Virtual Miles for Monarchs Event Set to Coincide with Fall Migration

Engaging the nation to raise awareness and support for monarch habitat

St. Paul, MN –Coinciding with the fall monarch migration, Pheasants Forever and the Monarch Joint Venture are hosting a national virtual Miles for Monarchs event September 5th-12th to raise awareness around the spectacular fall migration of monarch butterflies, while raising much-needed funding to support population recovery.

Miles for Monarchs is an exciting way to support monarch butterflies and associated pollinator habitat through athletic activities. By way of running, walking, biking, hiking, or paddling through monarch regions of the United States, individuals and teams can support funding for research, education, and habitat projects for monarch butterflies across North America. Funds raised through this virtual event will support national scale efforts through the Monarch Joint Venture and Pheasants Forever, as well as more localized support for their participating chapters and partners.

“Miles for Monarchs is such a fun and easy way to enjoy any type of exercise you love and see if together we can collect enough miles to simulate the migratory journey of monarchs each fall,” says Wendy Caldwell, Executive Director of the Monarch Joint Venture. “Please join our campaign to help spread awareness and inspire action in your community to support our pollinators and the habitat that they rely on.” Read more

Wildlife

Burris Optics Lowers MAP Pricing on Eliminator III

GREELEY, Colo. – The Eliminator III laser range-finding smart riflescope from Burris Optics is on sale September 1 through December 31, 2020. The company announced that it has dropped the MAP Pricing by $400 for the balance of the year. Hunters and shooters can take advantage of the limited-time lower price to own one of the most innovative and effective riflescopes available.

“Our dealers and vendors are ramping up their efforts to gear up hunters and shooters looking forward to the coming fall hunting seasons,” said Todd Fulton, national sales manager. “By allowing them to lower the price of the Eliminator III for a limited time it helps our retailers get this great riflescope into the hands of their loyal customers.”

The Eliminator III combines outstanding optics, pinpoint laser ranging out to 1,200-plus yards and push-button automatic trajectory compensation across virtually all rimfire, centerfire and muzzleloader rifles and ammunition. Precision optics, a built in digital inclinometer, integrated smart dope card and laser rangefinder combine four tools into one advanced optic.

Burris Eliminator III

4-16x50mm – Item #200116

Previous MAP: $1,399; new retail MAP: $999. Read more

Optics

Escort SD-X: New Addition to Hatsan’s VTS Series of Shotgun

Bentonville, AR – The Escort SD-X is part of Hatsan’s new Versatile Tactical Shotgun series. Available in either 12 ga or .410 cal, this modern sporting shotgun is offered in all black or FDE Cerakote. A new gas piston design is mounted around the barrel itself, eliminating the secondary tube that is typically mounted below the barrel of a semi-automatic shotgun. This reduces weight and bulk of the gun while minimizing felt recoil and muzzle rise. The synthetic polymer lower receiver features an alloy magazine well that ensures a smooth, durable product designed to last. Hatsan’s patented ThermoDefend forend absorbs and dissipates heat from the barrel while offering a comfortable, controlled grip on the weapon.

An active buffer tube absorbs recoil and sports a removable buttstock with elevation-adjustable cheek rest. The soft rubber ergonomic pistol grip is also removable and can be replaced with a wide variety of already-available aftermarket options. The cocking bolt is reversable to suit a wide variety of shooter preferences. A carry handle rear sight and fixed front sight come equipped on each gun, but the included flip-up sights can be installed for use with mounted optics. The forend also features 4 Picatinny rail locations to accommodate multiple accessory mounting options.

The 12-gauge models feature an 18″ barrel with removable chokes, including an extended cylinder bore choke brake that helps tame recoil with heavy shot or slugs. Standard Full and Improved Cylinder chokes are also included, with other options available from HatsanUSA. Each gun ships with two 5-round magazines, and a 2-round magazine that can be stored in the buttstock. The gun is chambered to accept both 2 ¾” and 3″ shells and will cycle them interchangeably with no external adjustments required by the shooter.

The .410 models feature a 20″ barrel with integrated choke suitable for both shot and slugs. Offering the same recoil-absorbing characteristics as the larger caliber models, this shotgun is extremely smooth. Also shipping with two 5-round magazines, this gun features a spare 3-round magazine stored in the buttstock. The gas piston operates in the same manner, cycling both standard and magnum loads reliably. Read more

Firearms

Galco’s RifleMann Sling

With hunting season just around the corner, now is the time to get geared up
and start training with new equipment! We all want to make shooting in
the field as easy as we can, and one way to do that is with Galco’s RifleMann
Sling™.

Prolific outdoor writer and hunter Richard Mann came to Galco with a novel
idea for a hunting sling. His rough prototype allowed a hunter/rifleman to use
the sling in three braced positions. The first position is the traditional “hasty”
sling, as often used by the military and hunters. The second is the position
originally used with Galco’s Safari Ching Sling™, as preferred by many shooters.

Lastly, Mann’s original design allows the use of the more recent and modern “military sniper” technique, where the sling wraps around the strong triceps. Read more

Firearms

During Michigan Trails Week Challenge, every mile counts

Are you up for a challenge? During Michigan Trails Week (Sept. 20-27), the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance invite Michiganders to pay tribute to trails and collectively walk, run, ride, hike, bike or paddle 100,000 miles.

Michigan is home to 13,000-plus miles of diverse, state-managed trails, plus thousands of miles of local, county and federally managed trails and pathways. Trail veterans and newcomers can help make every mile count by tracking mileage spent on any nonmotorized trail in the state during these eight days.

“Michigan Trails Week is the perfect time to get out and explore Michigan’s amazing network of trails,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “Whether it’s on your first trail, your favorite trail or one brand new to you, the Michigan Trails Week Challenge is for anyone and everyone who wants to get out of the house and connect with nature.

“Explore Michigan and report your mileage; it’s that easy. Participants earn badges for completing miles – any distance counts. Every badge earned is another entry in a drawing for cool outdoor gear and Michigan branded prizes.” Read more
General

Preparing for Time Outdoors

By Rachel Coale
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Difference between a great day in the forest and a scary one comes down to planning

Ron Swanson, a fictional character from the quirky TV comedy “Parks and Rec,” is known for his firm ideas about enjoying the outdoors: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only inadequate clothing and means of transportation.”

We’re inclined to agree with the spirit of his statement, although we don’t recommend hitting the trail in stormy weather.

Preparing for everything from a bee sting to a bear sighting is the best way to have an enjoyable adventure, especially if you’re heading into the wilder side of Michigan’s public lands – state forests.

State forests are rugged areas with few amenities, smaller crowds than other outdoor attractions and more to explore. How much more? Michigan’s state forests, at 3.85 million acres, have more than six times the space of our state parks and game areas combined.

State forests are mostly located in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula – “knuckles north” on your trusty Michigan mitten hand-map.

For some, these areas are a peaceful place to connect with nature, while for others, they offer a thrilling challenge to hike, mountain bike or horseback ride.

Here’s the lowdown on preparing for some of the hazards you might face on a state forest adventure. The list includes all-around tips for newbies who are just getting started and reminders for veteran outdoor enthusiasts to restock their kits. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Michigan: significant maintenance work completed at Reedsburg Dam in Missaukee County

Significant maintenance work completed at Reedsburg Dam in Missaukee County; DNR will slowly raise water levels

Visitors to the Reedsburg Dam and flooding this fall will notice the many structural upgrades that have been completed to increase safety and ease of operation. With that work finished, the area again will provide the rich and diverse outdoor recreation experiences that regularly draw anglers, birders, waterfowl hunters, kayakers, campers and other outdoor enthusiasts to this site in Missaukee County, Michigan.

The decision to upgrade the Reedsburg Dam stemmed from a broader evaluation of several dams managed by the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division. A 2016 inspection of the Reedsburg Dam – one of the largest structures on the division’s list – showed the structure to be in fairly good shape, but with some priority actions needing to be addressed. Read more

Fishing

NRA-ILA Announces Partnership with 6 Companies for $1Million Match Campaign

The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) is proud to announce a new partnership with six companies that have pledged to match $1 million in donations made to NRA-ILA through Nov. 15.

“These patriotic businesses are pledging vital resources to support and defend the Second Amendment because they understand that our right to own a gun in defense of ourselves and our families is on the ballot in November. By working together with such partners, our membership intends to defeat those who are trying to strip our rights away from us,” said Jason Ouimet, executive director, NRA-ILA.

The six participating companies are: SIG SAUER, Kel-Tec, Credova, Rock Island Auction Company, Taurus, and Davidson’s Gallery of Guns.The campaign, Partners for Patriotism, is simple. Anyone who makes a donation to NRA-ILA between now and Nov. 15 will have their donation matched. Folks can make donations of any size — whatever they can spare is helpful. And because of this campaign, whatever is donated will automatically be doubled by participating companies.

Partners for Patriotism could not come at a better time. With the presidential election looming, the stakes have never been higher. Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden and his running mate, Kamala Harris, have made their intentions clear: If elected, they will immediately work to enact gun control that could result in rifle confiscation, criminalization of private sales, tax and registration schemes, and elimination of a law that prevents gun companies from frivolous lawsuits. Read more

Gun Control

Hawke® Optics Introduces New Vantage Ir Slug-gun/muzzleloader/straight-wall Scope

Hawke Logo LR.jpg

The Latest Value-Packed Addition to the Vantage Line Helps Boost Performance for Slug Guns, Muzzleloaders and Rifles Chambered for Straight-Wall Cartridges

Hawke® Optics is a world-wide leader at producing quality sporting optics that perform in the field at a terrific value to the consumer. The new Vantage IR 3-9x40IR Scope brings new levels of accuracy and value to slug guns, muzzleloaders and rifles chambered for straight-wall cartridges. Mount one to your gun and experience how easy it is to bring the thump exactly where you want it.

Many hunting areas that are close in proximity to towns and population centers restrict hunting to Slug Gun, Muzzleloader or Straight-Wall cartridges. They are expected to be “pretty accurate” to a certain range. These firearms don’t have the stylish performance of a 1,000-yard rifle, but for those who hunt with these cartridges, whether it’s mandated or by choice, can be just as accurate and are widely known to be very lethal on game. This new Hawke Optics Vantage IR Scope brings a new level of optic precision while keeping within the theme of being a great value to the consumer.

The Vantage 3-9x40IR is a serious hunting scope. It comes loaded with 11-layer fully-multicoated optics that provide an amazing level of clarity and image quality you’d expect from a higher price range optic. It has an easy-to-mount one-inch main tube chassis. The reticle is glass-etched with selectable red/green illumination and a five-position adjustable rheostat on the saddle. Dialing it in is easy with ¼-MOA No Snag fingertip-adjustable, low-profile turrets that will help you get on target and stay there. Fast-focus adjustment with a high-torque zoom ring help with target acquisition and you’ll enjoy plenty of eye-relief when you send the thump from a hard-recoiling round. The Vantage Slug Gun / Muzzleloader / Straight-Wall Scope is nitrogen purged and is water, fog and, most importantly, shock proof. It can handle the heaviest hitting loads out there. This scope also has a fixed parallax distance of 100 yards and makes for an amazing optic to mount on any gun out there.

Like all Hawke Optics products, the Vantage IR 3-9×40 IR Slug Gun / Muzzleloader / Straight-Wall Scope carries Hawke’s No-Fault Lifetime Warranty. No questions asked – it’s covered. Getting serious about your hunting and shooting doesn’t have to carry a high cost anymore.

About Hawke
#VISIONACCOMPLISHED. Hawke is a worldwide market leader at the forefront of optical performance with classleading innovation and design offering a complete line of sport optics from rifle, crossbow, shotgun and air gun scopes to binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories. Accuracy, strength and precision; Hawke optics blend iconic design, exceptional engineering and unrivalled craftsmanship to create an unforgettable viewing experience. As awareness of Hawke Sport Optics continues to grow, more customers are trusting Hawke as the unquestioned industry leader in optics. Learn more at www.hawkeoptics.com.

Optics

Hatsan Announces 600 FPS Arrow Rifle: The Harpoon

Bentonville, AR – Hatsan is breaking into the world of pneumatic arrow guns with its latest pre-charged pneumatic, the Harpoon. Made specifically for use with commercial crossbow bolts, the Harpoon can send a 20″ arrow downrange at 600 FPS and produce an astounding 325 ft-lbs of energy. A 2219 size aluminum or carbon fiber arrow with a 0.30″ inner diameter can be slid over the hollow guide rod that that serves as the gun’s barrel. The increased energy and velocity give hunters the ability to take larger game from longer distances than ever before. Each 250 BAR (3625 PSI) fill of the onboard 500cc air tank provides 10 high-powered shots.

The synthetic pistol grip stock features textured grip surfaces for all-weather use. It’s elevation adjustable cheek rest and elevation and angle adjustable butt pad allow for a custom fit to each shooter. A long combination optics rail provides plenty of space for mounting the included flip up TruGlo fiber optic sights or one’s favorite crossbow scope. The rail will accommodate both 11mm dovetail and Picatinny/Weaver mounts. The barrel cover features two mounted arrow holders that allow storage for extra ammo with no added bulk.

Harpoon Features:

    • Bullpup design, pre-charged pneumatic arrow rifle
    • Fires 20″ arrows up to 600 FPS
    • Storage clips for 2 extra arrows
    • 500cc aluminum air tank fills to 250 BAR (3625 PSI)
    • Tactical all-weather synthetic stock with integrated pistol grip
    • Textured grip surfaces for better control and feel
    • Elevation adjustable cheek rest
    • Elevation and angle adjustable rubber butt pad
    • Combination Picatinny and 11mm Dovetail optics rail
    • Includes detachable flip-up fiber optic sights
    • Built-in pressure gauge to monitor tank pressure
    • Black anodized aluminum receiver
    • Manual safety switch
    • MSRP: $829.99

Read more

Archery, Firearms
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