My Avery Lake Campout

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member, Professional Outdoor Media Association

We’ve all been tested in ways we never imagined in this fight against an invisible enemy equipped to kill.  The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed us around and cooped us up and everyone seems to be searching for some relief.  As I headed north for the opening day of small game season, Martina McBride’s Independence Day came over my truck’s radio and I had to turn it up; this was my personal day of independence.

I had no plan to fill the freezer with partridge or squirrels.  The adventure was to be a solitary one – not because it wouldn’t have been more fun with a pal or two, but they all are compelled to work in their retirement.  Some retirement.

I had my sights set on camping at Avery Lake State Park Campgrounds on the fringe of elk country in the rolling hills of Montmorency County.

Avery Lake

It’s a rustic camp with a hand pump for water, a community vault toilet plus one picnic table and one fire pit per site.  Since there are no reservations, my apprehension was soon allayed when I pulled in to find the park was almost vacant.

First order of business was to set up the tent.  Within a few minutes the tent was up and before I could begin driving the stakes into the ground, I couldn’t help but notice some ants were already climbing the poles.  Hundreds of ants!  I had invaded their space and now they were returning the favor.

Carpenter ants running up a pole sleeve already at the top

I had to do something before the insects owned my tent, because each second of indecision meant more trouble; one ant in the sleeping bag would be too many!  And, then I remembered a secret weapon:  soapy water spray.  Fortunately, I had packed the liquid solution as a means to clean up my hands.

Also, I’ve come to appreciate the effectiveness of dish soap on insects – all types of insects flying or crawling.  A short spritz on flying insects – including bees and wasps – changes their plans and puts an end to their diabolical ways.  For ants, it also destroys their scent trails so other industrious agitators cannot follow.

Like a madman I kept up the spraying duties until I had won the war, but what if I were to run out of soapy water and more ants volunteered for duty?  Perish the thought and into town for more dish soap – just in case.

After some exploring and a solitary meal around the campfire, I zipped myself into the cozy shelter for the night.  But, sometime in the hours of darkness, I was awakened by some type of commotion close at hand.  Camp raiders in the form of raccoons, I surmised, were frolicking in my stuff left outside.  I was simply too comfortable and warm to go out and run them off, so I just made some noise from within and it seemed to work.

At first light, I could see my metal-clad cooler had been breached and the lid was wide open; apparently,it’s better not to be lazy and to snap the latches closed than to leave the invitation accessible to intruders.  Although they made a mess of things, I found they only ran off with my raw breakfast sausage and scrambled a few raw eggs.  I policed the site for remnants of their raid and picked up wrappers from the trash bag, also left outdoors for their entertainment.  Lessons learned.

Thief in broad daylight with the metal cooler

And, you thought this was going to be about hunting.

Wildlife , , ,

NSSF Releases 2020 Congressional Report Card

NEWTOWN, Conn. – NSSF®, the trade association for the firearm industry, released its 2020 Congressional Report Card, grading all 431 U.S. Representatives and 100 U.S. Senators on key legislation that was of critical importance to the firearm and ammunition industry, Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens and America’s hunters and target shooters. Four seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remain vacant.

“This scorecard is of vital importance to voters as we head into November elections. This tells voters exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues they care about like recreational shooting and hunting and the right to keep and bear arms,” said Lawrence G. Keane, NSSF Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The unparalleled firearm sales this year reflect the importance of ensuring lawmakers continue to protect and support the industry that makes it possible for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights. This nonpartisan scorecard reflects the voting record of each legislator. These grades indicate their public voting record as well as the weight and importance of these lawmakers sponsoring and co-sponsoring key legislation, their work on committees, letters signed to support issues and leadership to stand for our industry.”

NSSF awarded 17 U.S. Senators and 97 U.S. Representatives the highest rating of “A+.” This includes U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), David Perdue (R-Ga.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.). Congressman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.) was also among the lawmakers awarded the highest rating.

Grades are meant to analyze the level of support of each lawmaker during the 116th Congress and do not constitute an endorsement or opposition to a candidate’s election. The entire report, including the list of key legislation that comprised the scores, is available here. Read more

Firearms, Gun Control

Davidson’s Exclusive 10/22 Target Rifle

PRESCOTT, Ariz. – Davidson’s, one of the nation’s top firearms wholesalers, is proud to announce one of its latest exclusives produced in collaboration with Ruger.

At the heart of this 10/22 Target Rifle is the truly ambidextrous Altamont laminate thumbhole stock. Its beautiful form is matched by its function and ability to fit both right- and left-handed shooters. Coupled with the thumbhole stock is a 16-1/8″ cold hammer-forged stainless bull barrel. The barrel is fluted to reduce weight and dissipate heat and is also threaded with a 1/2″-28 pattern to accommodate barrel accessories.

Built into this exclusive as standard equipment is Ruger’s rugged, reliable, and safe BX-Trigger. The BX-Trigger has a light, crisp 2.5-3 pound pull weight with minimal overtravel and a positive reset.

The receiver has a blued finish and is drilled and tapped for the attachment of the user’s choice of optics.

“Davidson’s is known for our extensive line-up of exclusive firearms”, said Kane Cannedy, VP of Purchasing for Davidson’s. “The sheer number of special make-ups we have produced with Ruger is a reflection of our successful and years-long relationship with this iconic manufacturer.”

Other specifications of Item#31153:

Weight: 5 lbs

Overall length: 31.25”

Magazine: One ten-round rotary magazine included

Thread protector included

MSRP $586.00 Read more

Firearms

SIGHTRON Partners with On Target for Fall Hunting Giveaway

Youngsville, NC-– SIGHTRON, one of the world’s most innovative optical observation and aiming device companies, is pleased to announce that they are partnering with On Target Magazine, Weatherby and Hornady for the ultimate “Fall Hunting Giveaway” promotion. SIGHTRON has donated a 30mm S-TAC 4-20x50mm duplex reticle premium riflescope, valued at over $700 for this prize package.

This promotion was announced in the “Fall Hunting” July/August 2020 issue of the magazine and was featured in the On Target newsletter sent on 9/14/20. The prize package includes: a Weatherby Vanguard High Country rifle chambered in .30-06 Springfield, a SIGHTRON S-TAC 4-20x50mm duplex reticle premium riflescope and 100-rounds of Hornady Precision Hunter .30-06 Springfield 178-gr. ELD-X ammunition with a combined retail value of nearly $1,900. Read more

Optics

National Shooting Sports Month Gets a Boost With S&W Gearbox Giveaway

NEWTOWN, Conn. – NSSF®, the trade association for the firearm industry, is pleased to announce that Smith & Wesson has agreed to sponsor a “+ONE Concealed Carry” Gearbox Giveaway in support of 2020’s National Shooting Sports Monthâ and the #RangeChallenge Summer Shots Series.

Smith & Wesson was founded in 1852 by Horace Smith & D.B. Wesson. From the beginning, Smith & Wesson firearms were noted for their innovative design, high-quality production and reliability. Today, Smith & Wesson manufactures a variety of pistols, revolvers, and rifles designed for sport, recreation, personal protection, and professional use.

The 2020 National Shooting Sports Month Smith & Wesson +ONE Concealed Carry Gearbox Giveaway, valued at more than $2,100, includes:

1 S&W M&P9 Shield EZ 9mm pistol

1 S&W Model 60 .38/.357 revolver

1 Lockdown Puck security monitoring system

2 Lockdown combo locks

1 Crimson Trace LG 459G for the S&W M&P9 Shield EZ

1 Crimson Trace LG 305 for the S&W Model 60

1 S&W Tactical Range Bag

1 S&W Officer folder knife

1 S&W Delta Force CS-20 flashlight Read more

Firearms

Holosun 509T Raises the Bar for Open Reflex Sight

City of Industry, CA – The 509T open reflex sight is a staple in the Holoson line-up and for a good reason. Pistol owners love the lightweight, ultra-durable enclosed design. The 509T offers a “set it and forget it” sight that snaps into action when the shooter is ready. The incredible battery life and performance qualities make this sight a major tactical asset for any shooter.

Holosun incorporates the highest quality battery technology available into every sight offered. The 509T is no exception, and the battery will last for up to 50,000 hours. The solar failsafe adds a layer of security, ensuring shooters will always have a powered, active and effective sight. The convenient battery tray compartment also makes for easy replacement with a CR1632 model battery.

The entire unit is enclosed with a titanium housing that protects the super LED internal components by keeping the elements at bay. Multiple coatings are added for additional protection against dust and moisture. The durability is phenomenal, and the compact design makes for a natural extension of the pistol. Shooters will not notice a difference in grip or weight when holstering or gripping the pistol, as it weighs a mere 1.72 ounces.

Sight options include the 2 MOA Dot or 65 MOA Circle, giving the shooter options based on personal preference. It also includes 12 brightness settings for tactical shooting in different light conditions. Shooters can transition seamlessly between bright sun and dark corners while maintaining an ideal brightness setting. Additionally, the parallax free, unlimited eye relief prevents fatigue, allowing the shooter to maintain focus throughout the entire tactical event. Read more

Optics

Get in the Hunt” Offers Yamaha Outboard Repower Customers Zero Down, Rates as Low as 3.99 Percent APR for up to 180 Months*

KENNESAW, Ga.– The “Get in the Hunt” offer from Yamaha Marine gives customers continued incentive to purchase new Yamaha four-stroke outboards between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020.

Yamaha Marine’s “Get in the Hunt” offers repower customers zero down and rates as low as 3.99 percent APR for up to 180 months when they purchase eligible new Yamaha four-stroke outboards between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Low interest rates for an extended period of time make buying now an easy decision for many repower customers,” said Dale Barnes, Division Manager, Marketing, Yamaha Marine Engine Systems. “With this offer, there’s no stopping customers from enjoying the fall season on the water.”

“Get in the Hunt” applies to eligible, new Yamaha four-stroke outboards** and gives customers the option to put zero down and qualify for financing rates as low as 3.99 percent APR for up to 180 months* when they purchase from authorized, participating Yamaha Outboard Full Line (repower) dealers. The offer requires a minimum of $3,000 in finance amount and is effective for eligible four-stroke outboards purchased and warranty registered between Sept. 15, 2020, and Nov. 6, 2020. Read more

Fishing

New Hawke® Optics Nature-trek 9-27×56 Spotting Scope

Hawke® Optics, the world leader in high-quality sporting optics with outstanding performance in the field and at amazing value to consumers, breaks new barriers in spotting scope size, performance and cost with the new Nature Trek 9-27×56 spotter. It is the perfect scope to pack on a long, back-country adventure where space and weight are an issue.

Spotting scopes are extremely useful for hunting. They allow you to study and assess game animals from a distance before it comes time to take the shot. Hunters are often faced with a choice, especially when it comes to hunting in the back country, between hauling in a bigger, heavier scope so they get the clarity they need, or spending a huge amount of money to get a compact, lightweight spotter. Clarity is critical for spotting scopes. Without it, eye strain can affect your ability to see the fine details of your target. That’s where the new Nature Trek 9-27×56 spotting scope comes in.

To handle the clarity aspect of the scope, Hawke uses fully multi-coated optics with a BAK-4 Porro Prism to give you better contrast and color transmission. This helps to cut down on your eye strain, since you can see the image clearly. The field of view is 234-108ft at 1000 yards. There is a dual-focus knob to let you truly fine tune the image you see. This spotter has close focus letting you see detail as close as 8.2 feet away. It is digi-scope compatible so you can use it as a zoom lens for your camera.

The Nature Trek 9-27×56 spotting scope is extremely durable. It’s nitrogen purged and is water and fog proof. There is a stay-on lens cover, slide out sun shade and a twist-up eye cup. Hawke is confident in this scope’s durability to the point that it comes with Hawke’s No-Fault Lifetime Warranty. The point that will truly endear this spotting scope to hunters and outdoor adventurers is how compact the Nature Trek is. The scope weighs in at a scant 20.3 ounces, or just over a pound and it is only 7.6 inches long. The compact size means it will slide into a backpack, waist pack, glove box or even your pocket. It comes with lens covers and has an MRSP of only $219, making it the most economical, compact and clear choice for hunters looking for the ultimate compact spotting scope for this fall. Read more

Optics

Administration Considering Additional Restrictions on Products from Xinjiang, China

The Trump administration announced yesterday that it would restrict the import of certain products from the Xinjiang region of China due to forced labor and human rights concerns.

Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Mark Morgan announced the issuance of Withhold Release Orders (WROs) to detain imports suspected of being made with forced labor from the following entities in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region (XUAR) of China:

  • Xinjiang Junggar Cotton and Linen Co. and its subsidiaries – Cotton
  • Hefei Bitland Information Technology Co. – Computer parts
  • Yili Zhuowan Garment Manufacturing Co. – Apparel products
  • Baoding LYSZD Trade and Business Co. – Apparel products
  • Lop County No. 4 Vocational Skills Education and Training Center – All products
  • Lop County Hair Product Industrial Park – Hair products

This action is the latest in the administration’s effort to combat forced labor and other human rights violations in the Xinjiang region, home to China’s Muslim Uyghur community. In July, the administration listed the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) as a specially designated national (SDN) under U.S. sanctions laws enforced by the Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) by the Treasury Department; this bars all transactions that benefit the XPCC or its subsidiaries and affiliates with a 50-percent-or-greater controlling share by XPCC. The Commerce Department has also placed companies connected to the Xinjiang region on its Entity List subject to technology export controls. Read more

General

Arizona: Mexican Wolf Pups Successfully Cross-fostered into Pack

PINETOP, Ariz. — On Aug. 24, Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) wolf biologists using remote trail cameras documented eight Mexican wolf pups, an endangered subspecies, in the Hoodoo Pack in the northeastern Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. In April, AZGFD and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) cross-fostered four genetically valuable wolf pups into the Hoodoo Pack from a litter in captivity at the Sedgwick Zoo in Wichita, Kansas.

After cross-fostering was completed by AZGFD and USFWS, there were five wild Mexican wolf pups and four cross-fostered pups for a total litter of nine pups in this Hoodoo Pack litter. At least three of the pups observed are cross-fostered. Biologists are working to determine if a fourth pup may also be a cross-fostering success. Read more

Wildlife
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