans.  It’s good quality paint that can be applied to wood, metal, plastic and more for about $4 per can.

Rust-Oleum Spray Paint

First, I sprayed a coat of flat black onto the water’s surface that was to be a base coat to completely cover the original finish of the stock.  Then, I sprayed some gray and metallic chrome-like silver colored paint in small spots onto the existing black paint.  With a stick, the paint was swirled lightly together.  How patterns are sprayed and stirred is part of the uniqueness of the operation.

Paint on Water and Lightly Stirred

Before beginning the spray painting, I attached a wire through openings in the stock, so that it could be immersed below the surface of the water and pulled upward through the creative artwork.  (Stocks can also be pushed through the top side, as well, and then pulled back through the surface.   But, surface paint should be moved aside before pulling the stock upward to avoid catching unwanted paint.)

In advance, prepare a place to hang the work to dry.  Then, simply pull the stock through the paint and hang it up.  Even though the process may seem counter-intuitive with water and mineral-based paint, don’t worry; chemistry takes over.

Hydro Dipped without Clear Coat

To finish the project and to protect the art, a clear coat of Rust-Oleum matte finish is required.  Although the sprayed colors will dry to touch in 20 minutes and will be ready to handle in one hour, it is not fully dry for 24 hours.  The clear coat should be applied after 48 hours to be on the safe side relative to any reaction with water still present.  On plastic (or, on a synthetic stock) maximum paint adhesion and durability is reached in 5-7 days, so don’t rush things.

Hydro Dipped without Clear Coat

Don’t be surprised if you start looking for other items to customize.

Firearms, General

200+ parcels of Michigan-managed land available via online auctions in September, October

Surplus land sales are a regular part of the DNR’s public land strategy

Lake frontage, trail access, small lots to extend a neighborhood lot – these types of acreage and more are available in the next round of surplus land auctions from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The department is busy preparing 225 such properties for sale via online auction in September and October.

Land is available in counties mainly in central/northern Lower Michigan and in the Upper Peninsula. Counties include Allegan, Antrim, Bay, Crawford, Gladwin, Gogebic, Houghton, Lake, Lapeer, Missaukee, Newaygo, Oscoda, Otsego, Schoolcraft and Shiawassee. Several of the largest parcels are in Allegan, Antrim, Newaygo, Oscoda and Otsego counties.

Ten online auctions will be offered, featuring available land parcels by county:

    • Sept. 8 – Shiawassee County.
    • Sept. 9 – Clare and Gladwin counties.
    • Sept. 10 – Lapeer County.
    • Sept. 17 – Allegan and Ottawa counties.
    • Sept. 24 – Lake and Newaygo counties.
    • Sept. 28 – Kalkaska, Missaukee and Wexford counties.
    • Oct. 1 – Crawford, Oscoda and Otsego counties.
    • Oct. 2 – Antrim County.
    • Oct. 3 – Bay County.
    • Oct. 5 – Gogebic, Houghton and Schoolcraft counties.

Read more

General, Wildlife

New website offers help identifying and managing woody invasive plants

For landscapes plagued by autumn olive or entangled in oriental bittersweet, a new website offers help identifying and managing woody invasive plants like these.

WoodyInvasives.org, developed by the Woody Invasives of the Great Lakes Collaborative, contains a wealth of information about how to distinguish woody invasive species from similar beneficial plants, an interactive map showing how these species are regulated by Great Lakes jurisdictions, detailed management approaches and noninvasive woody plant ideas for gardeners and landscape designers.

“We developed the WIGL Collaborative website to help people learn to identify the woody invasive plants around them and to feel empowered to start controlling them on their properties or in their favorite green places,” said Clair Ryan, coordinator of the Midwest Invasive Plant Network, the organization leading the effort.

Across the eight Great Lakes states and Ontario, 28 woody plant species are regulated as invasive by at least one jurisdiction. Invasive species are those that are not native and can cause harm to the environment, economy or human health. Read more

Wildlife

State of the Great Lakes Report Online

Engaging future generations of water stewards, Michigan’s actions to protect drinking water and the impact of high lake levels across the state are among the topics featured in the annual State of the Great Lakes report, released this week by the Office of the Great Lakes (OGL) in conjunction with Great Lakes and Fresh Water Week.

The report looks at significant issues that affected the Great Lakes and Michigan’s residents in 2019. It also recognizes accomplishments in protecting and restoring water resources for public use, recreation, fish and wildlife, and commerce.

“Michigan and its community partners are committed to supporting restoration efforts that will keep the Great Lakes fishable, swimmable and drinkable today and in the future,” said Liesl Clark, director of the Michigan Department of the Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). “It’s imperative that we continue to build collaborations to achieve significant water improvements for the benefit of generations to come.”

The State of the Great Lakes report includes features about new offices within EGLE responsible for climate, environmental justice, and clean drinking water; new lead and copper and PFAS standards for drinking water; work to halt Asian carp from advancing into the Great Lakes; research into harmful algal blooms; student and community water literacy programs; Soo Lock expansion developments; high water impacts around the state; and the status of cruising on the Great Lakes. Read more

Fishing
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